What is SOTA in amateur radio?
The Summits On The Air (SOTA) program is one popular way to focus and reward this kind of activity. The basic idea of SOTA is to operate from a designated list of summits or to work other radio operators when they activate summits.
What is a SOTA activation?
SOTA is an addicting contest-like activity for amateur radio operators who love the outdoors. Activators carry portable radio gear up to designated summits and “activate” the peak by making at least four contacts from within the activation zone.
What makes a SOTA summit?
Summits on the Air (SOTA) is an award scheme for radio amateurs and shortwave listeners that encourages portable operation in mountainous areas. SOTA has been carefully designed to make participation possible for everyone – this is not just for mountaineers!
When did summits start on air?
SOTA began in the UK in March 2002 as the brain child of John Linford, G3WGV. Early on, most activity was on VHF and UHF FM frequencies (70 cm and 2 m) using lightweight handheld radios. Since activators and chasers were usually in the same country, there was no need for long range HF.
What is activation in ham radio?
A light is considered “activated” the moment a contact is made between two legally licensed and operating stations exchanging call signs from and to the light, provided that the activator is physically present at the light or falls within the guidelines of the “Visual Sight Rule.” The activating station give out the …
What is a POTA Park?
Parks on the Air ℠ (POTA) is an ongoing program, it encourages amateur radio operators in developing their skills, fostering community and demonstrating the hobby to the public. There are thousands of parks available in the program and each will present a unique experience.
What is Pota ham?
Parks on the Air ® Welcome to the Parks on the Air ® (POTA) site for international portable amateur radio operations that promote emergency awareness and communications from national/federal and state/provincial level parks.
What is POTA late shift?
In North America the late shift occurs between 0000 UTC and 1200 UTC Location A geographic container such as a state or province. P2P “Park to park”, used to refer to a QSO between two activators. It can also used when calling another activator. Reference The code used by POTA to uniquely identify a park.
How do you do a self spot on POTA?
Self-spot on the POTA network at http://pota.us if you have access to the internet. Post to your social media pages to announce you are on the air, and what frequency you are on. Try to stay on the same band at or near your spotted frequency and give the hunters time to find you.
What is Pota hunting?
Parks on the Air ℠ Hunter Guide. Spring 2020 Edition. Parks on the Air ℠ (POTA) is an ongoing program, it encourages amateur radio operators in developing their skills, fostering community and demonstrating the hobby to the public.
How do I submit POTA logs?
A: The preferred method is to please write to [email protected] to generate a ticket that we can track. Q: What logging program should I use for POTA? A: We do not have a preference, just do a google search for one that does ADIF formatting. I highly recommend N3FJP AC Log (No, they do not pay me to say this.)
What is sotamaps?
SOTA Mapping Project (SMP) is a website ( www.sotamaps.org) offering mapping resources for radio amateurs participating in the Summits On The Air (SOTA) awards program. It aims to provide comprehensive mapping information in graphical form based on Google Maps on summits included in the program,…
How many photos have been posted to the Sota map?
With nearly 15,000 photos posted to date, this is a rich resource of imagery for everything SOTA. The SOTA Mapping Project provides activators and chasers with various mapping resources and utilities including a real time display of activations.
What is the Sota Forum?
This long established forum is where SOTA meets to discuss everything from mountains to antennas including reports from Activators. This is where you can order certificates, trophies and various SOTA branded items .. all delivered to your door! With nearly 15,000 photos posted to date, this is a rich resource of imagery for everything SOTA.
What is the difference between Sota and SOTAWatch?
The SOTA database has been the heart of SOTA since the very beginning. This is where participants upload their activator and chasers logs. SOTAwatch is where all the live, real time action happens.