Using Ham Radio Games for Emcomms Training

[@TheTechPrepper]

Shane, I am in full agreement in the value of SOTA and POTA for training. They are great ways to test yourself on multiple dimensions. My manpack bag design actually came out of a couple of years doing Summits on the Air in austere environments. You learn a lot about yourself and your gear when you do "Field Day" regularly. Keep up the good work. Thanks for the PSA!

[@Scout75PortableRadio]

Thank you, Gaston! Appreciate your support.

[@KustomRadioFrequency]

This is exactly why I got into POTA. I bought a 7100 and a hardened power box, and it sat for a year. When I found POTA I’ve been hooked ever since. The only way I learn is by using my equipment. Great video, and very useful information!!!

[@Scout75PortableRadio]

Thank you!

[@BobBob-il2ku]

100% in agreement another expensive way is to setup a js8call setup at home. Then go out into the field & try to make contacts with your home station

[@Scout75PortableRadio]

That’s a great idea. I’m going to try that!

[@W4EMB]

Bravo Shane! Many many go kits have been to show and tell at local club meetings... many preppers have collected all the cool gear... But a POTA activator with a few POTA activations under their belt has many many lessons learned by putting that gear on the air and making QSOs.. What an eye opener... I was in the same boat... collector... I got a big piece of humble pie served on my first attempt to activate... Great video Shane. DE W4EMB

[@Scout75PortableRadio]

Thanks, Ed! I had a few helpings myself of that humble pie when I 1st started with POTA and SOTA! But that's how we learn and grow.

[@joebob703]

Great video summary. Activating POTA/SOTA has been a real eye opening experience for me. By using the knowledge gained from my actual real world successes & failures in the field, versus relying on the "internet expert advice". I have gained confidence that if needed I can make local-regional-national contacts, during any sort of weather, without support, and I have an ever increasing list of other hams who I can expect to make contact with. The only way to get this kind of experience is by actually getting out and training... so why not make training fun while you're doing it.

[@Scout75PortableRadio]

Thanks, that's what it's all about! I’ve had a very similar experience with POTA & SOTA.

[@EvanK2EJT]

Agreed on all points. It makes me laugh on Field Day when guys spend several hours setting up antennas, running power, coax, etc......and I can literally be on the air and making contacts in under five minutes........or even under a minute depending on the radio and antenna.

[@Scout75PortableRadio]

I've seen the same thing during Field Day before. Albeit, many Field Day events are really just a social gathering which is not a bad thing.

[@K3JRZOnTheAir]

Practice makes perfect.. Or better than before… 73!

[@Scout75PortableRadio]

Exactly!

[@TrenchKraft]

Very good points.

[@Scout75PortableRadio]

Thanks!

[@00Widget]

Good way of looking at it !

[@Scout75PortableRadio]

Thanks!

[@danielrgusa]

Agree. Great video!

[@Scout75PortableRadio]

Thanks!

[@Swamp-Fox]

I am definitely guilty of being in the gear collector camp and need to get out in the field more. I think POTA & SOTA have done more to get folks out in the field testing their gear and capabilities on a regular basis than any other activity in amateur radio. It is so much fun that you forget that you are actually training! I would be willing to bet the folks who regularly play these "silly games" train more and are better prepared than most strictly Emcomm ops. 73, KF4LMZ

[@Scout75PortableRadio]

Thanks, Patrick! We're in 100% agreement. Those to play these games regularly gain useful experience.