SOTA Youth Field Day

SOTA Youth Field Day - Summit on the Air Activation

Group Members:

• 9A3BYW
• ON6RF
• ET3AA
• EA6ALW
• ON3MKO

Event Overview:

• Name of the Event: SOTA Youth Field Day
• Number of Participants: 6 people (2 experienced, 4 beginners)
• Level of Experience: Beginners who just got their licenses, with two experienced participants to guide them.
• Duration: 30 hours (2 days with overnight camping on the summit)
• Location: Easily accessible summit via cable car/public transport or a simple means of transportation.

Space Needed:

• Radio Tent (4x4m): For radio operation, equipped with tables, chairs, and logging equipment.
• Larger Tent: For non-radio needs, such as sleeping, dining, and relaxation.

Food:

• Meals: 3 meals a day:
  • Simple, easy-to-prepare or pre-cooked meals (e.g., pasta, rice-based meals).
  • Snacks and drinks for energy throughout the day.
• Catering Equipment: Portable stoves, pots, and utensils for meal preparation.

Budget:

• Estimated Costs: €500 (requires detailed budgeting based on location and supply costs).
  • Expenses Include:
    • Food for the duration of the event.
    • Camping equipment (if not already available).
    • Transportation costs for equipment and participants.
  • Funding Sources: Local radio society, participant contributions, potential sponsorship.

Materials and Equipment Needed:

• Tents:
  • 1 tent for radio operations.
  • 1 tent for sleeping and other needs.
• Power Supply:
  • Batteries for the radio equipment.
  • Solar panels for battery recharging.
• Radio Equipment:
  • HF radios, antennas, masts, cables, TRX (transceivers).
  • Antennas and other materials for satellite communication (if applicable).
  • Logging equipment: laptops, tablets, or paper logs.
• Furniture: Tables and chairs for the radio setup.
• Camping Equipment: Sleeping bags, camping beds.
• Catering Equipment: Cooking gear, portable stoves.
• First Aid Kit: Ensure the group is prepared for minor injuries or health issues.
• HT Radios: Participants should bring handheld radios, but extras should be provided if necessary.
• Transportation: A vehicle or van to carry equipment to the summit.

Organizer's Preparations:

• Pre-event:
  • Announce the event and open registration for participants.
  • Grocery shopping for food and supplies.
  • Test all equipment before the event (batteries, radios, antennas).
  • Recharge batteries and prepare solar panels.
  • Ensure all necessary permits and authorizations for the location.
  • Monitor weather conditions, and prepare a contingency plan.
  • For satellite work, calculate satellite passes over the summit during the event.

What Participants Need to Bring:

• Personal Items:
  • Sleeping bag, clothing (including extra underwear), and hygiene products.
  • A backpack for personal items and water bottles.
  • Optional: small portable radios or handheld transceivers (HTs).

Event Structure:

Pre-Event Preparation:

• Day Before the Event:
  • Go to the summit in advance to do a test run with one radio.
  • Ensure everything is working smoothly to guarantee a successful and enjoyable activation.

Day 1 (Morning - Arrival and Setup):

1. Early Morning:
   • Meet at an agreed location.
   • Pack all supplies and equipment into a transport vehicle and head to the summit.
2. Arrival at the Summit:
   • Teach participants the basics of setting up a campsite:
     • Setting up the tents (radio tent and sleeping tent).
     • Ensuring proper positioning of the tents to protect from wind or adverse weather.
   • Activity: Team-building exercise to establish the camp quickly and efficiently.

Day 1 (Afternoon - Radio Setup and Activation):

1. Lunch Break:

   • Enjoy a simple meal to refuel before starting the radio activities.

2. Radio Station Setup:

   • Show the participants how to set up the radio equipment:
     • Set up antennas and teach about orientation for optimal signal.
     • Connect radios, batteries, and logging equipment.
     • Basic tips for antenna placement and adjusting for various bands.
   • Activity: Each participant assists in different parts of the station setup.

3. SOTA Activation (Afternoon - Early Evening):

   • Objective: Help participants complete contacts on various bands and modes.
   • Start with Search & Pounce (S&P) mode, where participants listen for signals and make contact.
     • Beginners will start with easier contacts, gaining confidence in operating the station.
   • Once participants are comfortable, they can begin Calling CQ for SOTA activation.
     • Guide them through handling a pile-up, as it’s almost guaranteed on a summit.
   • Backup Activities:
     • For those waiting to operate the HF station, provide other activities like:
       • Hiking or exploring the summit.
       • Geocaching if the area supports it.
       • Animal watching or nature exploration.
       • Stargazing after dark (depending on weather).
   • Satellite Operations (Optional):
     • Teach participants how to work SOTA via satellite, explaining how to track satellite passes and make contacts.

4. Dinner and Evening Activities:

   • Dinner: Cook a simple meal together as a group.
   • After dinner, relax and socialize around the campsite.
   • Night Activity: Continue operating the HF station or satellite, giving participants the opportunity to make night-time contacts.

Day 2 (Morning - Pack Up and Departure):

1. Morning Activity:

   • Clean up and pack away all radio equipment and antennas.
   • Ensure all logging is completed and saved.
   • Review the basics of how the station was disassembled for future reference.

2. Camp Pack-Up:

   • Pack up tents, clean the site, and ensure no trash is left behind.
   • Make sure the camp area is left better than it was found.

3. Departure from Summit:

   • Travel back down the summit together, reflecting on the weekend’s achievements.

Learning Objectives:

• Teach participants how to properly set up a ham radio station for SOTA activation.
• Provide hands-on experience with antenna setup, radio operation, and logging.
• Help beginners gain confidence in making contacts, including handling pile-ups and calling CQ.
• Encourage teamwork through shared camp setup and maintenance activities.
• Introduce satellite communications as an additional fun and educational activity.