Summits on the Air [SOTA]
Hiking, backpacking and Radio
Summits On The Air
We are incredibly fortunate to call the Northeast our home, a location that features stunning views and diverse terrain, making it perfect for hiking enthusiasts! Our vibrant club is filled with passionate members who share a love for exploring the great outdoors. Equipped with backpacks and radio gear, we embark on exciting adventures together. If you're curious about the thrill of Summits on the Air (SOTA), you've come to the right place!
Our club is dedicated to organizing a variety of hikes throughout the year to accommodate everyone's preferences. Whether you enjoy the crisp chill of winter or the warmth of sunny days, there's an adventure waiting for you. Engaging in SOTA offers a unique blend of outdoor exploration and amateur radio, allowing you to connect with nature, set up an antenna in breathtaking scenery, and make radio contacts with fellow enthusiasts around the globe. Join us for this exhilarating experience!
I’ve always enjoyed hiking and recently got into the technical and exciting hobby of amateur radio. I was intrigued when I first learned about a program called Summits On The Air. According to their website Summits on the air or SOTA is “An award scheme for radio amateurs that encourages portable operation in mountainous areas.” It is similar to Parks on the air (POTA) but differs in that you have to set your radio equipment up on the summit of a mountain that is listed on their site. Unlike POTA, you only need 4 contacts to get credit for an activation. An activation essentially gives you credit for operating your radio on the summit. The struggle often is the logistics of getting to the summit and setting up the radio equipment in less than ideal conditions.