Q R P e r

by Mark (JJ5GVY/KB2PIZ) The weather is getting more summer-like here in Takamatsu. That means hot and humid and rain on the days it is not hot and humid. The rainy season is in June, and it is not much fun, with sweat, rain, and mosquitoes! But my wife was meeting a friend for lunch, and … Continue reading A Jury-Rigged Antenna Saves the Activation at Kinrin Park (JP-1653) →

As always, there are lots of links within the article. Click one! Click them all! Learn all the things! by Vince (VE6LK) It’s my last POTA activation before flying back to Alberta, in fact, it’s the morning of. As usual, I’m up before everyone else, so I snuck out to squeeze in one more activation. … Continue reading Does half and half equal a whole? →

Elecraft has just introduced two new products that will likely attract the attention of many POTA activators and portable operators: the AX4 portable vertical antenna and its companion BL3 balun. At first glance, the AX4 looks like a bigger, higher-power evolution of the AX1/AX3 concept—but without giving up the portability that made those antennas so … Continue reading Elecraft Introduces the New AX4 Portable Antenna & BL3 Balun →

As always, there are lots of links within the article. Click one! Click them all! Learn all the things! by Vince (VE6LK) Over the years, I’ve learned to carry less when doing portable operations. It was only three and one-half years ago that Malen VE6VID said to me, “You are carrying too much gear,” when … Continue reading A snowbrush is essential POTA gear →

by Mark (JJ5GVY/KB2PIZ) I reported on my fun non-activation of a non-POTA park the other day. My success rate at Ritsurin Park (JP-2051) was “failures” on 2 of the last 3 attempts, so I wanted another chance. Well, on the morning of May 7, 2026, my wife asked me if I would mind if she … Continue reading Back to Ritsurin Park for a Successful Activation! →

Good morning, QRPers! As you’re reading this post, Tuesday morning, I’m already on the road heading to Dayton Hamvention and Four Days in May for a full week of radio fun, friends, field activations, and probably (definitely) not enough sleep! Today I’m driving to Athens to meet up with a friend from the Netherlands and … Continue reading Heading to Dayton Hamvention and Four Days in May! →

by Thomas (K4SWL) On Tuesday, April 7, 2026, I visited my buddy Vlado in South Asheville and, on the way home, decided to take a shortcut via the Blue Ridge Parkway. Since I was already on the Parkway, I thought: why not stop for a very quick Parks on the Air activation? In the car, … Continue reading Roadside POTA Twofer: Testing DB4REB’s KH1 Angled Pressure Paddles! →

by Mark (JJ5GVY/KB2PIZ) Golden week in Japan is a 5 or so-day stretch of holidays to give the hard-working Japanese workers some well-deserved time off. That is great for them, but many stores and restaurants close, so there is not a lot to do! Sounds like a fantastic opportunity for a park activation. My wife … Continue reading QRP in the Spirit of POTA at Marugame Castle →

by Thomas (K4SWL) On Monday, April 6, 2026, my wife was meeting some friends at a café in Black Mountain, North Carolina, so I drove her into town, dropped her off, grabbed an oat milk latte in my thermal mug, and made my way up to the Blue Ridge Parkway. I was especially excited about … Continue reading Testing DB4REB’s Clever KH1 Accessories on the Blue Ridge Parkway →

As always there are lots of links within the article. Click one! Click them all! Learn all the things! by Vince (VE6LK) It’s early May, and I’m back in Ontario for more family business and life events with a smattering of local travel and visiting friends and family along the way. It’s early May and, … Continue reading When eight equals ten →

Many thanks to Ian (EI3LH), who shares the following post, originally posted on his blog: Marconi Day:  A Day of Thirsts (and Firsts) by Ian (EI3LH) For the totally Troposheric Taste? Here comes the EI3LH man. I’m not ashamed to admit that I wept openly when it was announced that the Lilt Man was getting handed his P45. … Continue reading VHF/UHF Lift and a First CW SOTA: EI3LH’s Marconi Day Milestones →