Summits on the Air (SOTA) is an award scheme for radio amateurs and shortwave listeners that encourages portable operation in mountainous areas. It has been carefully designed to make participation possible for everyone - not just for mountaineers! There are awards for activators, who ascend the summits, and chasers who work the activators.
Activators need a portable radio station since operation from cars is not allowed. All bands and modes can be used, though a 2m FM handheld makes an ideal beginner's transceiver. Chasers simply need a normal home station to work the activators, though they can be mobile or even activators themselves for summit to summit contacts.
SOTA is International; there are now sixteen associations operational throught Europe, America and Africa - Asia's first SOTA group is due any time soon.
An Association Reference Manual is published for each country taking part in the scheme and they contain a list of qualifying summits, together with their locations. Each summit earns the activators and chasers a score which is related to the height of the summit. Certificates are available for various scores, leading to the prestigious "Mountain Goat" and "Shack Sloth" trophies for Activators and Chasers respectively . An Honour Roll for Activators and Chasers is maintained on their web site.
Here at the Southport & District Amateur Radio Club we have four activators; Stuart (G0MJG), Keith (G0OXV), Derek (G7LFC), David (M3LFC) and a number of chasers. Sadly, Derek and David have been dormant for the last two years but plan to get back out again during 2008.
If you are interested in knowing more about SADARC's SOTA activities, please contact Stuart (G0MJG).
| Notes | None |