In the little over five years that I have been active with the Parks on the Air program, I’ve just accomplished my 500th POTA activation (502 to be exact). There are many that have more activations under their belt. Program wide, I am in about 280th place of the near 22,000 active POTA enthusiasts. Still, it’s an accomplishment and I will take little celebrations whenever I can (it’s what moves us forward).
Early on in my ham career there was a member of our club that would look at our Field Day results, and even though we didn’t do very well, he’d find this silver lining and say: at least we are the top 5A station in the Wisconsin section. So be proud of what you do, if it’s one activation or a 1000, all of them are valid.
You can watch this week’s video: Exploring these hidden gems nets my 500th POTA Activation here. https://youtu.be/NXutlUa1iCU
Hamfests
In the video I alluded to attending a hamfest that morning. We traveled down to the Madison Area Repeater Associations hamfest in Stoughton, WI.
Unfortunately this hamfest has shrunk in size over the years. It’s a sign of the times, possibly due to an aging demographic, but I also think the overall trend of sophistication of electronic equipment, we see less builders and a higher reliance on manufactured equipment. I still saw some interesting pieces, lots of vintage stuff, and a few good deals. I didn’t walk away with anything, as I’ll be in Ohio for Hamvention in a couple weeks, so I’m saving for that.
But if hamfests go away, the part we will really lose is the community. Meeting and talking with fellow amateur radio operators and catching up with old friends who we may only otherwise interface with over the air. That’s what I value most about hamfests, the community aspect. And I treasure each and every one of those conversations I had that Saturday morning in Stoughton.
So if you see me at a hamfest, please feel free to stop me and say hi. I really do appreciate it.
Finishing up
Our monthly livestream is coming up this Thursday May 1st at 7:00pm CDT. Join Joe and I for what is probably the more fun than we should be allowed. I’ve got a few great topics planned for the evening, including Hamvention plans, RFI elimination, and some Hamsexy. Plus we’ll be answering your ham radio related questions. It should be a blast.
Here’s the link to Thursday’s show. Bookmark it so you don’t forget: https://youtube.com/live/qgULWvANUTc?feature=share
I hope to catch you on the air soon
Michael
KB9VBR
Recent Comments