Latest news
Welcome to the blog at SM6YEC.se – here I share news, YouTube videos, and thoughts about amateur radio. Curious about the hobby? Join our Discord server SM6YEC ON AIR and connect with others who are radio amateurs or want to become one!
POTA-äventyr på Bohusleden – Vandring med FX-4CR, EFHW (Radio Stuff) & Savotta Kahakka 25L [ENG SUB]
🇸🇪 Följ med mig på en fantastisk portabel radioäventyr där jag aktiverar både POTA (Parks[…]
Ändmatade antenner för POTA, WWFF & hemma – EFHW från Radio Stuff UK (ENG SUB)
I den här videon testar jag två ändmatade antenner (EFHW) med 49:1 unun från Radio[…]
Kungsbacka radioamatörer på Kungsbacka Outdoor Festival 2025 – Kommunikation utan gränser!
Den 26 april 2025 deltog Kungsbacka radioamatörer (SK6KY) på Kungsbacka Outdoor Festival vid Fjärås Bräcka[…]
SM6YEC (SM6POTA) Onsala Sweden
My name is Mattias ”Matt” Åbom and my callsign is SM6YEC (SM6POTA). I live in the countryside on the Onsala Peninsula, not far from Gothenburg on Sweden’s west coast.
What I enjoy most about the hobby is chasing DX and activating nature reserves through POTA and WWFF. I am one of three POTA administrators in Sweden. The hobby for me is about having fun, making contact with people all over the world, and learning new things.
My shack
My shack is simple and functional, giving me many enjoyable moments at the radio. Here, I am QRV on HF, VHF/UHF, Wires-X, APRS, and Hamshack Hotline. Morse code practice is ongoing.
HF radio: Yaesu FTDX10
Microphone: Heil PR-40
Headset: Heil PRO 7
Amplifier: ACOM 600S
Tuner: AT-600Proll Autotuner
Loop antenna: 80m delta loop
Vertical antenna: DX Commander Classic
VHF/UHF/Wires-X: Yaesu FTM 500, FT5D
Join Me Outdoors – Portable Ham Radio for Adventure, Nature & Readiness
SM6POTA
After each activation, I upload the log to POTA and WWFF, as well as to LoTW and QRZ.com for QSL.
Why I’m Active in POTA and WWFF
Being active in POTA (Parks on the Air) and WWFF (World Wide Flora and Fauna) gives me a unique blend of amateur radio, outdoor experiences, and hands-on field practice. By activating nature reserves, I not only get to enjoy the outdoors, but I also get the chance to test and refine my radio gear in real-world conditions – far from the comfort of the shack.
For me, portable ham radio is about more than just making contacts – it’s a way to build experience, improve my ability to handle equipment, and stay prepared for emergency situations. Every activation is an opportunity to grow as an operator, discover new solutions, and inspire others to bring their radios into nature.
POTA and WWFF also foster a meaningful international community where we, as operators, contribute to both the spirit of ham radio and the awareness of our protected natural areas. It’s the perfect combination for those of us who love technology, adventure, and the outdoors.
Get to know your gear where it matters most: in the field
With 20 years of experience in the Swedish Armed Forces, where I served as a Captain and company commander, I know the importance of being prepared, knowing your equipment, and staying adaptable. That mindset is at the heart of every portable radio operation I share.
Backpack
For portable operations, I use the Savotta Kahakka 25L backpack, packing my cooking pot, tarp, sleeping pad, extra clothing, and other gear that makes the adventure comfortable and close to nature. I attach the Askare waist pouch to the backpack, where I carry all my radio equipment.
Waist pack
Savotta Askare waist pack
FX-4CR
4-6Ah LifePo4 battery
EFHW 49.1 from Radio Stuff
Chameleon S17 + 18m slope
Manpack
I have assembled a military manpack. The radio, tuner, battery, and antenna are all connected to ensure I can be QRV as quickly as possible.
For the backpack, I use Snigel Design’s Specialist Backpack, designed to serve as a manpack for the Swedish Armed Forces. Inside the backpack, I have a Yaesu 891, FT-50 tuner, 12Ah LiFePo4 battery, all connected to a Chameleon Antennas spike, transformer, SS17, and counterpoise. Everything is fully integrated!
Optimize Your Packing and Antenna for Portable Ham Radio! LZ Sloper Test!
I use the Chameleon SS17 mast in two different setups:
🔹 A simple 18-meter sloper
🔹 An 18-meter sloper with MIL EXT for increased height and angle
I also cover:
⚖️ The total weight of my entire portable station – from radio to antenna
📝 A packing list with exact weights for each item
📊 A comparison chart between DX and EU contacts
📶 SWR and reflected power at 20W – with tables to visualize the losses
📡 SWR comparison between the sloper configurations
Chameleon Super DX antenna
Experimenting with antennas is always fun. Since I live near the sea, it’s convenient to use vertical antennas when doing POTA and WWFF.
End-Fed Antennas for POTA, WWFF & Home – EFHW from Radio Stuff UK
In this video, I test two end-fed half-wave (EFHW) antennas with a 49:1 unun from Radio Stuff in the UK.
I explain how the antennas work, discuss polarization and antenna height, and demonstrate how to use a throw line and throw weight to get them up into a tree.
QSL Policy
I upload reglulary (mostly after each QSO) to LoTW and QRZ.com. I send QSL card via bureau or direct. See adress on QRZ.com
