Portable operation (amateur radio)

Amateur radio operators take part in portable operations using radio equipment when traveling. "Portable" equipment indicates a configuration that allows for relatively rapid collection, transportation, and deployment of amateur radio gear. A portable station can be anything from a small QRP (Low Power) radio and antenna, to a large transceiver. On long-distance expeditions, such equipment allows them to report progress, arrivals and sometimes exchange safety messages along the way.^[1]^[2]

Portable operations

'Portable' operation is usually signified by amateur radio operators appending the suffix '/P' to their callsign. Operating '/P' normally means that stations are operating away from their licensed station address.

The advantages of /P operation include the use of large empty spaces where full size beam and wire antennas can be erected on tall trailer mounted masts. If operating on VHF/UHF, this can mean a location on the top of a hill or cliff, with clear line of sight to the horizon. The main disadvantage is normally the power supply available. As normal mains grid power is unavailable, the /P operator may have to resort to batteries, portable generators, solar panels.^[3] and wind turbines.

Operating amateur radio at sea is known as 'maritime mobile', as is signified by the suffix '/MM' on the call. Operating amateur radio from a vehicle is known as 'Mobile', as is signified by the suffix '/M' on the call.

Some countries allow the direct connection of amateur transceivers to telephone lines called "phone patching".^[4] Thus, a traveler may be able to call another amateur station and, via a phone patch, speak directly with someone else by telephone.

Applications of Portable operations

Amateur radio operators often apply their portable operations skills in one or more ways on their freetime and/or professionally. Some of these activities include:

Competition

POTA (Parks On the Air) - Where operators make contacts (activate) in designated parks in order to gain points.
WWFF (World-wide Flora and Fauna) - Operators activate protected regions, for example Natura-2000 areas.
SOTA (Summits on the Air) - Operators activate hills and heights, such as summits of mountains.
IOTA (Islands on the Air)
BOTA, TOTA, MOTA, and more.

Preparedness

Disaster communications - Many operators practice their disaster communications in order to provide relaying and other services during periods of infrastructure outages and natural disasters.

Public Events

Marathons - Communication for heat stroke prevention, direction of emergency services, and general guidance.

Notes

↑ Stuart Thomas (2018). Portable Operating for Amateur Radio: Everything You Need to Get on the Air in the Great Outdoors!. American Relay Radio League, Incorporated. ISBN 978-1-62595-080-2.
↑ H. Ward Silver (2 March 2018). Ham Radio For Dummies. Wiley. ISBN 978-1-119-45486-1.
↑ "Ham(Radio)ing it Up with Solar Power". KE2YK. 7 December 2007. Retrieved 2009-07-31.
↑ "Phone Patch, Autopatch and HF/VHF/UHF Operating Guidelines". American Radio Relay League. Archived from the original on 2006-11-30. Retrieved 2007-01-10.

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[Thomas2018-1] Stuart Thomas (2018). Portable Operating for Amateur Radio: Everything You Need to Get on the Air in the Great Outdoors!. American Relay Radio League, Incorporated. ISBN 978-1-62595-080-2.

[Silver2018-2] H. Ward Silver (2 March 2018). Ham Radio For Dummies. Wiley. ISBN 978-1-119-45486-1.

[3] "Ham(Radio)ing it Up with Solar Power". KE2YK. 7 December 2007. Retrieved 2009-07-31.

[4] "Phone Patch, Autopatch and HF/VHF/UHF Operating Guidelines". American Radio Relay League. Archived from the original on 2006-11-30. Retrieved 2007-01-10.

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