Mike VE7KPZ and Austin VE7QH will be doing a multi-station, multi-operator Parks On The Air activation at Kalamalka Provincial Park VE-0728 on Sunday March 26, 2023.
We will be showcasing a selection of radios and antennas and talk about what works best for us with POTA. Then we'll get to work on the air and activate the park.
This will primarily be a phone activation (with a dash of CW sprinkled in for the keeners). While FT8 is a valid option for POTA, we won't go into the digital modes topic at this event. We want to showcase how easy it is to get on the air with literally any HAM radio + a wire in a super RF-quiet surroundings (a park), and have the pleasure of getting hunted.
We would like to invite everyone who is interested in seeing what goes into a POTA activation to join us at this event. New HAMs are especially welcome. Jump on the rigs and operate, help out with logging, or just witness the happenings and get inspired to do your own activations.
Note: the CQ WW WPX Contest (SSB) is taking place this weekend, so we'll try to avoid the contest bands congestion by QSYing to bands that are not included in the contest or are known to be less-used by contesters.
Also note: POTA is not a contest - it is a programme to entice us to get on the air and make QSOs.
Again, all are welcome to join us even just for a pop-in to say hi. This park is really beautiful - bring the while family.
Logistics: we'll meet at the parking lot trailhead at 10:30 AM for the brief walk (approximately 500 meters) into the chosen operating spot. We'll start setup around 11 AM hoping to be on the air by 11:30-12. We'll operate all afternoon.
Hope to see you there,
Mike VE7KPZ and Austin VE7QH
Ps: POTA is, in a way, the introduction to SOTA. Make sure you also attend Paul VA6MPM's SOTA presentation in the evening of this same day.