In the October column, I highlighted my 2022 Parks on the Air (POTA) Plaque Event adventure. During the 48-hour event, I participated in the Rover category (the art of “rapid deployment”), activating 43 entities (designated parks or other locations) and made over 500 contacts. Aside from having some fun, I wanted to find out how a well-equipped QRP station would compete against portable/mobile stations likely operating with more power. This month, I share how I fared against other rovers, highlight a couple of suggestions I made to the POTA program for future Plaque Events, and the construction of a portable antenna to give my pipsqueak QRP signal a boost that resulted in an unexpected twist.
In mid-August, I received the results for the POTA Rover category. I placed fifth with 43 entities to my credit. Fourth place activated 49 entities, third and second place both activated 54 and the first-place entrant activated 65 entities within the 48-hour period of the contest. Activating 65 different entities in 48 hours seems a bit mind-boggling; however, under POTA rules it is possible to claim credit for more than one entity if they have overlapping boundaries. For example, if a station is set up along a designated historic trail in a state park, and
