There are legions of ham radio operators who feel Parks on the Air® (POTA) has been a true gift to the amateur radio community. If you’d like to introduce a fellow ham to the magic of activating parks, the holidays are a perfect time to extend to them the gift of POTA. We promise, they’ll be happy you did!
We’ve highlighted below a few of the POTA-, SOTA-, and IOTA-friendly products you’ll find at DXEngineering.com. As a disclaimer, please note that we’ve barely scratched the ionosphere of all the portable operating gear available at DX Engineering. A quick search on “portable” will introduce you to hundreds of options: transceivers, wire and vertical antennas, masts, equipment cases, mast trailer hitch mounts, HF QRP bandpass filters, reference books, and much more in a range of prices.
Not sure what gifts to choose for the hams in your life? A DX Engineering Gift Card in denominations from $25 to $500 is a guaranteed winner.
Look the Part
For operators who want to display their love of portable ops while looking good and feeling comfortable in the process, here’s the ideal gift: a DX Engineering GO Portable Polo Shirt. Designed in a sleek light sterling gray with DX Engineering and GO Portable logos, these polos feature a subtle mini grid texture that elevates everyday wear with a polished, modern look. Crafted from lightweight 4.6-ounce 100% polyester jacquard, they offer moisture-wicking, odor-fighting, stain-release, and snag-resistant properties that keep you looking sharp and feeling great all day long. Available in men’s small to 5X large.
The Gift of Knowledge
DX Engineering carries many reference books for fans of outdoor operating. ARRL’s “The Parks on the Air Book” gives you a look at the setups and processes of 14 operators from a variety of skill levels and backgrounds, offering advice and motivation for taking your radio out to a park.
Salty Walt’s Portable Antenna Sketchbook
Salty Walt’s Next Level Portable Antenna Sketchbook
These two popular books from Walt Hudson, K4OGO (Salty Walt of the “Coastal Waves & Wires” YouTube channel), will give your gift recipients hours of fun building and experimenting with a nice variety of proven antennas. Walt’s books feature hand-drawn antenna designs and plenty of operating wisdom for those who are passionate about making QSOs in the great outdoors.
Transceivers
Have you been a really good operator this year? We thought so! Why not reward yourself with an upgraded transceiver that’s perfect for your portable adventures. Feeling generous? Maybe there’s a ham on your list who could benefit from a brand-new rig with more bells and whistles. Here are a few available at DX Engineering:
Yaesu FT-891 HF/50 MHz All Mode Mobile Transceiver
Icom IC-705 HF/50/144/430 MHz All Mode Portable Transceiver
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- “I’ve had this radio for about a year. It’s coupled together with a MAT-30 Tuner. When it comes to portability, operating POTA or SOTA, it’s the perfect radio because it is small and doesn’t draw much power…It’s great for portable. You won’t be disappointed.” – Ed, DX Engineering Customer (Image/Yaesu)
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