The RARS Portable Operating Group met on April 23, 2022 at Umstead State Park near Big Lake for our second outing. Attendees included a dozen hams, some experienced and some new, who came to enjoy portable radio on a very pleasant spring day.
The program was on public service events and was presented by the RARS Public Service Chair, Jeremy Lindsley K2HJX. Jeremy gave an overview of different types of public service events, explained how they normally operate, and demonstrated the portable VHF/UHF station that he regularly uses to run a public service net control station. His portable station consisting of two dual-band radios, vertical antenna with collapsible mast and tripod, combined with a versatile battery power source generated a lot of interest from participants.
Following the presentation, Jeremy led us through a mock public service event using HTs and his VHF/UHF station. Participants were assigned a tactical callsign and dispersed through the park on different trails and paths. Jeremy ran a formal net, typical of public service events, where participants were able to familiarize themselves with net protocol.
Following the public service portion of the outing, Patrick Easters KS4PE assembled his portable QRP HF station to attempt a POTA activation. The station came together quickly with a self-supporting Buddistick antenna. Patrick was able to search and pounce quickly using his waterfall display, however solar flares made HF operation difficult at best. Some stations could be heard, but QRP operation made completing QSOs a challenge. We resolved to return on a future date to activate the park.
We hope to see you at the next Portable Operating outing in May!