[Alexandria Radio Club Reflector] POTA Activation

[Ian]

Plenty of CW out there and 40m is wildly popular since it is almost always
open to somewhere.
73, Ian N8IK


On Mon, Apr 5, 2021 at 11:58 AM Kenneth R. van Wyk <ken at vanwyk.org> wrote:

> 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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