On Friday, November 8, 2024, my wife and I ran errands while one of our daughters attended a Shakespeare rehearsal.
Since these rehearsals typically last 2–3 hours, I try to make the most of the time by completing errands and squeezing in a POTA activation when possible.
That day, my wife encouraged me to fit in a quick activation, provided we could also handle a few errands in town.
Fortunately, one of our stops was near the Sycamore Flats picnic area in Pisgah National Forest (K-4510). I’ve been activating this site almost weekly since Hurricane Helene swept through North Carolina, as it has been one of the few accessible parks. (Thankfully, as of today, a few more sites have reopened!)
When we arrived, we saw a large group of volunteers working to clean up the area. They were filling holes in the road and repairing picnic table pads damaged by flooding.
To avoid getting in their way, I set up under the trees by the river, away from the main picnic area where they were working.
Sadly, none of the picnic tables near the river remained—they were likely swept away by the floodwaters. This wasn’t an issue, as my POTA/SOTA pack always has everything I need for a fully self-contained activation.
Two of my favorite field accessories
Two pieces of gear make it incredibly easy for me to activate anywhere: my Helinox Chair Zero and my Tufteln N0RNM Folding Knee Board.
While I’ve activated sitting on logs, large rocks, or the ground, I increasingly appreciate the comfort of a proper chair. The Helinox Chair Zero is a game-changer: lightweight, sturdy, and easy to pack. It’s pricey, but I’ve never regretted the investment.
The Tufteln kneeboard is another essential. It’s just large enough to hold portable radios (KX1, KX2, KX3, TR-35, TX-500, MTR-3B, QMX, QCX, CFT1, etc.) and my Rite in the Rain notepad. Strapped to my leg, it provides a stable surface for logging and operating.
This is exactly how I set up my station that day at Sycamore Flats.
Next, I deployed my MM0OPX 40 meter end-fed half-wave, connected it to the KX2 (double-checking that the ATU was in bypass mode) and hopped on the air!
Gear:
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Radio
Antenna & Supports
Cable Assembly
Throw Line and Accessories
- Mini Arborist throw line kit: Tom Bihn Small Travel Tray, Marlow KF1050 Excel 2mm Throwline, and Weaver 8 or 10oz weight
Other Field Gear and Accessories
Packs & Cases
Logging Supplies
Camera/Audio Gear
- DJI OSMO 4 action camera with Joby Telepod Sport Tripod
On The Air
As I mention in the activation video (below), setup and pack-up took longer than my actual on-air time. My wife waited in the car, catching up on post-Hurricane Helene financial tasks.
I started calling CQ POTA on 20 meters, and hunters responded quickly. In just 14 minutes, I logged 15 QSOs.
QSO Map
Here’s what this five-watt activation looked like when plotted out on a QSO Map:
Activation Video
Here’s my real-time, real-life video of the entire activation. As with all of my videos, I don’t edit out any parts of the on-air activation time. In addition, I have monetization turned off on YouTube, although that doesn’t stop them from inserting ads before and after my videos.
Note that Patreon supporters can watch and even download this video 100% ad-free through Vimeo on my Patreon page:
Click here to view on YouTube.
Reflections
This was my second activation since Hurricane Helene, and it felt great to be back in the field!
The only downside? Having to call QRT while more hunters were still calling. Quick activations often come with this trade-off, but I prefer short activations over skipping them entirely. They’re not only good for my mental health (“radio therapy”) but also give hunters a chance to log the park.
Thank you!
Thank you for joining me during this short activation!
I hope you enjoyed the field report and my activation video as much as I enjoyed creating them!
Of course, I’d also like to send a special thanks to those of you who have been supporting the site and channel through Patreon, and the Coffee Fund. While not a requirement, as my content will always be free, I really appreciate the support.
Thanks for spending part of your day with me!
If you live in the States, here’s wishing you and yours an amazing Thanksgiving! Even if you’re not in the States, know that I’m so grateful that you are a part of our radio community!
Cheers & 72,
Thomas (K4SWL)
Thomas, here’s an “off the wall” question: What lead hardness do you use in your lead holder?
For 0.5 mm lead I prefer 2B. HB is too light and 4B breaks too easily.
For 2 mm lead I have everything from 4H to 6B. I find the harder leads are too light and the softer leads dull too quickly (don’t want to carry a sharpener in the field). Can’t seem to find the “Goldilocks” hardness. 🙂
“radio therapy”
Boy I’ll say!!!! Amateur radio kept me from being isolated socially during the pandemic. A great hobby and a great radio service (e.g., EMCOMM). I am particularly thankful for amateur radio as we face the run-up to Thanksgiving. 73s & Happy Thanksgiving to you and all HAMOPS who get on the air by any (legal **LOL**) mode available.
72 de AE5ZX
Always nice to hear you on the air, and a PTP to boot. I was a t Fort Dummers State Park (US-3114) in southern VT. It was chilly and windy, but good to be out and about.
Thomas :
I have a similar setup and I love the idea of being self-sufficient so that you can operate from almost anywhere.
For anyone pinching pennies who would like to replicate your setup there are some value options available. I have the Trekology Yizi GO backpacking chair and the companion sand cover for the legs (gives better support on soft ground). Both are available on Amazon at a fraction of the price of the Helinox and are very well made. FWIW, I am 6ft 1in and 230 lbs and this chair works great for me.
Also I have 3D printed and assembled an nearly identical knee board from Thingiverse : https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6321282
Anyone who is into 3D printing or has a friend that can 3D print this for them, can get the additional parts to assemble it for probably not more that about $20 USD on Amazon as well. See the Thingiverse listing for the details.
Cheers
Michael VE3WMB
P.S. This kneeboard also works really well with similarly size trail-friendly rigs such as the Xiegu X5105. The X5105 is not a KX2, but for anyone looking for a value TFR for portable ops I would recommend the X5105 over the X6100/X6200. The performance of the X5105 is not bad and the battery life is excellent.