so i finally did my first SOTA activation last weekend, took the kx2 and a end fed up to a local summit about 3 miles in, nothing crazy just a 4 pointer. was really nervous about the whole thing because ive never operated portable like that before and wasnt sure if id even get contacts but ended up with 14 qsos in about 45 minutes which i think is pretty decent? the battery lasted way longer than i expected too. only issue was the wind kept messing with my antenna wire and i had to retie it like twice. already looking at doing another one next month, maybe a higher summit if the weather cooperates

14 contacts on your first activation is solid man, a lot of people struggle to even get the 4 minimum on their first try. wind is just part of the deal unfortunately, i started using those little tent stakes to anchor my antenna wire down and it helps a ton. what freq were you working, 20m? also the kx2 is such a good trail radio, i was debating between that and the 705 for a while and went kx2 and never looked back

nice, ive been wanting to do SOTA but keep putting it off because im not sure my antenna situation is good enough for portable. did you just use the internal tuner on the kx2 or did you bring a separate one