I've seen some posts recently in various places talking about how one does #ParksOnTheAir activations, so I figured I would write up how I do it.
Firstly, as a half-fast contester and uninhibited technical specialist, I go a little overboard when compared against other activators. I run an Icom IC-7300, usually at 95 watts, into an end-fed half-wave antenna strung up about 20 feet (6 meters) above ground.
I use a ridiculously large capacity 48-volt LiFePO4 battery, coupled with a 48-volt to 13.8-volt DC-DC converter rated at 30 Amps, which lets me activate for long stretches of time.
I use an all-weather sports tent to keep the sun/rain/bugs off of me, which also helps with the wind in the wintertime. I have a rubber mat I use to protect the floor of the ham pod. I set up a folding chair, and a 3-foot-by-2-foot collapsible table to hold the radio box.
My radio box includes a small Windows 10 computer which runs directly off 13.8 volts, and a Sceptre LCD monitor which likewise runs directly off 13.8 volts.
For CW, I use a K1EL WKmini keyer. When operating SSB, I use an Arlan Communications RadioSport headset with a foot switch PTT.
The Pi also runs a PostGIS instance loaded with a custom database populated with TIGER Geo data which allows me to look up the County, State, CQ Zone, and ITU Zone for any location in the United States.
I have a custom python script which glues the GPS, GIS, and ACLog together. The script automatically updates the AC Log configuration with the correct location data from PostGIS, as well as the correct latitude, longitude, and six-character maidenhead grid square.
The script also watches for WSJT-X UDP packets, and checks the grid square against the current location. If WSJT-X has the wrong grid square, the script sends a configuration packet to WSJT-X with the correct grid square. There is a setting in WSJT-X which must be enabled to make this work.
When wrapping up my activation, I export the contacts logged during the session to a USB thumb drive for handling when I get home.
Finally, I use ACLog's reporting abilities to give a breakdown of states and countries for my activation, which I compute for the overall activation, as well as per-band. ACLog also generates the colored map of the United States for me.
The last step is to write up the posts and describe the photos!
73, and I hope to get you in the log!
Man aging with April showers