[Alexandria Radio Club Reflector] POTA Activation

[Kenneth R. van Wyk]

On Mar 24, 2021, at 3:47 PM, Kenneth R. van Wyk <ken at vanwyk.org> wrote:
> I’m getting ready to start some POTA hunting and hopefully move on to some activations before long.

I spent a few hours POTA hunting in the sun out on my deck yesterday. Glad I did, even though I only managed one QSO — with an activator down in Mississippi.

The POTA spotting web site was massively helpful. (https://pota.us/#/ <https://pota.us/#/>) I was able to keep an eye out for activators on 20 meters using SSB just fine in states I’ve been successful at hitting recently.

A couple questions and thoughts (crossposted from the Nextdoor amateur radio group):

- What bands and modes are you working? I've been sticking with 20 meter USB for now, but there are quite a few stations in NC, OH, IN, etc. I just can't hit.

- There is a LOT more CW going on that I would have expected.

- In the digital modes, I'm seeing a lot of FT8, but very little PSK31 or RTTY. Sign of the times, I suppose.

- I'm also seeing quite a bit on 40 meters. I can only run my BuddiPole about 18 feet above ground, which would give me plenty of NVIS propagation on 40 meters. I'm curious if that would help with some of those closer states like NC and OH. Thoughts?

- I was more than a little surprised to find several Extra stations operating in Extra-only space for POTA activations. That seems a little self defeating, if you ask me. Were they showing off or legitimately challenging themselves? (Perhaps I should start studying for Extra...)

In any case, it was a lot of fun. I've never been one to sunbathe, but POTA hunting on the deck was fabulous on such a gorgeous Virginia Spring day.

Cheers,

K0RvW


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