From The Website: https://www.k5rwk.org/pota/ Check out their website
RWK has had a lot of interest in Parks on the Air (POTA) operations, activations, and “how to”. The Parks on the Air program has been very popular within ham radio, responsible for some 6 Million QSOs in 2021. There are lots of reason to get out of the house and operate outside! In addition to having fun, you can earn operating awards for “activating” (operating within) and “hunting” (communicating with) designated parks.
We have a wealth of people and information that you can use to create your own setup and get on the air from your favorite POTA park. There are some specific needs for a POTA station, but with a little guidance you should be able to put together a very effective station and join this popular ham radio movement.
Radio
You can use most any portable radio you want for POTA operation, although many people prefer lightweight or ultra-portable radios. Radios that have relatively low power consumption are a bonus. You can operate QRP (less than 20 watts) but you will need a very good antenna. Several of the modern 100 watt transceivers from the major manufacturers are also good choices if you’re not hiking in. Really, you can use about anything that you can carry.
You will also need a source of power for your radio such as a battery box, preferably with lightweight LiFePO4 battery(s). Many people choose to build/put together a container that has the radio, battery, and all the components (microphone, cables, etc.) for ease of transport.
Antenna
POTA operators use all kinds of antennas, depending on their specific situation. We have had great experience with a simple telescoping vertical antenna that is both compact, cheap, and effective. There are simple ways to expand it to cover 40 meters. You can also use simple “ham stick” based antennas or simple wire antennas. Park rules vary about whether you are permitted to “stick things in the ground and in trees” so check your park’s rules before you go.
POTA Operating
If this is your first time, You will need to create an account on the POTA website and complete your profile. You must choose an officially-recognized POTA park – there are thousands to choose from – but they are all State and National parks (no local City Parks are recognized). Once you are set up in the park, create a “spot” on the POTA website with the park number that you are at to let everyone know what frequency and mode that you are operating. Then just call “CQ POTA” and watch the contacts roll in! Make sure that you keep your spot up to date if you change freqs or modes.
Logging
Many people use a simple pad and pen/pencil to log their contacts, and then type them into the POTA site later. You can also use a small PC or phone/tablet. People that want to log electronically, like HAMRS (computer or phone app) for POTA logging (if you have cell service in the park). You will need to upload your contacts to the POTA website to receive POTA activation credit (and to reward the hunters).
POTA Hunting
Even if you never go to a park, you can still get in on the POTA fun as a “hunter”. All you have to do is work POTA stations when they are on the air (go to the POTA website and look at the current spots). If you have created an account on the POTA website, you will receive credit (no log submissions are required for hunters) and you can watch the awards accumulate!