Getting Started In Parks on the Air

Everything you need to know to get yourself set up for Parks on the Air.
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#hamradio #pota #parksontheair

[@tomc6293]

What I find interesting is we have a lot of parks and lakes here in Texas owned and operated by the Corps of Engineers yet they are excluded and according the POTA's rules they should be included.

[@kwikness]

hey Mike! i'm just getting into HF and this is an awesome and comprehensive overview. your videos are dope! keep em comin.

[@hamradiotube]

Awesome, thank you!

[@VonRath]

Your content is so good and you're an awesome advocate for getting more people into the hobby. Instant subscribe.

[@hamradiotube]

Thank you so much I really appreciate that. Welcome to the channel. 73

[@thequarantinecatholic]

That FT-891 you recommended has really been such a wonderful investment. With a homebrew 40m dipole on the HHHNet, im learning so much. Ive been "hunting" this weekend and looking forward to activating here in Central Texas. Y'all have been so helpful. I really appreciate all the encouragement.

[@burakd83]

Great presentation Mike. I just got my first award this week. Sterling was my 10th unique location for hunting. I can't wait to get more. Definitely hooked. Thank you for what you do for this hobby! -73

[@hamradiotube]

Right on Dan, get those activators. It is very addicting for sure. Thanks for watching. 73

[@cartercombs]

OK Mike, You inspired me. I have been a general for several years now and have never operated HF. I have all the gear, just never used it. Today I took my FT-891 and my Wolf River coil out and activated K-4454. I started with two P2P contacts and then got 15 more in the space of 30 minutes, including one in the Cayman Islands. What a rush. I'm hooked now. Thanks for all the great content.

[@hamradiotube]

Whaaat?!?! Man I was super eager to get on hf when I got my General, I couldn't imagine waiting. Well at least you finally did it. You got a great setup for portable for sure. Just be careful, it is super addictive. A rush for sure. Congrats on getting out there, thats awesome! 73

[@rollandmason5596]

This was a great presentation. Learned some points I didn't think of. Thanks.

[@hamradiotube]

Glad it was helpful!

[@billcrow5403]

Great video and very informative!! You and the bunch have gotten me hooked big time on POTA lol. I love it!! Hunting and activating!

[@hamradiotube]

Nice, thats the goal! It is certainly addicting for sure. Thanks for watching! 73

[@skipsurre4225]

Mike I just activated my first park today and it was awesome. Thanks for the new addiction.

[@hamradiotube]

Fantastic! Welcome to the wonderful world of POTA. 73

[@Mandarin110631]

exciting! thank you Mike- got my Tech in APril and my Gen last week. going for my Extra in 2 weeks!

[@898doffo]

Thanks for the good explanation. Helped understanding POTA better.

[@Blues2cool]

Hey Mike love the Gibson shirt. I run a 40 ft Tiffin motorhome with 920watts of solar and 600ah of lipo4 batteries. Now all that said, we full time and I just added a FT-991A it is a great combination. I appreciate all the great info I intend to do some Pota work in our travels. We run about 10,000 miles a year. M

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks, I love my Gibsons. Thats a lot of LiFePO4 batteries! Thanks for watching. Get on the pota site and get registered. You're already out there, you have no excuses lol!

[@johnkenny2403]

Great job Mike. Thanks for posting this and everything you do for AR. 73

[@hamradiotube]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching. 73

[@averageguysradio]

Mike, While I know that this is an older video, I have to say Wow... I think that it was extremely well done and you shared some great information. Thanks, Jose

[@hamradiotube]

Hey thanks buddy!

[@michaelames6317]

Well done Mike! Just passed Technician test... waiting on the FFC...hahaha This looks like a blast! Thanks, M

[@mgb3205]

Wintering in Davenport FL... Can't seem to work contacts from the RV Reosrt (power lines?), soooo... exploring POTA. Very helpful video. Thanks. 73, KD2ZZA

[@dennisseverns4014]

I see this is an older video, been looking at activating some parks, but have not done any yet. I need to get some better logging capabilities set up, at the moment I don't even have a computer. Been hunting parks lately and trying to set up a couple of portable radios, have Yaesu 857D and a Yasue 817ND. Heard you on the radio today, activating a park in Galeston, Texas K-3013 too big of a pile up for me to get contact. Thank you for this video. kc0sul

[@don_n5skt]

I still learn things watching these intro videos. BTW, going portable in a quiet city park or lake is a great way to hunt as well. I have been doing that recently which is how I found you the other day. I have to plan several hours to get to a POTA park near me but I can get away from the noise in a few minutes.

[@hamradiotube]

I still learn things making these videos lol! I will go out to a park on my lunch break a couple times a week with my g90 go box and hunt parks. Way better than sitting in the lunch room not playing radio. Too bad there aren't any parks closer to you. Maybe shoot the pota people an email suggesting some that are closer to you?

[@mewrongway]

BOTA Beer Often Tastes Awesome!! Awesome info Mike! 👍

[@michaelt.9372]

I’m from AZ but frequently visit my cousins in MI and fish Cass lake whenever I’m there! I recognized dodge #4 instantly.

[@hamradiotube]

Nice. You should go activate it in my honor the next time you're there lol!

[@pushdword]

One important note 19:30 : LiFePO4 batteries can explode like any other battery. They are safer than lead acid batteries but if you punch or drop and the terminals (or what separates the anode from cathode) inside gets shorted... you gonna have a bad time putting down the fire. The energy stored has to go somewhere, like any other battery, it goes to thermal. There's no magic stuff and the energy just goes away if you destroy the battery. Be always safe while transporting the battery and also using it. Good video!

[@hamradiotube]

Yeah that's not quite accurate. Watch what I do to this LiFePO4 battery kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYu6i2d9acSJaJY

[@VegaVenturing]

Great presentation, Mike! You're one of the main reasons I got my license last month. LOVE your POTA videos and your excitement for the hobby! Question; which is your preferred POTA radio now? G90 or FT-891? -David KJ7RKS

[@hamradiotube]

Hey that’s awesome, thanks so much! While the g90 is cool and I do like it, the 891 hands down is a way better radio.

[@mikes6844]

Great solid advice, plenty for those new to /p working to think and research about. There is something magical about being outdoors playing radio. Just have fun irrespective of whatever setup you have. 73 de M0AZE Mike

[@hamradiotube]

Magical indeed. I hardly ever operate at home anymore. I just like portable so much more. Thanks for watching.

[@kevingoshe4371]

Nice video Mike. Very informative. 73, and as always... Go Green!

[@hamradiotube]

you believe people go blue?? crazy

[@TheNoCodeTech]

Hi Mike. I very much enjoyed and appreciated this video. You see, hopefully this spring I'll attempt my first POTA. I just wanted to drop a quick comment and let you know how awesome you are. So yeah, thanks. Party on!

[@hamradiotube]

Right on man, thanks for watching. It's all about paying it forward. Just get out there and call cq pota and let the pileup consume you!

[@JosephAnthonyJosefius]

I activated my first park last Saturday (2 days ago) and I have to say it was much more fun to activate than hunt. I love Parks on the Air and I can't wait to plan for another activation. Thanks for this video. 73 de AI5DD

[@hamradiotube]

It's a completely different world being on the RX side of a pileup isn't it? It's one of my absolute favorite things in the world to do. Glad you are getting out there and have caught the POTA bug! Thanks for watching. 73

[@garybrainard9915]

Very good information. Thank you.

[@hamradiotube]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Crusty_Camper]

Thanks for a very useful video. I am just starting on ham radio here on the England /Scotland border and I found the POTA Web page has masses of information but it's hard to discover the basics which you just explained very clearly. As I live right next to our Lake District National Park POTA just seems like something I want to do. Pete M7DXE

[@hamradiotube]

My pleasure. Glad it helped. Hope you get out there soon. You're going to have a lot of fun!

[@marilyn9501]

I'd love to activate a park in the next couple of weeks. I'm brand new to POTA so I would like to know if I have to use battery power? I'll be camping in the RV and will have power available. Thought I would just pack up the power supply. I'll be creating my account tomorrow, so I haven't read all the rules yet. Great video & very helpful!

[@nimroddiaries_]

Good stuff Mike! Not really a fan of e logging while out. But I am now converting analog logs to digital. 3 different hand writing. Think my fix is good penmanship required before logging. Luckily my friend/Elmer keeps his one notes. Feel like I am counting ballots.. 👀 IMHO this log means more. 🤘

[@hamradiotube]

No way I could log on paper then enter everything into the computer. I'm not a fan of working twice. Plus my hand writing is crap so I wouldn't be able to read half of it anyway.

[@K0LWC]

I love me some POTA! There is just something special about getting people outside and working portable with their gear! 73

[@hamradiotube]

Aint that the truth

[@tangoseal1]

I have been wanting to do this and now my qrp/o is ready for the field - IC-705 and Xiegu 100 watt amp. I do not plan to use amp if I can score contacts at 5 or 10 watts. Going to use my Buddistick antenna. I also have my IC7000 in my Truck with Scorpion mobile antenna which will absolutely blowtorch a signal. I may just sit in the national park parking lot and activate haha

[@hamradiotube]

I find if you're the one calling Cq the power doesn't matter as much. You should be able to make contacts QRP no problem. Nothing wrong with sitting in the parking lot. I do that all the time. Good luck and get a lot of contacts with that 705. It's a great radio.

[@brentjohnson6654]

Another great video. I haven’t even thought of the logging side of things. Speaking of Windoze, I had to purchase a windows laptop to program my HT. I am a Linux or Mac guy. From what I have seen, I want a logging program that has rig control or information with it. That looks fantastic to log the radio parameters automatically. 73

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks Brent. It's really helpful to have the rig control so you don't have to remember what freq you were on, especially when you are tuning around chasing other parks. I find I forget that part a lot.

[@brentjohnson6654]

@@hamradiotube thanks Mike. Always enjoy your content. I have a dream that one day I will POTA with a raspberry Pi with rig control and logging software. First I need to find a rig to POTA with. My TS-590SG is a boat anchor (not a transceiver with tubes, just heavy enough to be an anchor). Haha. Too many things I want to do. My ADD is kicking in with all the possibilities. Haha. Sorry, just a bit distracted. Have a great week and stay healthy up in the Midwest (I grew up in northern Minnesota). 73

[@potaactivator]

@K8MRD , well done. You and Matt (N3NWV) have put out some good content on POTA. Thank you for all you do. Keep it up. 73! de K4NYM

[@hamradiotube]

I appreciate you watching. Thank you. 73

[@giljeannefrey1065]

Thanks!

[@americancitizen2536]

Hey Mike, Great Presentation! I sincerely appreciate your time and efforts in producing everything you do. I have a side-question: at about 15:38 you show a picture of a few antennas, but specifically you mention the "Wolf River Coils -- Silver Bullet Mini" In looking at the picture it looks to me like it has a tripod on it that is larger than the normal 12" legs. (Am I correct or is the photo just playing tricks on me?) Where did you get the longer legs at? I know there are a few companies that make these types of tripods, but for some reason only the low profile, 12 inch feet seem available, and they are quite packable but a bit less stable with a little wind. Just wondering if you might know or is this some stock photo? Thanks for everything.

[@hamradiotube]

I think I took that pic from WRC website. They do sell one, and I do own one. Its called the Mega Pod and they sell it for $60

[@SHARINGJOURNEY]

Great video

[@hamradiotube]

Thank you very much!

[@bmwrider1]

Really good stuff for someone just getting into POTA. Thanks W5LST

[@hamradiotube]

You bet. Thanks for watching. 73

[@andrewfiertek5937]

Really enjoy all your videos especially POTA activations! Thanks to you I've purchased TOO many antennas and hardware (poles, LiFePO4, Wolf river, PackTenna, DX Commander) to go portable (learning in my backyard) and hopefully soon POTA. I just have one question about logging on 73HamLog and/or Aether about entering the Park# K-xxxx into the log itself when being an Activator. I primarily use 73HamLog on my iPhone and don't have issues entering data being a Hunter but I'm sure it's probably wrong in some way. Do you enter the Park# into QTH:, RRST:, or Notes:? I watched the POTA videos from the POTA site but its unclear where you would enter park data and especially Park 2 Park data into the logging software fields.... Thank You! de N1YLO 73

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks for watching Andrew and sorry, not sorry you have fallen victim to purchasing too many toys lol! As far as logging p2p's I just put their park in the notes. Simple.

[@WJ6FRadio]

Outstanding video! I see that Ham Log is no longer available on the Apple store. Any recommendations for a substitute for doing POTA? I do NOT use Windows if at all possible.

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks Craig. I wish there was a good alternative to HamLog but I haven’t found one yet. I use Aether on my MacBook and really like that if you want to take your laptop with you.

[@WJ6FRadio]

@@hamradiotube Thanks for the info. I guess I will drag the MacBook with me. Got first POTA activation yesterday K-4443 Las Vegas including Alaska (North Pole) Same Alaska contact I think you had.

[@terrybaughman7939]

Thanks very much! This is something I really want to get into. Can you make a recommendation for a logging program on the Raspberry PI. New ham here as of Feb 2020. Just got an IC705 and very interested in QRP. Now using a Myantennas EFHW 40-10 at home. Terry Baughmann N8WEB

[@hamradiotube]

Welcome to the hobby, congrats! I don't get into RPi's too much but there are a couple logging apps. I don't really like them to be honest and I can't remember the names but if you watch this video from Jason, KM4ACK: kzbin.info/www/bejne/omWwaomMpqyrpcU and install his Build A Pie script, you will have everything in the world of ham radio that exists for RPi.

[@davidk5dsj458]

I am waiting on a knee surgery before I can venture out and work POTA. I would like to work you sometime if you have any kind of schedule so I would know when to check the POTA site.

[@hamradiotube]

I don't go by a schedule so much as I go when I want to go. I would suggest an app called ham alert. Put my call in as a trigger and if I'm spotted you will get an alert.

[@kevinmatthews2620]

very informative video there Mike, i as a UK full license holder will proably be travelling(when the covid is over) to Keene in NH to visit my son & his Girlfriend and my new grandson in 2021, and intend to bring my kenwood 590/dx commander expedition, 1 question i have as a UK operator is there any restrictions on me activating a park in NH while in the USA ??(apart from the obvious W1 prefix), i was also considering visting Canada while in the USA to operate /P as well would be able to do POTA there too ??, your answer would be helpful :) thx Kevin G2KS

[@hamradiotube]

I don’t think it would matter. Its all the same program as far as I know. That would be awesome to have activations in other counties.

[@chuckk5358]

Excellent presentation 👏, well laid out and easy to follow. What is the phone app listed under in the Play Store? I didn't find! Anything that looked like what you have. I have an Android, would that make it look different? I see you wear a Gibson t-shirt, did you do your own musical intro? Thanks, Chuck KG5OKG

[@hamradiotube]

Hi Chuck, thanks for watching. The app i'm using in this video is dead to me know. Download an app called HAMRS. www.hamrs.app It's the best one out there. And yes, that is me playing the intro. 73

[@chuckk5358]

@@hamradiotube Thanks Mike, I'll check out that app. Keep up the good work 👍👍. 73

[@DonDegidio]

Hi Mike, Sorry I missed the stream. Your presentation had great info. Stay safe. 73 WJ3U

[@hamradiotube]

No excuses lol! At least you made it. You were certainly NOT first haha!

[@javierpolendok5mhc]

Mike great video and the information. I am a fan of all your videos. Very informative and educational. 73 de KI5GLT

[@hamradiotube]

Thank you very much!

[@temporarilyoffline]

What Logging Software Do You Use?

[@hamradiotube]

Just a crayon and some construction paper. Various colors.

[@warplanner8852]

POTA does CW? ..never mind, I got to that part in the video? Thanks Mike!

[@hamradiotube]

Pota does everything but repeaters.

[@cdrice999]

Hi, Mike! Thanks for this great (and timely for me) video! I just discovered your videos a couple weeks ago and have been enjoying several of your POTA videos - so much so I had just started looking into signing up so I could do some hunting (and one day activating) myself! In the process of researching POTA a bit on my own, I found a lot of references/comparisons to another organization - WWFF-KFF. There appears to be quite a bit of "drama" in the past between POTA and WWFF. The first introduction I've had to either org was from your videos here -- so I'm honestly approaching this with no agenda, and I'm not trying to stir anything up, but I'm curious if you have any opinions or thoughts on the different orgs and any particular reason(s) you participate in POTA vs. the other. Thanks for the great videos! 73 de KC4KQE

[@hamradiotube]

Right on, get you some hunting on. Without hunters, it's pretty hard to activate. That drama is something I could care less about. I will tell you my personal feelings towards WWFF is that they have a few really stupid rules. A couple being you need to make 44 contacts to activate, and be in the park at least 2 hours. So if I make 44 contacts in say a half hour, I would need to sit there for another hour and a half for it to count. I have never done a WWFF activation and have no intention of doing so. POTA makes it fun and easy to get out and play portable radio. To me, that is more encouraging. I think that most people would agree. Which is prob why you see tons of POTA stuff on the social medias, and not so much WWFF. Because POTA is kicking their butts.

[@cdrice999]

@@hamradiotube Thank you for the detailed reply! I agree - the purpose of any program like this should be to encourage activity and fun with the hobby. It sounds like that's the focus of POTA. Rules are important, but rules should be sensible and reasonable - rules for the sake of rules serve no purpose aside from detracting from the fun of the hobby. Thanks again - hope to catch up with you on the air one day - 73s!

[@soul.rebel1986]

Thank you

[@hamradiotube]

You're welcome

[@Fmaj7b5]

Question for you. How do you do your pre-recorded QC call? What equipment do you use?

[@hamradiotube]

its built into the radio. Hit the menu or function button, I cant remember off the top of my head. Then go to voice, hit record, and record your cq.

[@stevegriffin3609]

Hi Mike really enjoyed the video great information. I really have started to be the hunter. Keep producing great videos.73 WD5ENH Steve

[@hamradiotube]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching. 73

[@matthewwoods2282]

Great Vids!!! Could you do a vid showing your settings on the G90? Trying to get the most out of my 20 watts!!! 73 K4HOK

[@hamradiotube]

Theres honestly nothing to set. The radio has almost zero features. I just turn it on and go.

[@K1STG-Fred]

Great video, I’ve been following along and am looking to get started with POTA. Right now I am trying to decide if I want to do QRP and get an FT-818 or go QRO and get an FT-891. Ideally I would like to fit the whole station in a backpack. 73 K1STG

[@hamradiotube]

That's a tough question. I wouldn't recommend a qrp radio as your first if you don't have any other radios. You can always turn the power down on the 891 if you want, but you can't turn the power up on the 817. I understand though, they are both great radios with their own features and benefits. For small, light weight portability the 817 wins hands down. But if you aren't making it qrp, the 100 watts from the 891 is gonna give you a fighting chance. But you need to carry an external battery. There is always a compromise somewhere.

[@K1STG-Fred]

You’re right, I think it will be best to start QRO, and then once I get some experience under my belt I can pick up a QRP radio and go backpack portable.

[@usernamemykel]

Upon your recommendation, I paid the exorbitant $0.99 fee for Hamlog ; ), but I've no clue as to what to put in for the various "settings". Please advise! Many thanks!

[@HalCasteel30005]

Great stuff. Any chance of connecting, I have a FT-891 & MFJ-939 and having issues getting everything working , could we connect over the weekend??

[@hamradiotube]

I did a video on the tuner here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ip_ChYalfJWIo80 from about the 2 minute to 4:30 minute mark is showing how I have it set up. It's pretty easy. There are some other ways to configure it than the way I show but this is how I run it with the 891.

[@wild-radio7373]

Fabulous! 🤜🏻👍🤛🏻♡♡♡

[@wild-radio7373]

Also, thank you for answering my question earlier :)

[@hamradiotube]

@@wild-radio7373 Awe shucks, its my pleasure. Thanks for being here. 73

[@andrewfiertek5937]

Sorry Mike I have one more question pertaining to logging if you can answer. In HamLog 73 are you going to Tools-Create Log-POTA web template or just hitting (+) on the main page and logging there?? Seems like the only thing holding me back from POTA is logging.. if you ever make another video about logging can you do it using 73 HamLog and show a video how you enter the data on screen.. Thanks again.

[@hamradiotube]

I just use hamlog in its most basic form. Hit the + button and start logging.

[@andrewfiertek5937]

@@hamradiotube I will do that, I know I'm making it harder then it really is...

[@hamradiotube]

@@andrewfiertek5937 See I'm just not that smart so I try and keep it simple.

[@skipsurre4225]

Mike thanks for giving me a new ham radio challenge.

[@hamradiotube]

Hey that’s awesome! It’s an incredible amount of fun! It is highly addictive though. You have been warned lol! 73

[@skipsurre4225]

@@hamradiotube is the logging program HamLogger ?

[@davewallace3899]

Hi Mike, Where do you account for a "P2P" on the 73 Ham Log app? Love the Vids!

[@hamradiotube]

I put p2p's in the comments.

[@HamRadio2]

Q:. Why do we POTA? A: So that we can #hamharder Ham Harder, Mike. Great vid, as always. 73

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks bud!

[@brentjohnson6654]

Haha

[@darryltelting2517]

Hi Mike, thank you for the nice presentation. I’m a starter and this is really helpfull! Thanks! Darryl, PH1DTE

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks for watching. This video is so old now too. Some minor things have changed, but the goal of getting out and playing radio hasn't. POTA has grown so much more since this. You're going to have a blast!

[@andyM7XTT]

Hi Mike really interested in pota,I've signed up but can I log using just qrz or station master n somehow pull the logs off one of those to upload to pota?? Just worried as will be my first activation this week ever and worrying about how to upload.thanks for any advice 73

[@hamradiotube]

I'm not sure about those. I use HAMRS hamrs.app

[@paddydivers3136]

Hi Mike, new ham and POTA here. Is there a way I can add new parks to the list of pota parks? Thanks

[@hamradiotube]

You’d have to submit a request to the POTA admins.

[@ftk2432]

What is the exact name of the logging app in the Apple App store? I can't find anything under Ham Log

[@hamradiotube]

Its been taken down but its called HamLog.

[@Maxflexgumby]

What counts as a unique park?

[@charlesromo5974]

how do you send in your logs from the HamLog app?

[@hamradiotube]

You could email the .adif file directly from the app to your section manager. I email it to myself and upload it into my logging software on my computer and make sure everything is accurate, then export that .adif so I can label it the way my section manager wants, and send it off. That sounds pretty convoluted but its actually quite easy. At the bottom of your log it says tools, then scroll all the way down to where it says export logbook entries. Then pick email ADIF -ALL, or ADIF -date range.

[@joel6221]

What's the logging program you're using on the mac?

[@hamradiotube]

My main logging software is called Aether. For portable I use HAMRS.

[@ChuckBigbie]

do you have to use battery power for your radio? AnAn

[@hamradiotube]

You don't have to, no.

[@martinmaciel9780]

What’s the model of the alpha antenna mike?

[@hamradiotube]

You know, I don’t have any idea.

[@bilymac2321]

Great video for those of us who are just getting started with POTA. Looking forward to my 1st activation, and the information you presented will be a big help. 73 W6BKM

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks for watching. Good luck on your first activation. 73

[@Screamingtut]

What do you do if you have a 6 call (N6KV) but live in 7 land?

[@jerutley]

You could ID yourself as N6KV/7 on CW, or "N6KV portable 7" on phone, but legally, it's not required, and probably not worth doing.

[@hamradiotube]

You would still send it to the 6 call manager.

[@paulhastings3109]

When you log a contract do you use UTC or local

[@hamradiotube]

UTC

[@deltaecho-59tx60]

Is there a hamlog alternative? I don’t seem to find it in the App Store.

[@hamradiotube]

Sadly no. I keep checking for something good to pop up on the App Store but there isn't anything else. There are logging apps but I feel they are all lacking in functionality, user interface, features, and are expensive ($5).

[@MrTonyd1954]

@@hamradiotube is the app mentioned in this video still exist? I also can't find in the App Store. Great videos.Thanks

[@hamradiotube]

@@MrTonyd1954 Nope. It disappeared a few months. Fortunately there is a newer better app available for every platform called HAMRS. You can download it for your mobile device on the App Store and also for your computer at www.hamrs.app.

[@stevepatterson2290]

what hamlet app you are using ? there are several in the app store

[@hamradiotube]

Its called HamLog and its no longer available on the App Store. Get HAMRS. It's available for every OS and its awesome.

[@stevepatterson2290]

@@hamradiotube ok thank you

[@hcy0]

How can I add more parks to the website (outside US)?

[@hamradiotube]

You can't. That's done by the POTA team.

[@45auto]

Newbie comment. I don't know the difference between QRP and QRO radios. Could you explain, please?

[@hamradiotube]

QRP is 10 watts or less SSB and 5 watts or less CW and digital. Technically QRO would be anything more than that. Or just think qrp as low power, and qro as high power.

[@williampeacock9473]

I enjoyed the video . I often wondered how to get started in POTA. And thanks for all the information. I so enjoy watching you do your thing I can see that you really get a kick out of doing what you are doing. 73 AE4OY WILLIAM PEACOCK EM-81UF ( OLDYELLA)

[@hamradiotube]

It's my pleasure. Glad you found it useful. Thanks for watching. 73

[@bennettsjb]

Great content as always Mike. Thank you! 73 de KD9NBF

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks Scott. 73

[@beansmalone1305]

Is there a minimum amount of contacts I need as an activator to get credit for activating a park? Other than 1.

[@hamradiotube]

you need 10 contacts to activate.

[@beansmalone1305]

@@hamradiotube Thank you.

[@sailor382]

Excellent video, 73 KI5CSG

[@ryanmiller6530]

I’ve seen you on the spotting site, but I think I’m always in your skip zone.

[@hamradiotube]

Then you must Ham Harder.

[@KI5LLK]

Who does spotting work?

[@hamradiotube]

I assume you mean "how" does spotting work? Either you, or someone else enters in your information on the pota spotting page and your station is now visible there to let others know what frequency and park you are at.

[@bydefault7795]

How do you get a park reference number for a national park that is not on the list? TNX 73

[@hamradiotube]

You would have to submit it to the POTA people and request it be added to the database. No clue how to do that though.

[@bydefault7795]

@@hamradiotube Thanks!! I'll try to do that.

[@paulhastings3109]

How do you Submit a log. I got all stuff together I hope. So watch out the mistakes are coming KQ4CD Paul

[@hamradiotube]

Per the POTA website FAQ's: You would email your .adif to [e-mail] Q: How do I send my logs in? A: Go to the home page and it’s based on your call sign number, NOT location…. www.parksontheair.com If your call sign has a 0 in it, send it to [e-mail] If it has a 1 in it, send it to [e-mail] etc…. For now, the country of origin does not matter. If you are in a park that is in multiple states, you MUST let the regional coordinator know which state you were in for the log to be processed. Logs must be split by park, but a single log can contain multiple days. It is MANDATORY for your ADIF file name to include the call sign, park number and activation date. (e.g. [e-mail])

[@davidsutton9717]

Do you submit a new log for every new Activision

[@MrTommy001]

My guess would be "yes".

[@deenunya7735]

Great Vid Fella 👍 Was it me or was Dxy moe Impressed by you if you know what im Saying 🤗😊

[@hamradiotube]

I think she was impressed by the 7300. I’m not too good at picking up on those kinds of signals.

[@robertedunn4874]

where in Michigan are you

[@hamradiotube]

Suburbs of Detroit

[@robertedunn4874]

@@hamradiotube I live up in Flint Township I’d like to meet up with you and talk HAM radio. I’m a fairly new HAM, June. KE8OOK. Bob

[@K0MRDRadioPrepper]

Waiting to be approved for POTA as an activator lol

[@forgetyourlife]

log in with Amazon? huh, thats a new one.

[@hamradiotube]

Huh??

[@forgetyourlife]

@@hamradiotube right there at 4 minutes in. Guess you forgot.

[@A-_-_A]

I wish you could 'hide' your call from the totals, to participate in POTA but not show up on the rosters for points. To bad.

[@hamradiotube]

I don’t understand what you mean.

[@A-_-_A]

@@hamradiotube If you do POTA, every point moves you up the scoreboard. I was able with 5 clicks to see you have 61 activations with 14 unique parks. I dont want everyone to be able to look at that, its not a contest - not everything is a competition. Why can't I just enjoy being on the radio and keep my 'score' to myself? If I wanted to keep score on every aspect of my life I would stop drinking for one.

[@michaelbradley8508]

Great educational video... Thank you. Michael VA6XMB

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks for watching.

[@AnglinTexas]

$11 a year… Wow. Texas state park pass is $70

[@hamradiotube]

Yeah I know. I’ve been in Tx for a little over a year now. Totally worth it though. Texas State Parks are beautiful.

[@AnglinTexas]

@@hamradiotube it is worth it, Especially if you camp. You get the free daily entry for everyone in your car, and then 1/2 off of the second night of camping. Mine pays for itself at least a couple times over every year.

[@n3ljs399]

POTA don't recognize all official state parks in Maryland.....the dont like the ones you have to hike up a mountain to get to.

[@hamradiotube]

Not all parks are in the database. Not sure how they decide though.

[@BRADASSOFFGRIDHOMESTEAD]

You have to pay to go to a park? You already pay for the PUBLIC park with taxes...

[@hamradiotube]

State and National parks usually have fees, yes. These are not regular city parks.

[@BRADASSOFFGRIDHOMESTEAD]

@@hamradiotube Do you pay state and federal taxes?

[@richarde735]

LGRW

[@hamradiotube]

Not sure what that means but thanks for the comment.

[@miltonsingleton7244]

How can I get one of those smaller tags you have hanging up in your shack KE8LWX and thanks for all the information

[@h.sapienstechnologicus8865]

Let your beard breath, it's choking you.

[@hamradiotube]

I don't even know what thats supposed to mean but thanks for watching.

[@SteveWrightNZ]

Looks very manly.

[@hamradiotube]

It's the most manly thing you can do.

[@SteveWrightNZ]

@@hamradiotube No its not ay lol

[@demorestautosport]

Good stuff Mike! Thank you for putting this together for us noobs to POTA - KE8QPI