Tips on Activating during Contesting weekends
This post has been an idea I have had bouncing around in my head for a while now. I, as a rule of thumb, try not to activate during a contest weekend.
Before you start rolling your eyes or finger point, I know that, in general terms, it’s not the toughest thing to accomplish.
However, for a relatively new ham working, an “everyday” activation has its challenges. Adding in crowded bands, propagation issues, and technical challenges, elevates the bar quite high.
So I took this time to give it a try during CQ QPX Weekend. I posted the video of the activation below.
But here are my takeaways that hopefully can help you when you should run into this scenario.
When activating during a contest weekend, you should….
Be patient - Know that going in the bands will be VERY crowded. Trying to find an activation spot will be flanked with contester one and two kilohertz above your frequency, running some power. Knowing this will keep you level-headed and help you decide on a location. Remember, you can use all the bands -even the WARC ones.
Hunt! - Yes, you can hunt. Most of the contester’s won’t need your park number. You need to know the exchange and work those stations as if they were in your log.
Be Creative - understand that you may have to use other modes or bands to activate the park. I came up short in activating K-4950, but instead of packing it in, I used 2m FM simplex and called out on 146.52 to get the 2 or 3 contacts I needed. The motto is “Use what you brought” and “Use all the bands you can!”
FILTERS, FILTERS, FILTERS! - If your radio has filtering ex. DNR, Noise Reduction, Shift and width you, and you can find a relative open frequency. Then use them to filter out the louder stations above or below you and just work stations you can hear clearly. Learning to pull out the “5-watt QRP” station isn’t the time or place. Treat your activation like a contest and work as many “Qs” in the time you’re allotted.
There are many others, but these four are the best suggestions I can offer and helped me get Reed’s Ferry Activated that day.
Remember, POTA is a process, and every activation is a place to learn your equipment and communication skills for the future.
If there are any other tips I may have missed, I’d love to hear them. Please post them in the comments below.