DitWit Portable Radio

qrp

  • 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

  • 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

  • Learning Morse Code

    I hear it’s possible.   It’s challenging, it takes persistence, it’s an investment. It’s especially challenging in this overwhelming culture of solutions. We’ve been conditioned to seek solutions to problems – work smarter, not harder – right tool for the job. … Continue reading

    Learning Morse Code

  • POTA – Self-Spotting

    With a radio, we can very slowly scroll our VFO and listen for activity.  It’s fun, it’s exciting, but it’s not super efficient when the objective is to rack up a mass of contacts.  No matter how slowly we roll… Continue reading

    POTA – Self-Spotting

  • 240330@US-0548 Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge

    These are specials days – days to notice and enjoy – before the heat sets in.  They won’t be here long.  They say Spring in North Texas is beautiful.  It is, especially when it lands on a weekend. This activation… Continue reading

    240330@US-0548 Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge