What if exploring the great outdoors could become an exhilarating ham radio adventure? In this episode of Live Free and Ham, we take you on a journey through the trials and triumphs of activating wildlife preserves and trail systems for Parks on the Air (POTA). We share personal stories from our own activations in North Carolina and New Hampshire, offering a rare glimpse into the unique challenges and joys of setting up ham radio operations in these pristine environments. Plus, hear about the outstanding contributions from the Grand State Amateur Radio Association and how other clubs are making their mark in the ham radio community.

Imagine the power of a portable antenna that’s as effective as it is easy to use. Todd recounts his success with the BuddyPole Pro, despite a brief hiatus due to personal projects. We revisit past park activations, discussing tips and tricks for optimizing your gear in the field. We also seek your feedback on the BuddyPole Pro, emphasizing the importance of community insights in advancing portable operations. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a curious newbie, you’ll find valuable advice and practical solutions to elevate your ham radio experiences.

Have you ever considered activating non-traditional POTA parks? From navigating remote wildlife management areas to setting up mobile HF stations at kids' soccer games, we cover it all with humor and practical advice. We share stories of adventures at Moosehead Lake in Maine and the Copacut Wildlife Management Area, highlighting the creativity and planning needed for these unique activations. We also touch on navigating wildlife park boundaries and the tools that can help. Join us for an engaging discussion that promises to inspire your next ham radio adventure and maybe even challenge you to explore new territories.

Multimeter: Review from Temporarily Offline YT Channel (TO.)
TO. YT: https://youtu.be/Bcb4D2r_aT4?si=fYMcltwSl9e9VyEx
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PHDJRP3?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details


Onx Offroad Trail Maps
https://www.onxmaps.com

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If you would also like to learn more about the hosts:
Todd (W1STJ) - https://w1stj.com
Eric (N1JUR) - https://n1jur.com
Paul (N1OG) - https://www.qrz.com/db/N1OG

Ever had a relaxing beach vacation interrupted by a sudden 60 mph gust of wind while you're trying to operate your ham radio? This week on Live Free and Ham, we recount our family trip to North Carolina, balancing leisure and our passion for Parks on the Air (POTA) activations. Alongside our travel tales, Todd shares his ongoing battle with a rotting deck at home, while I navigate my own ham radio hurdles, including a particularly vexing experience with the Ham Shock Hotline. And don't miss the heartwarming moment when a perfectly aimed beam antenna helped us connect with co-host Ryan during our travels!

Frequency etiquette can be a minefield, and we’ve got plenty of stories to illustrate how patience and diplomacy can turn potential conflicts into opportunities for community building. Tune in as we unpack an intense encounter during a POTA activity, where a net operator aggressively claimed frequency ownership, and how we managed to keep our cool. We also shine a light on the importance of respecting designated frequencies, especially during emergencies and special events like field days, and share tips for maintaining harmony on the airwaves.

Finally, join us as we talk about the unsung heroes in the ham radio world, including a new segment called "Doing Good," aimed at showcasing the positive contributions from ham radio clubs across the globe. Although submissions are slow, we encourage you to share your stories. We wrap up with a shoutout to Kevin from Iowa and his new YouTube channel, Farm RC Pilot, celebrating his return to the RC hobby. Whether you're knee-deep in a DIY project or navigating the airwaves, this episode has something to inspire every ham radio enthusiast.

HR 20 Links for Maritime Mobile Net
1 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZ562E-2Cj8
2 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06uRLjjrUao

Reddit links:
https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/1d1uadl/big_14300_drama_right_now/?rdt=36275
https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/1d209df/followup_both_the_maritime_mobile_net_and_the/


K0KLB New RC Flying Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@FarmRCPilot

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Support the show:
Buy Us a Beer: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lfhpodcast
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Join our discord:
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If you would also like to learn more about the hosts:
Todd (W1STJ) - https://w1stj.com
Eric (N1JUR) - https://n1jur.com
Paul (N1OG) - https://www.qrz.com/db/N1OG

Ever wondered how solar storms can impact your ham radio contacts? Join Eric (N1JUR), Paul (N1OG), and Todd (W1STJ) as we explore the thrilling and sometimes frustrating world of ham radio propagation. We'll break down the intricacies of the solar cycle and how it influences your radio experiences, plus share exciting plans for the upcoming Field Day. Don't miss our “Doing Good” segment showcasing the inspiring activities of ham radio clubs and Todd's deep dive into questions from the new extra class license pool. Whether you're a seasoned operator or a newbie, this episode promises a wealth of insights and tips to elevate your skills.

Imagine juggling multiple radio frequencies while on a long drive, only to be interrupted by the relentless beeping of the Yaesu 400. Sound familiar? We discuss practical solutions to this common annoyance and touch on the intersection of ham radio with community events, like the Sparkler 5K fundraiser and youth baseball coaching. Plus, enjoy a slice of Americana as we recount our visit to a Savannah Bananas game at Fenway Park and the thrill of interacting with former Red Sox players. There’s also a sneak peek into our exciting antenna testing projects and a much-needed break from YouTube content creation.

Struggling with poor propagation on the 20-meter band after a solar storm? You're not alone. We share personal anecdotes and strategies for navigating these challenges, emphasizing the importance of patience and adaptability. Learn how different times of the day and antenna setups can optimize your communication range, and why sometimes, even with the best planning, spontaneity wins the day in Parks on the Air activations. Tune in for a practical look at balancing theory with real-world experiences, ensuring you get the most out of your ham radio journey.

Understanding Propagation Reports:
https://www.carc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Understanding-HF-propagation-reports.pdf

VOCAP
https://www.voacap.com/hf/

Books:
Fast Track to Understanding HF Propagation: by Michael Bernett AF7KB

WSPR mode
http://www.wsprnet.org/drupal/

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Support the show:
Buy Us a Beer: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lfhpodcast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LiveFreeandHamPodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093543540309
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livefreeandham/

YouTube Channel:
https://youtube.com/@livefreeandham

Swag/Shows/Updates:
https://livefreeandham.com

Join our discord:
https://discord.com/invite/zas2cAVNPs

If you would also like to learn more about the hosts:
Todd (W1STJ) - https://w1stj.com
Eric (N1JUR) - https://n1jur.com
Paul (N1OG) - https://www.qrz.com/db/N1OG