Two Years of POTA: Time for a New Adventure in Portable Ham Radio
It's hard to believe it's been two years since I nervously set up my first Parks On The Air activation. I remember fumbling with my antenna, double-checking my coordinates, and feeling that electric thrill when my first contact came through. POTA has been an incredible journey—one that's taken me to beautiful parks, connected me with amazing operators worldwide, and deepened my love for portable ham radio operations.
But here's the thing: it's time for me to move on from organized portable ham radio activities.
It's Not You, POTA, It's Me
Let me be crystal clear—there's absolutely nothing wrong with Parks On The Air. It's a fantastic programme that continues to grow and bring countless operators into the great outdoors. The POTA community is supportive, enthusiastic, and has created something truly special in the world of amateur radio.
The problem isn't with POTA; it's that it has become predictable. What once felt like an exciting challenge has settled into routine. I know what to expect when I arrive at a park. I have a general idea of how the activation will proceed. The thrill has transformed into familiarity, and whilst there's comfort in that, I'm craving something more.
I've noticed I'm not alone in this feeling. Looking at the POTA leaderboards and social media groups, I've seen many once-prolific activators quietly fade away. Where did they go? I'm sure everyone has their own reasons—perhaps they felt the same itch for something different, or maybe life took them in new directions.
The Portable Radio Bug Isn't Going Anywhere
Am I leaving portable ham radio? Absolutely not! If anything, I'm doubling down on it.
There's something magical about operating away from the shack—the sound of wind rustling through trees as you tune across the bands, the satisfaction of making contacts on battery power, the problem-solving required when things don't go according to plan. That magic hasn't dimmed one bit.
What I'm stepping away from is the organizational aspect. Not just POTA, but all ham radio organizations and structured programmes. I've realized that whilst these organizations serve a valuable purpose, they've inadvertently put me in a box. I've been chasing points, hunting for new parks, and focusing on activation numbers rather than pure experimentation and enjoyment.
Following in Legendary Footsteps
I'm drawing inspiration from some giants in the portable ham radio community: Gunter, DK5ONV, and Salty Walt. These operators have carved their own paths, focusing on DX chasing, antenna experimentation, and the pure art of portable operations without the constraints of organized programmes.
My new focus? Working more DX from the field. Testing different antenna systems and finding remote locations, not because they're designated parks, but because they're interesting from an RF perspective. Maybe I'll set up on a windswept hilltop to see what I can work on. Perhaps I'll spend an afternoon comparing vertical versus horizontal polarization in various environments. I want to operate for the sake of operating, not to fulfil programme requirements.
What's Next?
The beauty of amateur radio is its infinite possibilities for exploration. Without the structure of organized activations, I'm free to:
- Experiment with homebrew antennas in the field
- Chase DX without worrying about minimum contact requirements
- Spend hours on a single band if that's what interests me
- Try digital modes, CW, or SSB based purely on propagation and curiosity
- Operate from locations chosen for their RF characteristics rather than their designation status
- Take my time, or rush through—whatever suits the moment
I'm excited to see where this path leads. Will I miss POTA? Probably a bit. The structure was comfortable, and there was satisfaction in a successful activation. But I'm more excited about reclaiming the experimental spirit that drew me to amateur radio in the first place.
A Thank You to the Community
To the POTA community, hunters, and fellow activators I've met over these two years: thank you. You've made this journey memorable. To those still chasing parks and racking up activations, keep at it! Your enthusiasm is incredible, and POTA needs dedicated operators like you.
And to those who've quietly moved on to other adventures in ham radio—I get it now. Sometimes the best path forward is the one you forge yourself.
See you on the bands, probably from some random hilltop, testing yet another antenna configuration and chasing DX—no programme number required.
73,
Stuart VE9CF
