On Thursday, October 29, Frank (PA7F) and Joop (PG4I) set off together for a successful POTA day. By bike, with a backpack full of radio equipment and a healthy dose of enthusiasm, they visited two locations in the vicinity of Bilthoven and Soesterberg.
The day started at Frank's home in Bilthoven. After a cup of coffee the bikes were taken out and both radio amateurs set off towards Panbos (POTA NL-0226). After a bike ride of about twenty minutes, a suitable spot was found to set up the stations.
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Joop in action during the POTA activation in Panbos |
For Frank it was his very first POTA activity. He set up his station, consisting of an RGO ONE transceiver and an end-fed antenna. Frank quickly got the hang of it and made no fewer than 18 CW connections on 40 meters in a short time. Next it was Joop's turn. He used a QMX transceiver from QRP Labs in combination with an inverted-L antenna. That also yielded good results: Joop made another 21 QSOs on 40 meters. A great start to the day, with a total of 39 connections from Panbos!
After the first activation, it was time for a short break. At McDonald's on the Amersfoortseweg, a milkshake and a hamburger were enjoyed. Afterwards, the bike tour continued towards the former Soesterberg Air Base (POTA NL-0305).
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| Frank next to the runway of the former Soesterberg Air Base |
Next to the impressive, 3.5-kilometer-long runway, Frank and Joop set up their stations once again. Expectations were high: plenty of space and a unique location for making radio connections. However, this activation went more difficult than hoped. Despite the strong signals, there was relatively little activity on the bands. By regularly switching frequencies, both amateurs eventually managed to make a good number of connections: Frank 12 and Joop 13 QSOs. A particular highlight was Frank's DX contact with EA9E in Ceuta!
A successful POTA day!
By the end of the afternoon, Frank and Joop could look back on a successful day. With two activated POTA parks and a total of 64 connections made, it was certainly worth it. Around 4:00 PM, they arrived back in Bilthoven, tired but satisfied.
Moreover, for Frank, it was a successful first introduction to POTA. And if it is up to both gentlemen, this won't be a one-off. We will definitely be doing this more often!
