Stealth Activations The Old-School Way to Run POTA episode artwork

EPISODE · Mar 20, 2026 · 1H 14M

Stealth Activations The Old-School Way to Run POTA

from Brew and Activate

Do POTA activators need to self-spot… or should they just call CQ and let radio happen?This week on Brew & Activate we dig into a debate that’s been quietly heating up across the POTA community: self-spotting.Some operators say spotting immediately is just good operating — it helps hunters find you, helps QRP stations get contacts, and keeps activations efficient.Others say instant spotting has changed the culture of portable radio. Are operators listening on the bands anymore… or just watching the website?We explore:• Why self-spotting became the norm in POTA• Whether calling CQ without a spot still works• The rise of “stealth activations”• How spotting changes pileups• What this means for hunters and activatorsAnd we ask a dangerous question:What would happen if the POTA spotting page disappeared for a day?Grab your coffee, your radio, and jump into the chat — because this one should spark some opinions.Because great operators don’t just make contacts… they make the hobby better.*************************************************************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/Reliance Antennas: 10% off with Free Shipping. All orders of any Reliance Antenna or product use N1JUR at Checkout. https://www.relianceantennas.com/Seeed Studios: Discount Codes on all Meshtastic Devices on my website n1jur.comSpoolTenna: https://spooltenna.comSHOW LINKS: Discord Brew and Activate - https://discord.gg/EcuySeKkVvBrew & Activate Podcast - https://rss.com/podcasts/brew-and-activate/Brew and Activate Merch - https://livefreeandham.com/shop POTA Bucket List - https://n1jur.com/pota-bucket-listGuests/Hosts:Shannon's Channel (KC1OHT) https://www.youtube.com/@shannonkc1ohtHelp Support the Channel:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/N1JURBuy Me a Beer: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/n1jurN1JUR & KC1OHT Shop: https://www.livefreeandham.com/shop Follow me on:Website: https://n1jur.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/n1jurFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092365884527

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Stealth Activations The Old-School Way to Run POTA

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This episode was published on March 20, 2026.

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