POTA, or Parks on the Air, is a popular outdoor radio activity that combines amateur radio with the enjoyment of nature. It involves amateur radio operators setting up their equipment in designated parks or natural areas to make radio contacts with other operators.

Participants are typically categorized as either “Activators” or “Chasers.”

Activators: These are the operators who go to a park or a natural area, set up their radio gear, and attempt to make contacts with other amateur radio operators. They often aim to make a certain number of contacts to qualify their activation and may seek to operate portable stations with various setups, which can include HF, VHF, and UHF frequencies.

Chasers: These are the operators who remain at home or in their own locations and attempt to make contact with the Activators. Chasers often try to add the activations to their own logs and may be hunting for specific parks or geographical regions.

POTA encourages outdoor activity, promotes the use of ham radio in a recreational context, and fosters community among amateur radio operators. It has its own set of rules and guidelines, and many operators enjoy the challenges and experiences of activating different locations. A significant aspect of POTA is the engagement with the natural environment, as operators set up their stations in beautiful and varied settings like state parks, national parks, and other protected areas.