Summits on the Air (SOTA) Presentation

[@TheTechPrepper]

Great overview, mate. I wish I saw this before I got into SOTA. It’s been one month and I activated 3 out 4 peaks that I attempted. 73, KT1RUN

[@TheTechPrepper]

Job well done on the safety topic. I’m 100% in agreement regarding paper maps. As someone who has backpacked pre-cellphone, I’m grateful to have learned map and compass skills in my youth. If you’re new to the backcountry, I encourage you to find a local navigation class. I bring my phone as a backup, but it has failed on me countless times (low battery, app crashes, app bugs, cracked screen, etc.)

[@richhill5464]

Best all round description of SOTA available. Now I can;t wait to implement. Thank You!

[@n2jmb]

What a wonderful presentation! Thanks for taking the time to put this together and share. 73

[@g0pot]

Thanks...I'm used to standing up and presenting to an audience so sitting down, presenting to the camera on my computer to a Webex/Skype audience was a bit weird!

[@binder098]

How comprehensive an introduction. You're amazing in the preparation and and presentation. And kinda funny! I wish other sub-subjects I researched were so enlightening (it would save so much time). Thank you, Michael.

[@lpark8]

Very informative thank you! Just learning about SOTA and this fills in a lot of the blanks. Looking forward to trying to activate some peaks here in the Canadian Rockies 🙏😎

[@richardbrown9522]

Excellent, more than enough information to get me started with SOTA. Luckily, I have the gear and experience for the walking side-now to get up to speed with the radio gear. Fortunately, I live in an excellent area for SOTA, Western NC in the US, so lots of fun to be had going forward.

[@AlpineWarren]

Thank you for this Michael! 73 my friend!

[@wickensonline]

Brilliant video, well done, you are a credit to the SOTA community and sure to increase take-up. Mark M6VMS

[@UK0071]

Nice presentation // explanation Michael.. thanks for sharing.. Richard // N2GBR note... the SOTA map options have been recently improved and TOPO and other style maps (open maps) are now available on the mapping page (top left, on screen).. RJ

[@g0pot]

Although I still think streetmap.co.uk gives better (OS style) maps for UK users your message prompted me to look around more on the SOTA Maps page and click on a few more options! There are lots of extra features that I hadn't been using. Thanks for flagging this up...its encouraged me to investigate the tools in a little more detail :o)

[@sungsikjang7727]

Thank you for your great presentation

[@rjinnh3933]

Simply Outstanding Presentation! At my age, I can't climb so I'd have to drive to the top or near to the top. I've intended to do SOTA Ops for quite some time. I must check the US Rules/Point System for Semi-Geriactive Operators like me. HaHa Interestingly much of your info is applicable for Portable Ops and Parks On The Air. Actually, most of it. I'm thinking of generating a Check List based on your presentation with three columns. I.E. SOTA/PARKS/PORT. Your Presentation is quite valuable. Thanks for putting it together. Regards from Southern New Hampshire. Russ

[@g0pot]

Yes, SOTA is really just /P on a hill! POTA isn’t so well known here in the UK but after a recent Long Island CW presentation on it I see we have lots of parks to activate here so I may go and explore some of these. Definitely easier on the knees compared to all the climbing for SOTA :o)

[@M0JCQsSOTAChannel]

Nice presentation Michael, glad to see I got a mention :)

[@theexperimentalcqdx4208]

Would really appreciate it if you would mind subscribing to my channel, will video this one on Saturday

[@johnhavard344]

Loving the videos Michael. May I ask what balanced battery charger do you use? I want to start SOTA and just need to sort out my portable power. I'm looking at a Zippy 4200 for my FT818nd. Keep the videos coming.

[@g0pot]

Thanks John…I use the imax B6AC which can charge LiPo, LiFePo, NiCd/NiMH and lead acid. It can be a good idea to get a fireproof bag to pop the battery in while charging and, if you do that, you’ll benefit from a short extension lead to extend the balanced charging lead. Be aware that when you charge you may need to actively select the balanced option. The LiPos and LiFePos are a fantastic balance of power vs weight for SOTA.

[@philippehaake6123]

Great presentation, as always Michael.. 73 Phil HB9GUR

[@lmaoroflcopter]

The survival bag you are meant to put over your head and cut a hole for breathing leaving your feet outside the sack essentially becomes an emergency tent and it gets exceedingly toasty in a very short time.

[@g0pot]

Yes, I didn't describe the use if it did I...perhaps I should have. I prefer the bag to a bothy when on my own as the bothy can be a bit loose and flappy in the wind which gets tiring. I've seen people wear these like a poncho, cut a small face shaped hole and put it over their head, climb in it like a sleeping bag or cut it open and use it like a tarp...it depends on your situation. You can get rather hot and damp inside if you're not careful but, because I described it as being 'like a sleeping bag' (I think) I wanted to be clear that it isn't padded, it's just thick plastic so you need to be dressed accordingly if you're laying immobile on a cold summit. It's a super simple bit of kit to carry and really not that heavy.

[@lmaoroflcopter]

Michael Sansom no worries sorry if it comes across a bit pedantic it was just an off the cuff comment mid-presentation haven't watched it the whole way just yet but intend to, just not had time so far today :) Not dabbled in sota due to just not understanding it but definitely appreciative of you taking the time to share this with us and it's given me impetus now the weather in the UK should improve to give it a go :)

[@KJ7RPL]

Thanks for the great presentation Michael! I have one question...I see many people talking about "Unique Summits", but I can't figure out exactly what is the definition of a "Unique Summit". Would you enlighten me please? 73! Brent - KJ7RPL Oregon

[@g0pot]

It may depend on the context but many people monitor how many summits they have activated and, within that pool, how many unique summits. For example I’ve activated 27 unique summits but, because I have revisited some of them several times over the years I’ve activated 63 summits in total. Does that make sense?

[@KJ7RPL]

@@g0pot I suppose it does. I was looking to see if there were some hard and fast rules defining a "Unique Summit", but its sounding like they are more of a personal challenge, unique only to the Activator. If I am on the right track, thanks for your reply Michael and helping me to understand! 73! Brent - KJ7RPL

[@cappaculla]

A little digital meter is available for the camelbak to get over the issue you mention

[@g0pot]

cappaculla I wasn’t aware such a thing existed...thanks for highlighting it. The reviews on one that I’ve seen are pretty poor. Do you have one that you could recommend?

[@samcgill]

Thats awesome. Can't wait to get involved here in Oz.

[@g0pot]

Scott McGill SOTA is great fun and a great challenge. You have the physical challenge and the awe of climbing/walking and you have the technical challenge of creating a portable set up to optimise how *you* want to operate. You’ll love it :o)

[@CMenzy]

Many thanks for the video. As a new ham I am rather interested in SOTA especially living in Scotland with a few hills. Best wishes Jlt (MM6MZE)

[@g0pot]

Jaggy Little Thistle You are in a cracking part of the UK for SOTA...it adds an interesting aspect to the hobby, can be quite a challenge and it’s great to get out of the shack and get some exercise. Check out the SOTA reflector at reflector.sota.org.uk

[@m0vkrqrp179]

Very informative, thank you.

[@hcy0]

Actually a tick is not an insect. Ticks have 8 legs like a spider, insects have 6 legs.

[@g0pot]

hcy0 You are absolutely correct...ticks are actually arachnids...I honestly didn’t know that until now.

[@raykiii]

Even on a 2 meter band you can't use a repeater? Thank you for the information and your time to make this video. 73 KE0OAP

[@g0pot]

No contacts made via terrestrial repeaters are valid for SOTA activations however, you can make contacts through a satellite. This isn't something I've done yet but am absolutely planning to do it. I just need to coordinate a climb with a satellite pass!

[@basstutorman]

SOTA is a great concept but it is a bit annoying when the sotawatch web site is down when you’ve made it to the top. (and no, the 4G signal was good). I see that site is prone to outages, does it need more financial help to keep the server(s) going.

[@g0pot]

basstutorman Ouch, that was annoying. One option is to use the site to preregister your intent to activate a summit. Even better, if you operate CW the RBN hole will link your CQ SOTA call to your planned activity and auto spot you. The other option is to register for SMS alerting so you can text your spot to the list...of course, if the site is down no one can see it! I don’t actually know who runs the site but it is a good question if they need more contributions to improve the service.

[@basstutorman]

Michael Sansom - Funnily enough when the PSK reporter site had problems, I suggested financial help but he seems to have managed in the end. All good! :-) The problem with pre registration is that the walking up a mountain bit is prone to more elements than just switching on a transceiver. I guess the spot registration can be cancelled though (I am new to all of this). It is interesting how much of the hobby is becoming reliant on digital technology when perhaps a home made CW transceiver run off a battery and a bit of wire is more in the ‘spirit of the radio’. ;-)

[@g0pot]

basstutorman Yes, all times are usually +/- an hour or so depending on the challenge of the climb and if you don’t make it then that’s life. I do find that advanced notice and spotting helps to bring in the contacts but it’s not essential. I also notice when someone else spots me...I can be calling for 10 - 15 minutes, make one contact (who spots me) and suddenly I have a pile up! The most important thing is that you enjoy your summit and have fun and hopefully at least four QSOs :o)

[@Mottersmotters]

Hello great video. I am new to the hobby and would love to try sota. Thank you for the info. Stay safe 😷 Motters M7TRS 73's

[@g0pot]

Getting out can be challenging at the moment but it’s the perfect time to start planning and pulling together a good portable station. Keep it simple and, if you can, keep it light :o)

[@Mottersmotters]

@@g0pot Thank you for the advice. I currently have the anytone 878 and want to make the MFD antenna as in your video plus a roll up slim Jim I want to get hold of a NanoVNA for tuning too. I have a 8m pole for the s/Jim when made. Just been reading about the sota sms. I live about a mile away from sotabeams. 😁 Motters M7TRS 73's

[@Mottersmotters]

@@g0pot also in a debate with my self to pick a connection type I can't decide if I want to go bnc or pl259. I think I've decided on coax being rg8x Motters M7TRS 73's

[@ke6mt]

Great presentation! It appears my Google power is weak today -- where are the plans for that 2m dipole?

[@g0pot]

Ahhhh, that is a little wonder that was marketed by SOTABeams here in the UK but it seems that it is no longer in production. It was a simple 2m dipole made from coax supported using 20mm (3/4" US) plastic conduit. To make one you'll need ~3m of RG58 and about 2m of conduit cut into 50cm sections, two straight through 20mm connectors and a 20mm tee piece.

[@gargar8]

I would love to activate a SOTA club in the Philippines . Can you direct me ?

[@jimbrownza]

Question just struck me though: do activator qsos *have* to be verified by a chaser logging the other side of the qso with the sota authorities? Or do they take you at your word, which would make more sense, since not all your qsos would be with operators who have an interest in sota.

[@g0pot]

Jim Brown I don't believe this is a requirement as you may have QSOs with casual operators who don't upload logs to the SOTAdata site. Activators are encouraged to always submit their logs to help validate the chasers and I do this when activating my local summit which I can only actually earn points for once a year. Like most amateur award schemes there is a certain amount of trust involved.

[@glynnhm0lsg308]

Interesting stuff thank you 2e0hcl, btw no walking from me lol

[@jimbrownza]

Really good video: fine business OM. 73 de Jim ZS6JMB