DitWit Portable Radio

pota

  • Embrace diversity! 

    We have this common draw, this shared fascination, a compulsion for some, that is amateur radio. In this world of instantly accessible and freely shared information, it’s so natural to burrow into a path of complete focus, hyper-focus.  Ever notice… Continue reading

    Embrace diversity! 

  • 240505@US-0548 Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge

    I wrapped the weekend with a final activation on Sunday at US-0548 Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge. A typical activation, typical for this weekend because it was dark and drizzly driving in but I single handedly changed the weather North Texas… Continue reading

    240505@US-0548 Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge

  • 240504, Weekend POTA: US-6553 and US-2991

    I missed a weekend of radio and I feel it.  Last weekend, I drove down to Clifton to shoot a Sporting Clays tournament with some good friends.  It was a great time; travel, catching up with friends, and punctuated with… Continue reading

    240504, Weekend POTA: US-6553 and US-2991

  • Adjusting Portable Antenna Length

    We learned to calculate wave length from frequency for the Technician ticket.  Or at least, we memorized the questions and answers for the test.  At the time, I thought it was an interesting tidbit of information but not critical to… Continue reading

    Adjusting Portable Antenna Length

  • 100th Park Activation!!

    I activated my 100th unique park reference today.  Not 100 activations, but 100 different locations. This milestone represents, in my mind, the difference between “does POTA” and “really does POTA”.  To anyone else, it doesn’t mean squat.  And that’s how… Continue reading

    100th Park Activation!!

  • POTA Maps in Google Maps App

    POTA.app has some fantastic resources for both activators and hunters. The Parks Map and the Parks List both offer extensive views of entity locations and relevant details. But I don’t like being tied to a web page – I want… Continue reading

    POTA Maps in Google Maps App

  • 240413@US-2991 Bonham State Park

    A full day of POTA. I’ve had a few setbacks with Packtenna antennas.  They’re pricey, but look really convenient, with everything you need on a tiny wire winder. With their 40-10 EFHW out of stock, seemingly permanently, I ordered the 20-10. … Continue reading

    240413@US-2991 Bonham State Park

  • CQ POTA! A Guide.

    The POTA Exchange Our CW exchange from the park is short and sweet, little more than the briefest handshake. The rules for POTA don’t qualify any requisite information so in the end, we really just need a call sign to… Continue reading

    CQ POTA! A Guide.

  • 240608@US-2991 Bonham State Park (Total Eclipse)

    In The Zone Of Totality Background About a month ago, KW5CW James suggested we activate from Bonham State Park on the day of the solar eclipse, Monday April 8th.  The park, being in the “path of totality”, would be a… Continue reading

    240608@US-2991 Bonham State Park (Total Eclipse)

  • 240406@US-0548 Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge

    My typical park activation cycle is Friday afternoon, Saturday, and Sunday.  I took Friday off from POTA so this morning, it seems forever since I’ve been out.  Miss one day and I complain like a starving house cat.  Suffice to… Continue reading

    240406@US-0548 Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge