What is POTA / SOTA?

For a beginning and experienced amateur radio operator, POTA and SOTA are exciting programs that get you out into nature while enjoying your hobby:

What is POTA / SOTA?
  • What it is:
    • POTA encourages amateur radio operators to set up their radios in designated parks and make contact with other hams.  
    • The goal is to activate these parks, meaning you’re transmitting from within the park’s boundaries.  
    • Other hams, known as “chasers,” try to contact you while you’re in the park.
    • It’s a fun way to combine outdoor activities with amateur radio.

 

  • Key aspects:
    • Focuses on operating from various parks, including national parks, state parks, and other designated areas.  
    • It is great for people who enjoy operating from easily accessible locations.
    • It is a great way to improve your operating skills.
SOTA (Summits On The Air):
  • What it is:
    • SOTA involves operating amateur radio equipment from designated mountain summits.  
    • Like POTA, it’s about activating locations, but in this case, it’s mountain peaks.  
    • It often involves hiking or climbing to reach the summit, adding an element of adventure.
    • It is very popular with people who love hiking.

 

  • Key aspects:
    • Focuses on operating from mountain summits.
    • Often involves hiking and portable operations.
    • Can be more physically demanding than POTA.
    • Often involves operating with low power equipment, known as QRP.  
In summary:
  • Both POTA and SOTA promote portable amateur radio operations.  
  • POTA focuses on parks, while SOTA focuses on mountain summits.
  • They both provide opportunities to:
    • Get outdoors.
    • Improve your operating skills.
    • Connect with other hams.

 

These programs add a fun and adventurous aspect to amateur radio, encouraging hams to explore new locations and enjoy the outdoors. Many of our club members are very active POTA operators. In fact, a few of our members have received many national awards and have been featured in various publications. Some have even made it to the cover of QST magazine for POTA. 

Fun fact: the RAWNYstation on board the USS Little Rock is a POTA site (Park US-6532).