QRQ POTA Friday
A monthly event for QC members and POTA hunters — take your parks contacts to another level, at speed.
QRQ POTA Friday is a casual monthly event for QRQ Crew members who are also POTA Activators. On the last Friday of every month, QC members are encouraged to head out and work the bands — and when conditions allow — push their sending speed a little higher than usual.
This isn't a contest. There are no points and no pressure. It's a way to make POTA activations more interesting, connect with fellow members on the air, and let the POTA community know that high-speed CW is alive and well in the parks.
We're here to create a welcoming, non-judgmental environment where members can develop their abilities comfortably. If that describes you, we'd love to have you as a member of the crew.
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Activate a POTA park as usual
Head out to any valid POTA location and set up. No pre-registration is needed — just go activate and enjoy the outdoors.
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Push your speed when conditions allow
When working another QC member or an operator who can copy higher speeds, nudge your speed up. The goal is real-world QRQ practice in a genuine operating environment.
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Always be considerate of QRS operators
POTA is a welcoming community. If a hunter clearly needs you to slow down, do so without hesitation. This event gently encourages speed — it never excludes anyone.
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Send your QC member number in the exchange
When working another QC member, include your QC# in the exchange. This lets members find each other in the logs and sparks curiosity among POTA hunters who may ask about the number.
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Spot yourself and listen for other QC members
Use POTA Spots or QRQ Crew channels to let other members know you're on the air. A quick CQ POTA QC alongside your standard CQ POTA goes a long way.
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Push your CW speed as high as you're comfortable
When you work a QC member during a POTA activation, take the opportunity to stretch your sending speed. There's no obligation to go faster than feels natural — but this is a great moment to challenge yourself and see what you're capable of. Even a small step up from your usual pace is worth celebrating.
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Ask about membership if you're up for it
If you find yourself comfortably holding the exchange at 35 WPM and like what you hear, ask the activating member about joining the QRQ Crew. Membership requires a 35 WPM QSO with a current member — if you just pulled one off, you may already be halfway there.
QRQ POTA Friday sits at the intersection of two great amateur radio traditions: the joy of operating portable from beautiful outdoor locations, and the artistry of high-speed CW. Above all, this event is meant to spark curiosity — when a POTA hunter hears a crisp 40 WPM signal and sees a QC# in the log, they might just look it up. That's how the QRQ Crew grows, one fast exchange at a time.
- Pushing speed when conditions allow
- Sending your QC# when working members
- Calling CQ POTA QC from the park
- Spotting yourself on POTA Spots
- Answering questions about QRQ Crew
- Always QRS for operators who need it
- POTA is a welcoming, inclusive community
- No special log submission required
- Standard POTA logging only
- This is casual — enjoy being outdoors
Not yet a QRQ Crew member? All it takes is a 35 WPM QSO with a current member.