Join us for a Club POTA Activation on Thursday 16^th July 2026

Hi Everyone,

The club is heading into the great outdoors again on Thursday 16th July 2026 evening for a Parks on the Air (POTA) activation!

Whether you are a seasoned contester, a newly licensed ham looking to get on HF, or you just want to hang out in the park and see how a portable station is set up, we would love for you to join us. You do not need to be an experienced operator to attend!

Here are the joining instructions and details:

The Details

• When: Thursday 16th July 2026
• Time: We will begin setting up at 5pm and plan to operate until around 9:00pm
• Where: Upton Country Park, Upton Way, Upton, Northampton NN5 4EQ
• Car Park: Entrance: What3Words = drag.above.orchestra
• Meeting Spot: Enter the park form the car park and look for us where the yellow marker is on the map below, look for the antennas!
• Talk-In Frequency: NH Repeater Give a shout if you need help finding us!

Our Goal

To make this a successful, “official” club activation, we need to make a minimum of 10 contacts (QSOs). Once we hit that, we will keep the pileups going and try to get as many club members on the air as possible!

We’ll be using the club callsign G3GWB

How You Can Help

There are plenty of ways to participate, even if you don’t want to talk on the radio:

• Operators: Take a shift at the microphone or key! We will be running SSB, FT8, CW on 40m & 20m on or around 7.160MHz & 14.260MHz for SSB
• Loggers: This is arguably the most important job in POTA. Help the operator record callsigns and signal reports accurately.
• The Setup Crew: Help us to set up antennas into route coax, set up radios and set up the battery power.
• Observers & POTA-Curious: Just pull up a chair, grab a snack, and watch how it’s done. It’s a great way to learn about HF propagation and portable operations.

What to Bring

• A comfortable camping chair.
• Your own snacks and drinks (no alcohol, please, per park rules).
• Weather-appropriate clothing (it might get chilly as the evening progresses).
• Bug spray and sunscreen.
• Your HT (Handheld Transceiver) to monitor the talk-in frequency.
• (Optional) If you plan to make contacts and want individual POTA credit alongside the club, just make sure you know your personal callsign and POTA login details!

Note: The distance from the car park to the the Radio/antenna setup is minimal, only a few metres, and is on even ground making it readily accessible for people of all abilities.

Please download and use the What3Words App, it is extremely useful and accurate and will guide you to within 3 metres of the entrance.

There is a nearby local community centre which may be able to provide drinks if open. There are toilets in the facilities nearby at Sixfields.

As per previous committee instructions, please do not bring dogs or other pets to this event unless the dog is an assistance dog.

Please reply to Vic G4YIP – ulfikvic@gmail.com  if you plan to come so we have a rough headcount.

Looking forward to a great evening of radio and camaraderie!

73,

Vic Ulfik G4YIP