The NCRC Parks On The Air (POTA) Group is growing, with many successful activations in the month of October.  Fairly simple radios and antennas are deployed in state or national parks recognized by the ParksOnTheAir program. An example of a recent activation is Coccumcussoc State Park in North Kingstown.  It was activated for the first time by Ryan KC1KUF.  Ryan, 14 and a freshman at North Kingstown High School, started working on his radio license 2 years ago, and completed his General this summer.  In that time he has become an accomplished Winter & Summer Field Day operator, so it is only natural that he would find new ways to get on the air in the field.

Ryan KC1KUF activating Coccumcussoc State Park. Gear: Icom IC-7000, 30 AH LiFePO4 battery, and 20-m HamStick antenna.

Sometimes a single operator is involved, and sometimes a few people join in to put multiple stations on the air.  It is a wonderful opportunity to get outside in the fresh air and have a chance to meet up with our fellow hams in a safe way.  If you would like to join in on the fun and be kept aware of new activations, please email POTA at w1sye.org

The November 9th club meeting (7 PM via Zoom) will have a short presentation on POTA, with plenty of time to ask questions about antennas, rigs, and batteries.

NCRC members John K1JSM, Willy W1LY, Jim KA1ZOU, and Bob WB4SON met up around 09:30 local time at Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge, POTA Park K-0515.  Three separate stations were setup on 40m, 20m and 17m.  The 20m station used an end-fed half-wave, the 40m station used a random end-fed wire (actually about 35 feet), and the 17m station used a HamStick on the truck roof.  All three stations had successful activations (meaning a minimum of 10 contacts).

A fine time was had by all.  Jim KA1ZOU fed the crew a fantastic beef-barley-vegetable soup, which hit the spot given the cool weather.  Besides being outdoors, and on-the-air, the best part was being able to see friendly faces and chat in a safe setting.

We invite new members to join us on Friday mornings while the weather holds.  Email POTA at W1SYE.org for details.

*** UPDATED October 9 @ 13:50UTC ***

NCRC POTA People met at Trustom Pond today and were on the air on 20-meter SSB (14.270) by 13:50 UTC.  The following six participated:

• John Mills K1JSM
• Willy Macclean W1LY
• Jim Sammons KA1ZOU
• Rich Russel KA1ARO
• Bob Beatty WB4SON
• Jim Johnson K1GND

It was the first time that particular park had been activated.  The weather was stunning, and the company was excellent!  We were happy to have Jim Johnson, K1GND, one of the directors of The Consortium program join us as well (Jim is giving a presentation on Small HF Antennas at Monday’s meeting).

Driving into the park, which is along RI’s southern coast

From Left to Right: Rich KC1ARO, John K1JSM (Jim KA1ZOU to John’s right), and Willy W1LY

(L to R): John K1JSM paper logging, Jim K1GND on the air, and Jim KA1ZOU electronically logging

The gear used was the same as last time.  FT-897 with tuner, 20-meter end-fed half-wave antenna, and 30 AH LiFePO4 battery.  Rich and Willy both operated on 40 meters as well.

The NCRC Activation Gang will be activating Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge, which is located along the southern coast of RI, on Friday October 9.  Expect them on 14.265 +/- around 14:00Z (10 AM local time).  Calls in use will be KA1ZOU, K1JSM, W1LY, and WB4SON.  40 meter SSB operation may occur along with CW on 14.060 MHz.  It is our belief that this park has never been activated before.

John K1JSM and Willy W1LY will be at Fort Adams State Park tomorrow sometime around 9:30 AM Friday September 17th.  Look for them on 20 meter SSB 14.260 MHz +/- and check the spotting networks for W1LY or K1JSM calls.

The Parks On The Air Identifier is K-2874