on the air

🏞️ PARKS On The Air

What It Is

Parks On The Air (POTA) is a worldwide amateur radio program that encourages radio operators to get on the air from designated parks and nature reserves. The idea is to promote both outdoor activity and amateur radio by operating from scenic, historic, and environmentally significant locations.

POTA began in the U.S. after the 2016 National Parks on the Air event by the ARRL and has since grown into an international movement.

General Rules

  • Activators are operators who set up and make contacts from within a registered POTA location (a national park, forest, or other designated site).
  • Hunters are those who contact activators from anywhere in the world.
  • Each park has a unique POTA reference number (e.g., G-0123).
  • Activations must take place entirely within the park boundaries and follow local rules (e.g., no damage or interference with visitors).
  • A valid activation typically requires a minimum of 10 QSOs (contacts) to count for credit.

How to Join

  1. Visit the official site: https://parksontheair.com/
  2. Create a free account.
  3. Check the POTA map to find parks near you.
  4. Log your contacts using logging software (like WRL, HAMRS, N3FJP, or paper logs uploaded later).
  5. Upload your logs through the POTA website to earn awards and track progress.

🏔️ SOTA Summits On The Air

What It Is

Summits On The Air (SOTA) promotes portable operation from mountain summits. It’s both a physical challenge and a technical one, combining hiking with radio communication. Participants enjoy outdoor adventure, portable operating, and global recognition for their achievements.

General Rules

  • Activators hike to designated summits (from an approved SOTA summit list) and operate portable stations.
  • Chasers contact activators from home, mobile, or other locations.
  • Activators must carry all equipment to the summit (no vehicle operation at the top).
  • A minimum of 4 QSOs is required for an activation to count.
  • Power sources must be portable (battery, solar, etc.).
  • Each summit has a unique reference (e.g., GW/SW-001).

How to Join

  1. Visit https://www.sota.org.uk/
  2. Register for free at https://www.sotadata.org.uk/
  3. Look up summits in your area using the SOTA mapping project.
  4. Take your portable station, hike safely, and log your contacts.
  5. Upload your activations and chase logs to earn points and awards.

🪖 BOTA Bunkers On The Air

What It Is

Bunkers On The Air (BOTA) is a relatively new and informal initiative where amateur radio operators activate wartime bunkers, military sites, and defensive structures. It’s popular in parts of Europe and the UK, blending radio operation with military history and preservation.

General Rules

  • The goal is to activate or contact stations operating from designated bunker or military heritage sites.
  • Activations must respect property rights and safety — permission is often needed for access.
  • Contacts can be made on HF, VHF, or UHF bands.
  • Many BOTA events are run by local clubs rather than a central organization, so rules may vary slightly.
  • Typically, activators aim for at least 5–10 QSOs to count an activation.

How to Join

  • There is no single worldwide BOTA website yet, but the idea is community driven.
  • Search for local radio clubs or events under “Bunkers On The Air” on social media or groups.io.
  • Some activators also cross-log their BOTA operations with POTA when sites overlap (e.g., a bunker in a registered park).
  • Simply pick a site of historical interest, obtain permission, and operate responsibly.

⛪ CHOTA Churches On The Air

What It Is

Churches On The Air (CHOTA) is a UK-based annual event that celebrates amateur radio and church heritage. It’s organized by the WACRAL (World Association of Christian Radio Amateurs and Listeners) and typically takes place on the second Saturday of September each year.

The event promotes fellowship, community involvement, and local history by operating from or near to church buildings, including in church grounds.

General Rules

  • Stations operate from within or just outside church premises (with permission).
  • Operators exchange standard contact details and church identifiers.
  • CHOTA is a friendly event, not a contest, but many operators aim to contact as many other churches as possible.
  • All modes and bands are welcome.

How to Join

  1. Visit https://wacral.org/chota-2024/ (check the latest year’s page).
  2. Register your church station in advance using the provided form.
  3. Set up your station at the church on CHOTA day.
  4. Operate and log contacts throughout the event.
  5. Share photos and stories with WACRAL or on social media using the #CHOTA hashtag.

In Summary

Each of these “On The Air” programs brings something unique to amateur radio:

  • POTA promotes nature and conservation,
  • SOTA blends hiking with technical skill,
  • BOTA preserves and celebrates military history, and
  • CHOTA connects radio with the church community and culture.

They all share one thing in common, the joy of portable radio, connecting people through the airwaves, and discovering the world around us.