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

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.

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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.

 

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 I think FF is still quite good, but the site is completely outdated and uploading the logs is too complicated.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.

 

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

I just threw up in my mouth a little bit.

 

As a Cajun, i want CBOTA (Crawfish Boils on the Air)

 

I appreciate you sharing this with us.

 

lol awesome.

 

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.

 

XOTA: Naked hams on the air?

NHOTA: Not hot, on the air.

 

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

 

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.

 

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!

 

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

 

HOTA, Ham On The Air.

 

I thought I might activate all the Flying J truck stops on my way across the country next spring.