The NMQP Expedition Category
The Expedition category encourages operators to activate New Mexico counties using portable, “Field Day-style” stations set up specifically for the New Mexico QSO Party. Expedition stations operate from temporary locations rather than permanent radio stations and must use power sources that are independent of commercial mains power.
Portable stations in parks, public lands, remote locations, or county lines are all excellent examples of Expedition operations. Many operators choose Expedition setups to activate counties that may not otherwise have an on-the-air station during the contest.
Key points about the Expedition category:
- The station must be assembled specifically for the New Mexico QSO Party and cannot use pre-existing stations or permanently installed antennas.
- All equipment must be powered by independent power sources such as batteries, generators, solar panels, or similar systems.
- The station may be operated by one or more operators and must follow the normal Single-Operator or Multi-Operator contest class rules.
- At least 30 QSOs must be made for the operation to qualify as a valid Expedition entry.
- An Expedition station may relocate to another county during the contest and operate again from the new location.
- Expedition stations are ranked alongside the normal contest classes while also being recognized separately among other Expedition participants.
Portable Operating from New Mexico Parks and Summits
The New Mexico QSO Party is a great opportunity to get on the air from the outdoors. Many operators choose to operate from parks, mountains, or other scenic locations during the event using temporary portable stations. Portable stations operating from parks or summits during NMQP often participate in well-known amateur radio programs such as Parks on the Air (POTA) and Summits on the Air (SOTA).
Because these activities involve operating from temporary outdoor locations, they align naturally with NMQP’s Expedition category, which encourages stations assembled specifically for the event and powered independently of commercial power sources.
One Portable Station, Multiple Activities
Operators activating a park or summit during the New Mexico QSO Party do not enter a special POTA or SOTA category within the contest.
Instead:
- Your station operates in the NMQP Expedition category (if it meets the Expedition requirements).
- Your contacts count toward your NMQP contest score.
- Those same contacts may also count toward your POTA or SOTA activation.
POTA and SOTA are separate operating programs and maintain their own logging systems, but they integrate easily with normal contest operations.
Why Portable Activations Work Well During NMQP
New Mexico offers an incredible variety of outdoor operating locations. From high desert mesas to alpine mountain summits, portable stations can be set up in locations that are both radio-friendly and visually spectacular.
Activating a park or summit during NMQP can:
- Put rare New Mexico counties on the air
- Create more opportunities for stations around the world to work New Mexico
- Combine contest operating with outdoor adventure
- Introduce portable operators to the New Mexico QSO Party
Portable stations often generate significant activity during the contest and are welcomed by participants trying to work as many counties as possible.
What Is Parks on the Air (POTA)?
Parks on the Air is an international amateur radio activity that encourages operators to set up stations in designated parks and protected public lands.
Participants activate locations such as:
- National Parks and National Monuments
- State Parks
- National Forest recreation areas
- Wildlife refuges and other protected lands
POTA activators make contacts with “hunters” who seek to work stations operating from these parks. Additional details about the program, including park listings and spotting tools, can be found at: https://parksontheair.com
What Is Summits on the Air (SOTA)?
Summits on the Air is another popular portable operating program that focuses on activating mountain summits. Operators hike to qualifying peaks and operate portable radio stations from the summit area. Contacts made during these activations earn credit for both the activating station and the stations working them.
New Mexico’s mountain ranges offer many opportunities for SOTA activations that can coincide with the New Mexico QSO Party.
More information about the SOTA program is available at: https://www.sota.org.uk
Expedition Stations in the New Mexico QSO Party
Portable park or summit operations typically qualify as Expedition stations within the New Mexico QSO Party.
Expedition stations are designed to encourage “Field Day-style” operations where a station is assembled specifically for the event. These stations:
- Operate from portable locations rather than permanent stations
- Use equipment powered independently of commercial power
- May relocate to additional counties during the contest
- Must make at least 30 QSOs to qualify as a valid expedition operation
These guidelines allow portable operators to activate counties from parks, summits, or other outdoor locations while participating fully in the contest.
Planning a Park or Summit Activation
If you are considering activating a park or summit during the New Mexico QSO Party, a little preparation will help ensure a successful outing.
Consider the following before heading out:
- Verify that the location qualifies for POTA or SOTA activation
- Confirm access rules, operating hours, and any restrictions
- Bring sufficient battery or generator power for your station
- Test your portable antennas and equipment beforehand
- Be mindful of weather and terrain conditions
- For safety, share your plans (estimated departure and return times, location, etc.) with a family member or friend
Many activators also announce their plans using the spotting or scheduling tools available through the POTA or SOTA websites.
Portable Radio in the Land of Enchantment
New Mexico’s landscapes provide some of the most enjoyable portable operating opportunities in amateur radio. Whether operating from a desert monument, a lakeside state park, or a mountain summit, portable stations help bring New Mexico counties to life during the QSO Party.
If you enjoy operating outdoors, consider setting up a portable station and participating in the Expedition category while activating a POTA park or SOTA summit during the New Mexico QSO Party.