Get Started With Parks on the Air :: POTA

[@thomasboller9861]

It helped me fill in a lot of the gaps involving POTA activation. Thanks!

[@paulhastings3109]

Thank you KQ4CD Paul

[@cameronmelvin9640]

Great video as always Jason. I keep hoping I'll catch you on the air.

[@jmount1200]

The POTA website update allowing us to upload our logs is really nice. QRP SSB is really difficult at times even when I spot but it's about the chase that makes it fun.

[@larrytaylor7753]

I recently did my 1st successful activation. K-0918, Colorado National Monument. I got 13 QSOs in 14 minutes!

[@JayN4GO]

Did my 28th activation this evening using Cw only. Qrp also. Helps sharpen the Cw copy.

[@w4kxt]

The Pi king is back with another informative video. Many reasons why I love this channel.

[@thekhakihat3233]

Hey Jason! Another way to deal with the intimidation of a pile-up is to start off your activation by just hunting other parks from your park (Park-to-Park). Its usually pretty easy to get 10 contacts that way. Several of my activations were done without having to spot myself. Of course, if you want to get a lot of contacts there's nothing like working the pile-up. Thanks for the video. 73-AA4K

[@KM4ACK]

Great point!

[@wadepatton2433]

Hey Jason, thanks for the vid. A Kenwood HF mobile found it's way to my house recently, so I might well do a POTA when I can find one that allows me to hang one end of my endfed from something. Doesn't matter what it is, but I know that's the antenna I'll prefer to use. One support needed, all bands covered with efficiency. Also I do have a Texas Bugcatcher with a 160 coil and the 80m coil. Six inches across and a huge tophat. Too much for a lot of mobile operating, but it's "all banded" as well and made me the center of attention once for being mobile on 160/100w. Someday I'll play with it, but there's a lot of fiddling with changing bands and configurations.

[@KM4ACK]

I haven't found any state parks in TN that seem to care about putting wires in trees. You should be good to go.

[@patrickhall5739]

Great Video! I just registered for POTA after watching. The map was great. I didn't realize there were so many parks near me.

[@richardwhitcroftkc3rrw63]

great video

[@davidsradioroom9678]

Great video. You might also mention that there is a PDF form you can download for pen and paper entry. Of course, you will have to enter your contacts into an ADIF file before sending it in. Paper logs are not allowed.

[@KM4ACK]

Great tip!

[@52Warlock]

Once again Jason, a perfectly timed video. Recently registered and have my kit ready to go. We have around 10 parks that have never been activated - looking to remedy that. Thank you.

[@52Warlock]

If I may , what would the minimum power used on an activation? How many watts do you prefer to use? Thanks

[@FreeStuffGuy916]

@@52Warlock N6EF-I've made contacts with as little as 5 watts but when using my Yaesu FT-857D. I typically run 25 to 50 watts particularly at night on 40 meters. That's plenty of power to generate contacts and helps me get a couple more hours of run-time from my battery. I typically use a 20Ah Bioenno battery with my 857. I can get 6 to 8 hours running SSB or about 5 to 6 hours running CW. Good luck and 73. Bill

[@FreeStuffGuy916]

N6EF-You may find a pileup for you when you activate unactivated parks. At least that was my experience. It's a rush being the subject of a pileup. Good luck. 73, Bill

[@monteldublin6720]

Make EMP proof box video

[@dennisjoiner3717]

Thanks Jason for this very informative video. You answered some questions I had. I'll be looking forward to giving it a go.

[@cdavidell]

Jason, where did you get the TN07 mast mount/holder that is attached to the RV ladder?

[@KM4ACK]

From TN07. Not on their site but they sell the mast and holder as a kit. Contact them to purchase. Tell ‘‘em I sent ya 😃

[@lescampbell8022]

Thank you so much for this video, I’ve just got started with POTA and pile ups are really hard for me being call signs are because I’m dyslexic. It overwhelms me at times, kind of like being that control.

[@LanceSheppard]

I've been researching this! thanks for posting this! I've hunted 9 activators (didn't even realize I had until signing up on the pota site!) I just got a FT-891 I want to do the pi build but I not good with computers at all... the commands get me all turned around.

[@ffefd966]

What antenna mast was that on back of the camper?

[@KM4ACK]

tn07.com/32-portable-antenna-mast

[@ffefd966]

Thanks!!

[@EricFullwood]

CW pileups can be almost impossible at times. There are many hunters who - if you don't answer their call first - will just quit and move on. Others just keep re-keying their call with total disregard for others. There's little patience or class in POTA pileups. SOTA and WWFF are far superior in that regard.

[@FreeStuffGuy916]

N6EF-Great information, Jason. For someone with mic-fright or someone who doesn't have a lot of experience with making contacts, it might be helpful to tag along with someone who has done POTA before for the moral support. I was a bit nervous on my 1st activation when the pileup started but taking one station at a time until getting every station answered isn't too bad once you get into the swing of it. It's quite the rush being the object of the pileup. As mentioned by @The Khaki Hat, working other activators is a great way to ease into it. I typically start off my activations with working other activators before I find a frequency and start calling CQ.