Understanding Portable Ham Radio Operations: A Guide to Activations in the Park
To begin, Parks on the Air (POTA) is a ham radio activity where ham radio operators go to national parks and “activate” them by setting up a ham radio station and making contacts. It provides an excellent opportunity for demonstrating the core components of HF activation while enjoying the natural surroundings. People can also participate in POTA by operating their ham radio from home! You’ll often hear people calling “CQ POTA” from a park when looking for a contact.
This article serves as a comprehensive guide to portable ham radio operations, focusing on the process of making HF contacts in an outdoor setting.
Why should I care about POTA?
Well first off…. it’s fun! Getting outdoors and operating your ham radio is a great way to grow your skills and meet other ham radio operators. But it’s also a GREAT way to practice operating in case of emergency situations and improve your overall skill.
To get started with POTA, here are some prerequisites:
- Get Your Ham Radio License -> a General License is preferred for access to the HF Bands
- Get an HF Radio and Portable Antenna. Really common options are the Xiegu G90 if you’re on a budget or the ICOM 7300. You can easily make a dipole antenna for an effective and inexpensive POTA antenna. An End-Fed Half Wave is another great antenna option.
- Practice Making a Contact at Home -> Get your HF ham radio and antenna set up, and make some contacts! If you need help, our HF Masterclass will be helpful to learn.
Preparation for the Activation
- Get A Logbook -> You’ll need a logbook to log your contacts when you get to the park. We recommend the World Radio League which has a web logger and mobile app, and most importantly -> it’s easy to use!
- Find a Park using the POTA website
- Drive to the Park and Set Up Your Station
- Set your Frequency and Start Operating!
Setting Up the Equipment
When deciding on an antenna to bring to a POTA activation, consider current band conditions. Maybe 20m is doing better than 10m, or 40m is doing better than all of the above. In our case, we decided on a 40m dipole because of band conditions that day.
In choosing a location, consideration must be given to the directionality of the signal. Remember, a dipole’s radiation pattern is strongest at 90 degrees from the antenna direction. In our case, we wanted to communicate North and South, so we set our antenna up going East to West.
Once the antenna location is selected, the setup process can begin. For our setup, we used an arborist throw weight to facilitate casting a line over trees to elevate the antenna into an inverted V configuration. This practical approach eases installation while enabling accurate tuning before final height adjustments. Tuning is a critical step, and utilizing an antenna analyzer to measure SWR (Standing Wave Ratio) and impedance is recommended to ensure optimal performance.
It is essential to note the relationship between antenna length and resonant frequency: if the antenna is too long, the resonant frequency will be lower than desired; conversely, if it is too short, the frequency will align higher than expected. By making real-time adjustments, the antenna can be optimized for the specific band. Once tuning is finalized, the radio, such as an Icom IC-7300 powered by a lithium LifePO battery in our case, can be set up for operation. This setup allows for hours of off-the-grid activity, demonstrating the self-sufficiency inherent in portable ham radio.
Making Contact
After preparing the radio, the operator may seek to establish communication by calling “CQ POTA” which invites any operators listening. In this process, it is beneficial to provide the park reference number, linking the activation to the broader Parks on the Air program. As contacts are made, the dynamics of amateur communication come into play, providing opportunities for engaging with operators from various locations.
When responding to incoming contacts, signal reports serve to convey the quality of communication. A report of “59” for example, indicates strong signal strength and audio clarity. This feedback is not only pertinent for the current activation but also helpful for refining techniques in future operations. The social aspect of ham radio shines through as operators exchange information and experiences, fostering a sense of community across distances.
Reflecting on Success and Environmental Responsibility
Upon concluding the activation, it is important to reflect on the results achieved. Keeping track of each contact in a logbook is recommended, as it enhances the overall experience of portable operations. An operator may find significant satisfaction in logging multiple contacts in a concise timeframe, showcasing the rewards of outdoor activations.
As the equipment is being packed away, a commitment to environmental stewardship should be emphasized. Leaving the site as clean as you found it—or better—ensures that parks remain accessible and enjoyable for future visitors and operators. This practice demonstrates a sense of responsibility within the ham radio community and promotes sustainable enjoyment of natural spaces.
Engaging in radio communications from remote locations not only allows for meaningful connections with fellow radio amateurs but also provides unique experiences in beautiful settings. For those keen on embarking on their own portable adventures, watch the video linked to this article for a comprehensive, step-by-step visual guide. Additionally, keep an eye out for our educational content released on social media and our website.
