Corey N3CAAApr 16, 2023

First #pota activation attempt today. Failed with 0 contacts. Was stuck on 40m due to 6:1 SWR on 20. RBN said I was getting out but only for a few hundred miles. Called CQ POTA a few dozen times, then QRT once the rain startedLesson learned, should have tested my equipment at home before going to the park. At least I’m getting used to and liking the Soviet leg strap straight key.

Pictured is my gear in a half-torn down state (was too flustered to remember to take a shot with it all setup).

Show threadMark W8EWHApr 17, 2023
@N3caa Did you spot yourself on POTA.app?
Show threadCorey N3CAAApr 17, 2023
@W8EWH Yup, I called CQ POTA a few times with no response so I spotted myself then called many more times. I didn’t respot myself every few minutes so maybe there’s where I went wrong.
Show threadMark W8EWH
@N3caa For the RBN alone to spot you in POTA.app you have to have scheduled the activation first. You should not have to manually respot yourself for at least 30 min or so.
Apr 17, 2023 at 12:34amWeb
Show threadCorey N3CAAApr 17, 2023
@W8EWH That’s great to know, thanks. I spotted myself on pota.app and assumed that would have helped make contacts, but it didn’t.