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

Nothing wrong with incorporating and promoting your personal agenda and preferred method of transportation when activating your chosen "OTA".

 

Agreed - accessible public parks may be located down the block instead of requiring day trips in the car to a remote state/provincial/federal park.

I would like to see POTA expanded to include local, city, county and regional parks (and their equivalents outside of the U.S.). The infrastructure is already set up and works very well. Keep it simple and don't reinvent the wheel with duplicative programs.

 

FJSSOTA??? Flying J Shit Shacks On The Air

 

Don't forget HOTA hospice on the air. The real future of amateur radio.
Personally I'm into PITA...but I have IBS so...

 

Worked NU5DE on FT8 recently while out on a POTA activation. Can't say I that I am impressed by
such a club, but whatever. I can't see that it would attract new hams, much less be appropriate for
children. It gives ham radio a creepy feel imo.

 

I seriously like the idea. I recently started doing POTA activations. There have been a few times when I wanted to be outside doing portable ops in a park, but time, work, proximity, or other constraints prevented me from setting up at a recognized state or national POTA park.

I am thoroughly hooked on POTA and see activating and hunting as something I will do until my time is up. But operating portable in metro parks between POTA activations - and being able to ensure QSOs by spotting myself as MPOTA - Metro Parks on the Air - would be fun.

Of course, MPOTA is my suggestion for the name/activity. Two reasons: 1. It's easy to send and pick up on CW - could even send "MP" to announce you're activating MPOTA; and 2. It's easy to say and recognize "EmPOTA" on sideband.

Let's make this a thing!

Mike
WB8USA

 

Funny and Gross at the same time

 

Kinda cool I suppose but this "xxOTA" stuff has become just like everything else these days.....WAY overdone, has now become nothing special. But fun anyway for those who participate.

 

Understood. I think we should keep things simple and focused.

POTA - Excellent program; expand the list of parks if possible (discussed in detail in other forum threads). Great way to practice portable operations, enjoy nature, bring along the family and pups. Parks are everywhere. It's a shared global activity and very popular. Given its popularity around the world it might be a way to introduce more people to the hobby and demonstrate how enjoyable ham radio can be.

Personally, I enjoy supporting activators as a hunter from home and plan many more activations in the near future.

SOTA - No experience other than as a chaser from home. My old knees won't allow me to hike to summits but hey, if you can, go for it!

Other locations including lighthouses, historical locations, beaches - Perhaps better as special events?

WWFF - If similar to POTA I'd like to participate. I found the web site difficult to use. But always glad to support other hams out in the field.

The above is my unsolicited opinion...just some thoughts and ideas to share with y'all.

 

I think that’s a great idea, and I will do that also. However, I’m going to activate all the Buc-ee’s because their bathrooms are cleaner!! N3EDO

 

I would make an effoert to work that!

 

You needn't wait any longer. Grab yourself a portable satellite outfit and on every July 2nd, Wal-Mart's anniversary, there is Wal-Mart Parking Lots On The Air, WMPLOTA. Been going on a few years now. 73, W7WGC

 

You dont have to wait for public restrooms on the air - already there almost:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/yYijOKYahik

 

Oh man! The ideas are endless: Dumpsters on the Air, Gas Stations on the air, Dunkin' donuts on the Air. The gears in my brain are turning at breakneck speed..

 

Skip Dunkin. Tim Hortons on the Air!