5 years of POTA experience revealed in 12 minutes

Five years and over 400 POTA activations later, I've learned a few things about Parks on the Air. Here's my advice for getting started with ham radio's most exciting outdoor activity.

I do return QSL, if you made a contact with me and would like a QSL, please send me one. Return postage not necessary, but always appreciated. As they say, KB9VBR is 'good in the book.

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#Hamradio #AmateurRadio #POTA #ParksOnTheAir #PortableHamRadio #experience #advice #hamradiogettingstarted

[kdpcdradio]

You mentioned that POTA has essentially re-energized ham radio, but I don’t think that people would be as willing or as excited about the idea if there weren’t people like you guiding them along the way. You have played a serious role in invigorating ham radio in the last several years, and it’s been SO much fun watching all of your videos. Hats off to you, Michael, because without your hundreds of videos, reviews, suggestions, tidbits, and honesty, we wouldn’t be where we are today. I know I sure wouldn’t, anyway. Thank you for your continuous effort into this hobby, and I’m always looking forward to your next video!

[smgramlick]

I’ve been considering getting my first ham license however it’s a bit intimidating. This video, of the hours of YouTube I’ve watched, really makes me want to give it a go. Thanks for making this a bit more approachable.

[TravisMurdock]

After watching a lot of your videos, I did my first POTA this week. I forgot my coax and my battery. Just made me laugh. I make it work by putting the antenna on the picnic table and connected with a short patch cable. Ran an extension cord to my car and I made my first POTA contacts on 6m. I even did some FT8. Plus, I got my first experience with someone from the park coming over to me trying to figure out what I was doing and if it was legal. Thank you so much for your content!

[mavrick]

I just passed my General, last night! I can't wait to get my first POTA activation!

[kalak]

Nice video, thanks for it. What initially got me doing POTA is when I initially had a very poor antenna setup at home. Very noisy antenna setup at home at the time. So the first time I went doing POTA (with an SDR), I could see the waterfall lighten up incomparably crowded and bright when compared to home. That was a memorable moment.

[NRPB]

Michael, your down to earth attitude and your enjoyment of the hobby are infectious.You are a blessing to the hobby

[WALTV]

I just enjoy getting out in the outdoors, building my CW skills, making new friends. Such a wonderful hobby. I am in N. GA.

[SignalsAndWavelengths]

"just hit that auto notch filter on your rig and they totally disappear" ROTFL Totally made my day.

[MikeKLKTP]

I am kind of celebrating my 1st anniversary as well. October 2023 I was camping in Prescott Az. I was a pretty new Ham, in fact I had not done any HF yet. Sitting in the 5er and scrolling though the internet, I came across one of your videos. I really enjoyed it, and started watching more, then came across some of your POTA videos. OMG, I GOT HOOKED! We are avid campers, what better way to combine both. I have learned so much watching your videos! It is slowing down now, but, at 1st, you were costing me a lot of money! 🤣🤣Money well spent however! I have not had a lot of chances to "activate", but have "hunted" a lot from home. I love watching the parks you go to, and envy you for those parks. I live in AZ, I love the winters, summers, not so much. But, once you've seen one cacti, you've seen them all. I was able to work you this past weekend on SSB, that doesn't happen often. I've also gotten you on FT-8. I agree, take the "propagation" forecast with a grain of salt. I've seen days where everybody says don't bother, yet I've walked away with a couple dozen contacts. Another thing, SMILES do come over the air!! I can always hear it!! As others have stated, your genuine, down to earth, positive attitude and willingness to teach are why I watch for your videos to come out weekly!! There are a lot of "You Tubers" out there, but you, IMO, are the best. Stay safe, have fun, we'll catch you on the waves my friend!

[VaHokieYT]

Michael, I'm a customer having bought your UHF/VHF J-pole as my first antenna. I'm now a General at 74 and having more fun all the time. I appreciate your genuiness (is that a word?) about ham radio and the effort you put into educating those who are new. I like hunting and after hitting my 200 parks level, I can tell you that the practice has made me much more at ease on the mic and I've even developed my routine some what. Thx again, Wade N2VPI.

[KwajSpeedo]

Last Thursday, November 1st, I did my first POTA activation. CW on a QCX Mini. It was a long journey getting there from a dead start a year and a half ago. I thank you for being one of the online Elmers who helped keep the fire burning as I tread the path.

Chris W2BPL

[RashleysBorderQue]

I stumbled on POTA after being off the air for many years. I used to contest and find that POTA gives me the thrill of the pileup without the need to be running 200 Q’s per hour. It gives me a goal to strive for.

[happyjack]

I made a POTA QSO with you last week and didn't even realize it until I went through my log later. Great video. 73!

[royanderson]

We watched your POTA videos and bought a ft891 and a WRC 17' antenna with the sporty 40 coil. We were using the screen wire and then switched to the Faraday cloth "magic carpet". In less than 2 years, we've activated in 12 states and in Canada, and we're working on activating all entities in our home state of NC - 130 down and 112 to go. We've hunted all US states except HI and AK, and we've even hunted you a couple of times. Thanks so much for helping us get started in POTA. We're having a blast and getting some really great experience using our radio equipment. KQ4COJ & KQ4COB

[Bob_NBOC]

Hey Michael. Thank you for being a down to earth ambassador for portable ham radio, especially POTA. I very much enjoy your demonstrations of setting up various antennas and seeing how they perform. As a "just over a year old ham", I feel like POTA has given me an opportunity to go outdoors and explore new places, while experimenting and honing my radio skills. You've been very instrumental thru your video content, and I thank you for that. Keep being you, keep having fun, keep sharing the joy. And of course, it's always a hoot to work you on the air. 😊
73 Bob N2BOC

[jens_voigt]

Hi Michael, at first many thanks for your many very helpful videos and tons of tips and hints. You are truly a blessing to our hobby. I for myself like POTA for being outdoors and have FUN on the air and make a few contacts 73s de DG1VJ, Jens

[slackleashdogtraining]

Inspiration for the little guy; is what I get from your videos. I’ve been on the air more or less since 1989 but after seeing your POTA content my friend and I are scheduled in January to do our first POTA ACTIVATION and we’re both really excited about it. Thanks for all the tips and your normal video content just showing us all HOW YOU DO IT.

[nilnum]

Your POTA videos are inspiring me to study more and more for my next license

[primozarko]

Thank you for your view on the POTA Michael. I could not agree more on what you said. Always have a smile is gold 😊All the best and 73!

[MrJimmy]

I did an activation this week and had hunters from 25 other countries hunt me down in Virginia. Yes, this is an addiction and also more importantly FUN. 73 Thanks for all your videos, Jim K2WPA