Description
Erik Larson (AD7OV) and Reed Merrick(AF7FW) present a fun look into using POTA activations as ways to improve operating skills for emergency preparedness. Reed and Erik have been activating POTA sites since January 2024 using the club call W7HFV. They currently have over 23,000 contacts from POTA activations and have successfully activated 59 different POTA parks (as of April 2025). Between January 2024 and April 2025, they have performed over 215 park activations, and have a following of "regulars" that keep their club call W7HFV in HamAlert.
They share with you their experience operating POTA and how much it has prepared them for emergency activation and operation. Erik is the ARRL ARES Emergency Coordinator for Uintah County, Utah, and sees POTA as a valuable tool to help train hams to set up and operate in an emergency situation as well as a great way to revitalize HAM radio.
Reed recently timed himself on a POTA station deployment, and 9 minutes 47 seconds from when he arrived at the park, he was on the air calling CQ for his first contact with a fully operational HF station capable of operation from 40m thru 6m at 100W output, with solar/battery power.
The presentation focuses on using POTA as a training tool from the emergency preparedness point of view, and also on having fun while doing it.
