SPARC thanks Scott Hanley WA9STI for his informative presentation on SOTA at our November meeting. Robert K6YZF recorded the talk, and John KK6ZVQ edited it. We’re posting it here with Scott’s permission. Below the video are links to some of the sites and resources Scott mentioned. We hope this inspires you to get out and operate from the great outdoors!
GETTING STARTED
The main SOTA site: sota.org.uk
Announce activations and spot in real time at sotawatch.org
Look for SOTA peaks near you using the SOTA Mapping Project
Automatic spotting handled by the Reverse Beacon Network
Groups.io for SOTA
RADIOS
SAFETY
Trouble on the trail? Use the Wilderness Protocol
Leave a hiking plan: tips from the LA County Sheriff and a sample plan (PDF)
Track and beacon your location with APRS
GEAR
Scott recommends end-fed dipole antennas. Some commercial antennas Scott mentions in his talk or has in his pack:
This map shows all of the SOTA-eligible summits in our region: