Chasing Dreams in the Airwaves: A New Year of Adventures and Achievements
Happy New Year, fellow amateur radio enthusiasts! As we welcome 2024 with open arms, I can't help but share my excitement and recent experiences with you all. The past few weeks have been a delightful blend of family time, holiday festivities, and, of course, indulging in my passion for amateur radio. I'm grateful for my professional job's holiday break between Christmas and New Year's Day, which gave me the perfect opportunity to chase some personal radio goals and embark on some thrilling Parks on the Air (POTA) activations.
Winter Wonderland Activations
Between the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, I found myself returning to some of my favorite local parks. These "home" parks hold a special place in my heart, and revisiting them was a real treat. From December 21st to January 2nd, I embarked on a total of 10 activations at various sites, including K-3323 Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area, K-3313 Holly State Recreation Area, K-3322 Pickney State Recreation Area, K-1537 Seven Lakes State Park, and K-1518 Holly State Recreation Area. Each activation was a unique experience, allowing me to fine-tune my setup and enjoy the thrill of the hunt in POTA.
Michigan's surprisingly warm end-of-December weather, with highs near 50 degrees Fahrenheit, made these outings even more enjoyable. Over these activations, I racked up a pleasant 249 Phone QSOs and 19 FT8/FT4 contacts.
Gear and Setup: The Heart of the Experience
My trusty Yaesu FT-891, powered by a 20Ah Bioenno LiFePO4 battery, was my companion throughout these adventures. But the real star of my setup was the Aerial 51 Model 404-UL antenna. This multiband off-center fed dipole, hoisted up a 12m Spiderbeam mast, proved to be a game changer. Its quick deployment and band-switching versatility made park-to-park hunting a breeze.
In preparation for these activations, I designed and 3D printed an adaptor collar for my Spiderbeam mast to fit into a hitch mount flagpole holder I purchased earlier. This innovation, created with Fusion 360 and printed on my Bambu Labs P1S printer, showcased not only the printer's capabilities but also my growing interest in DIY projects. The lightweight nature of the Aerial 51 antenna allowed for quick and easy setup, with minimal flex in the mast.
Another experimental setup I tried was the PackTenna 9:1 random wire antenna, used as a vertical with the 29’ PackTenna Carbon Fiber Mast. This setup also utilized the flagpole hitch, and I modified my adaptor to accommodate the thinner mast. The performance of this antenna was impressive, and its quick setup made it an ideal choice for field use, especially when operating away from my vehicle.
Reflecting on 2023: Goals Achieved and Lessons Learned
Looking back at 2023, it's heartwarming to see how much I've achieved in terms of my amateur radio goals. Regular activations for Parks on the Air, increased involvement in a radio club, and starting my own antenna projects were significant milestones. My inspiration from the PackTenna 9:1 Random Wire led to my first DIY antenna project, a simple yet meaningful endeavor using materials from local hardware stores and Amazon.com. This project was a stepping stone into the world of antenna building, and I plan to deepen my knowledge and skills in this area using resources like the ARRL Antenna Handbook.
Looking Forward to 2024: A Year of Ambition and Adventure
As we step into 2024, I'm setting my sights on completing the QRZ.com Worked All States award for phone. The elusive state of Hawaii is the final piece of this puzzle, and I'm eager to make that contact.
As we embark on this new year, I invite you all to join me in celebrating the joy and community spirit of amateur radio. Whether you're setting up a new antenna, chasing awards, or simply enjoying casual QSOs, remember that every contact is a story and every activation is an adventure. Here's to a year filled with great signals, new connections, and countless memorable moments on the airwaves. Happy New Year, and 73!
