Thinking about taking your ham radio station into the field? Before you head out on your next POTA (Parks on the Air), SOTA (Summits on the Air), Field Day, or other portable adventure, this episode is for you!

In Episode 78 of The Ham Radio Guy Podcast, Marvin, W0MET, covers everything you need to know to make your next portable activation successful. From building the ultimate portable operations checklist to planning your trip, choosing the right gear, staying safe, and avoiding the common mistakes that every operator makes, this episode is packed with practical tips you can use on your very next activation.

Whether you're a brand-new amateur radio operator or you've completed hundreds of portable activations, preparation is the key to spending more time making contacts and less time realizing you forgot something important back at home.

Portable operating is one of the most rewarding aspects of amateur radio. Whether you're activating a national park, climbing a summit, setting up for Field Day, or simply operating from your favorite local park, a little planning goes a long way.

What is one item you never leave home without for a portable activation? Let us know in the comments!

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, please Like, Subscribe, and Share it with another ham radio operator. Your support helps us continue creating amateur radio content every week.

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I discuss tips, information and updates for Hamvention 2026 on things that will help you manuever Hamvention over the three days. 

Ever spin the dial… make a few contacts… and then just sit there thinking, “Alright… now what?”

That moment hits more hams than you’d think. You got licensed, figured out your gear… but now you need a mission.That’s where awards change everything. Because right now, you could be chasing all 50 states, working 100 countries, activating parks—and actually building a log that means something.

And with 2026 bringing some unique, limited-time opportunities…This might be the year you finally go all in. This is Episode #73

Most conversations about “advanced” amateur radio assume unlimited budgets and perfect conditions.

In a upcoming episode, I wil lbe talking honestly about the real cost of going next-level in amateur radio—the stuff nobody warns you about.

Advanced Ham Radio on a Budget is about:

Spending smarter, not bigger

Prioritizing antennas and skills over shiny gear

Avoiding the upgrades that look good but don’t actually perform

Building a station that works for your goals—not someone else’s Instagram post

This episode is practical, honest, and based on real-world experience—not marketing brochures, but i want to see where the real cost that people spend first to talk about that as well.

Welcome to Episode #71, and today we’re talking about one of the great elements of the hobby — QRP. That’s right, making contacts across states, across continents, even across oceans… all with less power than it takes to light up a nightstand lamp.

In this episode, we’ll explore what QRP really means, the history and philosophy behind running low power, the gear and antennas that make it possible, and the community of hams who thrive on doing more with less. Along the way, I’ll share stories, tips, and even a challenge for you to try the next time you’re on the air.

So grab your coffee, dial it down to 5 watts or less, and let’s see just how far a little signal can really go

Check out these new short podcast episodes that will be integrated in between other longer podcast.  Let me know if you enjoy these.

In this episode, Marvin, W0MET breaks down two simple habits that can save you hours of frustration in the shack and in the field: labeling everything and building a known-good kit. No new radios. No expensive upgrades. Just real-world tips that make troubleshooting faster, portable ops smoother, and Field Day far less stressful. Small changes—big results.