WK4DS Amateur Radio Blog
Ten-Tec Scout 555 POTA Activation: 26 Contacts in 15 Minutes CW & SSB Setup Guide
Looking for a reliable POTA activation setup? Here's my complete guide to activating parks using the Ten-Tec Scout 555 transceiver. In this activation, I made 26 SSB contacts in just 15 minutes, plus worked several stations on CW using ham stick antennas and portable power. Whether you're new to Parks on the Air or looking for equipment ideas, this post covers my portable ham radio setup, antenna tuning tips, and real-world activation results.
Looking for a reliable POTA activation setup? Here's my complete guide to activating parks using the Ten-Tec Scout 555 transceiver. In this activation, I made 26 SSB contacts in just 15 minutes, plus worked several stations on CW using ham stick antennas and portable power. Whether you're new to Parks on the Air or looking for equipment ideas, this post covers my portable ham radio setup, antenna tuning tips, and real-world activation results.
My Ten-Tec Scout 555 POTA Equipment Setup
My setup process has gotten pretty streamlined over the years. I pull into the parking spot, grab the Scout case and antenna bag from the truck bed, and I'm usually on the air within 15 minutes. First thing I do is get the hamsticks mounted and run the radials - usually just two per antenna is enough for POTA work. While those are getting situated, I'll set up the radio in the truck cab, connect power, and do a quick SWR check with the nanoVNA. If the SWR is under 2:1 I'm happy enough to start making contacts. The key is keeping it simple - I've learned the hard way that complicated setups mean more things that can go wrong in the field. Harbor Freight cases have been a game changer for organizing everything too. Everything has a place and I can just grab the case and go.
Today saw me use the Ten Tec Scout again to great effect. Below is the case I carry it in showing the full compliment of band modules (I keep one in the radio and today that is the 20 meter module). Under the radio is the power cable in a pocket just for it and next is the spot for the microphone in a more permanent role. You can see the impression from where it sits in the case currently. This Ten-Tec Scout 555 POTA activation demonstrates why this radio is popular for portable ham radio operations.
These hard cases come from Harbor Freight and make wonderful travel cases for my POTA radios to be quite honest about it. I need to get two more and kit out my Ten Tec Argonaut 5 and my Penntek TR-35 and the set will be complete. The Argonaut has a nice hard case, but it is really large and kinda hard to maneuver with. I thought it would be a great kit for POTA and it does work, but I would really like something different… As an aside, I store the owners manual to each radio behind the lid foam on all of these. That way I have a instruction book should I forget how to do something obscure that I dont use all that often.
My Ten-Tec Scout 555 travel case showing all band modules for POTA activations
Scout 555 band modules - simple to swap for different frequencies during activation
I have not dismantled a band module to see what all is inside it but there is a good bit of stuff going on in each one. They are about 3” long and the circuit board goes all the way to the front. So there is plenty of widgets inside them to make the magic happen.
Today, I only used the 15 and 20 meter modules as I was being a little lazy and only put out radials for these two ham sticks. A quick SWR check with the nanoVNA and I was off to the races.
N3ZN straight key with Picokeyer adding memory functions for CW POTA activations
POTA CW Equipment: N3ZN Key and Picokeyer Setup
The above shows my CW key and keyer. The key is made by N3ZN and if you have not tried one then I highly recommend them. It works beautifully for me. The keyer is a Picokeyer from Hamgadgets.com and works way better than it should for what it costs. Since Ten Tec radios traditionally dont have memories for the CW keyers, this is the way to have those memories really easily. For Parks on the Air activations, having a portable CW key with and a electronic keyer with memory functions is essential (at least to me it is…).
Operating SSB on POTA: Hand Mic and Voice Contacts
The next thing I did that was out of my usual character is to get the hand mic out and work some SSB today as well. It worked OK, but there were times when the audio was odd and I would get little hints to something being wrong but all in all it worked fine.
Hand mic for SSB operation - made 26 contacts in 15 minutes with this setup
Quick SWR check with nanoVNA before starting the POTA activation
Choosing a POTA Activation Location
When I scout out parks for POTA activations, I'm looking for a few key things. First, low RF noise is critical - no nearby power lines, businesses with switching power supplies, or heavy traffic. This park checked all those boxes and then some. The parking lot being empty is a huge bonus as it means no ignition noise from cars starting up or idling nearby. I also look for parks that allow me to set up antennas without disturbing other visitors. Some parks get really busy on weekends, so I'll often activate during weekdays or early mornings. Having good cell coverage helps too, though it's not required - I like being able to spot myself on POTA.app without relying solely on the Reverse Beacon Network. This particular spot has become one of my go-to locations because it's quiet, accessible, and the park staff are friendly to hams.
As per my usual outings, I had the place to myself today with only a couple of cars rolling by during the entirety of my activation. I like it like this though as there is no ignition noise to deal with or inverters making RF hash, just the peace and quiet of the park and my radio chattering in the truck. During this time of day, the sun will beam into my door if I roll down the window beside me so I usually just roll down the other three and the one beside me just a little so the air still moves through the truck taking away the heat from the radio and making it nice and pleasant.
Just look at that parking lot all for me! HaHa! That never gets old! There is just something magical about the peace and quiet of a park like this.
Perfect POTA location - empty park means no ignition noise or RF interference
Ten-Tec Scout 555 CW Operation Tips and Side Tone Settings
A few operating tips I've picked up over my POTA activations - start on CW if you can work it, as the Reverse Beacon Network will auto-spot you and save you from needing cell service. Once you've got 10 contacts in the log, switch modes or bands to see what else is happening. Don't be afraid to QSY (change frequency) if things go quiet. During this activation, moving from 15 meters to 20 meters made all the difference - 15 was fading out but 20 was on fire. When you get a pile-up like I did on SSB, just work them as fast as you can log them. Don't worry about being perfect, just get the call sign and signal report down. You can clean up the log later if needed. And always, always bring spare coax and adapters. Murphy's Law is real in the field!
Something I learned today that is different between the Argonaut 5 and the Scout is that I have to use the key jack to make this radio transmit a side tone in CW. I can key the transmitter with the “mic jack cable” that I made for the Argonaut 5 but it wont produce a side tone with the Scout for some reason. So I instead used this port on the back of the radio to get it to work right (see photo below). Another special thing about this radio to me is that it has a Curtis keyer chip in it and you can plug a set of paddles directly into it and it will work as you would expect, but it is in a different port… Go figure. All these options are hot all the time too. Plug a straight key into it and key it to send CW then you could (theoretically) just pick up the microphone and talk to someone on SSB without changing anything else on the radio. It appears that it is in SSB mode all the time and CW is just the side tone being transmitted instead of the audio from the microphone. This does cause one little issue that a user will notice pretty quickly. The zero beat is the display frequency plus or minus (depending on band) the side tone frequency. The filter is simply a bandpass knob that adjust the filter bandwidth and that is it. A very simple radio that just works.
An example of the side tone offset in CW can been seen in the photo above where I am tuned up on 15 meters. It displays 21.0523mhz but the radio is actually operating on 21.053mhz when transmitting. So if you are near the band edges on say 40 meters CW, just keep this in mind so you are not transmitting out of band. The owners manual even mentions this to make sure you stay compliant with FCC regulations.
CW key jack on Scout 555 back panel - required for proper side tone in CW mode
First page of activation log - starting on 15 meters CW and SSB
20 meter SSB pile-up - 26 contacts in just 15 minutes!
Final page showing all contacts from the activation
POTA Activation Results: 26 Contacts in 15 Minutes
As you can see from the log above, I started out on 15 meters CW and worked several stations there before moving to 15 meters SSB till the band essentially faded out. At that point I decided to see what would happen if I went down to 20 meters SSB and called CQ… Well the log speaks for itself. I made 26 contacts in 15 minutes! This has to be some sort of world record!!! LOL…for me that is… It was wild how big the pile up was and how quick it happened! The people were super nice and courteous and really helpful so I thank all of you that called me this day and I really appreciate you stopping by to say hello! This POTA activation shows what's possible with a simple portable ham radio setup."
Frequently Asked Questions About POTA Activations
What equipment do I need for a POTA activation?
For a basic POTA activation, you need a portable ham radio transceiver (like the Ten-Tec Scout 555, Icom IC705, or the like), an antenna (ham sticks work great for portable use), a power source (battery or vehicle power), some interconnect cabling such as coax and things like that, and a way to log contacts. Optional but very helpful equipment includes: a CW key for Morse code operation, a portable table or chair for comfort, an antenna analyzer like the nanoVNA for precise tuning, and a keyer with memory functions for repetitive CW exchanges. The beauty of POTA is you can start simple and add equipment as you learn what works for your operating style.
How many contacts do you need for a valid POTA activation?
You need a minimum of 10 QSOs (contacts) for a valid Parks on the Air activation. These contacts can be made on any amateur radio band and any mode - CW (Morse code), SSB (voice), or digital modes like PSK31 or FT8. Park-to-park contacts (when you work another station who is also activating a park) count double for hunters, but still count as just one contact toward your activation total of 10. Remember VHF and UHF contacts count too as long as they are simplex only.
What is the best radio for POTA activations?
The "best" POTA radio depends on your operating style and preferences. The Ten-Tec Scout 555 is excellent for CW operation thanks to its clean receiver, simple design, and reliable performance. Other popular choices among POTA activators include the Yaesu FT-891 for 100-watt capability, the Elecraft KX2 or KX3 for QRP portable operation, and the Icom IC-705 for all-mode including VHF/UHF. Choose based on your preferred operating modes, power requirements, portability needs, and budget.
How do you tune a ham stick antenna for POTA?
The easiest way to tune a ham stick antenna is with an antenna analyzer like the nanoVNA, or you can use your radio's built-in SWR meter. Start by adjusting the length of the whip section - make it longer to lower the frequency, shorter to raise it. Make small adjustments (just a fractions of an inch at a time) and recheck your SWR reading. For POTA activations, an SWR under 2:1 is generally acceptable and will work fine, though under 1.5:1 is ideal for maximum power transfer. Anything under 2:1 will not damage your radio though so don’t stress too much over this part.
Can you operate POTA from inside your vehicle?
Yes! Parks on the Air rules allow operation from inside your vehicle, which is different from SOTA (Summits on the Air) that requires outdoor setup away from vehicles. Operating from inside your car or truck is actually quite common during POTA activations, especially in bad weather, extreme temperatures, or when dealing with insects. As long as you and your entire station are physically located within the park boundaries, you're good to go. Just make sure you're parked in an authorized area.
What is the best band for POTA activations?
20 meters is often the most productive band for POTA activations because it provides a good mix of both local and DX (long distance) contacts throughout the day. 40 meters works exceptionally well for regional and NVIS contacts, especially in the early morning and evening. 15 and 10 meters can produce excellent DX contacts when conditions are right and solar activity is favorable. Many experienced POTA activators work multiple bands during a single activation to maximize their contact count and variety. In my activation with the Scout 555, 20 meters SSB produced 26 contacts in just 15 minutes - that's the power of picking the right band at the right time!
Whether you're new to Parks on the Air or an experienced POTA activator, the Scout 555 makes for an excellent field radio.
Have you tried POTA with a Ten-Tec Scout? Share your activation stories in the comments below! If you're planning your first Parks on the Air activation and have questions about equipment setup, feel free to ask.
Want more POTA content?Subscribe to my ham radio blog for more activation reports, equipment reviews, and portable operating tips.
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## POTA Activation Summary
Equipment Used:
- Radio: Ten-Tec Scout 555 (50 watts)
- Antenna: Ham sticks on 15m and 20m with tuned radials
- Power: Vehicle electrical system
- CW Key: N3ZN paddle key with Picokeyer
- Microphone: Ten-Tec hand mic
- Accessories: NanoVNA for antenna tuning, Harbor Freight case
Operating Details:
- Bands Worked: 15 meters and 20 meters
- Modes Used: CW and SSB
- Total Contacts: 30+ QSOs
- Best Run: 26 contacts in 15 minutes on 20m SSB (that was wild!)
- Setup Time: Approximately 15 minutes from arrival to first contact
- Activation Duration: About 90 minutes total
Key Takeaways:
The Scout 555 continues to prove itself as a solid POTA radio. Simple, reliable, and the receiver is clean even with nearby RFI sources. The band module system makes it easy to swap bands, though it's not as fast as just turning a knob. The big lesson today was remembering which key jack to use for proper CW sidetone - small details like that can save you troubleshooting time in the field. Also, 20 meters SSB was absolutely on fire today - sometimes you just catch the band at the right time and everything clicks.
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73, WK4DS - David
How well does 17 meters work?
I see a lot of people on 20 meters, but what about 17 meters? I take the sBitx v3 to Cloudland Canyon State Park (K-2169) for a little fun on 17 meters today… The combination of going to a park with your amateur radio gear and setting up an HF radio in a state park to activate as a POTA operator is a lot of fun.
I see a lot of people on 20 meters, but what about 17 meters? I take the sBitx v3 to Cloudland Canyon State Park (K-2169) for a little fun on 17 meters today… The combination of going to a park with your amateur radio gear and setting up an HF radio in a state park to activate as a POTA operator is a lot of fun.
sBitx V3 running FT8 natively on 17 meters.
What is the 17 meter band in ham radio?
The WARC (World Amateur Radio Conference) bands are nestled between the typical bands and everyone knows what they are because it is on the license tests. The ones I am referring to, in case you forgot for some reason, are 30 meters, 17 meters and 12 meters.
What the license test doesn’t teach though is that each band has unique characteristics that make it fun to use…at least that is how I see it. Since each of these WARC bands are stuffed between other typical ham bands, they seem to take on the characteristics of the two bands they sit between. Take 30 meters for instance, it will act like 40 meters with NVIS propagation on my hamstick to work hams just a couple hundred miles away and then I will work the west coast on the very next contact as if it were also a 20 meter contact.
Well, the higher the bands get the further they tend to reach more distant stations for me. I don’t have giant towers that have huge Yagi antennas on them for say 40 meters so my results are more of the typical ham who might have a dipole that is technically too low to the ground for textbook operation or a vertical with a couple of radials…you get the idea.
The 17 meter band has the same characteristics as 20 meters as well as 15 meters a lot of the time. For me the higher the band, the better the DX usually. I guess it has to do with the fact that the higher the frequency, the smaller the antenna and with a smaller antenna, the lower it can be to the ground and still have proper performance. Armed with this VERY basic knowledge of antenna theory, I usually expect some cool European stations on 15, 12 and 10 with the occasional DX on 17 meters, but today the sky was alive! Well, it would fade in and out and you can see it in my logbook reports. The signals reports over the time period of the activation go from 599 both ways to dismal 529 and 229 reports within an hour. This has been the norm as of late too, a lot of my activations lately have had events that would be described as cyclic in nature. I would hear a station call and reply to them with a 599 because they were booming in and then when I turn it over to them to reply, they will be a lot weaker and then you can literally hear them fade out while you watch and then fade back in by the time they turn it back over to me. It is really odd to hear that in real time for some reason.
17 meters covers a fairly small portion of band space as well with it only being from 18.068mhz to 18.168mhz. This is only 100khz of bandspace and yet there is room for a plethora of modes and operators. 18.100mhz is the watering hole for FT8 on the band and CW runs from the bottom of the band to about 18.090mhz for the most part. Voice operations will be above 18.100 usually and I have not made many contacts with SSB on 17 meters…
The POTA Activation on 17 meters
When I got to the spot I wanted to use for the activation, I was the only one there. So I setup in my usual spot and figured I would start on 17 meters to see how things were and if it wasn’t really happening, I could move down to 20 meters and get the activation easily there. I should have known things were going to be good when my first station of the day was VK3AWA!
Now you need to know something about me here. I thought this was a Canadian station since the call started with a “V”. I work so many Canadians that I have become accustomed to hearing the V callsigns and happily add them to the log. It wasn’t till I checked the QSO map that I realized that he was actually in Australia!!! They (it is an Australian club call) must have had a Yagi antenna pointed at me or something, along with a path opening as the signal reports were really good for a 12 watt transmitter running into a ham stick antenna on the back of a pickup truck. This contact was on FT8 and FT8 reads the signal strength in dB with the software to get the most accurate reading possible to send back. So it isn’t quite as subjective as something like CW where a lot of people (me included) will send signal reports based on how the op sounds to them and never reference a meter one time… So for my little radio to get a -8dB report from Australia had to have help from the atmosphere and probably a very good antenna on their end.
FT8 is a relatively new mode for me. I have normally not done anything other than the two original modes of CW and voice. For me to reach out into a new mode is a pretty big deal and this one works really well, which is why I like it. I am also looking to start messing around with PSK 31 some as well as possibly RTTY if I can figure out how to get the little radio to do it. I think PSK 31 will be pretty easy to master, so I will tackle it first.
What makes 17 meters so special?
The above map shows the performance you can normally expect from a band like 17 meters. Notice there is practically no contacts inside of about 600 miles other than two oddities here in Georgia? That is because of the antenna and the ability of 17 meters to have a pretty decent take off angle and also to reflect off the ionosphere easily. This garnered me a ton of contacts in the pacific northwest as well as the Atlantic north east and a scattering around the country to include Utah and southern California. Then there is the EU… I made several contacts with France and Germany today. That has been a little unusual lately for me and my system to be honest so I was stoked to see them in the log.
But this trip did something that I had not done before that I can remember… It netted 7 Canadian QSOs alone, combined with the other DX calls I technically activated today with only the DX contacts! That has to be a personal first.
I started with a DX call and finished with a DX call. How cool is that? It was a great day for radio and I really enjoyed using the sBitx with the new V3 firmware. The radio works so much better than the previous firmware and the FT8 is a breeze in the native radio setup. It you are into smaller radios and smaller companies and the idea of help from a collective of literal geniuses that willingly share their information with you, then this just might be a radio you will like. It is for me, I have had so much fun with it that it is hard to understand how I got along without it before…and the people over at HFSignals dont even know who I am…haha.
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Hope you enjoyed this little diversion into the 17 meter band and inspires you to go out and setup your radio in a POTA park at some point!
73
David - WK4DS