Get Ahead in POTA with These 5 Little-Known Secrets!

[@tcort]

"Don't buy crap" is the best advice ever. Wish I knew it a long time ago.

[@outnaboot]

Yep, I have a shelf full of POTA crap

[@markwilkins9869]

Words of wisdom from a true piker of radio

[@outnaboot]

Ha ha

[@rodgermckeon]

Thanks Stuart! Excellent tips!

[@outnaboot]

Glad you enjoyed them!

[@heathstillman4986]

Hey Stuart, most of these suggestions were advice you gave me back in the summer. POLO, WWFF and EFHW, though I do make my own. I also carry 2-3 different antenna options depending upon which vehicle I have at the time. I do use a telescopic whip on the ground with radials some. I agree the footprint isn't super DX worthy in comparison to the EFHW, but it does alright as I just have to accept the limitations. I agree that the best advice you offered is to have fun and do it your way.

[@outnaboot]

It's great to see you putting the tips to good use!

[@VK2YK]

Great info Stuart. Can't agree more about a good antenna for your portable kit. My go to is a inverted V linked dipole 40m to 10m inc WARC bands and 40m EFHW as my backup. Cheers Adam VK2YK & VK5GA

[@outnaboot]

Cheers Adam, too many times I see new POTA folks over this side go with cheap and terrible antenna systems and wonder why they struggle to get the basic 10 contacts.

[@jerryKB2GCG]

Multiple antennas are a good idea, as you called out there are a variety of situations. I use EFHW, JPC-12 vertical, ham sticks on the car…and needed them all at some point…vertical dipole on 10M and lots more

[@outnaboot]

Absolutely, especially when you get to a spot you have no history at

[@bwillan]

As a fellow Canadian ham, are there any antenna makers in Canada. Ordering from the USA is rather expensive with the current exchange rates.

[@outnaboot]

Good question, I am not sure...

[@midnightcaller200]

Soon there will be ghost towns on the air Highways on the air, and rest stops on the air

[@outnaboot]

I heard shopping mall on the air about a year ago..honest to god!

[@midnightcaller200]

@@outnaboot I like that one!!!