Parks on the Air (POTA)

---

 There is something truly special about combining amateur radio with the great outdoors.

Parks on the Air (POTA) is an international amateur radio program that encourages operators to set up portable radio stations in designated parks and public lands while making contacts with stations around the world.

Whether you're operating from a local city park, a state forest, or one of our beautiful national parks, every outing is an opportunity to enjoy nature, sharpen your operating skills, and meet fellow amateur radio enthusiasts.

For me, POTA is about much more than making contacts.

It's about learning something new each time I go into the field.

It's about experimenting with antennas, portable power systems, and station setups.

Most importantly, it's about the friendships that develop along the way.

My first POTA outing reminded me that amateur radio is truly a community. Experienced operators generously shared their knowledge, loaned equipment, and encouraged us as we learned together. Those experiences are every bit as valuable as the contacts we make.

As I continue my POTA journey, I'll be sharing:

• 📡 Portable station setups 
• 🌲 Parks I visit throughout New York and beyond 
• 📻 Antenna comparisons and field testing 
• 🔋 Portable power solutions 
• 📖 Lessons learned from each outing 
• 📸 Photos from the parks and operating locations 
• 🤝 Stories of the wonderful people who make amateur radio such a welcoming hobby 

Whether you're an experienced activator or simply curious about portable operating, I hope these adventures encourage you to get outside, get on the air, and discover everything that Parks on the Air has to offer.

I invite you to follow along as I continue learning—one park, one contact, and one adventure at a time.

73,

Dee Nolét, KE2FAI
Founder, YL On The Air
Operating from the Southern Adirondacks of New York

Each POTA outing has its own journal entry documenting the day, including:

• Park location 
• Station setup 
• Equipment used 
• Antennas tested 
• Contacts made 
• Photos 
• Lessons learned 
• Field Notes 

I hope you'll enjoy following along as my portable operating skills continue to grow.