POTA: First Activation Succesfull!

[Northcutt114]

After two test runs and then completely failing in my first attempt at an activation on the third trip where I only got one QSO, I returned for a fourth time and was successful! 12 QSO's in 45 degree weather in the wind. 3 Park to Parks, one in Bermuda! It took the better part of two and a half hours, but I did it! I hunted a few people but largely called CQ and people responded! I was flabbergasted. I was operating in the same spot I had the first two times where I had such difficulty. Even had a wee pile up while I worked through four different stations calling at the same time. I know it's a minor victory but, man, am I proud of myself. Xiegu G90 @ 20 watts, running a 1/4 wave vertical JCP12 antenna. 8 ground radials at 10' each, 18g wire.

Thank you to all of the folks that answered questions and helped me out. There's a few other parks near me but for now, I'm going to go make some tea and put my feet up by the fire! 73!

 

[WRYS709]

Ok, I get it now: you don’t want any of us to help you Activate, so you don’t post ahead of time…

[WRYZ926]

Congratulations. It is nice when you get your first POTA activation under your belt.

Band conditions will change from day to day and can change from one minute to another.

Try doubling your ground radials if you can. You should see an improvement with 24 radials.

The G90 is in the sweet spot when it comes to portable HF radios. About the only downside I have with the G90 is it doesn't work on 6m. But you don't hardly ever hear anyone calling CQ POTA on 6m anyway.

[Northcutt114]

8 minutes ago, WRYS709 said:

Ok, I get it now: you don’t want any of us to help you Activate, so you don’t post ahead of time…

I thought about it...I really did. But then I thought between monitoring this and spotting myself and logging...it was a lot. Honestly when people started calling back, I kind of freaked out because I wasn't logging them fast enough. Managing that alone was a bit of a challenge.

 

[Northcutt114]

27 minutes ago, WRYZ926 said:

Band conditions will change from day to day and can change from one minute to another.

Try doubling your ground radials if you can. You should see an improvement with 24 radials.

I know that you've said repeatedly that band conditions vary, but man...the band conditions to today were poor across the board according to that website, but I managed to get into places that I've never gotten before. Bermuda, Washington State (who I actually had a conversation with, not just a call sign exchange), Wyoming, and a few states in New England.

Regarding radials, when you say "improvement" what do you mean? Better signal on transmit? Also, what are your thoughts on faraday cloth?

[WRYZ926]

Yes HamSQL was sayin band conditions were poor for 10-12 meters and fair for 15-20 meters. I still managed quite a few FT8 contacts on 10m with one being Costa Rica. I also made a confirmed contact with Burinka Faso, Africa on 15m FT8. Granted CW and digital modes are easier when band conditions are poor.

Websites like HamSQL and VOACAP are good  at showing the general conditions but they can be totally different from your location. Both should only be used as a guide.

I have seen band conditions change quickly setting at my desk running FT8. One minute I will be hearing 50 to 100 stations and within a few minutes I am only hearing 20-30 stations. Wait a few more minutes and back to hearing 50 + stations.

This morning I was lucky to hear 15-20 stations on 10m then next thing I know I was hearing 50 stations.

As I said before, just when you think you understand propagation, it will throw a fast curve ball at you.

[TNFrank]

Awesome, glad you got an Activation. Maybe one day I'll Hunt you and we'll get a QSO.