You mentioned that POTA has essentially re-energized ham radio, but I don’t think that people would be as willing or as excited about the idea if there weren’t people like you guiding them along the way. You have played a serious role in invigorating ham radio in the last several years, and it’s been SO much fun watching all of your videos. Hats off to you, Michael, because without your hundreds of videos, reviews, suggestions, tidbits, and honesty, we wouldn’t be where we are today. I know I sure wouldn’t, anyway. Thank you for your continuous effort into this hobby, and I’m always looking forward to your next video!
it doesn't matter where i am or who i make contact with. The more Iam on it the more i get motivated with different contacts to include nets. every net i checked in has been welcoming, thats what we need.
I am kind of celebrating my 1st anniversary as well. October 2023 I was camping in Prescott Az. I was a pretty new Ham, in fact I had not done any HF yet. Sitting in the 5er and scrolling though the internet, I came across one of your videos. I really enjoyed it, and started watching more, then came across some of your POTA videos. OMG, I GOT HOOKED! We are avid campers, what better way to combine both. I have learned so much watching your videos! It is slowing down now, but, at 1st, you were costing me a lot of money! 🤣🤣Money well spent however! I have not had a lot of chances to "activate", but have "hunted" a lot from home. I love watching the parks you go to, and envy you for those parks. I live in AZ, I love the winters, summers, not so much. But, once you've seen one cacti, you've seen them all. I was able to work you this past weekend on SSB, that doesn't happen often. I've also gotten you on FT-8. I agree, take the "propagation" forecast with a grain of salt. I've seen days where everybody says don't bother, yet I've walked away with a couple dozen contacts. Another thing, SMILES do come over the air!! I can always hear it!! As others have stated, your genuine, down to earth, positive attitude and willingness to teach are why I watch for your videos to come out weekly!! There are a lot of "You Tubers" out there, but you, IMO, are the best. Stay safe, have fun, we'll catch you on the waves my friend!
I've only done 2 activations, but I've done a ton of hunting. Going to just a local county park and hunting for me is a great time as well! POTA was one of the motivating factors for me getting my general, and it's been something that I've really grown to love. I'm hoping that spring/summer 2025 will be when I start camping and exploring with my radio!
Last Thursday, November 1st, I did my first POTA activation. CW on a QCX Mini. It was a long journey getting there from a dead start a year and a half ago. I thank you for being one of the online Elmers who helped keep the fire burning as I tread the path. Chris W2BPL
Great Video Michael. I received my license in May 2023 and have gravitated to pota since then with 58 activations and counting. I am not a technical ham so having the ability to go out and operate with a relatively simple set up works for me. I enjoy your very helpful videos and will continue to get out there. Your comment on smiling is so true. Congrats on your 5 year anniversary.
I did an activation this week and had hunters from 25 other countries hunt me down in Virginia. Yes, this is an addiction and also more importantly FUN. 73 Thanks for all your videos , Jim K2WPA
Michael, I'm a customer having bought your UHF/VHF J-pole as my first antenna. I'm now a General at 74 and having more fun all the time. I appreciate your genuiness (is that a word?) about ham radio and the effort you put into educating those who are new. I like hunting and after hitting my 200 parks level, I can tell you that the practice has made me much more at ease on the mic and I've even developed my routine some what. Thx again, Wade N2VPI.
We watched your POTA videos and bought a ft891 and a WRC 17' antenna with the sporty 40 coil. We were using the screen wire and then switched to the Faraday cloth "magic carpet". In less than 2 years, we've activated in 12 states and in Canada, and we're working on activating all entities in our home state of NC - 130 down and 112 to go. We've hunted all US states except HI and AK, and we've even hunted you a couple of times. Thanks so much for helping us get started in POTA. We're having a blast and getting some really great experience using our radio equipment. KQ4COJ & KQ4COB
Thank for sharing your experiences. Thanks for tip of two different antennas. My wife and love camping and few years ago we went to our local mountain campground, brought my home rig, battery, tuner, and thru a 60 ft wire in the pine trees. Had a blast; at 8500 ft elevation contacts were great even at 5-6 watts. Got introduced to pota last year by a friend in our radio net who rides his bike after work out of Ramona, Ca and does pota. He showed us how it all works. I am building camping radio kit around a Ft-897.
I stumbled on POTA after being off the air for many years. I used to contest and find that POTA gives me the thrill of the pileup without the need to be running 200 Q’s per hour. It gives me a goal to strive for.
Another great video Michael! Even the dogs barking was perfect because that kind of thing (unexpected noise and interruptions) actually happens to me in parks. You just laugh (or give a friendly wave of the hand) and move on. You really captured the essence of POTA in your advice and observations, too.😄 73, AB4KN
New hunter here, but I do enjoy it. It's my coffee time early in the morning before the household wakes up. I've only attempted to activate once, but I was told it wasn't permitted, so I very politely agreed and left. I'll get back out there soon. (Side note, I was about to go yell at my little dog for causing such a ruckus)
Thanks a stack, Michael for sharing your wisdom and inspiration. I've been a park activator for about a year and a half now, and I owe much of my success and joy of experience to things I've learned watching your activation videos. Your point about antennas is So true ! I use activations to test and experiment with all kinds of wire and vertical antennas that I've either made or purchased. So I groan, sometimes aloud, when I hear someone carp about an antenna, saying it's a 'compromise.' Compared to WHAT? A 6-element beam on a 100-foot tower? I can say with confidence that every single antenna I've deployed in the field has been my gateway to a day of fun and activation. I don't count the number of contacts to gauge my success. Even those days when the antenna or poor propagation come to roost, I STILL enjoy the experience of ham radio in the great outdoors. And when not 'out there,' I'm in the home shack as a Hunter who enjoys the chase almost as much as portable ops. We all are grateful for your great attitude and generosity in wisdom-sharing. Best 72 from W3WJ.
Thanks, Michael for all the info and QSOs I'm in the process of getting up enough nerve to start activating I have most of all the gear you do except I have a G90 20 watts for portable and a Yeasu FT 710 for my base station I do have the Pota performer I built it from your video. Thanks again N9XC Chris 73
I've been licesensed about 9 months now and still learning . I've not had much success with activations, a few here and there but sure appreicate the engouragement your videos foster. I'm planning on taking out my new Big Kansas Coil this weekend. Not sure where but will enjoy the day out and about in this beautiful Fall weather. Thanks!
Welcome to the hobby and welcome to POTA! I looked at your POTA page and see that you got really close to activating about three times you attempted... I see what you mean about "not had much success". I'd like to help, if I can. What kind of rig are you using? What time of day are you attempting to activate? I'm curious to know about your attempts so that I might make some helpful suggestions. Take care!
One thing I do to ensure successful activations is only going out when I don't have any time constraints. The only time I did go out with a time constraint was this past Saturday afternoon, but it was a Support Your Parks Weekend. I managed to get 24 contacts in about an hour without counting Park to Park contacts with activators at 2-fers. All I did was hunt Park to Park and I made one contact with a strong special event station I heard while scrolling through 20 meters as I was going through the POTA spots. One thing I do is start each activation by hunting Park to Park contacts. Typically I go through the band once working anyone I can hear. Then I find a clear frequency and start calling "CQ POTA" myself.
Congrats on the 5 years. You have motivated so many to get out there and do it. Your opinion about antenna selection was perfect. The antenna to choose is the one that works for you at the time.
I've had good luck with both of the radios that Michael mentioned in the video - the Xiegu G90 was my first HF radio and it works very well. When I decided I wanted a little more power, I bought the Yaesu FT-891 and it also works very well. Either one will work fine as a POTA rig, and I use the FT-891 as my base station. Take care and God Bless, and 73, Dwight - KO4AZY
Congratulations on 5 years of POTA Michael! Thank you for the great videos you put out every week. I have been licensed for over three years now and really enjoy the hobby! I plan on retiring next year and I may give POTA a try. I have learned a lot from you and fellow TH-camrs. Keep doing the great job of putting out videos for us hams and together we can keep the Mission alive.
Hey Michael. Thank you for being a down to earth ambassador for portable ham radio, especially POTA. I very much enjoy your demonstrations of setting up various antennas and seeing how they perform. As a "just over a year old ham", I feel like POTA has given me an opportunity to go outdoors and explore new places, while experimenting and honing my radio skills. You've been very instrumental thru your video content, and I thank you for that. Keep being you, keep having fun, keep sharing the joy. And of course, it's always a hoot to work you on the air. 😊 73 Bob N2BOC
Thanks, Michael. Lots of good comments and reflections from you here. I’m from the UK (G4XWJ) and did my first activations (CW) while visiting Texas this January, with my US callsign (AG5YP) with one of my POTA-experienced ham friends from the Long Island CW Club. A lot of preparation ahead of time as to format, what to expect etc and was surprised at the pile-ups almost from the start. Remembering that the activator is in control and chooses who to get back to and how to get specific hunters to repeat their calls from the pile up was good practice. It was easy to forget logging the UTC time for the QSOs in my notebook and that in Texas, the new UTC day ticks over at 6pm. Learning through experience:). Several successful activations followed in the UK over the summer including a first ever activation in one park. It’s addictive, but fun addictive. Thanks, Michael :)
Michael, what can I say other than another great video and some excellent comments. I'll be watching this one several times over and taking notes. Thank you for your wonderful words of wisdom and sharing your experiences, not only in this video but in all your videos through the years that you have been doing this. 73s, my friend.
Thank you Michael. I'm still new at POTA (5 parks so far) and still figuring out what works best (QRP vs QRO), antennas etc., but I'll get there. Thanks for inspiring me to keep going.
I just looked while watching your video realized I have been doing POTA since December 2014. I don't have nearly the same number of activations as many people but I have enjoyed the ones that I have had. One bit of advice I will give and suggest is to inventory your gear before you leave your home. My wife and I went for a day out and I took my LNR3B. When I arrived and set up the antenna I realized I had forgotten my CW key. LNR3B, for those that may not know, is a CW only radio. I got a couple of contacts by using a connection that had bare wires coming out of it and touching the wires together for a straight key.
I think a lot of us got our first taste of POTA through the ARRL's National Parks on the Air program in 2016. I participated in that, but it took a few more years before I really got into Parks on the Air. Check lists are good, and I use them too.
Thanks for this one. I totally agree, POTA is not a contest, for most Ops - it is a day out - maybe with friends and family. It's a great way to enjoy a good day out in the countryside, and to test perhaps a new battery, new aerial (I'm a Brit), or a new radial system, and perhaps introduce newcomers (of all ages) into the hobby. Amateur Radio is about experimentation, not how much cash or watts that you throw into your system.
I just got my General last year and discovered POTA immediately after I got my antennae set up. I haven’t activated yet, but Hunt a bit most days…. fascinating. If I sit with my morning coffee in the shack, I inevitably check the POTA Activators and fool around with the speaker on. I’ve come to understand how the different bands sound and am surprised and delighted when conditions allow for distant or difficult contacts. I feel like a safecracker adjusting the filters to make the contact before conditions change. I’m setting up my “go box” for activations near Prescott Arizona and am looking forward to exploring that aspect as well.
Awesome video as always Michael. Positive attitude is the key. My first HF contact was with someone activating a park in Texas. I picked up the activating part a few months later. It's been a great activity to do on the radio. I can go do POTA when I have the time, not on someone else's schedule such as a contest weekend. Keep up the great work and all you do for the community. Go Pack Go!
You're right about having a smile on your face when you talk. I have worked in call centers for years and callers can tell. Now I just have to figure out how to transmit that same smile on CW!
Thanks Michael. I am going out for my first activation soon. The "be yourself" advice and control the activation to one's own standards suggestion are great! Hope to see you on down the log.
Thanks for the insight! As a new hunter, that hasn’t activated yet, you just answered some of the questions that I have. I guess one of the things I really like about POTA is seeing how far away I can make a contact. There’s usually always someone out there that isn’t mad at the world and they’re waiting for you to throw your call out. Thanks for all that you do!
I just got back into Ham radio after 6 years and discovered POTA after buying my Yaesu FT-891 and now i want to activate a park and your videos have helped me alot
I agree that POTA is all about having fun and to operate with a smile. I find that 99% of hunters are just as enthusiastic to make contact with the park as you are for them hunting the park. There will be the one-off who sounds or acts not so friendly, but I just look past that and focus on all the happy people I make contacts with, because they make me happy too. Thank you for sharing your experiences and teaching us. You are a huge reason why so many (myself included) have gotten into HF and POTA
Thanks to your videos, I have now activated 3 parks, absolutely love it, the journey to the park, the setting up and all the amazing hunters and other activators who I meet on the air, I noticed your pota spot last Saturday, I was unfortunately too late as you had gone qrt, but it's you that inspired me to go to the park and get on the air and so thank you 😀 73 Pete
I have a bed cover on my truck and leave a storage box in there with my Wolf River Coils antenna with the SS25 whip, an MFJ 17ft whip and two pieces of Faraday cloth, along with my Flatlanders roll up end fed and a 50ft piece of M&P 6mm coax. All I need is a radio, power and laptop. I've spent many happy hours enjoying this wonderful hobby. Thanks for what you do!
Thank you for your videos and inspiration! I'm a new extra (5/2024) and new to POTA. I have only hunted contacts from my driveway with my mobile FT-891, and I've only activated twice (1 was a 2-fer), with the same rig in my truck. I have been fortunate to make a QSO with you twice, and it was a pleasure to do so! I may not ever be as active in the parks, but I'm sure looking forward to getting out more and trying. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience with us!
Great words of wisdom, Michael. Thanks for everything you do for POTA and the hobby in general. Hope you managed to get your first kilo at the park! You asked what I like about POTA? Well, I enjoy the friendly competition between local hams, even though I know it’s not a contest! We operate Field Day together each year, and for the rest of the year, we’re always looking for new ways to enjoy the hobby. One of our group was initially reluctant to get into POTA, but after attending a local POTA meetup and seeing everyone’s portable setups, he got inspired. Now, he’s seeking out new parks to activate wherever he goes, which has helped bridge the gap until the next Field Day. 73 Chris NS8Q
Commenting because Digi I enjoy, and I love experimenting, but POTA hunting is the only thing that's getting me more relaxed and over my mic shy which has plagued me from the start. It's wild because I talk to strangers in person all the time, but something about keying up and reaching out into the ether that still makes me anxious. Each time I do hunting though, that gets easier and easier. I know some complain, but POTA has proven it's value as far as I'm concerned. Excellent addition to the hobby. 73 and thanks for the 5 year lessons learned vid. 😎🎧🎙️🤘
I’m studying for my tech/general licenses. I find it fascinating that a simple setup can talk around the country ! By watching your videos, it gives me hope for the upcoming year !
Thank you. I love the challenge of looking at the band conditions, the location, and time of day to come up with a solution that works well on the air.
My trusty 891 and my Bandhopper3 antenna have never disappointed me. Most times they have exceeded my expectations. Sometimes you get a pile up, sometimes you call CQ for an hour before people start calling in. Its a part of the fun. Bring a sandwich and a drink and enjoy the outdoors! Thanks Michael.
Michael, thank you for the great video recapping your five years involved with Parks On The Air! I started POTA with my first Hunter on 9/24/22 and my first activation on October 3, 2022, at US-3029 Lake Mineral Wells State Park. You were my inspiration for the Parks on The Air. Your videos gave me the confidence to get on the radio and make some contacts. As former residents of Wisconsin, my wife and I graduated from UP-Platteville. We spent a lot of time in southwest, central, and east Wisconsin. We love watching your videos for the radio content and seeing some of our old stomping grounds. Your travels around the state bring back fond memories of our time in Wisconsin. Work and family took us away from the state, so seeing the locations and people you visit in your videos is heartwarming. I was perplexed as a new ham about how a person gets on the air and makes contacts. Your videos helped me with many aspects of Ham radio, from equipment to making contacts and handling pile-ups. I recommend your videos to new hams that come into our club, Ellis County Amateur Radio Club, and others I meet at the parks or on the air. Thank you for your efforts, and keep the videos coming! You are my hero, and I want to be like you someday!!! Micah, K5MEC
This is great advice. I also have one of your 2 meter J-Poles on my home station. I have been a General Operator for 2 years. I have not done POTA but would like to. Thank you for these videos. Happy Thanksgiving from Ed, KM4MMD
What a great inspiration, Michael! That's one of my observations much before I got my ticket and discovered your YT channel. I have learnt a lot from your channel and also like to thank you for responding to my numerous queries in the past relating to amateur radio. Keep up the great work flowing and best regards. VU3TQT New Delhi
Thanks for the wise words! Your videos were some of my first sources of information when I first got licensed and got my 891 and a wolf river coil. 73!
You and a couple other TH-camrs got me interested in POTA so just wanted to say thanks. Like you said, everyone had their way of running their activation. I've worked some that take a list and it amazing to see the way the run through the contacts. Then I've worked some that we got off on a conversation so long I was starting to feel eye's glaring at me from those waiting to work the park 😃not that I mind, just go with the flow of the activator.
Thanks for the positive attitude, as someone just starting out moving from Technician to General, it helps to have someone as experienced as you just being honest about relaxing into this hobby. Thanks
Finding your POTA videos prompted my return to the hobby after many years being QRT. I now enjoy both hunting and activating! It has also prompted me to use CW again (which I always enjoyed). Thanks so much…hope I can shake your hand someday!
Fantastic video. It's informative, honest, and friendly. Your explanations are genuine and extremely helpful. I really want to thank you for the time you have put into all your videos. Keep up the great work.
Michael- great video. Practice makes improvement and with every activation that’s what happens. Like you, POTA has put a bounce in my ham radio step. POTA on !!!
Hi Michael, you really were the most triggering pota motivator for me, to start pota at all. I am now frequently here and there on POTA trips, also with my camper. I also learned a lot on ft-891. First videos to this trx led me to you channel. Thanks for that. Keep up the good work! vy 73! from Germany.
Thanks Michael! You've been a huge inspiration to me. I've done 7 activations in the last two weeks and am going out again tomorrow! Making contacts from the shack is one thing, but there's nothing quite like stringing up a wire in a park and being hunted by dozens of fellow Hams. 73
Michael, I would like to thank for your advocacy of POTA, your wonderful videos, and pretty darn good J-Pole antennas! I just moved to a new home in Florida, and my trusty KB9VBR J-Pole came with me. It was the first antenna I installed in my new home. I have watched hours of your videos and learned a lot. They have been helpful in my own POTA activation adventures! I have you logged as a Park-2-Park contact! Keep 'em coming. Thanks. Rick - KO4KVT
Thanks for video. As a new ham I like to make quick contacts and not get sucked into a rag chew. Especially in the middle of the day when you only have a few minutes to scan around. It also gets you use to talking by hunting park. I have 28 US states down now and really like trying to take another state out.
Hi Michael, at first many thanks for your many very helpful videos and tons of tips and hints. You are truly a blessing to our hobby. I for myself like POTA for being outdoors and have FUN on the air and make a few contacts 73s de DG1VJ , Jens
Your videos inspired and guided my brother and I to try POTA. I love it, especially being outdoors in a beautiful location while having fun on ham radio - and it’s not hard to get contacts because everyone wants to reach you. Those are the best parts. 73, KD9YLR
So I started my HAM career in 2017. My brother showed me FT-8 and for about 6 months that is all I did. After I fished that pond dry, I heard a few guys talking about POTA on the radio one day. I butted in and asked a bunch of questions, then it was off to the races. My "Thing" about POTA now is getting KILO awards. I currently have 13. Kincaid Lake State Park US-1261 is my most popular one with over 7500 contacts. When I go out of town, I purposely try to stay in state parks or a close by POTA park. KN4COE
Dang 7500 at one park! I just got my first KILO this summer and I was pretty excited. I can't imagine 13, that's epic! Way to go! We have a contact from back in summer of 2023, I'll look forward to a Park 2 Park QSO sometime soon. 73
Michael, great video. I'm pretty new to ham radio and your videos have helped me so much. Thanks for you enthusiasm, keeping it fun, and thanks for the contacts! 73, John WT0A.
Totally agree Michael…POTA has been a great way to get out and get on the air! Enjoyed the campout this year and hope to be back again next year! 2 years of activating- 149 activations - 19 states…it has been a blast! POTA Bob
My most recent POTA experience…..while visiting relatives I activated a state park and was hunted by a ham just miles from me. He sent me an e-mail (before I even got home from the activation) telling me the park was actually a 2fer that he has activated over 100 times. He just wanted me to get max credit while at the park. Great experience and a great ham.
Excellent video from the heart. I am a new to ham radio and POTA and really looking forward to getting out there. I am guilty of suffering from analysis paralysis, spending literally hours on youtube trying to figure out what kit to by, how to set it up, where to go to do an activation. I look to seasoned POTA vets for advice, Michael has given us a reality check, just get some wire, a transceiver and a battery and get out there and have fun. Learn from your own mistakes, and just enjoy the experience. (Now, let's just hope I can take my own advice).
Michael, my goal when I activate or hunt is simply to have fun with your hobby of amateur radio. And I do. POTA has given a new dimension to Ham Radio, as you said.
Michael I was lucky enough to make contact with you last Saturday during Support your Parks weekend from Washington State. Thanks again for the activation W3PAK
That's awesome, I'm glad to get you in the log. 15 meters was performing quite well last weekend, so I spent a significant part of my time on that band, which means I got a higher than average number of west coast operators. Thank you.
I was one of your contacts at this activation. I was mobile in the semi with a Xiegu G90 and a 40 meter hamstick hanging on the passenger side mirror. I have done four activations. Two successful and two not successful. As you mentioned getting out and having fun is the key. I would say though, I try to learn something each time I go out. 73 thanks for your videos and their benefit to the hobby. DE KD9VQN.
Definitely thank you for sharing your experiences. I've been wanting to start activating parks, I just need to get the courage up to head out. Out of curiosity have you done a video on how to set up the 891 to do FT8 ?
Stumbled onto this video. I’ve been licensed since 1996, and I moved to AK in 2010. Since moving up here, I have not been very active, but I miss the hobby. I think you are correct regarding POTA reinvigorating ham radio because I plan to start activating next summer.
Thanks Michael for your videos. Your videos were one of the reasons I started my POTA journey over 3 years ago. I agree with you wholly, get out there! I really appreciate your take on the haters and nay-sayers. You are encouraging and that’s what makes your videos so enjoyable. Thanks Thanks and Thanks and here’s to another 5+ years!
I appreciate your videos and your willingness to share what you have learned with those of us just starting the journey. Hope you get the big K there, if you haven't already reached that milestone. 73
Hi Michael. Thanks for a great video. I certainly agree with you that POTA has been a great thing for ham radio. It is a nice meld of transmitting, procedure, computer use, antenna testing, camaraderie and scaring that mic fright away. All the best and thank you for your many contributions to the ham community.
Your videos have really helped me dial in my portable set up. I aways get a kick out of speaking with you on the air. Thanks for all you do. 73 from K1NEO, Maine.
To this point I've only hunted the parks and have really enjoyed it. I keep saying that I want to do an activation one day, aside of being worried I'll screw something up, I feel I've been over thinking my antenna for this. You helped me understand that its time to quit making excuses and just go out and do it.
I have watched many of your videos and always found them useful and supportive of other HAMs. Thanks for the encouragement to get out and have a go. I hope to start my POTA activation in the coming weeks. Cheers. Stu VK3SKS
Thanks for this video! I started amateur radio in the 80s, but let things expire unfortunately. I'm retired now and working on my General. I'm back! Primarily interested in being outdoors with POTA and SOTA although hearing those dogs barking reminds me of how much I dislike campgrounds so I think SOTA will be my area of focus.
You mentioned that POTA has essentially re-energized ham radio, but I don’t think that people would be as willing or as excited about the idea if there weren’t people like you guiding them along the way. You have played a serious role in invigorating ham radio in the last several years, and it’s been SO much fun watching all of your videos. Hats off to you, Michael, because without your hundreds of videos, reviews, suggestions, tidbits, and honesty, we wouldn’t be where we are today. I know I sure wouldn’t, anyway. Thank you for your continuous effort into this hobby, and I’m always looking forward to your next video!
it doesn't matter where i am or who i make contact with. The more Iam on it the more i get motivated with different contacts to include nets. every net i checked in has been welcoming, thats what we need.
I second it all that you have mentioned staying thousands of miles away from the US.
I agree completely. and Thank you for all you do Mike
There is one rule, and that is that your having fun!!
You are absolutely right!
Michael, your down to earth attitude and your enjoyment of the hobby are infectious.You are a blessing to the hobby
I like that you are genuine.
The best thing about parks on the air is that it gets people on the air who want to put you in the logbook.
Yes, each and every contact is welcomed and grateful for. That's why I love POTA so much.
I am kind of celebrating my 1st anniversary as well. October 2023 I was camping in Prescott Az. I was a pretty new Ham, in fact I had not done any HF yet. Sitting in the 5er and scrolling though the internet, I came across one of your videos. I really enjoyed it, and started watching more, then came across some of your POTA videos. OMG, I GOT HOOKED! We are avid campers, what better way to combine both. I have learned so much watching your videos! It is slowing down now, but, at 1st, you were costing me a lot of money! 🤣🤣Money well spent however! I have not had a lot of chances to "activate", but have "hunted" a lot from home. I love watching the parks you go to, and envy you for those parks. I live in AZ, I love the winters, summers, not so much. But, once you've seen one cacti, you've seen them all. I was able to work you this past weekend on SSB, that doesn't happen often. I've also gotten you on FT-8. I agree, take the "propagation" forecast with a grain of salt. I've seen days where everybody says don't bother, yet I've walked away with a couple dozen contacts. Another thing, SMILES do come over the air!! I can always hear it!! As others have stated, your genuine, down to earth, positive attitude and willingness to teach are why I watch for your videos to come out weekly!! There are a lot of "You Tubers" out there, but you, IMO, are the best. Stay safe, have fun, we'll catch you on the waves my friend!
I've only done 2 activations, but I've done a ton of hunting. Going to just a local county park and hunting for me is a great time as well! POTA was one of the motivating factors for me getting my general, and it's been something that I've really grown to love.
I'm hoping that spring/summer 2025 will be when I start camping and exploring with my radio!
Last Thursday, November 1st, I did my first POTA activation. CW on a QCX Mini. It was a long journey getting there from a dead start a year and a half ago. I thank you for being one of the online Elmers who helped keep the fire burning as I tread the path.
Chris W2BPL
Great Video Michael. I received my license in May 2023 and have gravitated to pota since then with 58 activations and counting. I am not a technical ham so having the ability to go out and operate with a relatively simple set up works for me. I enjoy your very helpful videos and will continue to get out there. Your comment on smiling is so true. Congrats on your 5 year anniversary.
I made a POTA QSO with you last week and didn't even realize it until I went through my log later. Great video. 73!
Your POTA videos are inspiring me to study more and more for my next license
I did an activation this week and had hunters from 25 other countries hunt me down in Virginia. Yes, this is an addiction and also more importantly FUN. 73 Thanks for all your videos , Jim K2WPA
I think I've gotten more DX as a POTA activator than I have in my 25 years as a ham.
Hi Jim, thanks for the contacts! 73 POTA on - George OE4JHW / AH6UN
@@KB9VBRAntennas the DX especially on 17 & 15 meters phone has been excellent the past few weeks. I even managed to get China on FT-8, 17 Meters.
Thank you for your view on the POTA Michael. I could not agree more on what you said. Always have a smile is gold 😊All the best and 73!
Michael, I'm a customer having bought your UHF/VHF J-pole as my first antenna. I'm now a General at 74 and having more fun all the time. I appreciate your genuiness (is that a word?) about ham radio and the effort you put into educating those who are new. I like hunting and after hitting my 200 parks level, I can tell you that the practice has made me much more at ease on the mic and I've even developed my routine some what. Thx again, Wade N2VPI.
We watched your POTA videos and bought a ft891 and a WRC 17' antenna with the sporty 40 coil. We were using the screen wire and then switched to the Faraday cloth "magic carpet". In less than 2 years, we've activated in 12 states and in Canada, and we're working on activating all entities in our home state of NC - 130 down and 112 to go. We've hunted all US states except HI and AK, and we've even hunted you a couple of times. Thanks so much for helping us get started in POTA. We're having a blast and getting some really great experience using our radio equipment. KQ4COJ & KQ4COB
Thank for sharing your experiences. Thanks for tip of two different antennas.
My wife and love camping and few years ago we went to our local mountain campground, brought my home rig, battery, tuner, and thru a 60 ft wire in the pine trees. Had a blast; at 8500 ft elevation contacts were great even at 5-6 watts.
Got introduced to pota last year by a friend in our radio net who rides his bike after work out of Ramona, Ca and does pota. He showed us how it all works. I am building camping radio kit around a Ft-897.
That's awesome! I'm glad to hear the content got you inspired to go out and activate some parks while camping.
I stumbled on POTA after being off the air for many years. I used to contest and find that POTA gives me the thrill of the pileup without the need to be running 200 Q’s per hour. It gives me a goal to strive for.
Another great video Michael! Even the dogs barking was perfect because that kind of thing (unexpected noise and interruptions) actually happens to me in parks. You just laugh (or give a friendly wave of the hand) and move on. You really captured the essence of POTA in your advice and observations, too.😄 73, AB4KN
New hunter here, but I do enjoy it. It's my coffee time early in the morning before the household wakes up. I've only attempted to activate once, but I was told it wasn't permitted, so I very politely agreed and left. I'll get back out there soon. (Side note, I was about to go yell at my little dog for causing such a ruckus)
Thanks a stack, Michael for sharing your wisdom and inspiration. I've been a park activator for about a year and a half now, and I owe much of my success and joy of experience to things I've learned watching your activation videos. Your point about antennas is So true ! I use activations to test and experiment with all kinds of wire and vertical antennas that I've either made or purchased. So I groan, sometimes aloud, when I hear someone carp about an antenna, saying it's a 'compromise.' Compared to WHAT? A 6-element beam on a 100-foot tower? I can say with confidence that every single antenna I've deployed in the field has been my gateway to a day of fun and activation. I don't count the number of contacts to gauge my success. Even those days when the antenna or poor propagation come to roost, I STILL enjoy the experience of ham radio in the great outdoors. And when not 'out there,' I'm in the home shack as a Hunter who enjoys the chase almost as much as portable ops. We all are grateful for your great attitude and generosity in wisdom-sharing. Best 72 from W3WJ.
Congratulations on the 5-year milestone Michael. I appreciate your infectious enthusiasm.
Thanks, Michael for all the info and QSOs I'm in the process of getting up enough nerve to start activating I have most of all the gear you do except I have a G90 20 watts for portable and a Yeasu FT 710 for my base station I do have the Pota performer I built it from your video. Thanks again N9XC Chris 73
I've been licesensed about 9 months now and still learning . I've not had much success with activations, a few here and there but sure appreicate the engouragement your videos foster. I'm planning on taking out my new Big Kansas Coil this weekend. Not sure where but will enjoy the day out and about in this beautiful Fall weather. Thanks!
Welcome to the hobby and welcome to POTA! I looked at your POTA page and see that you got really close to activating about three times you attempted... I see what you mean about "not had much success". I'd like to help, if I can. What kind of rig are you using? What time of day are you attempting to activate? I'm curious to know about your attempts so that I might make some helpful suggestions. Take care!
One thing I do to ensure successful activations is only going out when I don't have any time constraints. The only time I did go out with a time constraint was this past Saturday afternoon, but it was a Support Your Parks Weekend. I managed to get 24 contacts in about an hour without counting Park to Park contacts with activators at 2-fers. All I did was hunt Park to Park and I made one contact with a strong special event station I heard while scrolling through 20 meters as I was going through the POTA spots.
One thing I do is start each activation by hunting Park to Park contacts. Typically I go through the band once working anyone I can hear. Then I find a clear frequency and start calling "CQ POTA" myself.
@@JBryant1981 that's great advice, I also start my activations by doing Park 2 Park hunting!
Congrats on the 5 years. You have motivated so many to get out there and do it. Your opinion about antenna selection was perfect. The antenna to choose is the one that works for you at the time.
I love your antenna builds and reviews. Thank you!
What's stopping me? A radio, coax, atenna. Working on it and your videos are helping with choices.
I've had good luck with both of the radios that Michael mentioned in the video - the Xiegu G90 was my first HF radio and it works very well. When I decided I wanted a little more power, I bought the Yaesu FT-891 and it also works very well. Either one will work fine as a POTA rig, and I use the FT-891 as my base station.
Take care and God Bless, and 73, Dwight - KO4AZY
Congratulations on 5 years of POTA Michael! Thank you for the great videos you put out every week. I have been licensed for over three years now and really enjoy the hobby! I plan on retiring next year and I may give POTA a try. I have learned a lot from you and fellow TH-camrs. Keep doing the great job of putting out videos for us hams and together we can keep the Mission alive.
Hey Michael. Thank you for being a down to earth ambassador for portable ham radio, especially POTA. I very much enjoy your demonstrations of setting up various antennas and seeing how they perform. As a "just over a year old ham", I feel like POTA has given me an opportunity to go outdoors and explore new places, while experimenting and honing my radio skills. You've been very instrumental thru your video content, and I thank you for that. Keep being you, keep having fun, keep sharing the joy. And of course, it's always a hoot to work you on the air. 😊
73 Bob N2BOC
Thanks, Michael. Lots of good comments and reflections from you here.
I’m from the UK (G4XWJ) and did my first activations (CW) while visiting Texas this January, with my US callsign (AG5YP) with one of my POTA-experienced ham friends from the Long Island CW Club. A lot of preparation ahead of time as to format, what to expect etc and was surprised at the pile-ups almost from the start. Remembering that the activator is in control and chooses who to get back to and how to get specific hunters to repeat their calls from the pile up was good practice. It was easy to forget logging the UTC time for the QSOs in my notebook and that in Texas, the new UTC day ticks over at 6pm. Learning through experience:).
Several successful activations followed in the UK over the summer including a first ever activation in one park.
It’s addictive, but fun addictive. Thanks, Michael :)
Michael, what can I say other than another great video and some excellent comments. I'll be watching this one several times over and taking notes. Thank you for your wonderful words of wisdom and sharing your experiences, not only in this video but in all your videos through the years that you have been doing this. 73s, my friend.
Thank you Michael. I'm still new at POTA (5 parks so far) and still figuring out what works best (QRP vs QRO), antennas etc., but I'll get there. Thanks for inspiring me to keep going.
I find keeping a notebook of my setup and what went well in the park is really helpful.
Love POTA! Get to actually operate after mostly an empty logbook for 20+ years! Thank you, Michael hope to log your callsign soon!
I just looked while watching your video realized I have been doing POTA since December 2014. I don't have nearly the same number of activations as many people but I have enjoyed the ones that I have had. One bit of advice I will give and suggest is to inventory your gear before you leave your home. My wife and I went for a day out and I took my LNR3B. When I arrived and set up the antenna I realized I had forgotten my CW key. LNR3B, for those that may not know, is a CW only radio. I got a couple of contacts by using a connection that had bare wires coming out of it and touching the wires together for a straight key.
I think a lot of us got our first taste of POTA through the ARRL's National Parks on the Air program in 2016. I participated in that, but it took a few more years before I really got into Parks on the Air. Check lists are good, and I use them too.
I'm not big on making comments, but I must say--- you have been my "go-to" Elmer for many years. Thank you!
Thanks for this one. I totally agree, POTA is not a contest, for most Ops - it is a day out - maybe with friends and family. It's a great way to enjoy a good day out in the countryside, and to test perhaps a new battery, new aerial (I'm a Brit), or a new radial system, and perhaps introduce newcomers (of all ages) into the hobby. Amateur Radio is about experimentation, not how much cash or watts that you throw into your system.
I just got my General last year and discovered POTA immediately after I got my antennae set up. I haven’t activated yet, but Hunt a bit most days…. fascinating. If I sit with my morning coffee in the shack, I inevitably check the POTA Activators and fool around with the speaker on. I’ve come to understand how the different bands sound and am surprised and delighted when conditions allow for distant or difficult contacts. I feel like a safecracker adjusting the filters to make the contact before conditions change. I’m setting up my “go box” for activations near Prescott Arizona and am looking forward to exploring that aspect as well.
Awesome video as always Michael. Positive attitude is the key. My first HF contact was with someone activating a park in Texas. I picked up the activating part a few months later. It's been a great activity to do on the radio. I can go do POTA when I have the time, not on someone else's schedule such as a contest weekend. Keep up the great work and all you do for the community. Go Pack Go!
You're right about having a smile on your face when you talk. I have worked in call centers for years and callers can tell.
Now I just have to figure out how to transmit that same smile on CW!
Thanks Michael. I am going out for my first activation soon. The "be yourself" advice and control the activation to one's own standards suggestion are great! Hope to see you on down the log.
Happy Anniversary! Love having you in this hobby and your videos! Keep up the great work!
Thanks! From K9SEC.
Great Video! 73
Thank you for your support. It is greatly appreciated.
The "tuneruppers" are the most frustrating for me when listening for a contact, thankful for the notch filter.
Thanks for the insight! As a new hunter, that hasn’t activated yet, you just answered some of the questions that I have. I guess one of the things I really like about POTA is seeing how far away I can make a contact. There’s usually always someone out there that isn’t mad at the world and they’re waiting for you to throw your call out. Thanks for all that you do!
Good Video Michael, you bring up a lot of great points> That sur was a sweet 9:1 antenna hanging in the air Lol!
I just got back into Ham radio after 6 years and discovered POTA after buying my Yaesu FT-891 and now i want to activate a park and your videos have helped me alot
I agree that POTA is all about having fun and to operate with a smile. I find that 99% of hunters are just as enthusiastic to make contact with the park as you are for them hunting the park. There will be the one-off who sounds or acts not so friendly, but I just look past that and focus on all the happy people I make contacts with, because they make me happy too.
Thank you for sharing your experiences and teaching us. You are a huge reason why so many (myself included) have gotten into HF and POTA
Thanks to your videos, I have now activated 3 parks, absolutely love it, the journey to the park, the setting up and all the amazing hunters and other activators who I meet on the air, I noticed your pota spot last Saturday, I was unfortunately too late as you had gone qrt, but it's you that inspired me to go to the park and get on the air and so thank you 😀 73 Pete
I have a bed cover on my truck and leave a storage box in there with my Wolf River Coils antenna with the SS25 whip, an MFJ 17ft whip and two pieces of Faraday cloth, along with my Flatlanders roll up end fed and a 50ft piece of M&P 6mm coax. All I need is a radio, power and laptop. I've spent many happy hours enjoying this wonderful hobby. Thanks for what you do!
Thank you for your videos and inspiration! I'm a new extra (5/2024) and new to POTA. I have only hunted contacts from my driveway with my mobile FT-891, and I've only activated twice (1 was a 2-fer), with the same rig in my truck. I have been fortunate to make a QSO with you twice, and it was a pleasure to do so! I may not ever be as active in the parks, but I'm sure looking forward to getting out more and trying. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience with us!
Great words of wisdom, Michael. Thanks for everything you do for POTA and the hobby in general. Hope you managed to get your first kilo at the park!
You asked what I like about POTA? Well, I enjoy the friendly competition between local hams, even though I know it’s not a contest! We operate Field Day together each year, and for the rest of the year, we’re always looking for new ways to enjoy the hobby. One of our group was initially reluctant to get into POTA, but after attending a local POTA meetup and seeing everyone’s portable setups, he got inspired. Now, he’s seeking out new parks to activate wherever he goes, which has helped bridge the gap until the next Field Day.
73
Chris NS8Q
Commenting because Digi I enjoy, and I love experimenting, but POTA hunting is the only thing that's getting me more relaxed and over my mic shy which has plagued me from the start. It's wild because I talk to strangers in person all the time, but something about keying up and reaching out into the ether that still makes me anxious. Each time I do hunting though, that gets easier and easier. I know some complain, but POTA has proven it's value as far as I'm concerned. Excellent addition to the hobby. 73 and thanks for the 5 year lessons learned vid. 😎🎧🎙️🤘
I’m studying for my tech/general licenses. I find it fascinating that a simple setup can talk around the country ! By watching your videos, it gives me hope for the upcoming year !
Mike your a AWESOME Leader/Teacher!
I've enjoyed all our POTa videos. It's great to see the variety of conditoins you face and the setups you use.
Thank you. I love the challenge of looking at the band conditions, the location, and time of day to come up with a solution that works well on the air.
Great information and advice Michael. Especially the part about having a smile in your voice while you're doing the activation. It's our hobby. Enjoy!
Thanks Michael. I like having a plan for activation, setting up and getting on the air, making contacts within 15 minutes.
My trusty 891 and my Bandhopper3 antenna have never disappointed me. Most times they have exceeded my expectations. Sometimes you get a pile up, sometimes you call CQ for an hour before people start calling in. Its a part of the fun. Bring a sandwich and a drink and enjoy the outdoors! Thanks Michael.
Michael, thank you for the great video recapping your five years involved with Parks On The Air! I started POTA with my first Hunter on 9/24/22 and my first activation on October 3, 2022, at US-3029 Lake Mineral Wells State Park. You were my inspiration for the Parks on The Air. Your videos gave me the confidence to get on the radio and make some contacts. As former residents of Wisconsin, my wife and I graduated from UP-Platteville. We spent a lot of time in southwest, central, and east Wisconsin. We love watching your videos for the radio content and seeing some of our old stomping grounds. Your travels around the state bring back fond memories of our time in Wisconsin. Work and family took us away from the state, so seeing the locations and people you visit in your videos is heartwarming. I was perplexed as a new ham about how a person gets on the air and makes contacts. Your videos helped me with many aspects of Ham radio, from equipment to making contacts and handling pile-ups. I recommend your videos to new hams that come into our club, Ellis County Amateur Radio Club, and others I meet at the parks or on the air. Thank you for your efforts, and keep the videos coming! You are my hero, and I want to be like you someday!!! Micah, K5MEC
Thank you. It's always a pleasure to get you in the log.
This is great advice. I also have one of your 2 meter J-Poles on my home station. I have been a General Operator for 2 years. I have not done POTA but would like to. Thank you for these videos. Happy Thanksgiving from Ed, KM4MMD
I achived my 1st kilo last week at US-0552 Muleshoe NWR. Took me a year, but I finally made it. ANTENNA, ANTENNA, ANTENNA.
awesome!!
Love you Michael! You're a great human. Thank you for the continued inspiration and guidance.
73 W8XDX
What a great inspiration, Michael! That's one of my observations much before I got my ticket and discovered your YT channel. I have learnt a lot from your channel and also like to thank you for responding to my numerous queries in the past relating to amateur radio. Keep up the great work flowing and best regards.
VU3TQT
New Delhi
Thanks!
Thank you so much for your support. I really appreciate it.
Thanks for the wise words! Your videos were some of my first sources of information when I first got licensed and got my 891 and a wolf river coil. 73!
You and a couple other TH-camrs got me interested in POTA so just wanted to say thanks. Like you said, everyone had their way of running their activation. I've worked some that take a list and it amazing to see the way the run through the contacts. Then I've worked some that we got off on a conversation so long I was starting to feel eye's glaring at me from those waiting to work the park 😃not that I mind, just go with the flow of the activator.
Thanks for the positive attitude, as someone just starting out moving from Technician to General, it helps to have someone as experienced as you just being honest about relaxing into this hobby. Thanks
Finding your POTA videos prompted my return to the hobby after many years being QRT. I now enjoy both hunting and activating! It has also prompted me to use CW again (which I always enjoyed). Thanks so much…hope I can shake your hand someday!
If you ever make it out to Hamvention, drop me a line.
god bless you michael you have guided all of us through the years you are the best.73s ki6pxv.
Fantastic video. It's informative, honest, and friendly. Your explanations are genuine and extremely helpful. I really want to thank you for the time you have put into all your videos. Keep up the great work.
Michael- great video. Practice makes improvement and with every activation that’s what happens. Like you, POTA has put a bounce in my ham radio step. POTA on !!!
Hi Michael,
you really were the most triggering pota motivator for me, to start pota at all. I am now frequently here and there on POTA trips, also with my camper.
I also learned a lot on ft-891. First videos to this trx led me to you channel.
Thanks for that. Keep up the good work! vy 73! from Germany.
Thanks Michael! You've been a huge inspiration to me. I've done 7 activations in the last two weeks and am going out again tomorrow! Making contacts from the shack is one thing, but there's nothing quite like stringing up a wire in a park and being hunted by dozens of fellow Hams. 73
That's awesome, I hope to get you in the log soon.
Michael, I would like to thank for your advocacy of POTA, your wonderful videos, and pretty darn good J-Pole antennas! I just moved to a new home in Florida, and my trusty KB9VBR J-Pole came with me. It was the first antenna I installed in my new home. I have watched hours of your videos and learned a lot. They have been helpful in my own POTA activation adventures! I have you logged as a Park-2-Park contact! Keep 'em coming. Thanks. Rick - KO4KVT
I had been off the air for decades.
Found POTA and now I love hunting. No activation yet, but maybe in the future.
Thanks for the videos!
KC0RMK
Thank you for hunting!
Thanks for video. As a new ham I like to make quick contacts and not get sucked into a rag chew. Especially in the middle of the day when you only have a few minutes to scan around. It also gets you use to talking by hunting park. I have 28 US states down now and really like trying to take another state out.
Hi Michael, at first many thanks for your many very helpful videos and tons of tips and hints. You are truly a blessing to our hobby. I for myself like POTA for being outdoors and have FUN on the air and make a few contacts 73s de DG1VJ , Jens
Your videos inspired and guided my brother and I to try POTA. I love it, especially being outdoors in a beautiful location while having fun on ham radio - and it’s not hard to get contacts because everyone wants to reach you. Those are the best parts. 73, KD9YLR
So I started my HAM career in 2017. My brother showed me FT-8 and for about 6 months that is all I did. After I fished that pond dry, I heard a few guys talking about POTA on the radio one day. I butted in and asked a bunch of questions, then it was off to the races. My "Thing" about POTA now is getting KILO awards. I currently have 13. Kincaid Lake State Park US-1261 is my most popular one with over 7500 contacts. When I go out of town, I purposely try to stay in state parks or a close by POTA park. KN4COE
Dang 7500 at one park! I just got my first KILO this summer and I was pretty excited. I can't imagine 13, that's epic! Way to go! We have a contact from back in summer of 2023, I'll look forward to a Park 2 Park QSO sometime soon. 73
Michael, great video. I'm pretty new to ham radio and your videos have helped me so much. Thanks for you enthusiasm, keeping it fun, and thanks for the contacts! 73, John WT0A.
Wow!
This was a near perfect 13 minutes. Thanks for your time
Totally agree Michael…POTA has been a great way to get out and get on the air! Enjoyed the campout this year and hope to be back again next year! 2 years of activating- 149 activations - 19 states…it has been a blast! POTA Bob
I'm glad you were part of the event. Thanks again for your help.
My most recent POTA experience…..while visiting relatives I activated a state park and was hunted by a ham just miles from me. He sent me an e-mail (before I even got home from the activation) telling me the park was actually a 2fer that he has activated over 100 times. He just wanted me to get max credit while at the park. Great experience and a great ham.
Excellent video from the heart. I am a new to ham radio and POTA and really looking forward to getting out there. I am guilty of suffering from analysis paralysis, spending literally hours on youtube trying to figure out what kit to by, how to set it up, where to go to do an activation. I look to seasoned POTA vets for advice, Michael has given us a reality check, just get some wire, a transceiver and a battery and get out there and have fun. Learn from your own mistakes, and just enjoy the experience. (Now, let's just hope I can take my own advice).
Very cool video, Michael. Thank you for great perspective.
Michael, my goal when I activate or hunt is simply to have fun with your hobby of amateur radio. And I do. POTA has given a new dimension to Ham Radio, as you said.
Wow, only 5 years…you’ve become quite the expert. This is very useful. Thanks!
Thank You! I am now ready to try my first POTA activation. Keep up the great work.
Michael I was lucky enough to make contact with you last Saturday during Support your Parks weekend from Washington State. Thanks again for the activation W3PAK
That's awesome, I'm glad to get you in the log. 15 meters was performing quite well last weekend, so I spent a significant part of my time on that band, which means I got a higher than average number of west coast operators. Thank you.
I was one of your contacts at this activation. I was mobile in the semi with a Xiegu G90 and a 40 meter hamstick hanging on the passenger side mirror.
I have done four activations. Two successful and two not successful. As you mentioned getting out and having fun is the key. I would say though, I try to learn something each time I go out. 73 thanks for your videos and their benefit to the hobby. DE KD9VQN.
I really enjoy learning about the unique parks you share and how you combine radio with camping. Please keep em coming!
Our camping season is coming to a close, but we will be out at a really cool park this weekend. I hope to catch you on the air.
Definitely thank you for sharing your experiences. I've been wanting to start activating parks, I just need to get the courage up to head out. Out of curiosity have you done a video on how to set up the 891 to do FT8 ?
I do have an FT8 setup video. Here's how I'm doing it: th-cam.com/video/afpvK8UrftU/w-d-xo.html
Stumbled onto this video. I’ve been licensed since 1996, and I moved to AK in 2010. Since moving up here, I have not been very active, but I miss the hobby. I think you are correct regarding POTA reinvigorating ham radio because I plan to start activating next summer.
Thanks Michael for your videos. Your videos were one of the reasons I started my POTA journey over 3 years ago. I agree with you wholly, get out there! I really appreciate your take on the haters and nay-sayers. You are encouraging and that’s what makes your videos so enjoyable. Thanks Thanks and Thanks and here’s to another 5+ years!
I appreciate your videos and your willingness to share what you have learned with those of us just starting the journey. Hope you get the big K there, if you haven't already reached that milestone. 73
Thank you. I did get the kilo for this park. I've now Kilo'ed eight different parks with two of those having multi-kilo status.
Hi Michael. Thanks for a great video. I certainly agree with you that POTA has been a great thing for ham radio. It is a nice meld of transmitting, procedure, computer use, antenna testing, camaraderie and scaring that mic fright away. All the best and thank you for your many contributions to the ham community.
Your videos have really helped me dial in my portable set up. I aways
get a kick out of speaking with you on the air. Thanks for all
you do. 73 from K1NEO, Maine.
I really do cherish each of our contacts. it's always a pleasure to get you in the log.
To this point I've only hunted the parks and have really enjoyed it. I keep saying that I want to do an activation one day, aside of being worried I'll screw something up, I feel I've been over thinking my antenna for this. You helped me understand that its time to quit making excuses and just go out and do it.
I have watched many of your videos and always found them useful and supportive of other HAMs. Thanks for the encouragement to get out and have a go. I hope to start my POTA activation in the coming weeks. Cheers. Stu VK3SKS
Thanks for this video! I started amateur radio in the 80s, but let things expire unfortunately. I'm retired now and working on my General. I'm back! Primarily interested in being outdoors with POTA and SOTA although hearing those dogs barking reminds me of how much I dislike campgrounds so I think SOTA will be my area of focus.
The dogs smelled a piece of ham and went crazy!