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): 
 
 
 Early Morning: 
 
 Meet at an agreed location. 
 Pack all supplies and equipment into a transport vehicle and head to the summit. 
 
 
 
 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): 
 
 
 Lunch Break: 
 
 Enjoy a simple meal to refuel before starting the radio activities. 
 
 
 
 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. 
 
 
 
 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. 
 
 
 
 
 
 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): 
 
 
 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. 
 
 
 
 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. 
 
 
 
 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.