Author: n4mqu

K-8010 #11

Amateur Radio, Portable, POTA

The forecast called for rain today but they missed the mark. I forgot my notebook and my iPad but I had a mini log and I made the most of it. 23 contacts including W1AW/4. One station AD7LX was 2 1/2 watts from WI. It was hard writing the log in the small space so I’ll put a spare notebook in the car for emergencies. I tried to work the park around the corner K-6947 but they didn’t hear me (on 20) I could just barely hear him. I was there yesterday. Thanks to all the hunters and p2p. Sorry no CW today.de n4mqu

K-6947 #6 Sandhills State Game Land

Amateur Radio, Portable, POTA

 

Great day for an activation.  Had trouble getting 40 to tune but after the activation I played around with the antenna and found the bushes were making the SWR higher.  Moved it away from bushes and it was good on 20 and 40 but I was ready to go by that time.  Thanks to the 3 CW contacts N4AWP, K9IS, WS4S.  I had no idea what I was doing (not really) but two of the contacts confirmed on LOTW and N4AWP  confirmed on the telephone.  I think I am getting more comfortable.

 

 

 

Multiple flyovers

NC K-3848 #1 Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve

Portable, POTA

Location:NC K-3848 Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve
Moore County

Date: 20230124

52 contacts 

83rd activation 

 

Equipment 

  • MFJ-1984HP, ENDFED 1/2 Wave 40-10M
  • IC-706MKG HF/VHF/UHF All Mode Transceiver

Operator Mark N4MQU

On my way to my class in Raleigh yesterday I had fun activating my 32 park NC K-3848 Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve. I introduced my self to the attended to let him know I was there to do amateur radio then after I set up the ranger came by. I let him know I had checked in. He thanked me for doing that. Unlike the last two activations no swr issues on 20 and 40. Tip try throwing your rope backwards to get it on the limb you want. I had a blast. KO4GOM of Pinehurst came by and introduce himself. I encouraged him to upgrade and get active again. Paper logs make it easier to catch multiple stations. Thanks to the hunters and p2p.

K-3848 #1 The Movie 

 

 

KO4GOM

Initial p2p

VA K-7797 #1 Hughlett Point Natural Area Preserve

Amateur Radio, Portable, POTA

Equipment 

  • MFJ-1984HP, ENDFED 1/2 Wave 40-10M
  • IC-706MKG HF/VHF/UHF All Mode Transceiver
  • CW Morse Blue Micro Morse Code Key W/ Aluminum Base

Operator Mark N4MQU

Date:1/20/2023

Well I made the first two CW contacts for VA Park K-7797 Hughlett Point Natural Area Preserve and my first two contacts on CW as an activator. KC1ILQ and N4AWP.  They had to be really patient with me.  I used my new CW Morse key. Great key and great company.  The key worked right out of the box.
I had a little trouble with high SWR. I had two move the antenna a couple of times before I got it good for 20.  

 

K-8010 #4

Amateur Radio, Photography, Portable


NC K-8010 Mckinney Lake State Fish Hatchery. Thanks to all the hunters and p2p. Had to work from the car this morning. My professional set up. Sorry I had to leave some of you hanging band was kind of noisy. I am trying for my repeat offender for this park. I hope to get back to hunting soon. I am without a home station now do to me moving. Follow my POTA activities on my website. I hope Facebook doesn’t start charging all this history could be lost de n4mqu https://n4mqu.com/pota/

K-8010 #3

Amateur Radio, Portable, POTA

If everything goes well next month this will be my new home park. NC K-8010 McKinney Lake State Fish Hatchery.  This park has some family connections.  My father was born just down the street from the park.  I’ve spoken to the ranger a couple of times and met his dogs on this activation. This was the first time I was able to toss the throw line over the limb I wanted to place it the first time. Please take a look at the video.

A question about audio.  Early in this activation someone said I needed to add more base to my audio.  I didn’t hear a call sign but he added my audio sounded terrible.  I do have a high pitch voice and maybe he had never heard me before.  What do you think? I ignored him but if you would like to give a helpful suggestion please send me Email.  The radio I usually use is an IC-706MKIIG.  

Please follow my activities on my POTA page.  

Thanks for reading.