On a peaceful summer afternoon, I completed my very first Parks on the Air (POTA) activation at SK‑0244 – in Barca, a charming borough of Košice with deep historical roots dating back to 1215. The park offered a calm and pleasant atmosphere with just a few people walking by, a small pond, and a children’s playground where kids were enjoying themselves as we set up.
My wife and I raised a home-built linked dipole on a 6-meter fiberglass mast at around 17:00 local time. Nearby stands the historic Barczay manor house, built on the foundations of a medieval castle, recently restored and adding cultural depth to the area.
The first QSO came at 17:23, and the last one at 18:05. In total, I logged 18 QSOs – 8 on the 20 m band, and 10 on the 40 m band. It was a successful radio amateur field activity in a scenic and historic location, under sunny skies and a comfortable 26°C in the shade.
Thanks to everyone who answered my call – looking forward to the next activation!
Used equipment:
Radio: Yaesu FT-710
Antenna: Home-made linked dipole on a 6 m fiberglass telescopic mast
Power Source: DIY 12.8V / 20Ah LiFePO₄ battery with BMS in a 3D-printed case
Output Power: 50 W
POTA APP LINK
https://pota.app/#/park/SK-0244
QSO MAP
