POTA & SOTA Activity
The Texas Hill Country is a paradise for portable amateur radio operation. With dozens of state parks, natural areas, and summits within driving distance of Castroville, MCARC members are active POTA and SOTA operators year-round.
Live Activity
No recent POTA spots from Texas.
Check back during operating hours.
Parks on the Air (POTA)
POTA is a program that encourages portable amateur radio operation from designated parks and public lands. Activators set up temporary stations in parks and make contacts with "hunters" around the world. It combines the joy of the outdoors with ham radio.
- ● 10 QSOs needed to activate a park
- ● Any mode: SSB, CW, FT8, etc.
- ● Awards for activators and hunters
Summits on the Air (SOTA)
SOTA challenges operators to hike to mountain summits and make contacts from the top. While the Texas Hill Country doesn't have towering peaks, there are several qualifying summits within driving distance for the adventurous ham.
- ● 4 QSOs needed from a summit
- ● Must carry all gear to the summit
- ● Points based on summit height
Getting Started with POTA
POTA is one of the most accessible ways to get into portable operations. Here's what you need:
Equipment
- HF or VHF radio (QRP works great!)
- Portable antenna (wire, EFHW, or whip)
- Battery pack or small generator
- Logging app (HAMRS is free and popular)
Tips
- Spot yourself on POTA.app for more contacts
- 20m and 40m are the most productive bands
- FT8 counts and is great for QRP
- Go with a club member your first time!
Several MCARC members are experienced POTA activators. Ask on Discord if you'd like to join a group activation!