As we head into the winter months here in Ohio, I would typically put away my “POTA Hat.” I have always said I am a fair-weather POTA operator. I like going out in the sunshine surrounded by nature and making contacts around the globe. As I get older, winter is just not my jam.
This year I have made it a personal goal to do at least one POTA activation per month from November through April, when I would normally be dormant. It should be fairly simple, but winter gives cause for certain considerations here on the North Coast of Ohio—the home of DX Engineering headquarters.
In some cases, just getting to the park can be a chore. Many of the POTA locations in this area are state wildlife areas as opposed to parks. Often, a poorly maintained egress can make accessing these areas a challenge. Luckily, I drive a Jeep, which makes this chore easier. I just need to keep in mind what my wife is always telling me: “Just because you drive a Jeep does not give you a license to drive where and when you shouldn’t!”
My equipment will also be modified from what I normally deploy. My typical activation uses a Yaesu FT-891 Transceiver with the mAT TUNER MAT-Y200 Auto Tuner, the Alpha Antenna Portable MIL EmComm Enhanced Antenna, and a Bioenno Power 1220A Battery. It is very compact and deploys in minutes. I pull into a park, grab my backpack and antenna bag, and I’m off to the races.
Let me be clear: I have no intention of sitting on a park bench dealing with wintery precipitation, wind, and cold. I am blessed to have in my Jeep a Yaesu FT-857D Transceiver with the Yaesu ATAS-120A Auto Active Tuning Antenna. With this configuration I am able to operate 40M-70cm. I will be fully operational without ever leaving the comfort of my command cabin. And if I get chilly, I can just start the engine for a couple of minutes with the windows cracked and run the heater.
The temperature is also a concern, especially if you are going to be operating outside in the elements. Low temperatures combined with moisture and wind is a recipe for hypothermia. Remember to dress in layers and be cognizant of any exposed skin. Low temperatures also cause shivering, which can dehydrate you very quickly. Remember to stay hydrated.
The temperature can also affect your equipment. Plastic will become brittle, and flexible components will become stiff or immovable. Take care to manipulate the equipment as little as possible in the cold and do so cautiously when you can.
Finally, the temptation will be to sit in the car with the engine running. This is extremely dangerous. You are sitting still so the exhaust does not move away from the passenger compartment so quickly. It can be drawn to the intake for the temperature control system and fill the cabin with deadly carbon monoxide. Run the car long enough to take the chill off and make sure to crack the windows when doing so.
Winter can be a great time to keep the POTA excitement rolling. Please make sure to do it safely.
Until next time, 73 de AC8OW
Editor’s Note: 2026 Winter Field Day, Jan. 24-25, is rapidly approaching. There’s still time to complete your Winter Field Day checklist by ordering everything you need at DXEngineering.com, from LiFePO4 batteries to portable masts.
