PCARS “ParkPeditions”

Periodically, our Portable Operations Special Interest Group organizes a field trip to a local park. We set up our portable gear, and do a POTA activation. It’s fun to get out and check out our gear, and hang out both on the bands, and with each other. Did I mention that there’s usually food involved?

Parks on the Air®, also known as POTA, is a global initiative for amateur radio enthusiasts. It encourages licensed hams (Amateur Radio) to activate nearby parks and public areas, using portable equipment to operate their radios. This not only promotes emergency preparedness and communication skills but also allows hams to enjoy the great outdoors while pursuing their hobby. You can learn more about POTA at https://parksontheair.com/

2024 PCARS “ParkPeditions”

You are cordially invited to join us and take part in our club’s 2024 “PCARS ParkPeditions”. Several members will be bringing their portable stations, allowing us to operate on multiple bands simultaneously. Come and witness our rigs and antennas – there is no need to bring your own radios, just come and enjoy the experience with us.

July 27th – Multi-Club POTA Event

What: PCARS Activation during the Northeast Ohio Multi-Club POTA Event. We plan on activating Lake Milton and operating QRP (10watts or less).

When: Saturday, July 27th 2024 from 9am to 3pm

Where: Harry Meshel Picnic Area – 590 Milton Ave, Lake Milton, OH 44429, (Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/rva2wCa42fQBSsU28).

Food: Hot Dogs, Hamburgers and Sloppy Joes.
Feel free to bring food to share! Donuts, drinks, snacks, etc.
However, don’t feel like you need to bring anything, except your self!

Points of Contact:
Brandon/KE8ARB – bmercer@eutonian.com

Other Clubs participating in the Northeast Ohio Multi-Club POTA Event:
→ SARA – to activate the West Branch State Park at the East Boat Launch Shelter located at 5998 Gilbert Road, Ravenna, OH 44266. (Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/tEKapjfEhZ5NnKD97). You can find more details at https://w8wky.org/pota-event-july-27th/.

Goals of this event:
1) Stoke up a lot of local POTA activity – We can do this by getting lots of local clubs on the air at the same time!
2) Give visitors opportunities to see how different clubs setup for POTA – If many different clubs activate nearby parks, visitors can travel around to see all the different setups!
3) Give operators the chance to operate portable – Bring you batteries and solar power if you have them!

September 7th – In support of OSPOTA event @ West Branch State Park – Special Event Callsign –N8P
October 19/20 – PCARS “ParkPedition” overnight – TBD

April 2024 PCARS ParkPedition

	April, 2024 Punderson State Park (US-1985) “ParkPedition”
	On April 20, 2024, K8BF (PCARS) activated Punderson State Park (US-1985) amidst the chilly weather of the day, with temperatures hovering around the low 40s. The conditions resembled a FYAO II, adding an extra element of excitement to the event.

January 2024 PCARS ParkPedition

	January, 2024 Wingfoot Lake State Park (K-3516) “ParkPedition”
	K8BF Activated Wingfoot Lake State Park (K-3516), in Mogadore, OH. A considerable number of the PCARS family attended this POTA event, which was both pleasant and cold.

October 2023 PCARS ParkPedition

	October, 2023 Punderson State Park (K-1985) “ParkPedition”
	In October, 2023, K8BF Activated Punderson State Park (K-1985), in Newbury, OH. It was a fun time.

April 2023 PCARS ParkPedition

	April, 2023 Wingfoot Lake “ParkPedition”
	In April, 2023, we “invaded” Wingfoot Lake State Park (K-3516), in Suffield, OH. The weather could have been better, but it was a fun time.