[TVARC] POTA

[TVARC POTA]

Good question, Jim.

Almost always an activator posts the park they'll be operating from on the
POTA website (date and approximate start time).  Then, when the activator
begins calling CQ POTA, nearly 100% of the time the hunters know which park
the activator is operating from.  From that point, typically the hunter
will spot the call and frequency that the activator is operating on using
the POTA website.  POTA also includes the park number (US-3615 for the Dade
Battlefield, for example).  Spots also come from automatic spotters which
are populated on the POTA website (https://pota.app).  I know I've seen
spots of me from a number of international spotting "machines" which
include my signal strength in dBs.

So, for most activations, the activator does not have to identify the park.

BUT, assuming (as you have pointed out), that you hear an activator calling
CQ POTA without identifying the park, just ask the op what park they're
operating from and they'll ID it.  From personal experience, I've been
asked for my park number and I immediately tell the hunter what my POTA
park ID is.

Expanding further:  Let's say to have a QSO with an activator, then within
24 hours (and often times sooner), the activator uploads their log to the
POTA website.  Then the POTA website links to the hunter's account and
gives you credit for that contact which includes full details of the QSO.
In a way the POTA website acts as a logging, spotting and LoTW program
wrapped in one bundle (once the hunter creates an account within the POTA
website (it's free).

If you haven't checked out the POTA website, please do so.  There are many
"rewards" for making QSOs both for the hunter as well as the activators.
It's very similar to working all counties, states or countries.

If you have further clarifying questions, just ask me.

Too bad you can't join me on Friday.  When I return to TV in November, I'll
post an announcement on the TVARC website that I'll offer another local
POTA activation for TVARC members (or anyone else).


73, Tom, K3WT

On Tue, May 7, 2024 at 2:26 PM J Domitrovich <jdomitrovich at gmail.com> wrote:

> Tom,
> I’ve worked many POTA contacts and the exchange is usually signal report
> and State. Why don’t they ever identify what park they are in? What are the
> goals of the POTA station? I’m at a loss to figure out what the end game is
> or goal of the POTA station. Is it just the number of contacts?
> Can’t make Friday due to golf but am curious.
>
> Jim
> W3GYM
>
> Sent from my iPhone



-- 
Tom Menas, K3WT
TVARC POTA Coordinator
TVARC.POTA at gmail.com
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