This is work-in-progress post, but here is the TLDR; version:

• Things to check at the shortlisted site
• Preparing the back-pack
• Checks before heading out
• Things to do before getting on the air
• Final wrap-up

I have been talking about checklists, and based on my last two trips. I decided, I should create a quick checklist that will help me the next time I am on my way to the field! I have broken them down into five different steps, to ensure that it is useful for in different stages¹. The following checklists have been created with my requirement and manner of operations in mind, where I operate QRP mostly, and in some cases travel by flight (when on mQTH trips) and sometimes might not have time for elaborate deployments, so please do modify these checklists accordingly.

Things to Check at the Shortlisted Site

• Check if the resort or campsite is within the buffer zone of the park, which is considered park limits for a valid POTA activation.
• If the park isn’t listed, speak with your local POTA admin and get the park listed².
• Speak with the local authorities and check about deployment. If you are staying at a resort, camp-site, check the space for antenna deployment³.
• Find an open enough space for a vertical antenna, or locate suitable trees without orchids, bee-hives, ant nests, etc. to anchor the EFHW.
• Ensure the deployment spot is not in a designated wildlife path, an elephant corridor, near camera traps, or in a thoroughfare for other humans.
• Verify if there is any cellular network connectivity, and no electrical wiring around your deployment zone, keeping in mind that places in the Western Ghats may have absolutely no mobile network.

Preparing the Back-pack (The Go-Bag)

• Use the flow-chart to decide your back-pack contents!
• Pack the QMX or zBitx for a single man deployment that is flight-safe and fits in an under-20l back-pack.
• Carry a flight-safe USB-C PD power bank (like the Anker 20,000 mAh N20) and a USB-C to DC cable, or 18650 LiFePO4 cells.
• Pack antennas (RadioHub QRP EFHW, 40-10 vertical coil) along with fishing spools, paracord, nylon rope, and the POTA20 mast.
• Include the nanoVNA, QRPickle handheld, USB Camera Adapter for iPhone, RG-316/RG-58 cables, and SPARES like additional connectors and mics.
• Pack WX-appropriate attire, protective gear, an umbrella, and a waterproof 5l dry bag for electronics.

Checks Before Heading Out

• Test all equipment before leaving, including any new firmware changes and ensuring iOS/Android compatible FT8 operation works.
• Check the WX forecast at the field site to ensure you prepare footwear and clothes accordingly.
• Print out physical copies of the HAM license and the WPC notification permitting portable operations across India for random security checks⁴.
• Announce the activation on Pota.app and set up triggers on SOTAMat and Ham Alert in case you are activating a park or undertaking a SOTA.
• Note down HF frequencies of interest for different bands before losing network connectivity.

Things to Do Before Getting on the Air

• Hoist the EFHW using a half-filled plastic water bottle or a throw bag filled with rocks/stones.
• Turn the antenna deployment into a community project, getting help from family, curious teenagers, or locals.
• Take photos and videos of the deployment, note the antenna’s orientation, and document a walk-through.
• Measure the SWR and Smith chart on the nanoVNA, folding back the wire or adjusting it with pliers if the tuning is off.
• Use the QRPickle, Reverse Beacon Network, Ham spots, or WSPR to check band conditions and propagation.

Final Wrap-up

• Ensure a clean, graceful software shutdown on the radio before unplugging the power source.
• Make sure you clean up after yourself, this would mean leaving the spot in the condition you found it in (if not in a better state)!

⚠ CRITICAL FIELD OPS RULE ⚠

• This is the most important aspect of field-operations, placed right above making it friendly and inclusive to people around you.
• Being respectful of your environs is of utmost importance.
• DO NOT leave plastic waste and/or electronic/electrical waste lying around!

• Use the HAM2K Portable Logger (PoLo) on the phone to export the ADI file⁵.
• Upload the exported logs directly to POTA.app once network connectivity is available⁶.
• If uploading from an iPhone via the browser, use a workaround by setting zoom to 30% and tilting to landscape mode⁷.