Ham Radio Is More Interesting Once You Start Doing Things
Field Notes is where I document what I learn along the way—portable operating, antennas, gear, projects, activations and the ideas that need a little more room than a video description.
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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.
Getting Ham Radio Out of the Shack—and Into the Community
Growing amateur radio takes more than displaying equipment on a folding table—it means putting radios into people’s hands.
The 20-Minute End-Fed Half-Wave: A Garage-Built Antenna That Punches Above Its Weight
The first antenna I bought for POTA cost me $75 and worked fine. The second antenna I built in my garage for about $18 in parts and worked better. I'm not saying that to sound clever — it's just how it went, and it's a pretty common story. The end-fed half-wave antenna is one of the most forgiving, portable, and genuinely effective antennas you can put up in a park. And if you build your own, you'll know exactly what's in it, which pays off every time something needs troubleshooting.
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.
Action Plan / Steps (Late/Early Shift Activation)
Whether you’re starting your day early or heading in late, embracing a proactive mindset can truly enhance your experience! Our Klist is an excellent tool for optimizing your activation, and we dive deep into our Brew and Activate resources during the “SHIFT” sessions. Exciting opportunities await—let's make the most of them together!
POTA Meetup - Checklist for Clubs
As you embark on your club's first POTA meetup, remember that this checklist is essential for a successful and memorable adventure. If you're planning your club's first POTA event, this checklist is a must-have for a successful outing.
Live Fox Hunt - Run your own!
Unlock the adventure of your own fox hunt! Grab all the necessary forms and links to get started on this thrilling journey!
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.
Ham radio software is powerful, but configuring it can be a mess. Could a radio-focused operating system finally make the computer part easier?