About this episode

This episode covers essential tips and common mistakes for successful portable ham radio operations.

Thinking about taking your ham radio station into the field? Before you head out on your next POTA (Parks on the Air), SOTA (Summits on the Air), Field Day, or other portable adventure, this episode is for you! In Episode 78 of The Ham Radio Guy Podcast, Marvin, W0MET, covers everything you need to know to make your next portable activation successful. From building the ultimate portable operations checklist to planning your trip, choosing the right gear, staying safe, and avoiding the common mistakes that every operator makes, this episode is packed with practical tips you can use on your very next activation. Whether you're a brand-new amateur radio operator or you've completed hundreds of portable activations, preparation is the key to spending more time making contacts and less time realizing you forgot something important back at home. In this episode, we discuss: Portable ham radio planning POTA (Parks on the Air) tips SOTA (Summits on the Air) essentials Building a portable radio go-kit Portable antennas and battery options Packing checklists and must-have accessories Safety considerations for hiking and remote operations Park entrance fees, permits, and operating hours…

People in this episode

Host: Marvin Turner

Topics covered

• portable ham radio
• POTA tips
• SOTA essentials
• portable operations checklist
• safety considerations
• common mistakes

Keywords

• ham radio
• portable activation
• radio go-kit
• antennas
• battery options
• emergency preparedness
• logging contacts

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Parks on the Air, Summits on the Air, Field Day

More episodes of The Ham Radio Guy

• Your Everyday Carry Is Missing One Thing Episode #77 · July 6, 2026 · 1h 13m
• Field Day Success Starts Weeks Before the First CQ Ep.76 · June 22, 2026 · 1h 7m

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