I will be driving to Hamvention starting on Wednesday, May 18th. The plan is to activate at least 15 parks on my way up. I will be using APRS to track my progress. My tentative activation schedule is: Wednesday, May 18th Flat Creek State Fishing Lake 2340 Highway 41 South Perry, GA 31069 Ocmulgee Mound HistoricContinue reading “Activation Rove to Hamvention”
Author Archives: Bill Brown
Follow the Path Less Traveled
There are so many Amateur Radio content creators hawking products that it’s difficult to tell the ones that publish content for the good of the hobby as opposed to the one’s with personal agendas. In the end, do the research and make your own informed decision. It will save you both money and aggravation.
QSOs for Ukraine
This is not going to be a long-winded post, so I will get right to the point. Amateur radio operators are known to be generous with their time and resources. In times of national emergency “hams” are a vital link in establishing emergency communications. Hams can be found providing communication support for events like charityContinue reading “QSOs for Ukraine”
Scavenger Antenna
Using the supplies I had on hand, I constructed a 35.5′ random wire antenna to use as a vertical and/or sloper with my Jackite mast on POTA activations. Because the length of wire is non-resonant, it should work with my Chameleon Hybrid Mini 5:1 transformer, LDG 4:1 unun, or a 9:1 unun that a friendContinue reading “Scavenger Antenna”
Taking the Alex Loop Premier into the Field
I have been intrigued by magnetic loops for a while, so it was with measured excitement that I have been able to take the Alex Loop Premier into the field for some POTA activations. Today’s activation from Lake Wales, FL netted 50 QSOs 17, 20, and 30 meters on both CW and SSB. Received signalContinue reading “Taking the Alex Loop Premier into the Field”
Review of the Chameleon Tactical Delta Loop Antenna
Portable operators are always looking for effective multi-band antennas. Chameleon Antenna out of Sparks, NV has brought to market a portable-sized delta loop antenna that sets up in minutes and operates on all HF bands plus 6 meters. The heart of the TDL is the Hybrid Mini and/or the Hybrid Micro transformer. The Hybrid seriesContinue reading “Review of the Chameleon Tactical Delta Loop Antenna”
Activating Canaveral National Seashore, K-0660
Located mere miles from the Kennedy Space Flight Center is the Canaveral National Seashore. Both the Kennedy Space Flight Center (KSFC) and the Canaveral National Seashore (CNSS) are on Merritt Island, Florida. CNSS is located on a narrow stretch of land just north of KSFC. There are 13 parking areas that provide pedestrian access toContinue reading “Activating Canaveral National Seashore, K-0660”
Portable on a Budget for New Hams
2020 has seen an explosion of new ham radio operators. This is one of the interesting side stories of the COVID-19 pandemic. Human beings are social creatures and ham radio is a great way to meet new people. Call it the electromagnetic version of being a pen pal. Ham radio is like ethnic cuisine –Continue reading “Portable on a Budget for New Hams”
Videos of a Full Activation
Parks-on-the-Air (POTA) is exploding. There are now more than 6,000 registered users and the growth doesn’t seem to be slowing down. With exponential growth comes lots of questions from new and prospective hunters and activators. One of the reasons this blog exists is to answer those questions. Questions about how to actually activate a parkContinue reading “Videos of a Full Activation”
Christmas Day Activation at K-1848, Colt Creek State Park
Colt Creek State Park is one of my favorite parks. It has plenty of room to set up a portable antenna and the park is seldom crowded. It is a great place to try out new things. Since my XYL gave me her blessing to activate a park today, Colt Creek made for an easyContinue reading “Christmas Day Activation at K-1848, Colt Creek State Park”
Radio Free Florida: K4NYM 