Summits on the Air (SOTA)

What is SOTA?

Summits on the Air (SOTA) is a worldwide, points-based award program that promotes portable amateur radio from mountain summits. It’s designed for everyone — not just mountaineers.
Operators earn awards as either Activators (who ascend and operate from a summit) or Chasers (who contact Activators from home, a local hilltop, or even another summit).

W4TRC and SOTA

Members of the Kingsport Amateur Radio Club (W4TRC) regularly take radios into the Appalachian mountains for SOTA outings. These trips are great for learning portable skills, trying lightweight antennas, and enjoying the outdoors — and you do not have to be a club member to tag along.

We’ll post planned hikes and activations on our Events page. Newcomers are welcome to observe, log, or make a few QSOs under guidance.

How a SOTA Activation Works

Pick a qualified summit – Only summits listed in the SOTA database count. (See links below.)
Stay within the Activation Zone – Operate within the summit’s Activation Zone (typically within 25 meters / ~82 ft vertical of the true summit).
Go truly portable – Carry your station to the summit; operate away from vehicles and their power.
Make contacts – You need at least 4 QSOs (any band/mode, no terrestrial repeaters) for the activation to qualify for points.
Log & submit – Upload your log to SOTA to receive Activator/Chaser credit.

Tip: Points vary by summit. Some regions have seasonal “winter bonus” points — details are in the SOTA rules for each association.

Why Do SOTA?

Practice fieldcraft and emergency-style operation
Experiment with lightweight/QRP rigs and antennas
Enjoy spectacular views while working regional and DX contacts
Encourage fitness and outdoor safety in radio

Safety & Gear Checklist

Route plan, weather check, leave-behind itinerary
Proper footwear, layered clothing, rain/wind shell
Radio (QRP is common), battery, coax, antenna (e.g., end-fed wire, vertical, or small beam), mast/throw line
Logbook (paper or app) and a way to spot yourself (cell, APRS, or a friend)
Water, snacks, sun protection, first aid, headlamp
Optional: CW paddle, mic headset, lightweight chair/groundsheet

Chasing SOTA (From Home or Another Summit)

Watch live spots and frequencies, then call the Activator with your callsign and signal report.
Keep contacts efficient; Activators may be on small batteries or in bad weather.
Chasers also earn points and awards — it’s a great way to participate without hiking.

Finding Summits & Live Spots

Program Info: https://www.sota.org.uk/
Database & Summit Lists: https://www.sotadata.org.uk/
Live Spots & Alerts: (SOTAwatch / SOTA Watch via sotadata)
Interactive Mapping: (SOTA mapping tools like SOTLAS / SOTA Maps)

(Exact tools and URLs often change; the links above will route you to the current official resources.)

Join a W4TRC SOTA Outing

We typically choose approachable summits in the Northeast Tennessee / Southwest Virginia area with reasonable trails and parking. Check the Events page for dates, meet-ups, and recommended gear. If you’re new, we’ll help you get on the air safely.