Before everyone grabs their pitchforks… hear me out.

POTA isn't dead. Parks are still being activated, pileups are still happening, and somehow we're still finding new ways to carry 70 pounds of "portable" radio gear into the woods.

But POTA is changing.

Have we gotten so focused on contacts, awards, gear, and the next activation that we've started to forget what made POTA fun in the first place?

I think the next chapter of POTA might have less to do with chasing numbers and more to do with getting outside, bringing people together, and just playing radio.

The new Icom IC-7110 has Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB-C, D-STAR and plenty of modern features. But is that really why we prefer one radio brand over another? Maybe it comes down to something much simpler: how a radio sounds.

Think about what amateur radio looks like today.

Radios on picnic tables.

Antennas hanging from trees.

Backpacks on mountains.

People standing in fields pointing Yagis at satellites.

POTA, SOTA, satellites, Tiles on the Air, and portable operating are changing where we play radio.

And I think that's a very good thing.

But operating outside also teaches you some lessons the shack never will. Battery problems, forgotten adapters, wind, weather, and the realization that maybe you didn't need to pack three antennas for a 30-minute activation.

In the latest Field Notes, I'm looking at why ham radio is moving outdoors—and a few things I've learned from taking my station into the field.

The OLIGHT Oclip Pro combines a floodlight, spotlight, red light, magnetic mount, and clip in one compact package. I tested it around the shack and beside an active receiver to see whether it deserved a permanent place in my POTA bag.

The Xiegu G7250 looks promising, but a large screen, 100 watts, and an Ethernet connection do not tell the complete story.

Here is a level-headed examination of what has been confirmed, what the specifications suggest, and what still needs to be proven.

In today’s digital age, online clubs are becoming increasingly popular. These virtual gatherings allow you to connect with hams from different countries without leaving your home. You can participate in discussions, share tips, and even engage in contests—all from the comfort of your couch! Online clubs often have forums, chat rooms, or even live video meetings, making it easy to forge friendships and share knowledge with fellow enthusiasts.

The ARRL has been a cornerstone of amateur radio for decades, but let’s be honest — the hobby has changed, and so have the operators we’re trying to reach. In this post, we take a look at how the ARRL could freshen up its approach, attract more licensed hams, and build a stronger, more welcoming community through better member perks, modern digital resources, gear discounts, and real engagement that gets operators excited to be part of something bigger.

Every vacation location is different. One Airbnb might have wide-open trees that are perfect for an end-fed. The next might be surrounded by buildings or have no place to throw a line. Give yourself options. Flexibility starts before you even leave home.

As passionate ham radio operators, we uphold an unspoken creed rooted in our commitment to prepare for and respond to disasters. While our dedication has proven invaluable throughout history, I believe we are not fully leveraging the potential of our hobby for the greater good.