In this live stream, we dive into real-world park activations that didn’t go as planned and walk through practical fixes you can apply on your next POTA outing. We cover gear missteps, propagation surprises, logging glitches, and crowd-friendly setups, with actionable checklists and quick-build tips. If you’ve ever faced weak signals, dead batteries, or chaotic logs, this stream is for you.

What you’ll learn:

A repeatable Failure-to-Fix framework (Readiness, Radio, Reach, Records, Recovery)

Real-case scenarios with concrete remedies

Pre-activation, on-site, and post-activation best practices

How to build robust, low-stress park activations that engage hams and passersby alike

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Affiliate Links:

I receive no compensation for these and want to pass on the savings to all my followers.

Mad Dog Coils: Receive an additional clamp when ordering any Mad Dog Coil - Use N1JUR in the order/shipping notes https://maddogcoils.com.au/

Reliance Antennas: 10% off with Free Shipping. All orders of any Reliance Antenna or product use N1JUR at Checkout. https://www.relianceantennas.com/

Seeed Studios: Discount Codes on all Meshtastic Devices on my website n1jur.com

SpoolTenna: https://spooltenna.com

SHOW LINKS:

Discord Brew and Activate - https://discord.gg/EcuySeKkVv

Brew & Activate Podcast - https://rss.com/podcasts/brew-and-activate/

Brew and Activate Merch - https://livefreeandham.com/shop

POTA Bucket List - https://n1jur.com/pota-bucket-list

Guests/Hosts:

Shannons Channel (KC1OHT) https://www.youtube.com/@shannonkc1oht

Help Support the Channel:

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/N1JUR

Buy Me a Beer: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/n1jur

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Follow me on:

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We’re going live with a special guest: Perry, W1GRD — the mastermind behind https://pota.news. If you’ve ever wondered, “Where did that park story come from?” or “How did I miss that activation?”… this one’s for you.

We’ll dig into what POTA News actually does, the coolest features on the site, what’s new, what’s coming next, and how you can use it to stay in the loop without doom-scrolling (unless you count scrolling spots).

Expect:

⦁ A guided tour of POTA.News and its best features

⦁ Tips for activators & hunters to keep up with the chaos

⦁ Live Q&A — bring your questions, hot takes, and park feedback

Grab your beverage of choice, warm up your VFO fingers, and join us live — because this is the only news segment where “breaking” usually means breaking the pileup.

Welcome to Brew & Activate! I’m genuinely thrilled to have you with me every Friday morning as we embark on exciting conversations about Parks on the Air (POTA) and related topics. Together, we will explore everything from gear and antennas to setups, including those aspects that might initially seem less thrilling!

Affiliate Links: I receive no compensation for these and want to pass on the savings to all my followers.

Mad Dog Coils: Receive an additional clamp when ordering any Mad Dog Coil - Use N1JUR in the order/shipping notes https://maddogcoils.com.au/

Reliance Antennas: 10% off with Free Shipping. All orders of any Reliance Antenna or product use N1JUR at Checkout. https://www.relianceantennas.com/

Discord link to Brew and Activate: https://discord.gg/EcuySeKkVv

Guests/Hosts: Shannons Channel (KC1OHT) https://www.youtube.com/@shannonkc1oht

Help Support the Channel:

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/N1JUR

Buy Me a Beer: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/n1jur

N1JUR Shop: https://livefreeandham.com/shop

Follow me on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/n1jur

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092365884527

Join me as I dive into low-profile, RF-only self-spotting techniques you can use from the field when you have zero data or cell service. We’ll walk through hands-on demonstrations of several practical methods, including:

Winlink over HF to post a spot via POTAGW, so your activation shows up on the POTA Spots page without internet access

APRS/AX.25 packet spotting with i-gate or APSPOT gateways, and how to format your message for automatic posting

CW-based spotting with the Reverse Beacon Network (RBN) and how to craft a CQ that carries your park reference

FT8/SOTAmat-style digimode tricks for off-grid spots, and how they feed through to online dashboards

Quick, lightweight coordination through local nets or club feeds that can submit your spot for you. Backup options for extremely quiet conditions, including traditional on-air announcements and selective bridging

Real-time setup tips for each method, including the exact formats, typical turnaround times, and where to watch the posts come through Pros, cons, and best-use scenarios (e.g., best option when you’re completely off-grid vs. when you have a marginal data link)

How to minimize bandwidth and keep your operation discreet yet highly visible to fellow hams Safety and best practices: share park name and code publicly, avoid precise home coordinates, and respect band plans By the end, you’ll have a compact toolkit for “quiet” but effective self-spotting that still makes your

POTA activation easy to find and chase—without relying on your phone’s data connection. Welcome to Brew & Activate! I’m genuinely thrilled to have you with me every Friday morning as we embark on exciting conversations about Parks on the Air (POTA) and related topics. Together, we will explore everything from gear and antennas to setups, including those aspects that might initially seem less thrilling!

Affiliate Links: I receive no compensation for these and want to pass on the savings to all my followers.

Mad Dog Coils: Receive an additional clamp when ordering any Mad Dog Coil - Use N1JUR in the order/shipping notes https://maddogcoils.com.au/

Reliance Antennas: 10% off with Free Shipping. All orders of any Reliance Antenna or product use N1JUR at Checkout. https://www.relianceantennas.com/

Discord link to Brew and Activate: https://discord.gg/EcuySeKkVv

Guests/Hosts: Shannons Channel (KC1OHT) https://www.youtube.com/@shannonkc1oht

Help Support the Channel: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/N1JUR

Buy Me a Beer: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/n1jur

N1JUR Shop: https://www.n1jur.com/store Follow me on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/n1jur

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092365884527

We'll dive into the most frequently asked POTA questions when activating for the first time with the hope to help you get more proficient in your Activations. Your a Hunter you say? We'll we got you covered too!

Affiliate Links:

I receive no compensation for these and want to pass on the savings to all my followers.

Mad Dog Coils: Receive an additional clamp when ordering any Mad Dog Coil - Use N1JUR in the order/shipping notes https://maddogcoils.com.au/

Reliance Antennas: 10% off with Free Shipping. All orders of any Reliance Antenna or product use N1JUR at Checkout. https://www.relianceantennas.com/

Come join in on the discussion over on our Discord Channel on Live Free and Ham: https://discord.gg/zwg9mWyHmY

Help Support the Channel: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/N1JUR

Buy Me a Beer: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/n1jur

N1JUR Shop: https://www.livefreeandham.com/shop

Follow me on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/n1jur

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092365884527

We get into the details and discussion about why you'd want to bring a wire out instead of a vertical when activating or maybe you're the type who prefers the challenge of a loop. I'll get into that and other antenna details this week.

Affiliate Links:

I receive no compensation for these and want to pass on the savings to all my followers.

Mad Dog Coils: Receive an additional clamp when ordering any Mad Dog Coil - Use N1JUR in the order/shipping notes https://maddogcoils.com.au/

Reliance Antennas: 10% off with Free Shipping. All orders of any Reliance Antenna or product use N1JUR at Checkout. https://www.relianceantennas.com/

Discord link to Brew and Activate: https://discord.gg/EcuySeKkVv

Guests/Hosts:

Shannons Channel (KC1OHT) https://www.youtube.com/@shannonkc1oht

Help Support the Channel:

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/N1JUR

Buy Me a Beer: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/n1jur

N1JUR Shop: https://www.n1jur.com/store

Follow me on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/n1jur

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092365884527

I’m excited to kick off this week’s discussion on a pressing issue: navigating the challenges posed by operators who occasionally take their role a bit too far in their quest to assert themselves as the "king of the park." Perhaps you've encountered a few of these so-called "lawbreakers," individuals whose disregard for the rules has left you feeling frustrated and yearning for justice to intervene and restore order. Although we will keep all real names and callsigns confidential, we will shine a light on the actions that have raised eyebrows and sparked concern. Remember, our vigilant community is watching closely!

Affiliate Links:

I receive no compensation for these and want to pass on the savings to all my followers.

Mad Dog Coils: Receive an additional clamp when ordering any Mad Dog Coil - Use N1JUR in the order/shipping notes https://maddogcoils.com.au/

Reliance Antennas: 10% off with Free Shipping. All orders of any Reliance Antenna or product use N1JUR at Checkout. https://www.relianceantennas.com/

Discord link to Brew and Activate: https://discord.gg/EcuySeKkVv

Guests/Hosts:

Shannons Channel (KC1OHT) https://www.youtube.com/@shannonkc1oht

Help Support the Channel:

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/N1JUR

Buy Me a Beer: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/n1jur

N1JUR Shop: https://www.n1jur.com/store

Follow me on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/n1jur

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092365884527

This week, we're embarking on a fascinating exploration of a topic that resonates with many of us: batteries. As outdoor activities continue to surge in popularity, the significance of reliable power sources has never been more pronounced. We’ll delve into the essential batteries used in portable applications, guide you through the process of building your own, and showcase some of the top-performing batteries that are perfect for your adventures in the field. Get ready to power up your outdoor experiences like never before!

Affiliate Links:

I receive no compensation for these and want to pass on the savings to all my followers.

Mad Dog Coils: Receive an additional clamp when ordering any Mad Dog Coil - Use N1JUR in the order/shipping notes https://maddogcoils.com.au/

Reliance Antennas: 10% off with Free Shipping. All orders of any Reliance Antenna or product use N1JUR at Checkout. https://www.relianceantennas.com/

Discord link to Brew and Activate: https://discord.gg/EcuySeKkVv

Guests/Hosts:

Shannons Channel (KC1OHT) https://www.youtube.com/@shannonkc1oht

Help Support the Channel:

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/N1JUR

Buy Me a Beer: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/n1jur

N1JUR Shop: https://www.n1jur.com/store

Follow me on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/n1jur

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092365884527

Call me tacky and old-fashioned, but I love "Ferris Bueller's Day Off." This week, while Cameron debates the merits of getting in his car and driving, we're going to discuss "POTA Roves." I've invited Shannon (K1LY) and Shaun (AA4AT) to share their experiences with roves and to explain why you might want to try one yourself.

Affiliate Links:

I receive no compensation for these and want to pass on the savings to all my followers.

Mad Dog Coils: Receive an additional clamp when ordering any Mad Dog Coil - Use N1JUR in the order/shipping notes https://maddogcoils.com.au/

Reliance Antennas: 10% off with Free Shipping. All orders of any Reliance Antenna or product use N1JUR at Checkout. https://www.relianceantennas.com/

Discord link to Brew and Activate: https://discord.gg/EcuySeKkVv

Guests/Hosts:

Shannons Channel (KC1OHT) https://www.youtube.com/@shannonkc1oht

Help Support the Channel:

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/N1JUR

Buy Me a Beer: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/n1jur

N1JUR Shop: https://www.n1jur.com/store

Follow me on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/n1jur

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092365884527

Hey everyone! This week, we're going to dive into the fun world of logging. I’ll be sharing some awesome features of popular apps like POLO and HAMRS, and we’ll compare some of the best logging tools used in POTA today. I’ll also chat about why I prefer one app over another when I’m out in the field.

So grab your favorite cup of coffee, and let’s get ready to log some great adventures together! Can’t wait to see you there!

Affiliate Links:

I receive no compensation for these and want to pass on the savings to all my followers.

Mad Dog Coils: Receive an additional clamp when ordering any Mad Dog Coil - Use N1JUR in the order/shipping notes https://maddogcoils.com.au/

Reliance Antennas: 10% off with Free Shipping. All orders of any Reliance Antenna or product use N1JUR at Checkout. https://www.relianceantennas.com/

Discord link to Brew and Activate: https://discord.gg/EcuySeKkVv

Guests/Hosts:

Shannons Channel (KC1OHT) https://www.youtube.com/@shannonkc1oht

Help Support the Channel:

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/N1JUR

Buy Me a Beer: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/n1jur

N1JUR Shop: https://www.n1jur.com/store

Follow me on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/n1jur

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092365884527

This week, I'm thrilled to dive into an electrifying concept that could elevate the world of POTA and take it to the next level—imagine blending the excitement of Head to Head (H2H) Gaming with E-Sports! We've seen some innovative moves in the contesting realm, like those short "sprints" that allow players to engage in mini-games and build a live leaderboard, updating scores in real-time.

What if we brought that energy to POTA? Picture this: you’re out activating, and with just a click on the POTA.APP page, you can challenge another activator to an exhilarating 1v1 showdown! How about seeing who can rack up the most contacts in just 30 minutes? Or even battle it out for the title of the furthest contact? These thrilling events could add a dynamic new layer to POTA, enhancing both our education and experience with the gear we love.

I can't wait to discuss this further on the next Brew and Activate! Stay tuned for all the exciting details

Affiliate Links:

I receive no compensation for these and want to pass on the savings to all my followers.

Mad Dog Coils: Receive an additional clamp when ordering any Mad Dog Coil - Use N1JUR in the order/shipping notes https://maddogcoils.com.au/

Reliance Antennas: 10% off with Free Shipping. All orders of any Reliance Antenna or product use N1JUR at Checkout. https://www.relianceantennas.com/

Discord link to Brew and Activate: https://discord.gg/EcuySeKkVv

Guests/Hosts:

Shannons Channel (KC1OHT) https://www.youtube.com/@shannonkc1oht

Help Support the Channel:

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/N1JUR

Buy Me a Beer: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/n1jur

N1JUR Shop: https://www.n1jur.com/store

Follow me on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/n1jur

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092365884527