so i finally did my first WWFF activation last weekend at a state forest near me - KFF reference, took me forever to find on the map but once i sorted out the spotting stuff it was actually really fun. ran about 3 hours on 40m with the ft-891 and a linked dipole strung between two trees and managed to get 44 QSOs which i know is more than the minimum so that counts for the reference log i think.

few things im not totally sure about though. first, do i need to submit the log anywhere specific for WWFF or does uploading to LOTW and QRZ automatically handle it? i saw something about the WWFF database but couldnt figure out if thats separate. second question is about portable power - i was running 50w off a 20ah lifepo4 and it lasted fine but the battery got pretty warm sitting in the sun, is that normal for those cells or should i be keeping it shaded? wasnt sure if that affects the capacity much.

anyway the whole thing was really enjoyable, way more laid back than POTA which i tried once and felt like everyone was in such a hurry. the nature side of it is cool too, had a red tailed hawk sitting like 20 feet away watching me the whole time which was pretty surreal operating wise ha

congrats on the activation, 44 QSOs on your first go is solid. on the log submission - yeah you do need to upload specifically to the WWFF logbook, it doesnt pull automatically from LOTW or QRZ. go to wwff.co and look for the log submission section, you export your log as an ADIF and upload it there. the system validates the reference and once its processed it shows up in the database. honestly the interface is a little clunky but you get used to it. just make sure your log has the KFF reference in the notes or whatever field your logging software uses.

on the battery thing, lifepo4 does fine in the sun to a point but direct heat can stress them a bit over time, not like it'll explode or anything but keeping it shaded or putting a light cloth over it is good practice especially in summer. i usually just tuck mine under my pack or behind a tree. capacity doesnt drop dramatically from warmth with lifepo4 like it does with older chemistries but yeah better safe etc

the hawk thing is the best part honestly, ive had deer walk through my operating area twice now and both times i completely forgot what i was doing mid-QSO. WWFF is great for that, you actually stop and notice where you are instead of just grinding contacts. welcome to the rabbit hole, there are a ton of KFF references that almost never get activated so you'll have plenty of options if you catch the bug