What is Parks on the Air?
Parks on the Air (POTA) is a program where hams operate from designated parks and public lands. It's grown enormously popular because it combines ham radio with outdoor activities.
Two Ways to Participate
Activating
Taking your radio to a park and making contacts. You become the DX that everyone wants to work!Hunting (Chasing)
Working activators from home or wherever you are. Collect contacts with different parks.Getting Started as an Activator
Step 1: Find a Park
Go to pota.app and look at the park list. Most state parks, national forests, and wildlife refuges are in the program.Step 2: Get Your Gear Ready
Minimal setup:- HF radio (QRP works great)
- Battery or power source
- Portable antenna
- Logging method (paper or app)
Step 3: Set Up at the Park
Find a spot to set up. Many activators use:- Picnic table operating
- Tailgate operating from their vehicle
- Setting up a chair with antenna in a tree
Step 4: Spot Yourself
Log into pota.app and "spot" yourself so hunters know you're on the air. Include:- Park reference number
- Frequency
- Mode
Step 5: Call CQ POTA
"CQ POTA CQ POTA, this is [your call] activating [park reference]"Step 6: Work Stations
Make your contacts! You need at least 10 QSOs for a valid activation.Step 7: Upload Your Log
After you're done, upload your ADIF log to pota.app within two weeks.Getting Started as a Hunter
Find Activators
Check pota.app/spots for currently active stations. You can filter by band and mode.Work Them Like Any QSO
Call the activator just like you would any other station. They'll give you the exchange (usually signal report and state).Log the Contact
Keep track of your hunter contacts for awards.Popular POTA Bands and Modes
Most Common
- 40 meters SSB (7.260-7.285 area)
- 20 meters SSB (14.290 area)
- 40 meters FT8 (7.074)
- 20 meters FT8 (14.074)
Also Active
- 15 meters when open
- 10 meters when open
- 30 meters CW
Portable Antenna Options
Wire Antennas
- End-fed half-wave (EFHW) - very popular
- Linked dipole
- Random wire with tuner
Verticals
- Buddipole / Buddistick
- PackTenna
- Chameleon
Simple Solutions
- Throw wire in a tree
- Use your vehicle as a counterpoise
POTA Awards
Awards are available for both activators and hunters:
- Number of activations
- Number of parks activated
- Number of parks hunted
- Working parks in different states/entities
Tips for Success
For Activators
- Check in to a POTA net if you're struggling to get contacts
- Weekends are busier (more hunters)
- Use spotting - it dramatically increases activity
- Be efficient but friendly
- Have backup power/batteries
For Hunters
- Set up alerts on pota.app for specific parks or activators
- Have your logging ready before calling
- Be patient - activators get busy
- The exchange is usually just signal reports
For Everyone
- POTA is supposed to be fun!
- Combine it with camping, hiking, or just a day trip
- The community is very welcoming
- Don't stress about having the best equipment