5 years of POTA experience revealed in 12 minutes

[@kd9pcdradio]

You mentioned that POTA has essentially re-energized ham radio, but I don’t think that people would be as willing or as excited about the idea if there weren’t people like you guiding them along the way. You have played a serious role in invigorating ham radio in the last several years, and it’s been SO much fun watching all of your videos. Hats off to you, Michael, because without your hundreds of videos, reviews, suggestions, tidbits, and honesty, we wouldn’t be where we are today. I know I sure wouldn’t, anyway. Thank you for your continuous effort into this hobby, and I’m always looking forward to your next video!

[@ronpetroski7203]

it doesn't matter where i am or who i make contact with. The more Iam on it the more i get motivated with different contacts to include nets. every net i checked in has been welcoming, thats what we need.

[@shandybrandy5407]

I second it all that you have mentioned staying thousands of miles away from the US.

[@JohnLastnamewithheld]

I agree completely. and Thank you for all you do Mike

[@N3RPB]

Michael, your down to earth attitude and your enjoyment of the hobby are infectious.You are a blessing to the hobby

[@louislaporte1466]

I like that you are genuine.

[@ChrisBeiting]

I've only done 2 activations, but I've done a ton of hunting. Going to just a local county park and hunting for me is a great time as well! POTA was one of the motivating factors for me getting my general, and it's been something that I've really grown to love. I'm hoping that spring/summer 2025 will be when I start camping and exploring with my radio!

[@tim123527]

Thanks, Michael. Lots of good comments and reflections from you here. I’m from the UK (G4XWJ) and did my first activations (CW) while visiting Texas this January, with my US callsign (AG5YP) with one of my POTA-experienced ham friends from the Long Island CW Club. A lot of preparation ahead of time as to format, what to expect etc and was surprised at the pile-ups almost from the start. Remembering that the activator is in control and chooses who to get back to and how to get specific hunters to repeat their calls from the pile up was good practice. It was easy to forget logging the UTC time for the QSOs in my notebook and that in Texas, the new UTC day ticks over at 6pm. Learning through experience:). Several successful activations followed in the UK over the summer including a first ever activation in one park. It’s addictive, but fun addictive. Thanks, Michael :)

[@KwajSpeedo]

Last Thursday, November 1st, I did my first POTA activation. CW on a QCX Mini. It was a long journey getting there from a dead start a year and a half ago. I thank you for being one of the online Elmers who helped keep the fire burning as I tread the path. Chris W2BPL

[@nilnum]

Your POTA videos are inspiring me to study more and more for my next license

[@RashleysBorderQue]

I stumbled on POTA after being off the air for many years. I used to contest and find that POTA gives me the thrill of the pileup without the need to be running 200 Q’s per hour. It gives me a goal to strive for.

[@ieaEH]

I just got back into Ham radio after 6 years and discovered POTA after buying my Yaesu FT-891 and now i want to activate a park and your videos have helped me alot

[@MrJimmy440]

I did an activation this week and had hunters from 25 other countries hunt me down in Virginia. Yes, this is an addiction and also more importantly FUN. 73 Thanks for all your videos , Jim K2WPA

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I think I've gotten more DX as a POTA activator than I have in my 25 years as a ham.

[@AH6UN_OE4JHW]

Hi Jim, thanks for the contacts! 73 POTA on - George OE4JHW / AH6UN

[@MrJimmy440]

@@KB9VBRAntennas the DX especially on 17 & 15 meters phone has been excellent the past few weeks. I even managed to get China on FT-8, 17 Meters.

[@happyjack880]

I made a POTA QSO with you last week and didn't even realize it until I went through my log later. Great video. 73!

[@VaHokieYT]

Michael, I'm a customer having bought your UHF/VHF J-pole as my first antenna. I'm now a General at 74 and having more fun all the time. I appreciate your genuiness (is that a word?) about ham radio and the effort you put into educating those who are new. I like hunting and after hitting my 200 parks level, I can tell you that the practice has made me much more at ease on the mic and I've even developed my routine some what. Thx again, Wade N2VPI.

[@primozarko304]

Thank you for your view on the POTA Michael. I could not agree more on what you said. Always have a smile is gold 😊All the best and 73!

[@royanderson7021]

We watched your POTA videos and bought a ft891 and a WRC 17' antenna with the sporty 40 coil. We were using the screen wire and then switched to the Faraday cloth "magic carpet". In less than 2 years, we've activated in 12 states and in Canada, and we're working on activating all entities in our home state of NC - 130 down and 112 to go. We've hunted all US states except HI and AK, and we've even hunted you a couple of times. Thanks so much for helping us get started in POTA. We're having a blast and getting some really great experience using our radio equipment. KQ4COJ & KQ4COB

[@gdaniel767]

Another great video Michael! Even the dogs barking was perfect because that kind of thing (unexpected noise and interruptions) actually happens to me in parks. You just laugh (or give a friendly wave of the hand) and move on. You really captured the essence of POTA in your advice and observations, too.😄 73, AB4KN

[@Bob814u]

I just looked while watching your video realized I have been doing POTA since December 2014. I don't have nearly the same number of activations as many people but I have enjoyed the ones that I have had. One bit of advice I will give and suggest is to inventory your gear before you leave your home. My wife and I went for a day out and I took my LNR3B. When I arrived and set up the antenna I realized I had forgotten my CW key. LNR3B, for those that may not know, is a CW only radio. I got a couple of contacts by using a connection that had bare wires coming out of it and touching the wires together for a straight key.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I think a lot of us got our first taste of POTA through the ARRL's National Parks on the Air program in 2016. I participated in that, but it took a few more years before I really got into Parks on the Air. Check lists are good, and I use them too.

[@klutch545]

I agree that POTA is all about having fun and to operate with a smile. I find that 99% of hunters are just as enthusiastic to make contact with the park as you are for them hunting the park. There will be the one-off who sounds or acts not so friendly, but I just look past that and focus on all the happy people I make contacts with, because they make me happy too. Thank you for sharing your experiences and teaching us. You are a huge reason why so many (myself included) have gotten into HF and POTA

[@Bob_N2BOC]

Hey Michael. Thank you for being a down to earth ambassador for portable ham radio, especially POTA. I very much enjoy your demonstrations of setting up various antennas and seeing how they perform. As a "just over a year old ham", I feel like POTA has given me an opportunity to go outdoors and explore new places, while experimenting and honing my radio skills. You've been very instrumental thru your video content, and I thank you for that. Keep being you, keep having fun, keep sharing the joy. And of course, it's always a hoot to work you on the air. 😊 73 Bob N2BOC

[@shannons.4226]

New hunter here, but I do enjoy it. It's my coffee time early in the morning before the household wakes up. I've only attempted to activate once, but I was told it wasn't permitted, so I very politely agreed and left. I'll get back out there soon. (Side note, I was about to go yell at my little dog for causing such a ruckus)

[@darylw-m9549]

Congratulations on the 5-year milestone Michael. I appreciate your infectious enthusiasm.

[@petepnut]

Thanks for this one. I totally agree, POTA is not a contest, for most Ops - it is a day out - maybe with friends and family. It's a great way to enjoy a good day out in the countryside, and to test perhaps a new battery, new aerial (I'm a Brit), or a new radial system, and perhaps introduce newcomers (of all ages) into the hobby. Amateur Radio is about experimentation, not how much cash or watts that you throw into your system.

[@PaperworkNinja]

You're right about having a smile on your face when you talk. I have worked in call centers for years and callers can tell. Now I just have to figure out how to transmit that same smile on CW!

[@billjobes1851]

Thanks a stack, Michael for sharing your wisdom and inspiration. I've been a park activator for about a year and a half now, and I owe much of my success and joy of experience to things I've learned watching your activation videos. Your point about antennas is So true ! I use activations to test and experiment with all kinds of wire and vertical antennas that I've either made or purchased. So I groan, sometimes aloud, when I hear someone carp about an antenna, saying it's a 'compromise.' Compared to WHAT? A 6-element beam on a 100-foot tower? I can say with confidence that every single antenna I've deployed in the field has been my gateway to a day of fun and activation. I don't count the number of contacts to gauge my success. Even those days when the antenna or poor propagation come to roost, I STILL enjoy the experience of ham radio in the great outdoors. And when not 'out there,' I'm in the home shack as a Hunter who enjoys the chase almost as much as portable ops. We all are grateful for your great attitude and generosity in wisdom-sharing. Best 72 from W3WJ.

[@ChrisgTurner]

Thanks, Michael for all the info and QSOs I'm in the process of getting up enough nerve to start activating I have most of all the gear you do except I have a G90 20 watts for portable and a Yeasu FT 710 for my base station I do have the Pota performer I built it from your video. Thanks again N9XC Chris 73

[@rodneylamay5926]

god bless you michael you have guided all of us through the years you are the best.73s ki6pxv.

[@jonniez62]

What's stopping me? A radio, coax, atenna. Working on it and your videos are helping with choices.

[@theElderberryFarmer]

I've had good luck with both of the radios that Michael mentioned in the video - the Xiegu G90 was my first HF radio and it works very well. When I decided I wanted a little more power, I bought the Yaesu FT-891 and it also works very well. Either one will work fine as a POTA rig, and I use the FT-891 as my base station. Take care and God Bless, and 73, Dwight - KO4AZY

[@Chris_KS5KY]

To this point I've only hunted the parks and have really enjoyed it. I keep saying that I want to do an activation one day, aside of being worried I'll screw something up, I feel I've been over thinking my antenna for this. You helped me understand that its time to quit making excuses and just go out and do it.

[@sphexes]

Love you Michael! You're a great human. Thank you for the continued inspiration and guidance. 73 W8XDX

[@barntt]

Mike your a AWESOME Leader/Teacher!

[@KF0PBP]

I've been licesensed about 9 months now and still learning . I've not had much success with activations, a few here and there but sure appreicate the engouragement your videos foster. I'm planning on taking out my new Big Kansas Coil this weekend. Not sure where but will enjoy the day out and about in this beautiful Fall weather. Thanks!

[@wildcatcomms]

Welcome to the hobby and welcome to POTA! I looked at your POTA page and see that you got really close to activating about three times you attempted... I see what you mean about "not had much success". I'd like to help, if I can. What kind of rig are you using? What time of day are you attempting to activate? I'm curious to know about your attempts so that I might make some helpful suggestions. Take care!

[@JBryant1981]

One thing I do to ensure successful activations is only going out when I don't have any time constraints. The only time I did go out with a time constraint was this past Saturday afternoon, but it was a Support Your Parks Weekend. I managed to get 24 contacts in about an hour without counting Park to Park contacts with activators at 2-fers. All I did was hunt Park to Park and I made one contact with a strong special event station I heard while scrolling through 20 meters as I was going through the POTA spots. One thing I do is start each activation by hunting Park to Park contacts. Typically I go through the band once working anyone I can hear. Then I find a clear frequency and start calling "CQ POTA" myself.

[@wildcatcomms]

@@JBryant1981 that's great advice, I also start my activations by doing Park 2 Park hunting!

[@johnsnyder7021]

I'm not big on making comments, but I must say--- you have been my "go-to" Elmer for many years. Thank you!

[@paulKJ5GKK]

Thanks Michael! You've been a huge inspiration to me. I've done 7 activations in the last two weeks and am going out again tomorrow! Making contacts from the shack is one thing, but there's nothing quite like stringing up a wire in a park and being hunted by dozens of fellow Hams. 73

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

That's awesome, I hope to get you in the log soon.

[@chrisranes7964]

Great words of wisdom, Michael. Thanks for everything you do for POTA and the hobby in general. Hope you managed to get your first kilo at the park! You asked what I like about POTA? Well, I enjoy the friendly competition between local hams, even though I know it’s not a contest! We operate Field Day together each year, and for the rest of the year, we’re always looking for new ways to enjoy the hobby. One of our group was initially reluctant to get into POTA, but after attending a local POTA meetup and seeing everyone’s portable setups, he got inspired. Now, he’s seeking out new parks to activate wherever he goes, which has helped bridge the gap until the next Field Day. 73 Chris NS8Q

[@JD144-]

Thanks for the insight! As a new hunter, that hasn’t activated yet, you just answered some of the questions that I have. I guess one of the things I really like about POTA is seeing how far away I can make a contact. There’s usually always someone out there that isn’t mad at the world and they’re waiting for you to throw your call out. Thanks for all that you do!

[@petersheldon3558]

Thanks to your videos, I have now activated 3 parks, absolutely love it, the journey to the park, the setting up and all the amazing hunters and other activators who I meet on the air, I noticed your pota spot last Saturday, I was unfortunately too late as you had gone qrt, but it's you that inspired me to go to the park and get on the air and so thank you 😀 73 Pete

[@jolebole-yt]

My trusty 891 and my Bandhopper3 antenna have never disappointed me. Most times they have exceeded my expectations. Sometimes you get a pile up, sometimes you call CQ for an hour before people start calling in. Its a part of the fun. Bring a sandwich and a drink and enjoy the outdoors! Thanks Michael.

[@LarryTaylor-l5m]

Congrats on the 5 years. You have motivated so many to get out there and do it. Your opinion about antenna selection was perfect. The antenna to choose is the one that works for you at the time.

[@bobkonkel6344]

Totally agree Michael…POTA has been a great way to get out and get on the air! Enjoyed the campout this year and hope to be back again next year! 2 years of activating- 149 activations - 19 states…it has been a blast! POTA Bob

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I'm glad you were part of the event. Thanks again for your help.

[@endo2th]

Love POTA! Get to actually operate after mostly an empty logbook for 20+ years! Thank you, Michael hope to log your callsign soon!

[@brianchandler3346]

Commenting because Digi I enjoy, and I love experimenting, but POTA hunting is the only thing that's getting me more relaxed and over my mic shy which has plagued me from the start. It's wild because I talk to strangers in person all the time, but something about keying up and reaching out into the ether that still makes me anxious. Each time I do hunting though, that gets easier and easier. I know some complain, but POTA has proven it's value as far as I'm concerned. Excellent addition to the hobby. 73 and thanks for the 5 year lessons learned vid. 😎🎧🎙️🤘

[@jackK5FIT]

I have a bed cover on my truck and leave a storage box in there with my Wolf River Coils antenna with the SS25 whip, an MFJ 17ft whip and two pieces of Faraday cloth, along with my Flatlanders roll up end fed and a 50ft piece of M&P 6mm coax. All I need is a radio, power and laptop. I've spent many happy hours enjoying this wonderful hobby. Thanks for what you do!

[@BobN.WB1EVU]

Thank you Michael. I'm still new at POTA (5 parks so far) and still figuring out what works best (QRP vs QRO), antennas etc., but I'll get there. Thanks for inspiring me to keep going.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I find keeping a notebook of my setup and what went well in the park is really helpful.

[@DongFang2019]

You are very right! Actually the head thing is to have fun and be happy. I like your videos, and feel relaxing when I hear you work with other stations. And this portable radio thing is a very nice part in this hobby. Sometimes.. its not about to hunt a lot of qso, the thing to come outdoors and brief its good for health and soul. I can walk very far.. hmm and to much in my backpack sometimes. But after a trip I feel satisfied and happy. 73 from Sweden

[@RJ_McKenzie]

Awesome video as always Michael. Positive attitude is the key. My first HF contact was with someone activating a park in Texas. I picked up the activating part a few months later. It's been a great activity to do on the radio. I can go do POTA when I have the time, not on someone else's schedule such as a contest weekend. Keep up the great work and all you do for the community. Go Pack Go!

[@FrankW1VBX]

Congratulations on 5 years of POTA Michael! Thank you for the great videos you put out every week. I have been licensed for over three years now and really enjoy the hobby! I plan on retiring next year and I may give POTA a try. I have learned a lot from you and fellow KZbinrs. Keep doing the great job of putting out videos for us hams and together we can keep the Mission alive.

[@Brewerbill]

Great information and advice Michael. Especially the part about having a smile in your voice while you're doing the activation. It's our hobby. Enjoy!

[@williambingham2459]

Michael, my goal when I activate or hunt is simply to have fun with your hobby of amateur radio. And I do. POTA has given a new dimension to Ham Radio, as you said.

[@joe-kb9rcr]

Michael, what can I say other than another great video and some excellent comments. I'll be watching this one several times over and taking notes. Thank you for your wonderful words of wisdom and sharing your experiences, not only in this video but in all your videos through the years that you have been doing this. 73s, my friend.

[@HamShazam23]

Thanks for the wise words! Your videos were some of my first sources of information when I first got licensed and got my 891 and a wolf river coil. 73!

[@bigfranksworld]

Getting out of the shack, making contacts, meeting people that don't know about ham radio, having fun. That's a few things that I like about POTA!

[@Mgoblu87]

I’m studying for my tech/general licenses. I find it fascinating that a simple setup can talk around the country ! By watching your videos, it gives me hope for the upcoming year !

[@jameyevans29]

I love your antenna builds and reviews. Thank you!

[@gregorywhite2053]

Finding your POTA videos prompted my return to the hobby after many years being QRT. I now enjoy both hunting and activating! It has also prompted me to use CW again (which I always enjoyed). Thanks so much…hope I can shake your hand someday!

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

If you ever make it out to Hamvention, drop me a line.

[@tmccusk1]

Thanks Michael. I like having a plan for activation, setting up and getting on the air, making contacts within 15 minutes.

[@IW2MJQchannel]

If I hadn't been interested in POTA I certainly would be now after watching this video. Thank you for continuing inspiring people out there! 73, Steven IW2MJQ

[@stephenrichendefer8782]

As a ham of 42 years I couldn't agree with you more, fantastic advice. As someone who used the new modes when they came out, AMTOR, Packet, Pactor and others. To working Father Moran in Nepal, Julio from Cape Verde and listening in on Owen and the first ham activity from a manned spacecraft I can say that POTA has been more then a breath of fresh air. I really like the laid back atmosphere (well for the most part anyway) that it has brought. Something new most anytime you tune up. The advice on propagation is spot on. Like it was told to me years ago, get on the air regardless of how the bands are SUPPOSE to be, they don't know their not suppose to be open !! Thanks for all the great videos and advice. 73 de KF3BH

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

As 25 years a ham, there have been a few revolutionary things during my career that I've experienced, but nothing really as game changing as POTA has become. Thanks again.

[@markviers998]

You and a couple other KZbinrs got me interested in POTA so just wanted to say thanks. Like you said, everyone had their way of running their activation. I've worked some that take a list and it amazing to see the way the run through the contacts. Then I've worked some that we got off on a conversation so long I was starting to feel eye's glaring at me from those waiting to work the park 😃not that I mind, just go with the flow of the activator.

[@KK6USYHamRadioAdventures]

Good Video Michael, you bring up a lot of great points> That sur was a sweet 9:1 antenna hanging in the air Lol!

[@mikesmuseum]

Fantastic video. It's informative, honest, and friendly. Your explanations are genuine and extremely helpful. I really want to thank you for the time you have put into all your videos. Keep up the great work.

[@shandybrandy5407]

What a great inspiration, Michael! That's one of my observations much before I got my ticket and discovered your YT channel. I have learnt a lot from your channel and also like to thank you for responding to my numerous queries in the past relating to amateur radio. Keep up the great work flowing and best regards. VU3TQT New Delhi

[@HaphazardHomestead]

I've enjoyed all our POTa videos. It's great to see the variety of conditoins you face and the setups you use.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Thank you. I love the challenge of looking at the band conditions, the location, and time of day to come up with a solution that works well on the air.

[@nickmartin9403]

Thank you for your videos and inspiration! I'm a new extra (5/2024) and new to POTA. I have only hunted contacts from my driveway with my mobile FT-891, and I've only activated twice (1 was a 2-fer), with the same rig in my truck. I have been fortunate to make a QSO with you twice, and it was a pleasure to do so! I may not ever be as active in the parks, but I'm sure looking forward to getting out more and trying. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience with us!

[@philpuzick8177]

Thanks Michael. I am going out for my first activation soon. The "be yourself" advice and control the activation to one's own standards suggestion are great! Hope to see you on down the log.

[@leericelli_w8rnb202]

Michael- great video. Practice makes improvement and with every activation that’s what happens. Like you, POTA has put a bounce in my ham radio step. POTA on !!!

[@ThomasVanOtteren]

Thanks for the positive attitude, as someone just starting out moving from Technician to General, it helps to have someone as experienced as you just being honest about relaxing into this hobby. Thanks

[@mcmichaeltube]

Michael, I would like to thank for your advocacy of POTA, your wonderful videos, and pretty darn good J-Pole antennas! I just moved to a new home in Florida, and my trusty KB9VBR J-Pole came with me. It was the first antenna I installed in my new home. I have watched hours of your videos and learned a lot. They have been helpful in my own POTA activation adventures! I have you logged as a Park-2-Park contact! Keep 'em coming. Thanks. Rick - KO4KVT

[@Eric_Rides]

Thanks for this video! I started amateur radio in the 80s, but let things expire unfortunately. I'm retired now and working on my General. I'm back! Primarily interested in being outdoors with POTA and SOTA although hearing those dogs barking reminds me of how much I dislike campgrounds so I think SOTA will be my area of focus.

[@jens_voigt]

Hi Michael, at first many thanks for your many very helpful videos and tons of tips and hints. You are truly a blessing to our hobby. I for myself like POTA for being outdoors and have FUN on the air and make a few contacts 73s de DG1VJ , Jens

[@randyn5ilq]

Thanks Michael for your videos. Your videos were one of the reasons I started my POTA journey over 3 years ago. I agree with you wholly, get out there! I really appreciate your take on the haters and nay-sayers. You are encouraging and that’s what makes your videos so enjoyable. Thanks Thanks and Thanks and here’s to another 5+ years!

[@javierarmendariz193]

Wow, only 5 years…you’ve become quite the expert. This is very useful. Thanks!

[@DL2TIM]

Hi Michael, you really were the most triggering pota motivator for me, to start pota at all. I am now frequently here and there on POTA trips, also with my camper. I also learned a lot on ft-891. First videos to this trx led me to you channel. Thanks for that. Keep up the good work! vy 73! from Germany.

[@boydmasonlake1995]

Wow! This was a near perfect 13 minutes. Thanks for your time

[@post85]

Thanks for video. As a new ham I like to make quick contacts and not get sucked into a rag chew. Especially in the middle of the day when you only have a few minutes to scan around. It also gets you use to talking by hunting park. I have 28 US states down now and really like trying to take another state out.

[@mrgotee]

Thanks for everything you do for the ham radio community! 73 de KE5TAY

[@micahconrad9114]

Michael, thank you for the great video recapping your five years involved with Parks On The Air! I started POTA with my first Hunter on 9/24/22 and my first activation on October 3, 2022, at US-3029 Lake Mineral Wells State Park. You were my inspiration for the Parks on The Air. Your videos gave me the confidence to get on the radio and make some contacts. As former residents of Wisconsin, my wife and I graduated from UP-Platteville. We spent a lot of time in southwest, central, and east Wisconsin. We love watching your videos for the radio content and seeing some of our old stomping grounds. Your travels around the state bring back fond memories of our time in Wisconsin. Work and family took us away from the state, so seeing the locations and people you visit in your videos is heartwarming. I was perplexed as a new ham about how a person gets on the air and makes contacts. Your videos helped me with many aspects of Ham radio, from equipment to making contacts and handling pile-ups. I recommend your videos to new hams that come into our club, Ellis County Amateur Radio Club, and others I meet at the parks or on the air. Thank you for your efforts, and keep the videos coming! You are my hero, and I want to be like you someday!!! Micah, K5MEC

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Thank you. It's always a pleasure to get you in the log.

[@ronleikem4705]

Hi Michael. Thanks for a great video. I certainly agree with you that POTA has been a great thing for ham radio. It is a nice meld of transmitting, procedure, computer use, antenna testing, camaraderie and scaring that mic fright away. All the best and thank you for your many contributions to the ham community.

[@rvamike]

Happy Anniversary! Love having you in this hobby and your videos! Keep up the great work!

[@K7PKB]

Thank You! I am now ready to try my first POTA activation. Keep up the great work.

[@K3JRZOnTheAir]

Too many people get hung up on making as many contacts as they can and think others should do the same. Everyone's lives are different and some people, like me can't spend hours at a park making hundreds of contacts. Sometime I might get lucky and something planned might come up that will allow me to spend more time in a park. I have fun and I don't worry what others say... I do what I do and like it. 73!

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

All you need is 10 contacts, everything else is gravy. It was great to get you in the log last weekend, even though I flubbed your callsign.

[@K3JRZOnTheAir]

@@KB9VBRAntennas I glad to get you in the log again too. Don’t worry about messing up what call. I mess them up too sometimes. 73!

[@jenncharlie8]

Your videos inspired and guided my brother and I to try POTA. I love it, especially being outdoors in a beautiful location while having fun on ham radio - and it’s not hard to get contacts because everyone wants to reach you. Those are the best parts. 73, KD9YLR

[@jamesloder7241]

POTA has gotten me out to places I never would have gone otherwise. Great Fun!

[@mikenester8868]

I am kind of celebrating my 1st anniversary as well. October 2023 I was camping in Prescott Az. I was a pretty new Ham, in fact I had not done any HF yet. Sitting in the 5er and scrolling though the internet, I came across one of your videos. I really enjoyed it, and started watching more, then came across some of your POTA videos. OMG, I GOT HOOKED! We are avid campers, what better way to combine both. I have learned so much watching your videos! It is slowing down now, but, at 1st, you were costing me a lot of money! 🤣🤣Money well spent however! I have not had a lot of chances to "activate", but have "hunted" a lot from home. I love watching the parks you go to, and envy you for those parks. I live in AZ, I love the winters, summers, not so much. But, once you've seen one cacti, you've seen them all. I was able to work you this past weekend on SSB, that doesn't happen often. I've also gotten you on FT-8. I agree, take the "propagation" forecast with a grain of salt. I've seen days where everybody says don't bother, yet I've walked away with a couple dozen contacts. Another thing, SMILES do come over the air!! I can always hear it!! As others have stated, your genuine, down to earth, positive attitude and willingness to teach are why I watch for your videos to come out weekly!! There are a lot of "You Tubers" out there, but you, IMO, are the best. Stay safe, have fun, we'll catch you on the waves my friend!

[@Kevin-w8ni]

What I love about parks? Definitely meeting so many great people and great friends all over the world.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

There are regulars on the air, some of which I've also met in person, that always make my day when I get them in the log.

[@chetboisen1187]

I had been off the air for decades. Found POTA and now I love hunting. No activation yet, but maybe in the future. Thanks for the videos! KC0RMK

[@wildcatcomms]

Thank you for hunting!

[@stuartstuart70]

I have watched many of your videos and always found them useful and supportive of other HAMs. Thanks for the encouragement to get out and have a go. I hope to start my POTA activation in the coming weeks. Cheers. Stu VK3SKS

[@ko6ghy]

Excellent video from the heart. I am a new to ham radio and POTA and really looking forward to getting out there. I am guilty of suffering from analysis paralysis, spending literally hours on youtube trying to figure out what kit to by, how to set it up, where to go to do an activation. I look to seasoned POTA vets for advice, Michael has given us a reality check, just get some wire, a transceiver and a battery and get out there and have fun. Learn from your own mistakes, and just enjoy the experience. (Now, let's just hope I can take my own advice).

[@mikenl3d]

Stumbled onto this video. I’ve been licensed since 1996, and I moved to AK in 2010. Since moving up here, I have not been very active, but I miss the hobby. I think you are correct regarding POTA reinvigorating ham radio because I plan to start activating next summer.

[@tblabey]

I really enjoy learning about the unique parks you share and how you combine radio with camping. Please keep em coming!

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Our camping season is coming to a close, but we will be out at a really cool park this weekend. I hope to catch you on the air.

[@jackmortimer329]

I appreciate your videos and your willingness to share what you have learned with those of us just starting the journey. Hope you get the big K there, if you haven't already reached that milestone. 73

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Thank you. I did get the kilo for this park. I've now Kilo'ed eight different parks with two of those having multi-kilo status.

[@scottdunbar4898]

Your videos have really helped me dial in my portable set up. I aways get a kick out of speaking with you on the air. Thanks for all you do. 73 from K1NEO, Maine.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I really do cherish each of our contacts. it's always a pleasure to get you in the log.

[@DC6NS]

I love your videos, Michael, and I love Pota. Best 73 from Bavaria, Bernhard

[@BryanRockwellmillcity]

I was one of your contacts at this activation. I was mobile in the semi with a Xiegu G90 and a 40 meter hamstick hanging on the passenger side mirror. I have done four activations. Two successful and two not successful. As you mentioned getting out and having fun is the key. I would say though, I try to learn something each time I go out. 73 thanks for your videos and their benefit to the hobby. DE KD9VQN.

[@jeburkhardt]

Michael, great video. I'm pretty new to ham radio and your videos have helped me so much. Thanks for you enthusiasm, keeping it fun, and thanks for the contacts! 73, John WT0A.

[@BBaldwin]

You’re spot on about people in the comments. It always seems like there are people trying to “one-up” others, correct others and portray themselves as Super Ham. This is the jackass factor of ham radio. They ARE missing the point. It’s not about having every I dotted and T crossed and being “better” than the next guy. It’s about having fun.

[@MrTommy001]

My 891, either my ATAS 120 or my Chelegance MC-750, my 30ah Bioenno battery, and that's it. And I'm loving every minute. Another great video with useful info. BTW, my first POTA activation was terrifying. Scared to death. But now, just fun.

[@JohnHill-qo3hb]

Thank you for all your videos, you have my vote for POTA Ambassador.

[@gregoyler944]

Michael I was lucky enough to make contact with you last Saturday during Support your Parks weekend from Washington State. Thanks again for the activation W3PAK

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

That's awesome, I'm glad to get you in the log. 15 meters was performing quite well last weekend, so I spent a significant part of my time on that band, which means I got a higher than average number of west coast operators. Thank you.

[@kenblanton9726]

Michael, you are the best! Thanks for putting this out there

[@tbelli63]

Very cool video, Michael. Thank you for great perspective.

[@sincerelyyours7538]

Thanks, Mike, it all makes perfect sense. I, however, have a few very unique problems that have completely paralyzed my getting on the air, POTA or otherwise. First I'll tell you what my problems are, then I'll tell you where I live. 1. I'm a licensed Extra with Reciprocal base and mobile licenses and am completely self taught in radio electronics, yet I have no experience operating a radio. Taking tests has been easy for me, getting on the air has not been. You'll see why later. 2. I don't speak enough of the local language to be comfortable either on the air, or on the ground, especially if I have to explain to someone in authority who may have never seen a ham radio before what it is I am doing. This will come with experience but I have to get on the air to get that experience. 3. There are very few parks near me that are as "wild" and unpopulated as the ones you show in your videos. They usually have people playing ballgames in open spaces or doing some other activity. Nor do I know if the locals will allow me to set up a temporary station in a park where children might be present. I will probably have to get chased off a few lands before I can figure this out. 4. I haven't picked up the local ham lingo yet and probably won't until I get on the air and talk to a few people. There is an unwritten protocol here that one shouldn't deviate from too much if one is to become a member of the local ham radio fraternity. It's intuitive to locals, not to foreigners. 5. I really need a local elmer who can guide me through these pitfalls but that's not going to happen until I get on the air first. 6. I just recently discovered why no one has been responding to my base station CQs. Seems my multiband V-dipole antenna only tunes to a ballpark point on the bands. I must then fine tune it using its up-down buttons and an antenna analyzer to get it to the proper broadcast points before I can transmit, otherwise the radio will protect itself and not transmit. It gives me no warning that the antenna is out of tune, it just refuses to transmit. Yes, I should have known this would occur, but like I said, I'm doing this alone so these things don't come quickly. 7. My QTH is suburban and I'm spitting distance from several large steel structures. My antenna is therefore mounted on a balcony as I've no land or space for a wire or vertical antenna. I can NVIS with it but can't go much further than that. DX-ing, my ultimate goal, has been impossible to date. I live in Japan. Setting up a ham radio station here has been difficult, but I don't give up easily. Some solutions I've been working on are these: 1. The V-dipole will have to be disassembled in-situ so it can be properly adjusted. This is not impossible but it will take some work. It ended up on the balcony because it is most accessible from there. When I want to use it I can raise its mast about two feet up to cut some of the local QRM and then lower it when storms come. I'm also not young enough to be climbing my roof, or so my wife thinks. I mention that because before I can go POTA I must go BOTA (Base On The Air). POTA will require an all new rig setup essentially duplicating what I already have. I really want to get a base station up first before I do that, however. 2. I recently acquired a magnetic loop antenna that I'm dying to try on my balcony. This might be just what I need to get past the limitations of my V-dipole. 3. I have access to some vacant land on the side of a mountain on which I can try a POTA activation. I think it faces south which might be enough to reach New Zealand or Australia. 4. Camping is popular here so I might be able to find a local campsite on which to test a POTA activation. This should be relatively easy and shouldn't offend anyone, I hope. 5. I am a member of two clubs and they have been very helpful. Neither are, however, located near me. They can't give me any hands-on help, but just being able to email them with questions has been very useful. Sorry for the long post. I guess my point with the above is that there are always solutions to these problems, you just have to keep working on them until they are solved. It may take some time, as it has for me, but you'll get there. 73, JS2OLO