POTA on a Budget: Essential Gear for Affordable Portable Operations
If you’re passionate about Parks on the Air (POTA) but concerned about the cost, you’re not alone. Many ham radio enthusiasts are looking for ways to enjoy portable operations without breaking the bank. The good news is, you can get started with POTA on a budget by carefully selecting affordable, yet reliable gear. Below, I’ve compiled a list of essential equipment that will get you on the air in no time, without emptying your wallet.
1. QRP HF Radio: Xiegu G90
When it comes to affordable yet powerful HF radios, the Xiegu G90 stands out as an excellent choice for POTA enthusiasts. This compact, 20-watt transceiver covers all HF bands and features a built-in antenna tuner, making it perfect for portable operations. The G90’s robust performance and portability make it ideal for those looking to experience POTA without investing in higher-end gear.
- Detachable Display Unit – The display unit and the radio body can be separated. This allows you to place the head remote…
- Wide Range Auto Antenna Tuner – Unlike other QRP radios, the G90 has a wide-range internal automatic antenna tuner so yo…
- Beautiful Color LCD Screen – All vital operating information is clearly visible in daylight conditions. 48KHZ wide spect…
2. HF Antenna: Super Antenna MP1DXTR80 SuperWhip Tripod All Band Antenna
An affordable yet effective antenna is crucial for successful portable operations. The Super Antenna MP1DXTR80 is one of the most budget-friendly options available. It’s versatile, easy to set up, and performs well in various conditions, making it ideal for POTA.
3. LiPo Battery: TalentCell 12V LiFePO4 Battery Pack
Powering your Xiegu G90 during portable operations is essential, and the TalentCell 12V LiFePO4 Battery Pack offers a reliable and affordable solution. This battery is compatible with the G90 and provides enough power for extended operating sessions in the field.
- 2000+ Cycles. LF4040 12V lithium ion battery pack. Compatible with LED strip, Digital/CCTV cameras, 12 volt HDTV, portab…
- Capacity: 288Wh. Output voltage: 14.6V-9V (Nominal: 12.8V). Output Current: 20A Max. More than 90% of the time, the outp…
- Appearance shape, size of the product is similar to the specifications of traditional lead-acid battery, you can be inst…
4. Backpack: OutdoorMaster Hiking Backpack
To carry all your gear comfortably, you’ll need a durable and spacious backpack. The OutdoorMaster Hiking Backpack is an excellent choice for POTA enthusiasts on a budget. It’s large enough to hold your radio, antenna, battery, and other accessories, with plenty of room to spare for snacks and water.
- Upgraded High-Quality Material: We increased the quality of the material from 210D (market standard) to 600D nylon fabri…
- Excellent Back Support: We added foldable support aluminum bars, providing strong back support and reducing the load, th…
- Ergonomic Design And Comfort: The thicker & breathable back design, combined with adjustable S-shaped breathable shoulde…
5. Coax: MPD Digital 100ft RG8x
Finally, you’ll need a good quality coax cable to connect your radio to your antenna. The MPD Digital 50ft RG8x Coax Cable offers excellent performance at a budget-friendly price. It’s lightweight, easy to coil, and provides reliable signal transmission for your POTA operations.
- Rg-8x coax is a step up from standard RG-58 coaxial and is recommended for high-powered applications or users who simply…
- Great as jumpers TO an antenna tuner, switch, meter or your main antenna
- Connectors: (2) BNC male; nickel-plated
Conclusion
Getting started with POTA doesn’t have to be expensive. You get can get all of these items for less that $1000. By selecting budget-friendly yet reliable gear, you can enjoy the thrill of activating parks and making contacts around the world without overspending. Whether you’re new to portable operations or just looking to upgrade your kit, the items listed above provide a solid foundation for any budget-conscious ham.
Happy activating, and 73!
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
