Category Archives: Uncategorized

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”

Water-Logged Activation at K-6306, Half Moon Wildlife Management Area

Business took me to Lake Panasoffkee this afternoon, so I decided to activate a new-to-me park, Half Moon Wildlife Management Area. The entrance to the WMA is a mile off or CR 44 between Inverness and Wildwood. There is a grassy area need a trail head that is acceptable for activating. I parked about 40Continue reading “Water-Logged Activation at K-6306, Half Moon Wildlife Management Area”

Attenuated Activation at K-1889, Lake Griffin State Park

This morning I activated Lake Griffin State Park which is near Leesburg, FL. The activation was difficult as 20 meters acted as though the entire band was attenuated. Signal reports were lower than usual. I did not have time to try other bands. I made a total of 28 contacts with 5 of them beingContinue reading “Attenuated Activation at K-1889, Lake Griffin State Park”