Parks on the Air (POTA) is a popular amateur radio activity that combines ham radio with the great outdoors. The program encourages amateur radio operators to set up and operate from designated parks and public lands while making contacts with other hams around the world. Established in 2017, POTA has grown rapidly and now includes thousands of qualifying parks across the United States and many other countries. It provides an enjoyable way to improve operating skills, test portable equipment, and explore local, state, and national parks.

There are two primary ways to participate in POTA: as a Hunter or an Activator. A Hunter is a station that contacts operators who are transmitting from a designated park. Hunters can operate from home, a mobile station, or virtually anywhere. An Activator, on the other hand, travels to a qualifying park and sets up a station within the park boundaries. To receive activation credit, an Activator must make a minimum number of contacts, typically ten, during their operating session.

One of the reasons POTA has become so popular is that it can be as simple or as advanced as you want it to be. Many operators activate parks using a small battery-powered HF transceiver, a portable antenna, and a folding chair. Others use larger stations with multiple antennas and operate for several hours. Portable operation teaches valuable skills such as antenna deployment, battery management, propagation awareness, and operating in changing outdoor conditions.

POTA is also an excellent way for new hams to gain confidence on the air. Activators often create a pileup of stations eager to make contact, providing an opportunity to practice logging, exchange procedures, and managing multiple callers. Since POTA contacts are generally friendly and relaxed, newcomers quickly learn proper operating techniques while interacting with experienced operators who are happy to help.

Awards and certificates add another layer of fun to the program. Hunters earn awards based on the number of parks contacted, while Activators earn recognition for activating different parks and reaching various milestones. All contacts are uploaded to the POTA database, where participants can track their statistics, view leaderboards, and download certificates for their achievements.

Another appealing aspect of POTA is that it encourages exploration and public awareness of amateur radio. Operators frequently set up in public areas where visitors may stop to ask questions about the antennas and equipment. These informal demonstrations often generate interest in amateur radio and allow hams to share the hobby with people who might never have encountered it otherwise.

For new operators, getting started with POTA is easy. A Hunter only needs a radio and antenna capable of making contacts on amateur radio bands. To become an Activator, select a designated park from the POTA website, bring portable equipment, make at least ten contacts, and submit the log after the activation. Whether you enjoy casual operating, chasing awards, portable radio adventures, or simply spending time outdoors, Parks on the Air offers a rewarding and enjoyable way to experience amateur radio.

Satellite operation is one of the most exciting and rewarding areas of amateur radio. Unlike traditional ground-based contacts, amateur radio satellites allow operators to communicate through orbiting spacecraft hundreds of miles above the Earth. A signal transmitted from your station is received by the satellite and retransmitted over a large footprint, often enabling contacts hundreds or even thousands of miles away with only modest equipment.

One of the most attractive aspects of satellite communications is the relatively low cost of entry. Many operators begin with nothing more than a dual-band VHF/UHF handheld transceiver and a simple directional antenna such as an Arrow, Elk, or homemade Yagi. With a small investment, it is possible to work satellites such as SO-50, AO-91's successors, and several of the newer FM and linear transponder satellites. Unlike HF operation, there is no need for large towers, amplifiers, or extensive antenna systems. A portable satellite station can often fit in a backpack and be operated from a park, field, or backyard.

For operators seeking more advanced capabilities, satellite operation offers a robust and technically rewarding challenge. Linear transponder satellites support SSB and CW operation, allowing dozens of simultaneous QSOs during a single pass. Dedicated satellite stations often incorporate azimuth-elevation rotators, circularly polarized antennas, tracking software, and SDR technology to maximize performance. These systems can provide reliable communications over long distances and serve as excellent platforms for learning about propagation, Doppler shift, antenna design, and orbital mechanics.

Satellite operating is also highly portable and resilient. Because contacts are made through orbiting satellites rather than local infrastructure, communications can continue when cellular networks and internet services are unavailable. Amateur satellites have proven useful for emergency preparedness exercises, public demonstrations, and educational outreach, showcasing the unique capabilities of amateur radio to the public and to future generations of operators.

Whether you are looking for an inexpensive way to explore a new aspect of the hobby or a sophisticated technical challenge that combines radio, computers, and space technology, amateur satellite operation has something to offer. From making a first contact with a handheld radio to building a fully automated satellite station, working the birds represents one of the most innovative and enjoyable pursuits in amateur radio today.