Getting back to into Parks on the Air (POTA)

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My last POTA activation was back in October of 2024 and I really wanted to get back out despite the inclement weather to wrap up a small break from work.

I didn’t really plan ahead of schedule my activation, I just felt like getting the radio, putting in the bag, getting into the bongo and heading back out to the New Forest, which is one of my favourite locations to do POTA from (free and ample parking this time of the year). With my bike stand which seconds as a mag-loop holder put into the trusty old mazda bongo it was time to head out !

Despite not having being out in the field for quite some time, it was a quick and easy setup, even with a bit of drizzle coming down. 20m was dialled in quickly on the alex-loop and close to 1:1 SWR on the radio. I hit the bands with FT4 to start with as I like how quickly the QSO’s happen and the limited key-down time. I was not to be disappointed with 3 FT4 QSO’s in quick succession, with HG7WDL, IW1PPB and IW0RLC all in the log book. I then ventured slight down the band to FT8, all made incredibly easy with the excellent SDR-Mobile on my iPhone.

Sunny it was not
but the radio was dry
as was I

It was around this time the weather really took a turn for the worst, with heavy rain really pelting down on the bongo and antenna. I done a quick check and radio and antenna was fine – cant praise the build quality of the Alexloop HamPack enough, it really is a robust piece of kit ! Being sat in the Bongo, albeit today with the side door open, kept me and the radio nice and dry – i even had time for a sausage roll ! 🙂

PSK Reporter back at the QTH – amazing reach on 10W

After getting back home I manually uploaded my log on the POTA website, i was really please to see 2 POTA Hunters in the log, IK1IYU and F5STL, it really makes a difference getting the log entries and knowing I have also helped someone else Hunter awards.

It was a really great, albeit shorter activation, but I thoroughly enjoyed the location, the drive to and from it and then making some great contacts. I’m determined to get out much more now even tho i have a busy professional and academic schedule, its really done me a world of good to get back out and get on the air.

Until next time, 73 and thanks for reading the blog !