Hi, I’m John, an OFCOM licenced amateur radio operator with the callsign M7JCZ, and the voice behind The Portable Operator.

My passion for amateur radio really comes alive when I am operating portable, especially through Parks On The Air (POTA). There is something special about setting up a station in the great outdoors, whether that’s a quiet country park, a coastal spot, or somewhere a little more off the beaten path, and making contacts using minimal gear and maximum ingenuity.

You may ask, what is POTA? Well, for me, POTA is about more than just contacts and logs. It is about:

  • Getting outside and exploring new places
  • Operating efficiently with portable and QRP setups
  • Experimenting with antennas and lightweight gear
  • Enjoying the challenge of radio in real world conditions

PortableOperator.com is where I share my experiences, lessons learned, and enthusiasm for portable amateur radio. From activation stories and equipment choices to tips for new operators looking to get started with POTA, this site reflects my journey as M7JCZ and my love of operating radio where nature and radio meet.

If you enjoy portable operating, are curious about POTA, or simply like the idea of radio beyond the shack, you’re in the right place.

73s,
John – M7JCZ

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The alt text for this image is: Portable solar panel near a grassy field with a tent and a body of water in the background.

Amateur Radio Activities

Find out more about 145 alive

145 Alive is a UK wide amateur radio event that encourages operators to get on the air using 2 metre FM simplex. It’s a friendly, non-competitive activity day where radio amateur operators connect across regions, test their equipment, and promote local VHF communication, keeping the 145 MHz band active, social, and “alive” for all licence levels.

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RECENT ARTICLES

Events NEWS

145 Alive – the next event is date 18th April 2026

The first version of FM and SSB nets have recently been published. Are you going to take part too?

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POTA Support Your Parks Weekend

The next Support Your Parks Weekend takes place on April 18th and 19th 2026 This is an official Parks on the Air (POTA) event that encourages operators to head to a park and enjoy the day.

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leave no trace – follow good portable radio practices

Portable operating isn’t just about making contacts, it is about respecting the places we operate from. This next page explains how ‘Leave No Trace’ principles apply to amateur radio, helping portable operators protect future access, minimise impact, and leave sites exactly as they found them after every activation.

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