Our Blog

After 2 years of POTA activations with 15-station pileups, I entered the 2026 World Wide Award event completely unprepared. Discover how amateur radio contests differ from Parks on the Air, managing massive 100-station pileups, dealing with international accents, and why your POTA skills are just the beginning. Essential lessons for ham radio operators transitioning from park activations to major DX contests and worldwide events.

Is the /QRP suffix necessary for ham radio? Discover why I skip the extra characters, the ISED regulations for Canadians, and why low-power stations should battle it out.

Master ham radio etiquette with our guide on using "Contact" correctly. Learn why you should never use it to answer a CQ and how to keep the Canadian airwaves efficient and professional.

POTA was great, but after two years it's time for something new. Join me as I leave organized ham radio programmes to pursue experimental portable operations.

Discover New Brunswick's portable ham radio program at military historical sites. Connect with amateur radio operators, explore NB's military heritage, and participate in field operations across the province.

Virginia Wildlife Area Closures: A Wake-Up Call for Parks On The Air? Could POTA's runaway success become its own worst enemy? The recent closures of […]

Discover why Virginia restricted access to over 50 Wildlife Management Areas for ham radio activations and how Canadian operators can protect access by prioritizing conservation and responsible outdoor practices.

Nervous about your first POTA activation? Learn how to get started with Parks on the Air ham radio using basic, affordable gear. No expensive equipment needed - just grab any HF radio, coax, antenna and laptop to start activating parks today.

Discover why some ham radio operators say "72" instead of "73" when signing off. Learn about the QRP community's special code and low-power operating traditions in amateur radio.