KB1HQS
  • Bio
  • Book
  • Operating
    • State Map
    • By Activity
      • Summits on the Air (SOTA)
      • Parks on the Air (POTA)
      • National Parks on the Air (NPOTA)
    • QSO MAP
    • QSO Log
    • Pictures
  • Projects
    • Ultralight Hiking Pole Yagi Antenna
    • Trapping the End Fed Antenna
    • 3D Files
      • Hackaday
      • Thingverse
  • Radio
    • Radio Gear List
    • Radio Gear Reviews
    • Radio Gear Pictures
    • Sponsor
    • Certs
  • Hiking
    • Hiking Gear List
    • Long Trail
    • Trail Journal
  • Media
    • KB1HQS News
    • QRZ Bio
    • ARRL Media
    • Published Book
    • Hackaday
    • Thingverse
    • Podcasts
      • Hamdom Thoughts
      • Ham Radio 360
      • Field Radio
    • SoundCloud
    • Pictures
    • YouTube
    • Instagram
    • Twitter
  • Maps
    • Spotwalla Tracking
    • Hiking Maps
    • QSO MAP
    • ACTIVATION Map
    • APRS
    • InReach Location
  • Links
    • Radio
    • Operators
  • Subscribe
  • Contact

Select Page

North Marshall (W4V/SH-009), VA

North Marshall (W4V/SH-009), VA

by Stuart, KB1HQS | Jan 8, 2021 | Summits on the Air, Virginia

North Marshall, VirginiaNorth Marshall (W4V/SH-009) is a nice hike with a great view to the west.  Parking is available on Skyline Drive. The trail to North Marshall is on the Appalachian Trail.Summit Information: Summit Name: North Marshall, (W4V/SH-009) Location:...

read more
That time I fought the National Park Police

That time I fought the National Park Police

by Stuart, KB1HQS | Nov 14, 2017 | National Parks on the Air, Portable Radio

***Note: all the memes were generated by fellow NPOTA friends During the National Parks on the Air (NPOTA) event during 2016, I visited many different national parks throughout the US. During one visit, however things got a little out of hand. This is what I posted on...

read more
Special Event: Parks on the Air Demo in Washington, DC

Special Event: Parks on the Air Demo in Washington, DC

by Stuart, KB1HQS | Oct 12, 2017 | District of Columbia, Parks on the Air, Portable Radio

Please join the HacDC Amateur Radio Club for a SPECIAL EVENT PRESENTATION occurring on Saturday, October 21, 2017 at 2:00 PM in Rock Creek Park, in Washington, DC. Stuart Thomas / KB1HQS will be our very special guest. During the 2016 ARRL National Parks on the Air...

read more
SOTA: 9 North Carolina Activations in 4 days

SOTA: 9 North Carolina Activations in 4 days

by Stuart, KB1HQS | Apr 7, 2017 | National Parks on the Air, NC, Parks on the Air, Portable Radio, Summits on the Air

    My article published in the May 2017 QST Magazine:

read more
NPOTA Activation: Harpers Ferry

NPOTA Activation: Harpers Ferry

by Stuart, KB1HQS | Oct 27, 2016 | National Parks on the Air, Portable Radio, Videos, West Virginia, WV

We escape hurricane Mathew and head to Harpers Ferry, WV for several NPOTA activations.  

read more
Published Articles & Media

Published Articles & Media

by Stuart, KB1HQS | Oct 17, 2016 | National Parks on the Air, Summits on the Air

ARRL Operating Manual 11th Edition I wrote an article on tips, tricks and techniques for portable operating.     QST Magazine, May 2017   QST Magazine, November 2016 Gear review on the Packtenna Mini antenna system     QST Magazine July 2017...

read more
I attended the Dayton Hamfest and threw my Elecraft KX3 in the trash

I attended the Dayton Hamfest and threw my Elecraft KX3 in the trash

by Stuart, KB1HQS | Oct 5, 2016 | National Parks on the Air, Reviews

Ever since I have heard about ham radio and hamfests, there has always been whisperings of the “mecca” of all hamfests: Dayton. For my non-amateur radio friends reading this, let me describe the “hamfest” experience. As a youngster, my Old Man dragged me along to...

read more
Gear Review: Packtenna Mini Portable HF Antenna

Gear Review: Packtenna Mini Portable HF Antenna

by Stuart, KB1HQS | Oct 3, 2016 | National Parks on the Air, Parks on the Air, Portable Radio, Reviews, Summits on the Air

QST Packtenna Review Article

read more
Guest NPOTA Activator Appearance!

Guest NPOTA Activator Appearance!

by Stuart, KB1HQS | Jul 26, 2016 | National Parks on the Air, NC, Portable Radio

One of the many awesome facets of amateur radio is that you get to meet a large variety of people of various backgrounds and locations from all around the world. While activating Yorktown NP in SE Virginia, I met up with another NPOTA activator, Ruth KM4LAO. She...

read more
Make your own Activator NPOTA Notebook

Make your own Activator NPOTA Notebook

by Stuart, KB1HQS | Jul 26, 2016 | Gear, National Parks on the Air

How to make your own NPOTA activator notebook: Throughout the year as I have been activating National Parks, I have found it is helpful to have all my NPOTA designator data and NPS handouts organized in an easy to access format. Items needed: One (1) 3-ring binder One...

read more
The Great NC/SC SOTA/NPOTA Trip: 7/17/16- 7/19/16

The Great NC/SC SOTA/NPOTA Trip: 7/17/16- 7/19/16

by Stuart, KB1HQS | Jul 16, 2016 | National Parks on the Air, NC, Summits on the Air, Trip

Getting out of the heat and heading down to western NC (south of Asheville) to activate several NPOTA/SOTA sites. Hopefully the 6000 feet elevation will cool things off a bit. Schedule will be fluid as the trip down is pretty far from DC (8 hrs). No whining on...

read more
Valley Forge NP

Valley Forge NP

by Stuart, KB1HQS | Apr 20, 2016 | National Parks on the Air, PA, Parks on the Air, Pennsylvania, Portable Radio

Valley Forge National Historical Park Valley Forge Nation Historical Park (HP46) is located in southern Pennsylvania and an easy park to access. Activation Date: January 19th 2016 When I arrived it was empty and I had the whole parking lot to myself. I stopped by the...

read more
NPOTA Info

NPOTA Info

by Stuart, KB1HQS | Apr 20, 2016 | National Parks on the Air, NPOTA Stats, Parks on the Air, Portable Radio, Reviews

read more
Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail (TR03)

Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail (TR03)

by Stuart, KB1HQS | Mar 7, 2016 | National Parks on the Air, Portable Radio, VA, Virginia

40 Meters 20 Meters 10 Meters To see individual contacts, click on date interested in: Callsign QSO date QSO start time Band Mode Country RST Rcvd Notes KA4EMH 3/4/2016 18:39:56 40m SSB United States 59 TR03 N8HSD 3/4/2016 18:54:11 20m SSB United States 57 TR03 WA9HED...

read more
Star Spangled Banner NHT

Star Spangled Banner NHT

by Stuart, KB1HQS | Feb 25, 2016 | National Parks on the Air, Parks on the Air, VA, Virginia

The Star Spangled Banner National Historic Trail (TR22) that I activated was located in Virginia at Jones Point near the Potomac River. I did a double activation with the George Washington Memorial Parkway (PK02). I also activated from Riverside park, which is located...

read more
Appalachian Trail (TR01)

Appalachian Trail (TR01)

by Stuart, KB1HQS | Feb 25, 2016 | National Parks on the Air, PA, Parks on the Air, Pennsylvania, Portable Radio, Summits on the Air, VA, Virginia

The Appalachian National Scenic Trail (TR01), or “AT” as it is commonly known, starts in Georgia ends at the summit of Mt. Khatadin, Maine. With a route of over 2,200 miles it is one of most hiked trails in America. The AT is a popular long distance trail for “thru”...

read more
Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historic Park

Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historic Park

by Stuart, KB1HQS | Feb 25, 2016 | National Parks on the Air, Parks on the Air, VA, Virginia

Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historic Park (HP06) is located at the end of Interstate 66 near Meadow Mills. The park was closed so I operated in the parking lot and made 11 contacts on 20m with 10 Watts (mobile operation). This was one of three parks I was...

read more
Eisenhower National Historic Site

Eisenhower National Historic Site

by Stuart, KB1HQS | Feb 25, 2016 | National Parks on the Air, PA, Parks on the Air

Eisenhower National Historic Site Location: Pennsylvania Activation Date: January 17th, 2016 Contacts: 14 contacts on 20M Phone; 10W  *Mobile operation This site, NPOTA #NS13 is kind of an unusual one as you can’t visit the buildings unless you buy a pass from the...

read more
Gettysburg National Military Park

Gettysburg National Military Park

by Stuart, KB1HQS | Feb 25, 2016 | National Parks on the Air, PA, Parks on the Air, Pennsylvania, Portable Radio

Gettysburg National Military Park (MP03) is in southern PA and is an incredible park both in history and size. It seems to dwarf the town of Gettysburg. There is something surreal about standing in the middle of a historical battlefield and seeing a drugstore and fast...

read more
Manassas National Battlefield

Manassas National Battlefield

by Stuart, KB1HQS | Feb 25, 2016 | National Parks on the Air, Parks on the Air, Portable Radio, VA, Virginia

Manassas National Battlefield Park (BP02) is located in Manassas, Virginia and is the site of two major Civil War battles: First Battle of Bull Run and Second Battle of Bull Run. This park was one of three that I was activating on the same day. Activation date:...

read more

Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress