Brew and Activate

Think you’re a solid POTA operator?

Cool.

Let’s test that.

This week on Brew & Activate, we’re putting the Brew Crew to the test with a 10-question POTA quiz designed to separate the “I make contacts” crowd from the “I actually understand what’s happening” operators.

We’re talking:

• Real-world activation scenarios

• Pileup strategy

• Propagation curveballs

• Logging mistakes that quietly wreck your activation

• And one FINAL BOSS question that… yeah… it’s gonna sting

No trick questions.

No easy outs.

Just the...

Do POTA activators need to self-spot… or should they just call CQ and let radio happen?

This week on Brew & Activate we dig into a debate that’s been quietly heating up across the POTA community: self-spotting.

Some operators say spotting immediately is just good operating — it helps hunters find you, helps QRP stations get contacts, and keeps activations efficient.

Others say instant spotting has changed the culture of portable radio. Are operators listening on the bands anymore… or just watching the website?

We explore:

• Why self-spotting became the norm in PO...

POTA activations used to mean setting up, settling in, and spending time on the air.

Now?

More operators are running 15–20 minute activations, squeezing in parks during lunch breaks, and even going digital-only to get quick contacts.

So the question is…

Is this just efficient operating?

Or are activations starting to feel like drive-by contacts?

This week on Brew & Activate, we dive into the rise of micro-activations and what they mean for the hobby.

We explore:

• Why short activations are becoming more common

• Th...

What happens when you bring TWO radios to a POTA activation?

Today on Brew & Activate, Eric (N1JUR) and Shannon (KC1OHT) dive into SO2R — Single Operator Two Radios — and what it would actually look like in the field.

Is it efficient?

Is it chaotic?

Is it advanced operator maturity…

or just picnic-table-level overengineering?

We break down:

• What SO2R really means in a POTA context

• Voice + Voice vs Voice + Digital

• Antenna isolation and RF considerations

• Battery and power manageme...

Most hunters focus on getting logged.

Great hunters focus on how they operate.

This is Episode 3 of our Brew & Activate Hunter Series — and we’re going beyond tools and timing.

In this episode, we dive into:

• Advanced POTA hunting strategy

• Reading activator patterns

• Pileup etiquette that actually helps

• Why reputation matters on the air

• Avoiding burnout and keeping hunting fun long term

In Episode 1, we covered mindset.

In Episode 2, we covered tools and tactics.

Now we’re talking maturity...

Last week on Brew & Activate, we talked about the hunter mindset — why great POTA hunters win with patience, timing, and calm decision-making.

This week?

We go tactical.

In Episode 2 of our hunter series, we break down the tools, tactics, and radio techniques that actually help you break POTA pileups — without turning this into a gear flex session.

Because here’s the truth:

Most hunters don’t need more power.

They need better timing.

And better settings.

In this episode, we cover:

How to u...

Most Parks on the Air content focuses on activators — but this episode is for the other half of the contact: the hunters.

Why do some POTA hunters consistently break pileups with ease… while others struggle even with good gear?

In this Brew & Activate episode, we dig into the hunter mindset that actually wins contacts:

Why timing beats callsign volume

How great hunters listen before they transmit

Why calling less often works better

What separates calm, effective hunters from frustrated ones

If you’ve ever hunted a park...

Batteries don’t get the glory in POTA — but they absolutely decide whether your activation ends with a full log… or packing up early.

In this episode of Brew & Activate, we break down POTA batteries the right way:

No spec-sheet flexing.

No marketing hype.

Just real-world field experience.

We cover:

What a POTA battery actually needs to do

Why stable voltage matters more than raw capacity

Handling current spikes on transmit

Battery performance in winter vs spring vs summer

LiFePO...

Parks on the Air (POTA) is supposed to be fun… but myths and bad advice stop a LOT of hams from ever activating.

In this episode, we break down the Top 5 most common POTA myths — and explain why they’re flat-out wrong.

We cover things like:

❌ “You need a perfect setup before you activate”

❌ “You need high power to be successful”

❌ “You need expensive gear”

❌ “If you don’t get a pileup, you’re doing it wrong”

❌ “You have to be an expert to activate POTA”

Spoiler: None of that is t...

Support Your Parks Weekend: Winter is here—and Brew and Activate is getting you ready. We’re talking the origin story of Support Your Parks, how to plan a safe and efficient winter POTA activation, and then we’re ending with a community challenge:

The Brew and Activate SYP-Winter Challenge:

Get 10 QSOs on 60m (SSB or FT8) during an activation, then try one weird thing for 15 minutes: 30m (CW/FT8) or FT4.

In this stream we cover:

Where Support Your Parks came from and why it’s such a big week...

Unlock the secrets to crystal-clear audio on portable HF operations in this hands-on live stream. Whether you’re a new activator, a portable contesting enthusiast, or someone asking “why does my audio sound bad?”, we break down what makes good audio in the field: clean transmit versus loud transmit, why microphone choice matters more than power, proper gain staging, and why DSP isn’t a magic fix. We’ll cover how antennas and grounding still influence voice quality, the realities of crowded bands and weak signals, and practical tips to avoid common pitfalls during POTA and SOTA activations. Expect a practica...

Calling CQ and getting nothing back?

It might not be your radio—it might be the sky.

In this episode of Brew & Activate, we break down ham radio propagation in plain English and explain MUF and LUF like you’re five years old.

No math, no confusing charts—just practical tips POTA activators can use before heading out to the park. We’ll cover:

• What MUF and LUF actually mean (simple explanations)

• How propagation affects band choices for POTA

• Easy tools to check propagation before an activation

• A one...

In this live stream, we dive into real-world park activations that didn’t go as planned and walk through practical fixes you can apply on your next POTA outing. We cover gear missteps, propagation surprises, logging glitches, and crowd-friendly setups, with actionable checklists and quick-build tips. If you’ve ever faced weak signals, dead batteries, or chaotic logs, this stream is for you.

What you’ll learn:

A repeatable Failure-to-Fix framework (Readiness, Radio, Reach, Records, Recovery)

Real-case scenarios with concrete remedies

Pre-activation, on-site, and post-activation best practices

How to build...

We’re going live with a special guest: Perry, W1GRD — the mastermind behind https://pota.news. If you’ve ever wondered, “Where did that park story come from?” or “How did I miss that activation?”… this one’s for you.

We’ll dig into what POTA News actually does, the coolest features on the site, what’s new, what’s coming next, and how you can use it to stay in the loop without doom-scrolling (unless you count scrolling spots).

Expect:

⦁ A guided tour of POTA.News and its best features

⦁ Tips for activators...

Join me as I dive into low-profile, RF-only self-spotting techniques you can use from the field when you have zero data or cell service. We’ll walk through hands-on demonstrations of several practical methods, including:

Winlink over HF to post a spot via POTAGW, so your activation shows up on the POTA Spots page without internet access

APRS/AX.25 packet spotting with i-gate or APSPOT gateways, and how to format your message for automatic posting

CW-based spotting with the Reverse Beacon Network (RBN) and how to craft a CQ that carries your park re...

We'll dive into the most frequently asked POTA questions when activating for the first time with the hope to help you get more proficient in your Activations. Your a Hunter you say? We'll we got you covered too!

Affiliate Links:

I receive no compensation for these and want to pass on the savings to all my followers.

Mad Dog Coils: Receive an additional clamp when ordering any Mad Dog Coil - Use N1JUR in the order/shipping notes https://maddogcoils.com.au/

Reliance Antennas: 10% off with Free Shipping. All orders...

We get into the details and discussion about why you'd want to bring a wire out instead of a vertical when activating or maybe you're the type who prefers the challenge of a loop. I'll get into that and other antenna details this week.

Affiliate Links:

I receive no compensation for these and want to pass on the savings to all my followers.

Mad Dog Coils: Receive an additional clamp when ordering any Mad Dog Coil - Use N1JUR in the order/shipping notes https://maddogcoils.com.au/

...

I’m excited to kick off this week’s discussion on a pressing issue: navigating the challenges posed by operators who occasionally take their role a bit too far in their quest to assert themselves as the "king of the park." Perhaps you've encountered a few of these so-called "lawbreakers," individuals whose disregard for the rules has left you feeling frustrated and yearning for justice to intervene and restore order. Although we will keep all real names and callsigns confidential, we will shine a light on the actions that have raised eyebrows and sparked concern. Remember, our vigilant community is w...

This week, we're embarking on a fascinating exploration of a topic that resonates with many of us: batteries. As outdoor activities continue to surge in popularity, the significance of reliable power sources has never been more pronounced. We’ll delve into the essential batteries used in portable applications, guide you through the process of building your own, and showcase some of the top-performing batteries that are perfect for your adventures in the field. Get ready to power up your outdoor experiences like never before!

Affiliate Links:

I receive no compensation for these and wa...

Call me tacky and old-fashioned, but I love "Ferris Bueller's Day Off." This week, while Cameron debates the merits of getting in his car and driving, we're going to discuss "POTA Roves." I've invited Shannon (K1LY) and Shaun (AA4AT) to share their experiences with roves and to explain why you might want to try one yourself.

Affiliate Links:

I receive no compensation for these and want to pass on the savings to all my followers.

Mad Dog Coils: Receive an additional clamp when ordering any Mad Dog Coil - Use N1...

Hey everyone! This week, we're going to dive into the fun world of logging. I’ll be sharing some awesome features of popular apps like POLO and HAMRS, and we’ll compare some of the best logging tools used in POTA today. I’ll also chat about why I prefer one app over another when I’m out in the field.

So grab your favorite cup of coffee, and let’s get ready to log some great adventures together! Can’t wait to see you there!

Affiliate Links:

I receive no compensation for these and wa...

This week, I'm thrilled to dive into an electrifying concept that could elevate the world of POTA and take it to the next level—imagine blending the excitement of Head to Head (H2H) Gaming with E-Sports! We've seen some innovative moves in the contesting realm, like those short "sprints" that allow players to engage in mini-games and build a live leaderboard, updating scores in real-time.

What if we brought that energy to POTA? Picture this: you’re out activating, and with just a click on the POTA.APP page, you can challenge another activator to an exhi...

Hey there! Welcome to Brew & Activate! I’m excited to have you join me every Sunday morning for some engaging conversations about Parks on the Air (POTA) and much more. We’ll dive into all the details, including gear, antennas, setups, and even some of the less exciting topics.

So grab your favorite morning coffee, settle in, and let’s explore the wonderful world of POTA together on Brew & Activate! I can't wait to see you there!

This week, POTA is ruining ham radio! While it might not be literally "killing" it, it sure is a lot...

Hey there! Welcome to Brew & Activate! I’m excited to have you join me every Sunday morning for some engaging conversations about Parks on the Air (POTA) and much more. We’ll dive into all the details, including gear, antennas, setups, and even some of the less exciting topics.

So grab your favorite morning coffee, settle in, and let’s explore the wonderful world of POTA together on Brew & Activate! I can't wait to see you there!

Thank you all for your understanding and support of the channel! As we now have a new home on Fri...

Hey there! Welcome to Brew & Activate! I’m excited to have you join me every Sunday morning for some engaging conversations about Parks on the Air (POTA) and much more. We’ll dive into all the details, including gear, antennas, setups, and even some of the less exciting topics.

So grab your favorite morning coffee, settle in, and let’s explore the wonderful world of POTA together on Brew & Activate! I can't wait to see you there!

This week, we’re excited to explore the often-overlooked US-TEST Park! It's an incredible resource for both new and expe...

The fall season is still with us, but winter is looming just around the corner. In this discussion, we will explore what our POTA kits should look like for winter activations. We hope to provide you with some tips and tricks to help you continue activating during the cold winter months.

Hey there! Welcome to Brew & Activate! I’m excited to have you join me every Friday morning for some engaging conversations about Parks on the Air (POTA) and much more. We’ll dive into all the details, including gear, antennas, setups, and even some of t...

Hello and welcome to Brew & Activate! I’m genuinely thrilled to have you with me every Friday morning as we embark on exciting conversations about Parks on the Air (POTA) and a variety of related topics. Together, we will explore everything from gear and antennas to setups, including those aspects that might initially seem less thrilling!

This week I am super excited to get into the world of POTA on the High bands! I’m delighted to announce that Mike N2MAK will join us to share his wealth of experience in VHF/UHF Activation. He’ll offer...

This week, we’re excited to dive into a fascinating topic from one of our listeners: Late Shift vs. Early Shift! We’ll uncover what they are, reasons to choose each, and the unique benefits they bring to your lifestyle!

Hello and welcome to Brew & Activate! I’m genuinely thrilled to have you with me every Friday morning as we embark on exciting conversations about Parks on the Air (POTA) and a variety of related topics. Together, we will explore everything from gear and antennas to setups, including those aspects that might initially seem less thrilling!

Affi...

Absolutely, we're ready to pick up where we left off and overcome challenges! The Brew Crew is geared up, and we'll resume our deep dive into Ham Alert. This time, we are committed to triumphing and delivering what our audience truly wants!

Hello and welcome to Brew & Activate! I’m genuinely excited to have you join me every Friday morning as we engage in thrilling conversations about Parks on the Air (POTA) and various related topics. Together, we’ll explore everything from gear and antennas to setups, including those aspects that might initially seem less exciting!

If...

Hello and welcome to Brew & Activate! I’m genuinely thrilled to have you with me every Friday morning as we embark on exciting conversations about Parks on the Air (POTA) and a variety of related topics. Together, we will explore everything from gear and antennas to setups, including those aspects that might initially seem less thrilling!

If you proudly call yourself a POTA Nerd, you likely know that HamAlert is the ultimate app for real-time notifications about your favorite activators, parks, and locations. For those who haven't yet explored its features, we're excited to guide you through ev...

This week, Parks on the Air (POTA) is exploding in popularity — and now more clubs than ever are using it to get members active, outdoors, and excited about radio again. In this video, I break down exactly how YOUR local club can incorporate POTA into meetings, events, and yearly planning.

Whether your club is small, aging, newly revived, or already active, these ideas will work.

How to launch your first club POTA outing with minimal gear.

The secret sauce to getting inactive members to show up again.

How to make POTA ev...

We break down the five most dependable POTA setups you’ll actually want to carry. From modular rigs to gear that solves common activation headaches, we’ll cover popularity, portability, and practical tips to maximize your field day. Bring your questions—let’s compare builds, test ideas, and boost your next POTA contact rate.

Hello and welcome to Brew & Activate! I’m genuinely thrilled to have you with me every Friday morning as we embark on exciting conversations about Parks on the Air (POTA) and related topics. Together, we will explore everything from gear and antennas to setups, in...

Hey there! Welcome to Brew & Activate! I’m excited to have you join me every Sunday morning for some fun chats about Parks on the Air (POTA) and so much more.

We’ll dive into all the juicy details, like gear, antennas, setups, and even some of the not-so-fun stuff. So grab your favorite morning coffee, settle in, and let’s explore the wonderful world of POTA together on Brew & Activate! Can't wait to see you there!

Affiliate Links:

I receive no compensation for these and want to pass on the saving...