SOTA Stats 1020 pts (207 bonus) 177 activations (13 this year) 127 unique summits 3,772 QSOs 10 associations 12y 9m
Mountain summit view with wildflowersSOTA activation on a Montana summitHawaii ridge disappearing into the cloudsWinter SOTA activation with snowy peaksSunset mountain SOTA activation
KH7AL · Allen Le Vie

Ham Radio
Elevated.

Thanks for stopping by. My passion for ham radio reside in operating mountaintop portable while participating in Summits On The Air (SOTA). Every activation is unique and teaches me something about researching summits, gear/pack preparation, hiking, activating and just enjoying my journeys in the great outdoors. This site is dedicated to sharing and promoting SOTA and my adventures with ham radio.

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Reaching 1,000 SOTA Activator Points: My Path to Mountain Goat
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Reaching 1,000 SOTA Activator Points: My Path to Mountain Goat

After more than 12 years of persistence, I finally reached 1,000 activator points in Summits On The Air (SOTA) and earned Mountain Goat status. This wasn’t a sprint—it was a long, rewarding path shaped by family, fellow hams, and countless summits along the way.

Helena Area Drive Up SOTA Summits
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Helena Area Drive Up SOTA Summits

Think SOTA requires a grueling hike? Drive-up summits make Summits on the Air more accessible than ever—no backpacking or blisters required. Just bring your gear, step away from the vehicle, and enjoy portable ham radio from a mountaintop. It’s a fun way to sharpen your skills and maybe even spark a new radio obsession.

Haystack Mountain (W7M/HB-038) SOTA Activation, Third Try's A Charm
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Haystack Mountain (W7M/HB-038) SOTA Activation, Third Try's A Charm

After two winter strikeouts, I finally tackled Haystack Mountain just south of Helena—and this time, summer conditions were on my side. A rugged 4WD approach, boulder-strewn trail, whortleberry-scented air, and fire tower remnants made for an unforgettable hike and radio activation. With 32 contacts logged and views stretching for 100 miles, it was well worth the wait.