Parks On The Air ~ POTA Portable Ham Radio Success.

[@Julie_M_]

Great video!!! You got lots of my fave chasers in your log! Yes once you get spotted up the calls start coming - you're running a great antenna as high as you can get it and even with 50w you got yourself a pileup. I'm just thrilled - reminds me of MY first POTA activation where Brian K0ATZ was my first contact too :D I wasn't able to make the contact but I was listening on the websdr to your activation and you did AWESOME. Very fun to see the vid, thanks for taking the time to make it. de K8VOX

[@hamradiocq]

That's pretty darn cool that you remember your first POTA contact. Yeah, this was real and it was a real struggle. First time handling more than 1 person in line LOL. If POTA gets me a pileup then count me in I want to be a part of it. Only down side I see is that the parks near me are far away and few and far between. Thanks for the great comment.

[@jada2068]

Too funny Julie....I guess I'm in good company with you and Tom. Brian was not only my first POTA contact, he was my first ever ham contact. Although, I think you're still the one with whom I have the most contacts....John (KE8IHX)

[@davidsradioroom9678]

@@hamradiocq Sometimes something like POTA is the only way to make contacts. Great video. I look forward to my first POTA activation.

[@hamradiocq]

@@davidsradioroom9678 why is that though?

[@jada2068]

Awesome video! I'm glad I could be part of your first activation. BTW, the first station you spoke with was my first ever contact on HF Radio. I blame him for playing a role in my addiction...lol ...Later, John (KE8IHX)

[@hamradiocq]

HA! I love QSO talking to KZbin community folks! It's pretty rare and hard to do! Your addiction is a healthy one as I have it too. Well, not healthy for the wallet, but healthy for the mind and spirit. HI HI

[@zzarkS]

This was so much fun! Eyeing the 891 for a first rig and this only fuels the fire!

[@JeffHochberg]

zzarkS I just bought the FT-891 and I’m loving it! My first HF rig was the Icom IC-7100 and the Yaesu blows the 7100 out of the water!

[@jimthvac100]

@@JeffHochberg Why do you like the 891 so much over the 7100? Was concerned the extensive menu on the 891 may make it not fun to operate.

[@JeffHochberg]

jimthvac100 first of all, portable ops are more reliable when operating off a battery. The 7100 has an undocumented “feature” where they can’t run off battery unless they see the voltage drop below 13.5V. When that happens, the radio just shuts off without warning. The 891 can operate on a lot less power and I just don’t worry about the need to trick my radio into thinking it’s getting more power than it is. The tuner sensitivity is much better. I was able to work weak signals much easier with the 891. The only thing I’m not thrilled with on the 891 is that it’s HF only. I should have spent a little bit more and bought the 857.

[@paulgarcia1566]

Thats some old classic Rush your jamming to. Love it!

[@TXLorenzo]

The FT 891 is a great portable radio. The audio continues to amaze me on how clear it can be, sounds like next door most the time.

[@MikeWood]

10 contacts counts as an activation and you kept on going. Nicely done for your first POTA. Wish I was in the states as POTA doesn't appear to exist here in Canada. Not registered parks anyhow.

[@Julie_M_]

POTA for Canada is coming, as soon as we get the US program fully up and running!! de K8VOX

[@MikeWood]

Thanks for the reply. :) Could you clarify what you mean?

[@Ron_C]

Awesome! Really awesome! I'm stoked about doing my first POTA! I watched in 4k and the vibrancy and clarity are fantastic! One thing I have been told about CW is that you "should' answer the person calling CQ at the same speed they are sending. It seemed as if some of those answering were really fast. That could prove discouraging to folks like me who are still learning to copy. At any rate, great job on the first POTA! The shot moving around the stature was cool

[@hamradiocq]

Thanks!!! The answering of CQ will match probably, only, if it's not a contest. Contestors simply don't seem to slow down... again, I think they are using computers and hitting a button. I can see it both ways why they would and wouldn't.

[@jozefbezan2501]

Danke für das tolle video.73 von Jozef,S56CJG,QTH Wien.Österreich.😊😊😊

[@MCCRITTERS]

That was a fun one! Glad to see your getting a lot more contacts with your new kit!!

[@mackaymoose6280]

Another great video. Keep having fun, it's infectious 😉

[@hamradiocq]

Another great comment! Like your avatar/icon image. My daughters fave.

[@spraymadfoamyo7262]

What is it with you and Yankee Oscar? Nobody picks it up. I'm still jelly by-the-way. I did just order my first radio today. Working on my licence too. Hope to catch you one day. I'd say 73, but I feel no right too... yet

[@geoffmcwiggan2814]

A gentlemen with fine musical tast ! Long live RUSH 🇦🇺🥃

[@k2cjbradio]

POTA is alot of fun! Once the word gets out from a few spotters, you're good to go!

[@hamradiocq]

Yeah I've never had a pileup before of more than 1. Ha

[@clark8250]

This gives me the encouragement to get started in depth with this hobby!!

[@hamradiocq]

Yeah I'd say just find an interest and pursue it. Great hobby as it can go a million different ways.

[@mikeerstad3705]

It's nice to see someone will to post that hasn't had much experience like myself.... I looked like fun and I'm impressed with that battery....Thanks Much!!!

[@hamradiocq]

Hey, Mike,, thanks for the nice comment. I just film myself exactly as I run it. Flaws and all. : )

[@johnfloy]

We are already friends, you had Rush blasting :) - KI5TKD

[@jeffreynorris7456]

Banging out one after another! Great job, and a very enjoyable video. Thanks Tom!

[@hamradiocq]

Thank you Jeffrey, I appreciate comments like that!

[@grillsandaxlegrease3578]

I'm in South Dakota - I need to get my call back - mine expired . I only ever did CW and back when i got my license did a lot of AMTOR with my Drakes.. And while listening to BYTOR & the snow dog!! Oh! The caller from Two Rivers SP - in Nebraska - I grew up on the island across from that park. What a coincidence to hear this.. Check it out sometime - beautiful hidden park on the Platt..

[@foreverdubailover2641]

Your Yaesu 891, doing great. you got many QSO since you got it.

[@JnJTrueOutdoorAdventures]

Looks like you had a lot of fun with your first activation!! Just got into doing parks on the air myself, and activated my first park on September 1, 2019 here in WV. In fact it was an all time new one (ATNO) since it had never been attempted. I was at Babcock State Park here in WV, and I made 13 contacts on SSB in about 35 minutes. I started out using my Yaesu FT-817ND with a MFJ Portable Tuner using a 9:1 unun and 35.5 feet of 18 gauge wire up about 25 feet in the air and I used a 26 foot counterpoise with it. I had a blast, but I did switch out the radio to my uBitx, more power, about 8 - 10 watts. Seems you and I have a mutual friend, Ron C. Watched a lot of his KZbin videos and he even suggested that I visit your channel. So here I am and I have sub'd to your channel. My channel is hunting related to here in WV, but I have some amateur radio videos like building my QRP-Labs QCX40 and my uBitx. Have some leathercraft videos, knife making videos and some reviews, but most of my channel again is about hunting in WV. I sure wish I would of video'd my activation since it was my first but I didn't. I do have pictures of it on the POTA Facebook page. Great channel and I a looking forward to watching this balloon launch with the antenna Ron C was making. Watched that video last night. 73 and hope to work you on the bands, maybe park to park some time. Juddie WD8WV

[@hamradiocq]

Great comment. Yeah Ron is awesome. Thanks for the kind comment. Hope to work you on the bands someday as well. 73

[@0wiseone]

You've got the equipment I want to do SOTA. Awesome video, looks like you had a blast.

[@hamradiocq]

I do have so much fun. SOTA is problematic because you need to live near a summit. That's why I do POTA.

[@donaldsmith3048]

I have used a 1 oz round fishing sinker with some nylon line. Can use a slingshot got from any store. The nylon line comes in large rolls for construction use and is in different colors, some can be seen easy.

[@hamradiocq]

I found fishing line to be a tangly mess.

[@donaldsmith3048]

@@hamradiocq I use the nylon line used to make off things in construction. It comes on big roles. Very strong and if something happens to some of it I don't care it doesn't cost much and I have 1000 feet or more to use. It comes in bright colors so it is easy to see. Nothing much worse than someone tripping on your antenna line unless it is someone walking in it hitting them in the neck or face. I just use about a 1 oz fishing sinker to get it up in the tree.

[@cMaXeJIJIo]

"Yeah, man, but it's a dry heat". Bill Paxton, Aliens. LOOOL! W0ZAP(Damn, it's even funnier when you factor in the prefix of the callsign) sounded familiar, but it turned out to be another guy. Terry, the D-Lab electronics channel author(Tube(sometimes solid-state) amp and radio repair), has a buddy in his amateur radio club whose callsign is W8ZAP, if memory serves. They're from the Battle Creek, Michigan area. Just a bit of anecdotal information. Excellent, long video-went great with my morning coffee! Congrats on your first POTA activation and your first pileup!

[@hamradiocq]

Ha! Thanks. I'm a big Paxton fan. Twister, cheesey as it is, is my fave.

[@cMaXeJIJIo]

Thanks for the tip! I just ran out of movies to watch and I don't think I had ever watched it in its entirety. Did see a lot of trailers, though, when I was in school haha. Frickin' nostalgia-it seems like it's all we have these days lol.

[@CondoreComputing]

Can't wait to get my "portable" setup finished. just impatiently waiting on my backordered tuner and toroid cores to build my antennas and balums. Still unsure if I'm going to go the random wire or dipole route. I have a 35 ah lead acid battery right now but I'm hoping to collect enough 18650 laptop battery cells to put a decent battery pack together.

[@hamradiocq]

Love your enthusiasm!

[@jimthvac100]

Consider using four LiFePO4 batteries. That is what I use. Three cell Li-ion simply is way to low voltage for most rigs.

[@MaverickFlyBoy622]

After this video I think the FT-891 and G5RV (not the jr though, the big one) Will be my Next Base station setup! Plenty of room on my desk for that awesome radio!

[@k2wo1]

Really a nice video Tom. Well done. It sure looked like you were having fun. 73, George K2WO

[@MoTown44240]

This video didn't seem to be available when you went anything on wheels. Enjoyed the video and your first POTA. Like the new channel name. KB8AMZ

[@hamradiocq]

Thanks Terry. It may show up randomly as KZbin shuffles them around.

[@donsilva4441]

Try an external speaker with the 891...a small one like the rectangular ones that are $12 on eBay or an mfj clear tone or speech. You will be glad that you did. I have an 891. It's great...only down I see is having to reset the width and shift every time you change bands.

[@hamradiocq]

I think you are right... I bet I can get better audio that way for sure.

[@donsilva4441]

AnythingWithWheels Yes, it's a substantial improvement. The audio from the 891 is very good, so it sounds very good in even a small external speaker.

[@gt3940]

Tom: Nice to hear Rush playing in the car, on the drive to the park, we have done sterling state park in Michigan,for parks on the air last year, I got a lot of comments on my Ciro Mazzoni Baby loop while there trying to work 40m phone. Nice CW contact (HK) to Colombia, I have a brother in law who comes from Colombia, South America. I am thinking of getting a Begali CW Machine to practice up although the LCWO.net web site is helping a lot. it seems that the only place I can order it is off the Bengali web site, it is not sold in the states. 73

[@bruceweight7319]

Great Video DE KB7CQ I hope to try POTA this summer with my new setup, also a Yaesu FT-891 I made side rails for mine they are a little big but I am planning on making a shade to attach to the rails to help with the heat from the sun. Mine seems to run fairly warm on SSB at 80 watts and at a 1:1 SWR

[@hamradiocq]

Very cool!

[@joecraft4409]

What an awesome day, you needed a tape recorder to keep up with that action lol.

[@hamradiocq]

Yeah I know too much too fast

[@dougmatthew9987]

Good Job. Im interested in the battery, I'll have to investigate that brand.

[@hamradiocq]

Purchased at Dayton. That one is heavy... but not too bad.

[@andywilliams1826]

Nailed it Mike .

[@hamradiocq]

Thanks, Andy

[@andysims506]

Howell Island is cool. I discovered it for myself a couple of years ago.

[@hamradiocq]

Maybe I shud camp Howell?

[@NHSbandUnofficial]

Now that looked like fun. I know that my end fed works better when the transformer is close to the ground so I'm curious to see how yours works if you decide to raise it up.

[@hamradiocq]

Interesting... Sounds like you've already tried it. hmmm. I will say, this was so much easier than QRP.

[@NHSbandUnofficial]

Well my conditions here in Texas are nothing like they are where you live so don't let my experience stop you. That's what is so great about this hobby, we experiment and find the best solution for ourselves. Dan, KG5MDB

[@ghostandsunetra760]

this is y my gf look at this rig to get more in to ham radio and do POTA she was thinking of taking my ft-991a but then what do i have to use XD ill show her this vid

[@hamradiocq]

Thanks for comment

[@gunchag]

Really enjoyable video with beer in saturday's evening.

[@hamradiocq]

Thanks so much.

[@zanado11]

Nice job Tom, congrats on your first POTA. If your using a iPhone you may want to try 73 ham log. You can creat a PDFs to download into your logging program. Good luck. de Roger W8RLP

[@hamradiocq]

Yes, I have Hamlog on my phone, I just prefer not to type on my phone.

[@johnk8091]

That was HK1MW that you worked and not SK1MW - nice DX !!!

[@hamradiocq]

Tnx

[@SomerledDesign]

FB. I tried to activate Waterloo Recreation Area on the 8th also, a Michigan State Park but was skunked. Only two contacts.

[@hamradiocq]

I hear ya, I got skunked today. 0 contacts, 2 thunderstorms. Video log to come.

[@jasonphillips2259]

Awesome! Just bought that radio, still trying to find out a set up to get. Can that battery do 100w?

[@meggalavk3ktt]

parks on the air are great fun and great for the cycle minimum. it gets better the more times you do it. btw the cw was great good to see the key getting used .73 de vk3meg

[@AB1Vampire]

Good vid indeed. Could feel your enjoyment. Hope to work you sometime

[@dwatson4]

That’s so cool I know K4CAE. he is a prolific POTA operator.

[@TheBnjmnlrd]

How cool is this. New sub. I’m def headed for this set up. Awesome! Ki6gse 73.

[@hamradiocq]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@w2msa]

Thanks for the video. What antenna were you using? Looks like an Hfedz, Endfed half wave or random wire Endfed. I was also considering the 12ah battery for 50w portable. Overall great job on your successful activation!!!

[@hamradiocq]

Yes, that's an HFedz, 90' wire.

[@ED_K3CU]

great video as always. any idea when you’ll do another pota?

[@hamradiocq]

eddiezx10r I think possibly tomorrow. This time I'll post on Facebook right when I know for sure. Also see me on Twitter @MyWheelsRock

[@Ron_C]

I might try one tomorrow as well! K-1293 Caledon State Park, Va. hit me up with the times you might head out and I'll try and coordinate mine then as well.

[@hamradiocq]

Sounds awesome! Take your cam too!!! I am thinking I'll be there about 10:30am central time roughly.

[@TheStevenhull]

Another good video!

[@hamradiocq]

Thanks!

[@iu2ivndiego941]

Hi what kind of battery are you using? A / AH type ? what duration, where to buy Thank you IU2IVN

[@OldF1000]

Oh NO it's too late your hooked ; )

[@hamradiocq]

CD S issue is the parks are a long drive away

[@mrquick1937]

That was awesome! Pileup!

[@hamradiocq]

Thanks. Yeah that was a great day

[@HAMRADIOJOE4178]

great video, where did you get the handles on the side of your radio ?

[@hamradiocq]

Here is my video, called Portable Zero. kzbin.info/www/bejne/foTaloiMfbOqfLs

[@jamesrick7474]

How long are you able to run the 891 durning a normal pota session with @ 12 amp hour battery?

[@hamradiocq]

This video was taken a long time ago, I'm not sure now. Tnx for watching.

[@JeffHochberg]

Who makes the Morse code paddle you’re using? I didn’t see that in your notes.

[@nr3rful]

When you operate your 891 on battery power doesn't it kick it down to 20 watts max automatically ? 100 watts is only if powered by A/C. ?

[@MrCowboybud]

That would be the FT-897D

[@donsilva4441]

Oh...side rails on the 881 ??? Please do tell !

[@hamradiocq]

Oh yeah I made a video on it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/foTaloiMfbOqfLs

[@GaryUtz]

where did you get the shell for the 891 Tom?

[@joker50ae2]

How long does the battery last? Thanks KG7CQG

[@hamradiocq]

TRAIL CAM good question actually I dont know. Its never run out on me. I go about 45 minutes and pack up and it runs fine.

[@richarde735]

how many watts are you transmitting with and how long did it last during your pota outing? I just ordered the same bioenno 12v 12ah but they’re on backorder 😕

[@hamradiocq]

so with that radio it goes up to 100W, but I vary it. I start out maybe at 25W, then go up to 80 just to try things out.

[@virgilholt1395]

Tom, I can't find your key anywhere, where did you get it? W0RVH

[@hamradiocq]

That's the Begali Traveler, it's expensive I got it at Dayton.

[@adventuresofbobandlana4939]

Was there a particular reason you chose the mfj 939? pros/cons?

[@hamradiocq]

Good question. I picked it because it 'seemed' to be the go to tuner for this radio. I've been slightly disappointed with it as, sometimes the best it can get si 1.5 to 1 or 1.8 to 1. I DO like that it does NOT need separate power supply. The CAT cable from the Yaesu 891 to the tuner supplies power. I suggest you shop around.

[@Mr_Meowingtons]

How long does that battery run for you with that radio?

[@hamradiocq]

I really don't know, I've never hit the limit.

[@Mr_Meowingtons]

@@hamradiocq lol ill take that as a good thing... how long have you ran it? i am plaing on running it when we go camping for 3~4 days..

[@Zoidberg227]

@@hamradiocq That's good to hear, I was worried 12AH wouldn't be enough. I assume you're running 100W SSB?

[@GaryUtz]

will the radio do 100 watts with the bioenno battery?

[@jimedwards9310]

Rush baby. ❤

[@hamradiocq]

I totally agree.

[@dougmatthew9987]

What was the name of the battery? I went back and listened but couldn't make out what you said.

[@hamradiocq]

Bioenno.

[@dougmatthew9987]

Thanks

[@CraigSheppard]

Nice work, Tom! POTA is a great program. I heard you say you weren't registered, but it's really easy. For 9-land, contact George Burger W0PHX and he can get you setup. All you have to do is send your logs for credit. Not only will you get credit but all the hunters in your log will too. The FB group is really active. Great group of folks. Hope to catch your next activation. 73 W4CRG

[@hamradiocq]

Looks like Registration is up and running on their web site, I signed up today. I hope to be on the air tomorrow. 73

[@markwarnecke8967]

HI I live in Belleville, IL. And am wanting to get into ham radio, and would love to get together and talk

[@rocklover28]

What did the cop say/want from you?

[@hamradiocq]

"is this all you're stuff. how long are you going to be here"

[@rocklover28]

Gotcha... that's not too bad.

[@Oregun]

RUSH! ;-)

[@ae4xo]

why do you care if someone comes by. I don't understand. Isnt the point of radio in the woods to show people how much fun radio is ?

[@hamradiocq]

that's what the videos are for, for people that want to watch the video that search for the video. I don't owe random strangers in the park, or you anything.

[@MrRadiorobot]

When I've been working cw /p in a public place I've had concerned people approach me and ask if I'm a Russian spy.... " da comrade, I am putins number one spy in UK! Dasvidanya!"

[@hamradiocq]

There is a fair bit of complete idiots in this country. Like a Russian spy would need to operate in public.

[@MrRadiorobot]

@@hamradiocq or operate on a hf radio..surely more espionage can be achieved with a smartphone these days? 😂 Well done with the videos... Both you and other choice ham related youtubers provide me with my evenings viewing.. Cant watch msm anymore, all crap and lies...im considering purchasing the ft-891 BTW, it's got a decent rebate until the end of September in the UK.. I'm still plucking up the courage to part with the money. I blame my need to buy one mainly on you! 😂😂😂.... Keep up the good work 👏👏👏