On the topic of operating events for Summits On The Air (SOTA) activations, Guy N7UN suggested focusing on six major events for 2015. Most of these are VHF-oriented but HF activity can also occur on these days.
- Jan 24-26: ARRL Jan VHF Contest + NA SOTA Winter Activity Weekend
(oops, I guess we already missed that one) - Apr 18-19: North America SOTA Spring Activity Weekend
- Jun 13-15: ARRL June VHF Contest + NA SOTA Summer Activity Weekend
- Jul 18-19: CQ WW VHF Contest + optional for SOTA
- Aug 1-2: Colorado 14er Event + NA SOTA Rocky Mtn Rendezvous + W7 SOTA Activity Weekend + ARRL UHF Contest
- Sept 12-14: ARRL Sept VHF Contest + NA SOTA Fall Activity Weekend
Of course, any day is a good day for SOTA activity. I also think six weekends are a great way to focus our operating activity and create S2S (summit to summit) radio contacts. The August 1-2 weekend looks to be the alignment of the planets with four events happening on that weekend. Early August usually offers excellent conditions for hiking the highest peaks in Colorado, so come on out and play.
For more info on VHF SOTA, see How To Do a VHF SOTA Activation.
Get off the couch, put on your hiking boots, grab your backpack, grab your radio but most important: get on the air!
73, Bob K0NR
Pingback: 2015 SOTA VHF Activity Days – The KØNR Radio Site | KH6JRM's Amateur Radio Blog
Great info. I’m a new ham and I think SOTA may become my primary amateur activity: I cannot bear to sit at a desk any more that I have to!
A reminder for all of us living in tick danger areas though: Don’t get too distracted activating and miss the microsopic “chaser” trying to activate You! I just caught (before a bite!) the first deer tick of the season!
73
Mel