Another Amateur Radio Addiction!
I have been posting pictures of my son and I summitting mountains and making contacts on the radio for the Summits On The Air program; well I have found another way to play radio! Its called Parks On The Air!
SOTA vs POTA
Similar in name yet different in scope. Both programs are centered around mobile radio operations and in both you score points for making contacts, however there are a few key differences. Here are a couple, broad stroke examples:
SOTA
-all equipment needs to be carried to the peak in a non-motorized way i.e. by a human, a pack animal or bicycle; no motor vehicles of any kind
-no outside power or fossil fuel power. You can’t plug into grid power so battery power power is king.
-4 contacts scores the points for a peak
-you need to be within 50m of the official peak for the activation to count
-some peaks are on private land necessitating some extra leg work to get permission
POTA
-you can operate from or including a motor vehicle
-any power source is allowable
-you need 10 contacts to collect the activation
-you can be anywhere within the confines of the park
-all entities are public lands making access easier, put a phone call ahead of time is suggested to ensure permission to setup
Both are great programs that gets you out and about enjoying the outdoors while playing some radio with the added excitement of friendly competition! I wish I had become a Ham and found these along time ago! My son and I are having a blast! The pictures are from a POTA activation at Sandbar State Park; he played in the water and chased birds while I played radio and chased contacts! What a great time; we’ll definitely be doing more! Stay tuned!
