The POTA Facebook Group: Why All The Hate??

Often Referred Too As A Dumpster Fire, Why So Much Hate On The POTA Facebook Group? Plus We Take A Look At A Really Cool HF Go Box, And Are Antenna Tuners Safe To Use?
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[@heidamath6794]

I left Facebook all together because of this sort of thing. I would take that tower to POTA every day and use it at home on Thursdays….

[@Malloc42]

Facebook is just cancer. That guy's antenna is awesome. POTA is great for EmComm preparedness and that antenna screams EmComm. When the SHTF for some hurricane, etc, to have that tower avail would be priceless. POTA on my friend!

[@shanebarton8180]

Facebook in general is a dumpster fire. Each page is basically a compartmentalized dumpster fire.

[@Dusty_Ham]

Honestly most (if not all) social media is a dumpster fire these days. And yes, I know I'm commenting on social media by typing this.

[@mobiltec]

If you're on Fake Book you're not very smart anyhow.

[@KarmaFlight]

I left it years ago. Never looked back!

[@jwilly5336]

Have you seen Reddit? That place is a dumpster fire.

[@mobiltec]

@@jwilly5336 I don't to any of that crap. I also don't go swimming in septic tanks....

[@BLACKHEAT1028]

Thanks Mike for answering my question about the tuner, I had to throw in the sad ham between you and NOTARUBICON talking about the sad hams I wanted to make sure you knew what side of the ham I was on...........not the sad side. 73! This is why I am Patreon member appreciate what you do for the ham community

[@billhewitt8965]

"Keyboard commanders "- awesome! Also, your 1kw activation video was a blast!

[@jerryKB2GCG]

Love that mobile tower!!! Talk about POTA envy! Loved your 1K activation.

[@hamradiotube]

Right?!

[@KD7JVR]

​@@hamradiotubeI tired of these junior high crybabies. Who cares what that guys thinks, If you want run POTA at 1K do it, if you want to use a Yagi on a portable tower (which is awesome BTW) then do it. Don't be a child because someone's got something bigger and better than you. It's penis envy.

[@ramoncatano8125]

Legal limit is 1500 watts in the US. Its "recommended" to use the minimum amount required to make contact, doesnt mean to use lowest power to call CQ

[@prephampaul]

As usual, well said! I'm so happy when I see you bring out the sad hams! And that hf 'gokit' friggin hilarious!🤣Maybe the challenge needs a new category.😂

[@lawrence3242]

I am not a pota guy. But I have no hate for pota operators. I’ve seen a piece of wire thrown in a tree, and the transceiver on the operators lap. I’ve seen operator operating out of their car. It’s ham radio. We have a hobby that is very large and diverse. You name it we do it. I’m surprised that a scuba diver doesn’t operate underwater with an antenna floating on top the water. Who cares as long as it is legal.

[@Dusty_Ham]

Man I love the "fun trolls" No one gets hurt (other than those that get all bent out of shape but they'd be getting bent out of shape no matter what) and most people have a good laugh. It's true harmless fun, which I think we need more of in this world.

[@Alexmotter74]

I love that you tell it like it is and call out the haters. Keep up the good work and keep posting those great videos!

[@hamradiotube]

I appreciate that!

[@hamradioqrp-k0klb]

Another great episode Mike.. thanks for sharing. !!

[@karerob1]

Mike, I read most of your responses and I didn’t see any comments about the “More Cowbell” shirt. Where did you get that shirt? Love it. 73’s from Bob in your favorite state of Ohio-Wb8sag.

[@Blake-W8LB]

Thanks again for a great video Mike! Finally hunted you today, you’re the first big time ham celebrity I’ve had the chance to work! Couldn’t agree more on the POTA police 😂😂😂. Keep them coming. 73 W8LB

[@kd8ccx]

I'm glad someone is calling out the people being the Ham Radio Police.

[@davidsaylors]

I found out about the “dumpster fire” that is the POTA page on FB and have since left, never to return and my life is better for it.

[@unclemikeyplays]

OK, that motorized tower is more work than **I** would wanna do, but it's entirely valid. Are you in a park? Are you operating? That's POTA. That's it. Facebook groups are almost universally an unpumped septic tank. The exceptions are mostly groups about cat pictures.

[@uqpkilokilo4490]

New Goal!!!!! build epic trailer like that guy!!!! That was so nice, thank you for sharing that!!!!

[@hamradiotube]

Right?

[@stephanhersey1186]

Loved that portable tower. You'll see a bunch out there on Field Day. I love my FTM-300. Our club is getting into more emcomm stuff using digital FM. The FTM-300 linked to a computer through a digirig is just stupid easy to use. One band doing digital the other analog voice. Oh yeah, does APRS, like you said.😀Steve, k7ofg

[@stacyjourdain4435]

Mike, I got a couple of question for you. What does it take to run 1500 W how many amps ...can a plug into a 120 watt outlet do it ? Also is a car with two alternators capable of generating 10,000 W for a Cb Radio. As a truck driver, there's a guy out of New Mexico that His Skip is being Heard all around the country and all of the truckers in the country think that he's purposely trying to annoy all of us ...I keep telling them it's just Skip they claim he's putting out 10,000 watts. They want the FCC to shut him down. Next can a car with two alternators generate enough power to actually Put out a 10,000 W carrier. ...How many amps would that require? Thanks love you videos.

[@amnchode]

This makes me want to get that mobile tower, a 1k+ amp, and a generator...then go activate a park on 14.300, starting at 1545Z when the frequency is "clear"....just to troll. Welp, lottery plans are set now 😂

[@BRJ2]

I think the 2nd most important aspect of ham radio is the diversity of setups. I've activated parks with only P2P on my DX10 (with QRO via ALS-500M) and DXCommander Expedition. My only (self-imposed) rule is: all equipment must be lugged in one load (no wheels).

[@IOSALive]

Ham Radio Tube, I really enjoyed watching this, so I hit the like button!

[@K3JRZOnTheAir]

Awesome answer to question #3!!!! And I agree with everything you said. 73!

[@EveryUserName]

That pota antenna tower looks awesome!

[@n1mie]

Actually I think you missed an even more important point for Mr. Gold. Per Part 97, no one owns any frequency. The Maritime Net does not own 14.300 and can not interfere with you if you are there. That said, common courtesy would be that you wouldn't setup there if you know it is the location of a popular net. And BTW, I think Facebook bashing is as bad as POTA bashing. You may not like it, and that is fine. But does have some uses and can be a powerful tool if used wisely.

[@Philip-KA4KOE]

IV hangar on the left of the go box. Married to a nurse K4SMN. Also...we're all for science...mad science in particular....the madder, the better. HUZZAH!!!!

[@AD6DMDennis]

Best go-box ever.

[@geod3589]

I'd love to have that crankup tower and trailer!

[@geraldcampbell6834]

I had an old boat trailer that my friend gave me, i plan to get a tower that was going to attach to it but his wife gave the trailer to some scrapper guy that was coming around the neighborhood picking up junk so no more portable tower plans till i find a cheap or free trailer and a tower!

[@North49Radio]

I like how the suitcase handle was broken

[@alexjh47]

Nice. FTM300 is my go to for satellite QSOs!

[@mpvservice]

When is that mobile POTA trailer going to hit Amazon or ESTY

[@Kc8qdq]

Do you think there is a market for one ?

[@joshuagosnell22]

I did POTA activation at US-3890 oconee station. And I was on 20m doing late shift. Damn if somebody spotted me on POTA app. And say I'm working dx and nothing else. I laugh so hard I was crying laugh. Yes i was getting coast to coast and even Australia. This is how I put it. Ur control operator and u in park. Do what ever u want. Thanks Mike. U made me laugh today. W4GOG back country POTA.

[@keithhawkins4641]

personally I think the guy that did pota with his portable tower is great. I am limited on antennas here at QTH, so more power and beams for pota is great by me. I hunt parks but find that most east of Mississippi is a bear for me to work. So thanks to the guy with the beam.

[@Bruce_VK2EM]

Mike, I run APRS on my phone when I am out activating so that others may see which park I am in if they missed it over the air, 73, Bruce

[@ToiToiTrimmer]

😳 No one else mentioned it, but I saw your amazing cat time warp. 😳

[@hamradiotube]

Yes he did. He didn't want to hear about Facebook.

[@BusDriverRFI]

Have you tried to model antennas? If you play with the modeling software, you realize that the antenna has inductance, capacitance and radiation resistance. The coil doesn't really match impedance and I'll tell you why. Model a short vertical antenna. Look at the resistance of that antenna. Let's say it's 12.5 ohms. Add as much inductance in there and the radiation resistance is still 12.5 ohms. But, if you used a 4:1 transmission line transformer, you can match that impedance to 50 ohms. What the coil does do is cancel out the capacitance of the short antenna. Sometimes that will get us low enough SWR to make us happy. But it doesn't change the resistive part of the complex impedance for the antenna. I hate to be picky, but helping people to understand helps when it becomes actual facts that can be understood.

[@DarkShadowCustoms]

Yes there are very few POTA specific rules. If I had that tower I would definitely use it for POTA. Actually it would go every where I intend to do a portable operations that I could drive to.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

What in the portable death by electrocution is even that go kit?? 😂

[@SmokeSignalsRF]

Amen Brother 🎙

[@edballardwd8jvv601]

Mike I loved this post on POTA right on.

[@JonathanKayne]

There is only one rule with POTA: have fun! Honestly it’s fun to mix and match. Most of the time I am operating QRP CW, but sometimes I just feel like bringing out my FTDX10 and getting pileups for hours on end. Also, I have found that CW is a great way to avoid sad hams. They usually are too lazy to learn it (and are too busy on Facebook obviously)

[@snokones]

Thanks Mike!

[@tburda823]

We are building out an enclosed trailer with a pneumatic 40 foot tower. Can't wait to get that working and post it on the POTA group there are some SERIOUS crybabies on that group and it was great to see everyone school that guy that you were not a "new operator." Lol.

[@hamradiotube]

Oh please let me know when and where you're doing that. I would love to be there. Please be in 5 land!

[@adventuresofbobandlana4939]

Your explanation on tuners was spot on but I’m not sure the cat was buying it. 😂 N7KHH

[@royn6wyz647]

Spot on-Love the videos

[@aaronlindemann2669]

Amen!

[@briansalsbery9968]

Makes me want to go to the FB group and share that most of my POTA activations are 100w CW just to see the reaction. 🙂

[@don3394]

Science!! It's poetry in motion! 😁

[@daveN2MXX]

Hey Mike- I'm sorry for any perceived hate from my post. I didn't connect the call sign with your youtube channel. I believe some folks saw the "test spot" and I heard them calling you on 14.300....that's when I looked at the spotting page and saw your spot. I often hear stations on 14.300, and I don't think it is malicious....some folks might not know about the net. I have no hate towards you or POTA- I'm sorry it came across like that.

[@hamradiotube]

Well that's a shame on them for calling me if they did because I assure you, they did not hear me. No worries man.

[@ryanjones9305]

On the tower and power pota stuff, I agree with the hater. A tower and a kilowatt is not what pota is about.....to me. But you do you man! I think it’s pretty badass to build a portable tower like that! I also think it’s pretty cool to take a kilowatt out to the field. Hell man, we set up a portable tower this last winter field day and it was awesome! That’s the wonderful thing about the hobby, so what interests you and then mind your own business.

[@markh1938]

That looks like mafia info extraction kit.

[@ripnlips-KF0NNA]

Congrats on the award. You are a POTA and battery guru. As for haters. Spin up Invincible Shield

[@phillipzminda6571]

Guys complaining about a high power POTA activation are probably the same ones who insist you must run low power on FT8 too. When the station in Central Asia shows up in the only zone you need, you just may need to run the amp to work him.

[@James_Bowie]

Love how David Gold talks like Cartman. 😆😆😆

[@dustinhasselbach6378]

I have come to the conclusion that Facebook hams get really upset if you don't ham like they do and have fun doing it.

[@WoodyPhillips]

Amateur Radio is about Experimentation. You do you AND HAVE FUN!

[@KD7JVR]

Awesome shirt. Not a lot of people get the reference. BOC/SNL

[@peterfrend5360]

I believe in 'The Spirit of Amateur Radio', ie, Be courteous to one another. Be helpful. Be respectful & not denigrate anyone who prefers a different branch of our hobby, just because we are not interested in it? Go by the rules of the licence. I will work anyone, & religion, nationality or politics doesn't come into it. A lady radio amateur friend of mine had a lot of abuse from some radio amateurs, just because of a political situation. This is not what amateur radio is about? We are a unique band of brothers & sisters in our wonderful hobby. Thankyou for your wonderful video's. Best 73 de Pete GI0FZT.

[@mattk7yeg682]

To the haters on facebook, I like to just say "Lighten up Francis."

[@Dennis_856]

Yes you are Lord Mike

[@mdwestlund1]

As ur cat walks out of the room. Lol.

[@pcramil]

I kinda wanna post a screen recording of the POTA part in the facebook group 😂

[@user-uo4dq5zi7d]

Unless something is against the POTA rules, or FCC rules, the only reason another operator would complain or attempt to chastise you, would be because they personally don't like what you are doing. I.e., if you aren't operating how THEY think you should operate, they overreact and start complaining or throwing online temper tantrums. My favorite is when an Extra-class operator activates in the Extra portion of a band (perfectly legal, and not a POTA violation, either). A fair-size group will go totally nuts, "warning people" about your activation on social media, posting condescending comments on the spotting page, personally e-mailing the activator (anonymously, of course), and in one case I heard about, actually calling the Extra-class operator on the phone to let him know that he was activating in the Extra portion of the band. Of course, it's much easier to sit back, go into convulsions or cardiac arrest, and complain about an Extra activation than it is to simply upgrade their license so they can work said Extra.

[@Bonsai-Miata2020]

Im going to make some popcorn and sit back and watch the new drama show. Now what Im really concerned about is during your video your cat walked out of the room looking pretty disgusted lol

[@spaceflight1019]

Truth be told, "POTA, SOTA, whatever" is nothing new. Let's go back about 60 years... 60 years ago, 6 and 2 meter AM was popular, fueled by the then-new "transceiver" that made mobile operations relatively easy. Hams were easy to spot by the Saturn "basketball hoops" affixed to the rear bumper of their cars. Because 6 meters is just below the analog channel 2, TVI was a big problem. Operation from home was often restricted to the hours between midnight and 6 AM. Hams would find parks and hilltops to operate from, far away from residential areas, and keep peace with the neighbors.

[@stahpit1971]

You never have to go far to get an internet karate chop from the knowitall sad hams. I was curious if you got that 400 in Belton. I liked Jasons reasoning on why the 300 is a little more mobile friendly. 73

[@FA7X]

I love the POTA folks. I don't look at them as contesters, they are more like special event stations/dxpeditions. I have 49 states and easily 80% of them were POTA stations. They are also great for County hunters, grid square hunters, etc. POTA on my friends.

[@kevingaukel4950]

I do not have a problem with that tower. I wish I had one. I am not a QRP operator in POTA - I like my 100W as it gets out further (I like DX ;) )

[@joewallace3920]

Do you know who I am? Was waiting for you you to pull out an American Express card😂

[@angelscomputers]

In ham radio there is always going to be haters PERIOD. I recently started playing with amplifiers (QRO) and ohhh my, I’ve been getting so much hate from the QRP’ers that you can’t imagine. I like QRP too but gosh, this days if you are not QRP “you are doing it wrong”, “because I can make contacts with 5 watts there is no reason for you to be using 800”. I don’t know but when I got my first Novice license many years ago the rules were “you use the necessary power to complete the contact up to 1,500 watts” , later when got my Extra Class license the rules still the same!!! So stop attacking people because they are doing something different than you, the best thing about our hobby is that we have OPTIONS. It’s pretty typical

[@bobsaunders3621]

Pota facebook has a lot of problems, has done for a long time, it's toxic. Best to just stay away. Thanks for all the great and entertaining content.

[@GH0ST369]

Mike when I get my call sign I will troll you just for the negative attention, until then keep up the good work.

[@Mandarin110631]

give 'em heck mike! love it

[@seanedwards569]

I love you taking down the self appointed gatekeepers!

[@yakovrokhlin316]

Omg. I laughed so hard on David Gold. That is so awesome 😂

[@n2yqt]

I had to block all the admins on that dump. One got bent because he thought I was talking about him/them/they when I said POTA Police but it was really about some other dumbass.

[@waynewelshans1249]

Agreed😁

[@robertmeyer4744]

very good. just have fun POTA ! SAD hams is just a part of ham radio. I don't let it bother me. if I do they win. the haters. I go to have fun and have a good time. I have made contacts on CB and GMRS when on POTA . just can't use them logs. even used a GMRS repeater. just did not log any of that. I was supporting the park and radio . even on CB the band police came out. was not using my call . just saying POTA on 38 LSB. just playing radio. did not use repeater to spot or anything like that. the ham POTA was kept separate . 73's

[@Hero1395]

What's the cat's name? Black cats are the best. Ours paced around the house all moring before the total eclipse in SW Indiana. She knew something was up.

[@hamradiotube]

Satan

[@robr7780]

POTA is not only fun, but is a great for emergency preparedness. I think there are more operators than ever who are technically ready to respond should SHTF. As for 14.300, I see no problem checking in and asking the net controller for an audio/signal report, keeping in mind that some maritime boaters rely on that frequency should they run into trouble at sea.

[@Hank_W6IR]

Guess I'll have to join/monitor the POTA facebook group to get some laughs.

[@maxplanck4276]

I've been watching your content recently, found you a couple of months ago. This video, POTA facebook comments specifically, prompted me to subscribe.

[@GharacDurac]

A like and and a subscribe for destroying Davin Gold :D Thanks man!

[@hamradiotube]

Hahaha, thanks!

[@saldomino1639]

You are right Ham radio is fun and it should be ! Yep ! Last week I got a hater on 20 M when I activated he said all you potty Pota people lol need to get off the band you all get me sick great video mike ! Sal / KM4PPV

[@jimmiller1537]

You do a great job with your activations! I can't always make tthe contact but I can usually hear you. N1JBM

[@mwalker1975]

14.300 and the never ending maritime net. I genuinely do not understand it. I'm here for you to do the test and ruffle some feathers even if unintentionally. 73 Mike, KJ7FEE

[@nhojcam]

Sad Ham = David Gold

[@brickerhaus]

Haters gonna hate. One question. Does it work to call attention to the haters? Have you successfully shamed someone into quitting the hate? Should we shame the haters? Or should we ignore them?

[@chublez]

It won't stop them. If you can get a laugh out of it do so. If it just bugs you ignore em. Don't let them run the show is the only rule to live by.

[@christophersmith1155]

POTA, Go large or go home. 8 element beam and 4,400 watts 😉

[@Spoutloud]

Troll the haters.

[@jerryKB2GCG]

Tell the haters to pet their kitties and everything will be all better 😊

[@hamradiotube]

Truth!

[@ik04]

"Tuner"=transmatch.

[@hamradiotube]

See I knew you had the right vocabulary 🤣

[@cablemedic207]

Non binary

[@sk8crk]

you do aprs to troll people?

[@gabrielgheorghiu1976]

Hahaha! Love the t-shirt! ❤️

[@geraldscott4302]

Other than KZbin (and it sucks big time) I have never been on any other form of social media. But I did give up on HF amateur radio because of all the contesting. It has gotten out of hand. Nobody just talks on HF anymore. At least on 2 meters and 70cm you can actually have a QSO with someone, or a group of people for as long as you want, as long as someone else doesn't need the repeater. I do my DX stuff on 11 meters with modified equipment. Much more relaxed and informal. This POTA crap needs to just go away.

[@ryank5tar]

HAHAHAHA LORD K Murder has spoken!

[@thedamned6248]

People need to quit bitchin about what others do and mind their own damn business. Get out more, get fresh air. You'll be amazed what it'll do for you.

[@kikodv1ksantos936]

Too much haters out there for us who enjoys our HF or any Ham radio activity OUTDOORS =( =( =( even here in the Philippines

[@mrpolite01]

Facebook is for old cranky folks. I dropped it years ago and I’m old and cranky. No bueno.