Streamline Your POTA Activation Logging with World Radio League
For radio operators engaging in Parks on the Air (POTA) activations, the World Radio League web and mobile apps offer an efficient and streamlined way to log contacts. In this guide, we walk through the essentials of using these tools to simplify the logging process and enhance the overall POTA experience.
Starting a POTA Activation in the Web App
To begin a POTA activation in the World Radio League web app, navigate to the homepage and click “Start POTA Activation.” Users are prompted to enter the park or parks where they will be activating. For convenience, the “Find My Park” button can be used to locate nearby parks.
Once the details are ready, users enter the frequency they plan to use. If the frequency changes during the session, adjustments can be made easily. The app automatically selects the mode, and users can opt to auto-spot their activation to the POTA page. Manual spotting is also available. If the grid square differs from the one listed for the park in the Parks on the Air information, users can modify it here. Once all details are set, clicking “Start Logging” will initiate the log.
Logging Contacts with the POTA Template
The POTA template in the World Radio League web app is designed specifically for POTA activations, allowing for easy contact logging:
- Enter the Call Sign – Start by typing in the call sign of the contact.
- Add Signal Reports – For example, if giving a signal report of 54, enter it in “RST Sent,” and if the received report is 43, enter it in “RST Received.”
- Set Frequency and Mode – Set the frequency, band (e.g., 20M), and mode (e.g., Single Side Band).
If the contact is also in a park, clicking “Park-to-Park” enables entering their park number. Once the park appears, it can be selected to add it to the Park-to-Park field. For multiple parks (such as a two-fer or three-fer), up to five parks can be added here.
Additional fields are available to log power level and notes for the contact. The location tab will pull up the operator’s home location automatically, though this can be edited if necessary. Once all details are entered, clicking “Log Contact” completes the entry.
Spotting on the POTA Page
POTA spotting is a straightforward process within the app. Simply click the “POTA Autospot” button, enter a comment, and click the blue send button to notify other operators about the activation.
Logging with the Mobile App
The World Radio League mobile app brings the same functionality as the web app to a mobile-friendly platform, ideal for logging contacts in the field. Here’s how to start a log:
- Tap “New Log” – Begin by selecting “POTA Activity.”
- Enter Frequency and Park Details – Enter the frequency and park number, or use “Find My Park” to locate and select the park being activated. Tap “Save” to confirm.
To log a contact, user details automatically populate in a convenient bar, including the distance from the operator’s location and any previous contacts made. Tapping the blue log button saves the contact. Shortcuts within the mobile app make tasks such as changing bands or moving modes quite simple.
The Park-to-Park function on the mobile app operates similarly to the web version—by entering a partial park number, users receive a list of options to choose from. Additionally, users can manually adjust frequency, band, mode, and time, as well as add any necessary notes. The Auto Spot field on the mobile app functions just like the web app version: simply enter a comment and send it with a tap.
Syncing and Exporting the Logbook
Logbooks are automatically synced to your account when an internet connection becomes available. After ending the activation, users can open the activation on the logbooks page. To export the log, click the settings wheel and select the option to export an ADIF file customized for uploading to the Parks on the Air website.
Questions and Suggestions
World Radio League encourages users to share any questions or suggestions for future feature highlights by reaching out at World Radio League – Community. With these powerful apps in hand, operators can enjoy streamlined, efficient POTA activations, spending more time enjoying the hobby and less time on administrative tasks. Happy activating, and 73!
