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What is XOTA? DD1LD Explains the Future of Ham Radio Portable Ops

Discussion in 'Amateur Radio News' started by W1DED, Oct 18, 2025.

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  1. W1DED

    W1DED Platinum Subscriber Platinum Subscriber QRZ Page


    Dzianis “Luk” Lukashevich DD1LD is an Alpine mountaineer turned ham radio innovator, leading Germany’s SOTA Alpine Association and reshaping what outdoor portable operation can look like. Introduced to amateur radio as a teenager, he returned in earnest in the mid-2000s, quickly combining two passions: climbing and operating from summits. Since then, he’s been a relentless activator across programs—SOTA (Summits on the Air), POTA (Parks on the Air), WWFF (Worldwide Flora and Fauna), IOTA (Islands on the Air), even LOTA (Lighthouses on the Air). His operating philosophy now runs on a new frequency: “Go Green” portable ops, where every activation begins and ends without a car—by bike, foot, or public transport.

    The idea of XOTA—“any on the air”—captures Luk’s inclusive style. Why limit yourself to one program when the entire outdoors is your shack? This spirit led him to a record-breaking 10-region SOTA activation across the German Alps in a single day and to summiting Sweden’s highest peak solo during a multi-day trail run—all while operating QRP with rigs the size of a credit card. His gear has evolved, but his ethos remains: lightweight, ecological, and always up for a challenge.

    Luk’s not just a climber with a key. He’s a contest-caliber operator attempting SO2R in the woods, mentoring his young sons in CW before they can read, and imagining a future where ham radio overlays like “Go Green” become standard. Whether it’s a picnic table POTA run or an ascent to a summit, he’s always looking for the next edge—and the next QSO.

    Join the conversation and subscribe to Q5 Worldwide Ham Radio.

    Q5_055_DD1LD_Thumb07.jpg
     
    AC7DD likes this.
  2. KE0SYB

    KE0SYB Premium Subscriber QRZ Page

    Outstanding! I am waiting for Walmart on the air, liquor store on the air, and the public restrooms on the air. thanks all keep up the great work.
     
    NA2B, AE0ZC, W1PL and 2 others like this.
  3. DL5OTT

    DL5OTT XML Subscriber QRZ Page

    Yes, it's well-intentioned, but I think it's kind of unnecessary. Gota (Grids on the air) is a good example of this. Who actually uses something like that? I think FF is still quite good, but the site is completely outdated and uploading the logs is too complicated. With Pota, I'm part of a global community and I can find a park everywhere. Personally, Pota is enough for me. If I lived in the mountains, I might use Sota instead of Pota. But for me, and I'm only speaking for myself, Pota is enough and I don't do anything else. Otherwise, it gets too complicated for me.
     
    AE0PL, AI5UQ, AE8EM and 3 others like this.
  4. NI5L

    NI5L Premium Subscriber QRZ Page

    "....imagining a future where ham radio overlays like “Go Green" become standard"...Seriously??

    I just threw up in my mouth a little bit.
     
    K7WFM, K3XR, K3ABZ and 4 others like this.
  5. K5RFO

    K5RFO XML Subscriber QRZ Page

    As a Cajun, i want CBOTA (Crawfish Boils on the Air)
     
    KI7BGN, W0JMJ, AI5UQ and 6 others like this.
  6. KC1CYT

    KC1CYT XML Subscriber QRZ Page

    I appreciate you sharing this with us.
     
  7. K3ABZ

    K3ABZ Ham Member QRZ Page

    lol awesome.
     
    K5RFO likes this.
  8. K7UIN

    K7UIN Ham Member QRZ Page

    XOTA: Expanding Opportunities to Talk

    I’ve just developed a new concept called “Graveyard On The Air (GOTA)”, designed to open up more spaces for genuine conversation—especially during those quiet, late hours when creativity and connection often thrive.

    The idea behind GOTA is simple: create mindset that encourages people to share stories, explore ideas, and connect more deeply when the world feels still. Whether it’s through live discussions on the air, or online digital (DMR, C4FM) sessions, the goal is to start a new trend—one rooted in meaningful dialogue and community.
     
    KI7BGN and AE0ZC like this.
  9. N3HFS

    N3HFS Premium Subscriber QRZ Page

    XOTA: Naked hams on the air?

    NHOTA: Not hot, on the air.
     
    VE4ADB, AI5UQ, W9ALA and 1 other person like this.
  10. KQ4GPE

    KQ4GPE XML Subscriber QRZ Page

    What happened to the good old CQ?
    Wait, I can't buy paper certificates and make things complicated... .
     
  11. OH2CGU

    OH2CGU XML Subscriber QRZ Page

    We have SOTA, POTA,WWFF etc but have we forgotten one group?

    So peoples may have some limitations with moving ( like wheelchair etc). We need CiPOTA, CityParksOnTheAir. Those are more accessible than mountain tops, swamps in the middle of the forest etc.
    Cityparks can be reached with public transportation. That would bring outdoor hobby closer to every ham.
     
    WB8USA, KD3BAA and KO6IOJ like this.
  12. DD1LD

    DD1LD Ham Member QRZ Page

    Thank you very much, Kevin!

    The GoGreen overlay has been integrated into GMA. Look here: GoGreen XOTA

    There are thousands of amateur radio operating awards available worldwide, many of which encourage operators to take their radios outdoors. You can hike a high alpine summit or a local hill, relax in a local city park or on a sunny beach nearby, visit a remote island or your favorite castle — and “activate” these locations to enjoy outdoor amateur radio activities and earn a corresponding activator award. The idea behind GoGreen is not to create yet another outdoor amateur radio program, but to inspire participation in GoGreen XOTA activities. These activities complement and build upon existing outdoor amateur radio programs, currently including:
    • SOTA (Summits On The Air)

    • GMA (Global Mountain Activity)

    • WWFF (World Wide Flora & Fauna)

    • COTA (Castles On The Air)

    • LOTA (Lighthouses On The Air)

    • IOTA (Islands On The Air)

    • MOTA (Mills On The Air)

    • POTA (Parks On The Air) - recently added
    The term XOTA stands for “X-any On The Air.” It refers to any type of qualifying location that can be activated or chased within one of the participating outdoor amateur radio programs (e.g., a summit, castle, park, or island). Participation in GoGreen XOTA simply requires adherence to the GoGreen philosophy, promoting environmentally responsible and sustainable outdoor radio operations — where every GoGreen QSO and every GoGreen Mile counts. The GoGreen XOTA leaves plenty of room for personal challenges and individual interpretations of what GoGreen activation is — and what it is not. Stay happy and healthy while enjoying GoGreen XOTA activities :). 73!






     
    Last edited: Nov 7, 2025
    KQ9J and K3ABZ like this.
  13. K0ITP

    K0ITP Platinum Subscriber Platinum Subscriber QRZ Page

    You we forgetting BOTA - Boats on the Air and Beaches on the Air?
     
  14. KB2SMS

    KB2SMS Ham Member QRZ Page

    HOTA, Ham On The Air.
     
  15. WA3TM

    WA3TM Premium Subscriber QRZ Page

    I thought I might activate all the Flying J truck stops on my way across the country next spring. 95e6f491-4222-406f-aa71-c5eb2e547e2c.jpg
     
    KI7BGN, WB8USA, VE4ADB and 2 others like this.

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