Your POTA Bag Is Lying To You — Here’s How To Fix It

POTA Q&A + Honor & Activate: Let’s Light Up RF This Weekend

This week on Brew & Activate, we’re keeping it loose and opening things up for a live POTA, portable radio, and Tiles on the Air Q&A. Bring your questions about activations, hunters, gear, antennas, go-kits, logging, pileups, quick lunch-break activations, or whatever RF weirdness is currently living rent-free in your brain. We’ll also take a few minutes to talk about Honor & Activate, the Tiles on the Air Memorial Day weekend event, and how we can use radio to do something a little more meaningful while still having fun, getting outside, and lighting up some RF. Whether you’re chasing parks, activating tiles, building a better go-kit, or just trying to figure out why your antenna only behaves when nobody is watching, come hang out with the Brew Crew. Links: Honor & Activate: https://tilesontheair.com/MemorialDay [https://tilesontheair.com/MemorialDay] Tiles on the Air: https://tilesontheair.com [https://tilesontheair.com] ************************************************************* Affiliate Links: I receive no compensation for these and want to pass on the savings to all my followers. Mad Dog Coils: Receive an additional clamp when ordering any Mad Dog Coil - Use N1JUR in the order/shipping notes https://maddogcoils.com.au/ [https://maddogcoils.com.au/] Reliance Antennas: 10% off with Free Shipping. All orders of any Reliance Antenna or product use N1JUR at Checkout. https://www.relianceantennas.com/ [https://www.relianceantennas.com/] Seeed Studios: Discount Codes on all Meshtastic Devices on my website n1jur.com [http://n1jur.com] SpoolTenna: https://spooltenna.com [https://spooltenna.com] SHOW LINKS: Discord Brew and Activate - https://discord.gg/EcuySeKkVv [https://discord.gg/EcuySeKkVv] Brew & Activate Podcast - https://rss.com/podcasts/brew-and-activate/ [https://rss.com/podcasts/brew-and-activate/] Brew and Activate Merch - https://livefreeandham.com/shop [https://livefreeandham.com/shop] POTA Bucket List - https://n1jur.com/pota-bucket-list [https://n1jur.com/pota-bucket-list] Guests/Hosts: Shannon's Channel (KC1OHT) https://www.youtube.com/@shannonkc1oht [https://www.youtube.com/@shannonkc1oht] Help Support the Channel: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/N1JUR [https://www.patreon.com/N1JUR] Buy Me a Beer: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/n1jur [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/n1jur] N1JUR & KC1OHT Shop: https://www.livefreeandham.com/shop [https://www.livefreeandham.com/shop] Follow me on: Website: https://n1jur.com/ [https://n1jur.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/n1jur [https://www.instagram.com/n1jur] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092365884527 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092365884527]

Your POTA Bag Is Lying To You — Here’s How To Fix It

What’s actually in your POTA bag… and is it really ready? This week on Brew & Activate, we’re talking about one of the most common portable ham radio problems: keeping your POTA go-kit organized, charged, packed, and actually ready for the next activation. Because let’s be honest — most activations do not fall apart because of the radio. They fall apart because the coax is missing, the battery is dead, the adapter is in another bag, or the one cable you need is sitting back at the shack laughing at you. We’ll break down practical ways to organize your POTA gear, including core kits, mission-based add-ons, pre-flight checklists, post-activation reset routines, and smarter ways to track what lives in each bag. Then I’ll give you a first look at the gear bag tracker app I’m working on for portable operators. The goal is simple: help hams know what’s packed, what’s missing, what needs charging, and what needs to be reset before the next outing. Bring your best “I forgot the thing” stories. We’ve all got one. ************************************************************* Affiliate Links: I receive no compensation for these and want to pass on the savings to all my followers. Mad Dog Coils: Receive an additional clamp when ordering any Mad Dog Coil - Use N1JUR in the order/shipping notes https://maddogcoils.com.au/ [https://maddogcoils.com.au/] Reliance Antennas: 10% off with Free Shipping. All orders of any Reliance Antenna or product use N1JUR at Checkout. https://www.relianceantennas.com/ [https://www.relianceantennas.com/] Seeed Studios: Discount Codes on all Meshtastic Devices on my website n1jur.com [http://n1jur.com] SpoolTenna: https://spooltenna.com [https://spooltenna.com] SHOW LINKS: Discord Brew and Activate - https://discord.gg/EcuySeKkVv [https://discord.gg/EcuySeKkVv] Brew & Activate Podcast - https://rss.com/podcasts/brew-and-activate/ [https://rss.com/podcasts/brew-and-activate/] Brew and Activate Merch - https://livefreeandham.com/shop [https://livefreeandham.com/shop] POTA Bucket List - https://n1jur.com/pota-bucket-list [https://n1jur.com/pota-bucket-list] Guests/Hosts: Shannon's Channel (KC1OHT) https://www.youtube.com/@shannonkc1oht [https://www.youtube.com/@shannonkc1oht] Help Support the Channel: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/N1JUR [https://www.patreon.com/N1JUR] Buy Me a Beer: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/n1jur [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/n1jur] N1JUR & KC1OHT Shop: https://www.livefreeandham.com/shop [https://www.livefreeandham.com/shop] Follow me on: Website: https://n1jur.com/ [https://n1jur.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/n1jur [https://www.instagram.com/n1jur] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092365884527 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092365884527]

Stop Guessing Your Bands — Use This AI Prompt Instead

In this episode of Brew & Activate, we’re diving into a practical way to use AI for POTA — no hype, no fluff, just something you can actually use before your next activation. Instead of bouncing between solar data, propagation maps, and signal reports… we’re using a simple, repeatable AI prompt that turns all of that into one clear answer based on your gear, your power, and your setup. 👉 We’ll walk through: A custom AI prompt you can copy and use before every activation How to tailor it to your radio, antenna, and power level A “what-if” scenario prompt to test different setups before you leave the house Real examples of how this helps you pick the right band, mode, and strategy This isn’t about replacing skill—it’s about making better decisions before you ever key the mic. 🧠 TRY IT YOURSELF Run this before your next activation and see what changes: Your starting band Your contact rate Your overall success Then come back and let us know 👇 ************************************************************* Affiliate Links: I receive no compensation for these and want to pass on the savings to all my followers. Mad Dog Coils: Receive an additional clamp when ordering any Mad Dog Coil - Use N1JUR in the order/shipping notes https://maddogcoils.com.au/ [https://maddogcoils.com.au/] Reliance Antennas: 10% off with Free Shipping. All orders of any Reliance Antenna or product use N1JUR at Checkout. https://www.relianceantennas.com/ [https://www.relianceantennas.com/] Seeed Studios: Discount Codes on all Meshtastic Devices on my website n1jur.com [http://n1jur.com] SpoolTenna: https://spooltenna.com [https://spooltenna.com] SHOW LINKS: Discord Brew and Activate - https://discord.gg/EcuySeKkVv [https://discord.gg/EcuySeKkVv] Brew & Activate Podcast - https://rss.com/podcasts/brew-and-activate/ [https://rss.com/podcasts/brew-and-activate/] Brew and Activate Merch - https://livefreeandham.com/shop [https://livefreeandham.com/shop] POTA Bucket List - https://n1jur.com/pota-bucket-list [https://n1jur.com/pota-bucket-list] Guests/Hosts: Shannon's Channel (KC1OHT) https://www.youtube.com/@shannonkc1oht [https://www.youtube.com/@shannonkc1oht] Help Support the Channel: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/N1JUR [https://www.patreon.com/N1JUR] Buy Me a Beer: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/n1jur [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/n1jur] N1JUR & KC1OHT Shop: https://www.livefreeandham.com/shop [https://www.livefreeandham.com/shop] Follow me on: Website: https://n1jur.com/ [https://n1jur.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/n1jur [https://www.instagram.com/n1jur] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092365884527 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092365884527]

Stop Chasing Parks… Start Activating Grids (Tiles On The Air)

Is Tiles On The Air (TOTA) the next big thing in ham radio? In this episode of Brew & Activate, we’re diving into a brand new program that’s starting to get attention across the hobby — Tiles On The Air. Instead of parks or summits, this program focuses on grid square activations, bringing a fresh twist to portable operating and giving hunters and activators a whole new way to get on the air. We’re joined by special guest Facundo (KK4ODA), the creator and developer of Tiles On The Air, to break it all down: What Tiles On The Air is How it works How it compares to POTA and SOTA How YOU can get started Whether you're a seasoned activator or just looking for something new to try, this might be the next program you add to your rotation. 🔗 Learn more about Tiles On The Air: 👉 https://tilesontheair.com [https://tilesontheair.com] ************************************************************* Affiliate Links: I receive no compensation for these and want to pass on the savings to all my followers. Mad Dog Coils: Receive an additional clamp when ordering any Mad Dog Coil - Use N1JUR in the order/shipping notes https://maddogcoils.com.au/ [https://maddogcoils.com.au/] Reliance Antennas: 10% off with Free Shipping. All orders of any Reliance Antenna or product use N1JUR at Checkout. https://www.relianceantennas.com/ [https://www.relianceantennas.com/] Seeed Studios: Discount Codes on all Meshtastic Devices on my website n1jur.com [http://n1jur.com] SpoolTenna: https://spooltenna.com [https://spooltenna.com] SHOW LINKS: Discord Brew and Activate - https://discord.gg/EcuySeKkVv [https://discord.gg/EcuySeKkVv] Brew & Activate Podcast - https://rss.com/podcasts/brew-and-activate/ [https://rss.com/podcasts/brew-and-activate/] Brew and Activate Merch - https://livefreeandham.com/shop [https://livefreeandham.com/shop] POTA Bucket List - https://n1jur.com/pota-bucket-list [https://n1jur.com/pota-bucket-list] Guests/Hosts: Shannon's Channel (KC1OHT) https://www.youtube.com/@shannonkc1oht [https://www.youtube.com/@shannonkc1oht] Help Support the Channel: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/N1JUR [https://www.patreon.com/N1JUR] Buy Me a Beer: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/n1jur [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/n1jur] N1JUR & KC1OHT Shop: https://www.livefreeandham.com/shop [https://www.livefreeandham.com/shop] Follow me on: Website: https://n1jur.com/ [https://n1jur.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/n1jur [https://www.instagram.com/n1jur] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092365884527 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092365884527]

Stop Guessing Your Battery Life – The Only Math You Need for POTA

Ever had your radio die right in the middle of a pileup? Yeah… it’s probably not your battery. It’s your math. In this episode of Brew & Activate, we break down battery math in a way that actually matters in the field—no fluff, no overcomplicated engineering talk… just real-world understanding you can use on your next activation. We cover: ⚡ The difference between Amp Hours (Ah) and Watt Hours (Wh) ⚡ Why your battery NEVER lasts as long as you think ⚡ How modes like SSB vs FT8 completely change runtime ⚡ Voltage sag (and why your radio shuts off early) ⚡ Cold weather performance (this one gets people every time) ⚡ The simple formula to actually plan your activation time 👉 Plus: I built a simple battery calculator you can use on your phone in the field so you never have to guess again. 👇 Grab the calculator here: [INSERT YOUR GOOGLE SHEET LINK] --- 💡 Bottom line: Amp hours tell a story… Watt hours tell the truth. #POTA #HamRadio #AmateurRadio #BatteryPower #FieldRadio #PortableOps ************************************************************* Affiliate Links: I receive no compensation for these and want to pass on the savings to all my followers. Mad Dog Coils: Receive an additional clamp when ordering any Mad Dog Coil - Use N1JUR in the order/shipping notes https://maddogcoils.com.au/ [https://maddogcoils.com.au/] Reliance Antennas: 10% off with Free Shipping. All orders of any Reliance Antenna or product use N1JUR at Checkout. https://www.relianceantennas.com/ [https://www.relianceantennas.com/] Seeed Studios: Discount Codes on all Meshtastic Devices on my website n1jur.com [http://n1jur.com] SpoolTenna: https://spooltenna.com [https://spooltenna.com] SHOW LINKS: Discord Brew and Activate - https://discord.gg/EcuySeKkVv [https://discord.gg/EcuySeKkVv] Brew & Activate Podcast - https://rss.com/podcasts/brew-and-activate/ [https://rss.com/podcasts/brew-and-activate/] Brew and Activate Merch - https://livefreeandham.com/shop [https://livefreeandham.com/shop] POTA Bucket List - https://n1jur.com/pota-bucket-list [https://n1jur.com/pota-bucket-list] Guests/Hosts: Shannon's Channel (KC1OHT) https://www.youtube.com/@shannonkc1oht [https://www.youtube.com/@shannonkc1oht] Help Support the Channel: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/N1JUR [https://www.patreon.com/N1JUR] Buy Me a Beer: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/n1jur [https://www.buymeacoffee.com/n1jur] N1JUR & KC1OHT Shop: https://www.livefreeandham.com/shop [https://www.livefreeandham.com/shop] Follow me on: Website: https://n1jur.com/ [https://n1jur.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/n1jur [https://www.instagram.com/n1jur] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092365884527 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092365884527]