All posts by Jim Lajoie

Activities, Featured, General

October POTA Activation October 15th – Mount Kearsarge

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October’s POTA activation will bring us back to Winslow State Park on the flanks of Mount Kearsarge. This park has a huge picnic area that we have used in the past . I’ve personally talked to the ranger in charge so she knows us and she loves hams!  The plan is to meet at the Winslow trail parking area this is at the end of Winslow House road also known as Kearsarge Mountain rd In Warner at 11 am on October 15th .  Here is a link to a map detailing the area. In addition the route is well signed from the highway to destination  so it’s an easy to follow drive.

You’ll also want to go to the NH State parks website to get a parking pass. Here is a link to The NH State Parks page where you can get that pass. In addition you’ll want to bring a fleece jacket and rain jacket, bug spray, sun block and a picnic lunch if you’d like. Also bring your  HT if you have one.We’ll be at a higher altitude so you might like to get a few VHF/UHF contacts as well.

Mount Kearsarge POTA
typical POTA setup

This is a POTA mentoring event so we will have multiple stations and antennas setup on different bands with a POTA coach at each one quite similar to a field day setup. If this is your introduction to POTA (Parks on The Air) fear not we can answer your questions and help you get on the air. All that’s needed is a willingness to learn. You don’t even need a ham radio license the coaches can be the control operator so bring an unlicensed friend!

If you have a mobile rig we will be listening to the N1IMO network of repeaters and  146.52 as well for chatting on our way up. If you have a GPS the physical address is 475 Kearsarge Mountain Rd. Wilmot, NH 03287. Make sure your GPS doesn’t try to default to another town. There are multiple towns in the area with Kearsarge Mountain in the name . If you have any questions email me and I can send more detailed instructions. It would be a good idea to email me anyway so we can get an idea of how many people to expect. My email is [email protected].

Hope to see you at the Mount Kearsarge POTA!

73′

Jim K1BRM

Activities, Featured

September POTA/SOTA Activation Mount Kearsarge Sept 9th

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Hi all our next POTA activation is at Mount Kearsarge  on September 9th.  I was just here with Matt WE1H,  Joe AC1LN, John N1PTX  and a friend of Matt’s . We were here to work on getting the most from our rigs with some antenna work.

The plan is to meet at the Winslow trail parking area this is at the end of Winslow House road also known as Kearsarge Mountain rd. In Warner at 11 am . This is the Winslow State Park side of the mountain.The opposite side of the mountain from where we have operated in the past. I am expecting a bigger turnout and there is more room here for us. Here is a link to a map.

This site is similar to Rollins State Park but is much bigger with a pavilion  on site for a possible operating position if it starts raining.

The ARRL September VHF contest start  Saturday afternoon so even if all you have is an HT bring it and give it a try.

And don’t forget to bring a jacket, bug spray, sun block and some lunch . You will also want to visit the State of NH State parks website for a parking permit. You can follow this link to get yours.

If you have any questions you can email me at [email protected].

Hope to see you on Saturday!

73′

Jim K1BRM

Activities, Featured, General

August POTA/SOTA Activation Pack Monadnock August 19th

Before I start going on about Pack Monadnock I’d like to tell you a little about Mount Agamenticus in Maine which several of us activated on August 5th.

Mount Agamenticus is a beautiful little monadnock  or an isolated hill of  bedrock that rises conspicuously  above the surrounding terrain. Much like Mount Monadnock  does in new Hampshire. It’s just a short drive into Maine (just down the road from the outlets in Kittery if you want to kill two birds with one stone)  and despite the annoying  parking app you must download I feel it’s worth your time to check out. Activating the mountain was a breeze. Jack WM0G , John N1PTX and I all set up in a shady area a short walk in the park. Unfortunately my phone died on me the previous day and I didn’t think to ask my companions  so I didn’t  get any pictures for you.  We had beautiful if somewhat  over warm weather. I didn’t have any luck on that day but Jack and John were both making contacts.  After struggling on 6 meters for a time I broke out my lunch and considered a short nap (it was that kind of a day) . I also had several interesting conversations with several people passing by wondering what we were up to.

Our next SOTA/POTA will be this Saturday August 19th . Pack Monadnock is another destination  that gives you the choice to either hike up or drive up via the auto road. Pack also gives really good views of the surrounding countryside which definitely  increases the appeal of this mountain.

I’m planning on being on the summit at 11:00 am but I plan on being their most of the afternoon so don’t worry if you can’t make it till later . There is a scattering of picnic tables so don’t forget to pack a lunch.  The mountains are getting very popular so I advise getting a parking permit ahead of time . Here is a link to get a permit.   

 

Jamey making POTA contacts
Jamey AC1DC making some POTA contacts

If you’ve never been to Pack Monadnock travel west on 101 towards Peterborough. Miller State Park is on the right-hand side of the road across the street from the old Temple Mountain  Ski area.

Please leave a comment on the story so I have an idea of how many people are planning on attending.

Hope to see you on Pack Monadnock

73′

Jim K1BRM

Radio Amateurs Developing Skills Worldwide