Exciting times are upon us as Solar Cycle 25 continues to strengthen, and I am hearing more and more stations operating QRP, and I am finding many of these stations are hunting and activating parks in the Parks on the Air (POTA) program. POTA is a great way for QRP operators to get out in the field to test equipment and antennas as pipsqueak signals can generate huge pileups. I am looking forward to more POTA activations over the next few years as these outings satisfy my thirst for portable operation, provide a good venue for me to experiment with different antennas and configurations (I often deploy two or three different antennas at parks for side-by-side comparison) and most importantly, allow me to unwind after a long day at the office.
Stayin’ Out of Trees
Over the past year I have heard scuttle that officials at some parks (both in and outside the POTA program) are asking hams to not use trees as antenna supports. I have always relied on “nature’s poles” to support my antennas when I am in the field and am always careful not to damage branches or leave wires behind. I am aware that many states and municipalities, including my state of Michigan, have ordinances in place
