How I do it! A complete POTA activation from start to finish

Watch me, in real time, as I deploy an end fed half wave antenna, set up my station on a picnic table, and do a QRP (5 watt) POTA activation on the 15 meter band.

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Timestamp
00:00:00 Introduction
00:02:03 Cahrtenna Apoll EFHW Setup
00:12:30 Transceiver and Logging Setup
00:18:13 15 Meter POTA Activation K1447
00:35:21 Conclusion

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KB9VBR VHF/UHF Antennas:

My Parks on the Air setup:

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#Hamradio #AmateurRadio #POTA #ParksOnTheAir #PortableHamRadio #hamharder #QRP #Cahrtenna #cahrtennaapollo

[KBVBRAntennas]

Is this format something you want to see more of? If so, what should my next step by step real-time video be of?

[nickolas]

I really like these types of videos. It gives newbies a better idea of what to do. Invaluable.

[vezdx]

That’s the way to go! Turn the camera on, show what’s actually ham radio is about 😊 73!

[hedgiehogUK]

THANK YOU, thank you, thank you!

I have plenty of reasons that hold me back from fellow hams' standard answer when I ask for help: "well, just go and experiment!" Not knowing where to begin is, to me, like someone saying "well, start with your screwdriver and go and build a space station by experimenting." It's not helpful!!

Actually seeing someone do POTA today was really, really helpful to me.

Thank you 👍🏻📡

[MikeNMAK]

I think videos like this are good from time to time. They're a little longer, but it shows how it is out in the field.

[spytromics]

So you missed a very important part - that foot long Jimmy John's hoagie in your backpack! Thanks for the video. I really enjoyed it.

[timelord]

I love it.
The whole process is shown from beginning to end, with all the pauses and expectations, as in real life. It is impossible to convey the atmosphere of work from the field, if someone has not tried it yet, be sure to take your radio out into nature)
73!

[dongelinas]

This should be presented at a hamvest forum on POTA activations. You can’t do better than this for real solid presentation. People will go away with the best information possible.

[ScoutPortableRadio]

Such a great video! Thanks, Michael, for sharing this one. While I greatly appreciate the high production value of your videos, this "unpluged" vlog style video is outstanding. Thoroughly enjoyed this.

[GregDiBernardo]

Instead of tying on your rope weight. Tie a bowline not first. Then put the bowline loop through the d-ring and pass the weight through the loop to make a girth hitch. This eliminates having to re-tie the bowline every time. Much easier!!!

[donausmus]

I love the real time concept! Thanks! You are helping hams make that first POTA leap.

[jmacx]

I activated 2 parks this weekend for my first time POTA! I've learned many lessons from you to get to this point! Thanks a lot

[frasermderry]

Thanks Michael! That was a great example of the challenge of QRP ops as the activator. Showing the antenna setup is very instructional as well.
Hope to catch you on the airwaves sometime soon!
73,
Marc (N1QGM)

[ebmooy]

One great tip that another ham showed me. If you tie a permanent loop into the end of your throw line, you can then stick the loop through the eye then around the throw bag. You end up with what looks like a larks head knot on the eye of the throw bag. You will then never have to tie and untie it. Also the loop makes it easier to attach another line to use to hoist up an antenna, or clip a carabiner between your line and the end insulator of your antenna.

[taylor]

I would have only changed one thing, I would have operated on the other side of the table so I could look out over the water. Thanks for taking us along. I just signed up for POTA and cannot wait to try it.

[zapoman]

Hi there
Congratulations, I appreciate the effort to make everything clear.
Also bowline knots 😊

[Bob-tv]

Really appreciated this one. Thanks for bringing us along. Helpful to see the process.

[hamradiobasics]

Well done Michael ! Very useful for those getting started with POTA.

[markmutti]

Great video! Nice setup and excellent operating technique. Good QSO haul, especially for QRP! Thanks for the helpful video

[MrJimmy]

Yes I like to see setup vids prior to activations. Great video as always. 73 Jim K2WPA