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Author Topic: Asking permission for parks  (Read 1824 times)

N7EKU

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Re: Asking permission for parks
« Reply #15 on: October 26, 2021, 07:21:10 PM »

Hi,

Most parks and national forests request or require a "leave no trace" policy.  This would include leaving behind stuck cords or fishing lines in trees etc.  These are actually a real problem as wildlife can easily become entangled in these lines and die a sad death of strangulation or starvation.

73,


Mark
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Mark -- N7EKU/VE3

KB9BVN

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Re: Asking permission for parks
« Reply #16 on: February 22, 2022, 01:15:01 AM »

I have never had to ask for permission but that varies from state to state and depending on the type of park.  If a national park, I think you have to apply for a permit to operate.  I'm in Indiana nad I have yet to have to ask for written permission.
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KF4HR

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Re: Asking permission for parks
« Reply #17 on: February 22, 2022, 06:41:17 AM »

I prefer SOTA (Shacks on the air).  Less hassle. :)
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WA8NVW

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Re: Asking permission for parks
« Reply #18 on: March 21, 2022, 02:13:26 PM »

If Amateur radio has a seat inside your state's EOC like the DNR does, those folks can often "grease" the permit process for you.  They might also make introductions between you and local staff at the park you want to activate. 
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K2WPM

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Re: Asking permission for parks
« Reply #19 on: April 11, 2022, 05:20:22 AM »

Are there hams who do POTA using mobile antennas?
This may avoid the whole issue, where it's a problem.

I have worked on a mobile dipole for the back of the pickup....
What do you use, and how well does it work?

David, K2WPM
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AE5X

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Re: Asking permission for parks
« Reply #20 on: April 15, 2022, 04:57:55 PM »

Are there hams who do POTA using mobile antennas?
This may avoid the whole issue, where it's a problem.

When no trees are available I use a HamStick mounted to a (photography) lightstand. RF ground comes from 3 or 4 1/4-wave radials extending from the elevated (10 feet) feedpoint.

Sometimes I use a 17-ft telescoping whip (MFJ-1979) in the same manner.

Works fine, even with QRP gear - lightweight, cheap, portable.
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N8AUC

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Re: Asking permission for parks
« Reply #21 on: April 20, 2022, 07:27:57 PM »

I used to write a permission letter to operate from Mt Greylock every year to operate the 10GHz contest.

It came in handy one year when their were two dueling bridezillas on the mountain at the same time as the 10GHz contest!
The park personal extended my written permission to my radio friends who were also there.

Zak W1VT

Bridezillas? Now that paints a vivid mental picture.
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K5LXP

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Re: Asking permission for parks
« Reply #22 on: April 29, 2022, 07:35:42 AM »

I've set up some pretty involved antennas while camping and the greatest challenge was the question WTH is that?  From the perspective of recreational use I don't see a huge difference between setting up a portable antenna or a portable ez-up structure or screen tent.  Judging by the number of campers I've seen over the years that set up a campsite that would make Ma and Pa Kettle blush, the innocuous vertical or wire in a tree isn't on the radar.  After decades of operating so far I have yet to be told to cease, so onward I go.

Mark K5LXP
Albuquerque, NM
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KA4KOE

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Re: Asking permission for parks
« Reply #23 on: August 29, 2022, 09:39:36 AM »

FT. Pulaski near Savannah, as usual, no lines in trees. Also, no stakes to hold taught ground wires.
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K0UA

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Re: Asking permission for parks
« Reply #24 on: August 29, 2022, 08:13:14 PM »

Are there hams who do POTA using mobile antennas?
This may avoid the whole issue, where it's a problem.

I have worked on a mobile dipole for the back of the pickup....
What do you use, and how well does it work?

David, K2WPM

Yes, this is my preferred method of operation. I have used the 4 foot whip on my Little Tarheel II on my 2010 Silverado and it works well, and I have used it with a 24 foot piece of wire added to the whip supported by my 20 foot fiberglass telescoping fishing pole diagonally across the bed with a fitting for sticking in one of the bed stake holes. And it works EXTREMELY well.  Last deployment I worked 50 stations in 30 minutes.  Set up or tear down is less than 2 minutes total.  If you had a car not a truck to support a fishing pole,  Then park under a tree and throw a water bottle in the tree with a string and pull up a long whip, attach it to the Tarheel and resonate it.   With the screwdriver antenna you have an inductive tuner right there. As long as the wire is still capacitive (too short for a 1/4 wave for the band) you have the ability to resonate it.  For 20 meters you just need under 16 feet of wire, so I put a tiny insulator in the 24 foot wire and jump around it when using it for the lower bands.
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73  James K0UA

N4MJG

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Re: Asking permission for parks
« Reply #25 on: November 14, 2022, 08:37:39 AM »

I done the same to do ham radio in park saying sure i said ok !!! most place won't let you do ham radio in the park it don't hurt to ask anyway !

73
Jackie
N4MJG
SKCC 7305 SINCE  2005
NAQCC 5233
OMISS 11548
PREFER EQSL
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JACKIE GREEN

N2TO

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Re: Asking permission for parks
« Reply #26 on: December 01, 2022, 07:52:43 AM »

I bought masts from The Mast Co (tnx Glenn AE0Q for that!) and tire mount from Flagpole-to-Go. I made a 20M 1/4-wave vertical with two raised 1/4-wave radials. I made two 1:1 common mode chokes; one at the feed point and one at the rig. I was looking for a standalone solution to not use the trees.

To support radials when I cannot use something in the park I use one gallon bottles of water. Will be adding square dowels to the bottles to raise the ends more. It works really well.

Next will be 17M and 15M 1/4-wave verticals. And a doublet when it gets warmer.

73 Kevin N2TO
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W0LMS

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Re: Asking permission for parks
« Reply #27 on: December 28, 2022, 08:58:18 AM »

I have never asked for permission as a single operator or with a friend, I agree with other comments, if you are doing a major activation with a group then it is prudent to inform them versus asking for permission. Many parks require permits for large events, so I would look at that as it may apply.
For POTA, no need to ask or inform in my humble opinion.
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