OARC FOTA Activity Day

OARC FOTA Activity Day

Logo here soon

Introduction

This came about originally because Mark (2M0IIG) wanted an RSGB Brickworks point for organising a club meeting or event. He toyed with a few ideas but it seemed like the easiest thing to do was to arrange a Summits on the Air day for those of us who like to do such things. It was easier than arranging a detailed programme for an evening activity and any tuition required.

New for 2026: OARC brings you FOTA - Fun on the Air. In the past folk have felt that maybe they weren't up for a full SOTA trip up a hill, or perhaps they didn't live near a summit. So we included POTA in previous activity days, not mentioned as much but certainly encouraged. This year after a suggestion on our Discord we're just making this an “anything goes” OTA day. Summits, Parks, Castles, Bunkers. Whatever. As long as the place you want to go to is part of an OTA award scheme then it is in scope - as long as you're doing radio, we're happy!

Please try and promote OARC on the air, but please also don’t spam folk with it. Mostly try and have fun and score some lovely points! If you’re an OARC member and you want to take part just edit the wiki and stick yourself on the list. If you don’t have access let me know on Discord and I can add you myself.

Mark - 2M0IIG

Date: TBC Summer 2026.
Time: In the past we have tried to match other organisations' operating times on join activity days. I am less bothered about this in 2026 - go whenever you want.
Bands and Modes: The usual ones: 2M, 10M, 12M, 15M, 17M, 20M, 40M depending on individual activator and gear. If people want to do exotic bands/data modes or anything else that is also absolutely fine!
Choose a location: Visit your chosen OTA scheme website and find a location closest to you. Note down any identifier IDs for the location
Post an alert: If your chosen OTA scheme has a spotting/alerting service you may wish to make use of it in advance as it will let folk prepare for it and be waiting for you when you get set up at your location. SOTAWatch is popular for SOTA - other OTAs will maybe have places too.

Next steps

The links below were originally written for SOTA activations, but may have application for other OTA schemes as well - depending on where you are going. Whether you’re a complete beginner or just returning to the hobby, these resources, (will eventually) cover everything from basic gear to strategies for logging your QSOs (contacts).

What should I take? - If this is your first SOTA activation or you’re returning after a break, this guide will provide valuable insights on the essential equipment to bring. It includes information on selecting radios, antennas, and power sources, as well as a section on personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure a safe and successful outing.
Activity plan for the day - some guidance on how to make things work well with so many stations out and about, as well as info on how to make sure you get lots of QSOs. If you want to borrow a club callsign then that’s in here too.
SOTA Exchange, Scoring and Logging - if you plan on logging your QSOs for valuable SOTA points these tips will get you started. You’ll also find out information on what details you need to exchange during a SOTA QSO.
Writing an Activation Report - document your day by writing about your trip. Photos are encouraged!

Planned Activity

Add your name to the wiki to mark your intentions for the day here, or ask someone else with access to do it for you.

Name/Callsign	OTA type	Location Name	Location Ref (if applicable)	Bands/Modes Plan
Mark 2M0IIG	SOTA	Allermuir Hill	GM/SS-171	2m + HF

Table of Contents

OARC FOTA Activity Day

Introduction

Next steps

Planned Activity