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Field Notes from N1JUR

Real-world ham radio tips, portable operating lessons, gear thoughts, antenna experiments, and activation stories from the field to the shack.

This is where the longer-form stuff lives: the lessons that need more room than a video description, the builds worth documenting, the POTA takeaways worth saving, and the “well, that was useful after it stopped being annoying” moments.

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Latest Field Note

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The newest article from the N1JUR Field Notes collection — ham radio lessons, portable operating ideas, gear thoughts, antenna builds, and real-world takeaways from actually getting on the air.

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Bridging Generations and Fostering Growth in Your Struggling Ham Radio Club
Bridging Generations and Fostering Growth in Your Struggling Ham Radio Club

Whether it’s dwindling membership, a lack of engagement, or just a general sense of stagnation, it can be tough to keep the momentum going. But fear not! As a leader, you have the power to turn things around and foster growth while bridging the gap between generations. Let’s explore some fun and effective ways to rejuvenate your club and create an inclusive environment that appeals to everyone.

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Field Notes Archive

Past Posts, Builds, Lessons, and Rabbit Holes

Browse older Field Notes covering ham radio basics, POTA activations, portable gear, antenna ideas, field operating lessons, and the occasional RF decision that made more sense before leaving the house.

Field Notes from N1JUR
Bridging Generations and Fostering Growth in Your Struggling Ham Radio Club

Whether it’s dwindling membership, a lack of engagement, or just a general sense of stagnation, it can be tough to keep the momentum going. But fear not! As a leader, you have the power to turn things around and foster growth while bridging the gap between generations. Let’s explore some fun and effective ways to rejuvenate your club and create an inclusive environment that appeals to everyone.

Read more →
Ham Alert: The Tool Every POTA Hunter Should Probably Be Using

Ham Alert is one of those tools that sounds simple until you realize how powerful it actually is. If you hunt POTA, chase DX, follow friends, or just want to stop refreshing spotting pages like a raccoon with a caffeine problem, this guide and playlist will help you get started.

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The Beard Challenge Has Begun… Blame Shannon

The Beard Challenge has officially begun… and yes, Shannon KC1OHT is absolutely to blame. During the latest Brew & Activate livestream, a simple joke turned into a full-blown community challenge: if we raise $500 in Super Chats, I’ll grow a beard. It’s ridiculous, it’s community-driven, and somehow it is now officially a thing. Check out the stream that started it all, join us for the next Brew & Activate, and help push the chaos toward the goal.

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The 20-Minute POTA Activation — Efficient or Lazy?

Can you really have a successful Parks on the Air activation in just 20 minutes? Here’s why short portable ham radio activations might matter more than you think.

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Your First POTA Activation: A Lazy-Sunday Starter Kit That Just Works

You've had your license for a few months. Maybe you've done some repeater work, chatted on a local net, maybe made a couple HF contacts from your living room. And then somebody mentions Parks on the Air and suddenly you're down a rabbit hole at midnight reading activation reports and thinking — okay, I need to do this. The problem is nobody hands you a checklist that says exactly what to bring and exactly what to do. So let me be that person. Here's the honest, no-fluff starter kit for your very first POTA activation.

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Comparing the Wolf River SB1000, MadDog 80 Coil, and Rez 80 Antennas: Which One is Right for You?

When it comes to enhancing your radio communication experience, choosing the right antenna can make all the difference. Among the popular options available, the Wolf River SB1000, MadDog 80 Coil, and Rez 80 antennas stand out for their unique features and performance. Here, we’ll explore the differences between these three antennas to help you make an informed decision.

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Embracing the Challenge: Why Run QRP During a POTA Activation?

For amateur radio enthusiasts, the thrill of communication is often magnified by pushing the boundaries of what's possible. One of the most fulfilling ways to do this is by running QRP (low power, typically 5 watts or less) during a Parks on the Air (POTA) activation. Here’s why you might want to consider this exciting combination for your next amateur radio adventure.

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The Advantages of Operating Amateur Radio on the Beach or Coastline

For amateur radio enthusiasts, finding the perfect operating location can significantly enhance communication capabilities. One of the most rewarding places to set up your gear is at the beach or along the coastline. The unique environment offers several advantages that can improve your radio experience. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of operating ham radio by the ocean and discuss how salt water plays a crucial role in enhancing radio transmissions.

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The Big Idea

Ham Radio Makes More Sense When You Actually Do It

Reading helps. Watching helps. But the real learning happens when you put the gear on the table, get outside, call CQ, and find out what works today.

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