Another valuable resource is All Trails, especially for parks that are mostly trails and not day use areas. I researched one today that noted it is overrun with illegal dirt bike and ATV use, which would be problematic for an activation. Also, they have topo maps that show where elevation would be beneficial to operate from.
Parking lots of visitor centers are great activation sites to promote POTA and Ham radio. I use a 17 ft whip on a mag mount and operate from the hatchback. The 17 ft whip catches people's eye and they come over to talk.
I've had a couple run-in with ranger and park staff. So far every one of them has been positive. If I'm in a day use area at a state park, I will almost always use the vertical or self supporting antenna. The only times I use wire antennas is if I'm camping and will be in the same spot for a couple of days, or if I'm in one of the state wildlife areas. No one has complained about wires in the trees in the camping areas. But some states are a bit more restrictive than others when it comes to stuff in trees, so you need to know the rules. I try to stay as low impact as possible by maintaining a small footprint, especially if the area is busy or a sensitive natural area or refuge.
Thanks for the tips. Much appreciated. I found it a great idea to check the cell coverage maps for spotting purposes. Question with regards to the wildlife areas, have you even had any wildlife’s issues bears etc ? I’m planning to hit a few in the coming months Thanks , Jim K2WPA
I have not had any run ins with wildlife while out in some of the more remote areas. I know there are black bears in Northern Wisconsin so it isn't outside the realm of possibility in meeting one. I don't carry bear spray, they can usually be run off by making a fair amount of noise. Wolves would be another possible danger, but then again, they typically stay away from people.
Michigan DNR maps allegedly have built in GPS coordinates that appear if you hover over a feature. I've never gotten this to work in any web browser or pdf reader. Many have GPS coordinates somewhere on the map but (as I learned the hard way) this is often the location of the office that manages the entity and may be many miles outside of a wildlife area.
Another valuable resource is All Trails, especially for parks that are mostly trails and not day use areas. I researched one today that noted it is overrun with illegal dirt bike and ATV use, which would be problematic for an activation. Also, they have topo maps that show where elevation would be beneficial to operate from.
I've heard of All Trails but haven't used it. Thanks for the tip
Parking lots of visitor centers are great activation sites to promote POTA and Ham radio. I use a 17 ft whip on a mag mount and operate from the hatchback. The 17 ft whip catches people's eye and they come over to talk.
Always need to recon new parks and multiple park locations (2-3-4-fers etc…). 73!
You are right! I'm planning to hit three new parks this weekend, so I have my parking spots mapped out and know what to expect for cell coverage.
Thanks Michael. I usually park and hike in and set up under a tree. Best to be out of everyone's way. 73s de n3lou
Great Tipps. Thanks.
Great information. Thanks!
Good infomation. Thanks
Appreciate all your videos Michael. Have you ever had a park employee or Ranger question your activation or order you to remove tree wires?
I've had a couple run-in with ranger and park staff. So far every one of them has been positive. If I'm in a day use area at a state park, I will almost always use the vertical or self supporting antenna. The only times I use wire antennas is if I'm camping and will be in the same spot for a couple of days, or if I'm in one of the state wildlife areas. No one has complained about wires in the trees in the camping areas. But some states are a bit more restrictive than others when it comes to stuff in trees, so you need to know the rules. I try to stay as low impact as possible by maintaining a small footprint, especially if the area is busy or a sensitive natural area or refuge.
You really got to watch those 2fers and 3fers to make sure you're in all the park boundaries
Thanks for the tips. Much appreciated. I found it a great idea to check the cell coverage maps for spotting purposes.
Question with regards to the wildlife areas, have you even had any wildlife’s issues bears etc ? I’m planning to hit a few in the coming months
Thanks , Jim K2WPA
I have not had any run ins with wildlife while out in some of the more remote areas. I know there are black bears in Northern Wisconsin so it isn't outside the realm of possibility in meeting one. I don't carry bear spray, they can usually be run off by making a fair amount of noise. Wolves would be another possible danger, but then again, they typically stay away from people.
I wish that the state maps (MI for sure) put the lat/lon's of the corners of the maps. Wishful thinking I guess. K8MH
Michigan DNR maps allegedly have built in GPS coordinates that appear if you hover over a feature. I've never gotten this to work in any web browser or pdf reader. Many have GPS coordinates somewhere on the map but (as I learned the hard way) this is often the location of the office that manages the entity and may be many miles outside of a wildlife area.
Don't forget to mark the nearest Kwik-Trip on your maps. 😉 But seriously, don't run out of gas. U-rah-rah
That would be nice.
and don't forget to take your red stapler just take it of Michael Bolton's desk
73! w3rrm