KJ6ER POTA PERformer Review: A Parks On The Air Antenna That Delivers
For amateur radio operators, Parks On The Air (POTA) has become one of the most exciting ways to combine the outdoors with the thrill of making radio contacts. Whether you're chasing DX from a remote park or operating from your backyard, your antenna is the most essential gear you'll bring.
One antenna that's been getting a lot of attention in the POTA community is the KJ6ER POTA PERformer. Designed by Greg Mihran (KJ6ER), this “PER” stands for Portable, Elevated, Resonant — three qualities that make it ideal for portable activations. But does it live up to the hype? I decided to find out.
What Is the KJ6ER POTA PERformer?
The KJ6ER POTA PERformer is a lightweight, elevated vertical antenna designed for HF portable operations. It typically covers 40M through 6M and uses a feedpoint about five feet above ground with two adjustable elevated radials.
This design offers several advantages for POTA activation:
- Quick setup — No complex tools or tuning required.
- Efficiency — Elevated radials improve performance compared to ground-mounted verticals.
- Portability — Packs down small for easy transport.
My Home QTH Test in New Brunswick
Before taking the antenna into the field for a POTA activation, I wanted to see how it performed from my home QTH in New Brunswick.
The results were impressive:
- Croatia – Strong signal reports despite the distance.
- Northern Ireland – Clear audio and solid copy both ways.
- Trinidad and Tobago – A satisfying DX catch from the Maritimes.
- Newfoundland – Consistently strong signals.
These contacts were made with minimal setup time. The antenna's resonant design and elevated radials help it perform above expectations.
Quick Specs & Pros/Cons
Specifications:
- Type: Elevated vertical
- Coverage: 40M–6M (with band changes)
- Feedpoint Height: ~5 feet
- Radials: Two elevated, adjustable
- Portability: Packs small for transport
- Setup Time: 5–10 minutes
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Fast deployment with minimal tuning
- Strong performance for portable and home use
- Works well for DX contacts
- DIY-friendly or available as a kit
Cons:
- Requires re‑tuning when changing bands
- Elevated radials need space for optimal performance
Does the POTA PERformer Live Up to the Hype?
In my experience — absolutely. The KJ6ER POTA PERformer delivers on its promise of being portable, efficient, and easy to deploy. It's equally at home in a park, on a summit, or in the backyard.
For POTA activators, getting on the air quickly and reliably is key. This antenna makes that possible without sacrificing performance.
Build It Yourself or Buy a Kit
One of the best things about the POTA PERformer is its accessibility:
- DIY Build – The design is simple enough to build with standard parts and basic tools.
- Buy a Kit – If you'd rather skip sourcing materials, J‑Systems sells a complete kit on Etsy that includes everything you need.
Either way, you'll have a capable antenna ready for your subsequent activation.
Final Thoughts
The KJ6ER POTA PERformer is a solid choice for anyone serious about Parks On The Air. From my New Brunswick QTH, it easily reached stations across Europe, the Caribbean, and Canada.
Whether you build it or buy the kit, this antenna is a worthy addition to your portable radio gear. If you're looking for a reliable, compact, and high‑performing antenna for your next POTA adventure, the POTA PERformer should be on your list.
