FOTA 2022

Purpose

Encourage use of D-STAR protocol in RF and IP around the globe as well as the picture sending functions available for newer generation D-STAR radios

Rules

The goal of the D-STAR QSO PARTY is to increase use of D-STAR communications in direct, via a repeater / repeaters as well as any Internet relayed voice communication means using D-STAR protocol. Exchanging pictures in a data mode will gain the highest points.

All the operators who submit an approved log will be given a Party Certificate (PDF file). Operators who submit an approved log with at least 30 points worth of communications will be eligible for the prize draw.

Winners will be randomly selected to each win a prize. The more D-STAR QSO’s you make, the more chances you have to win. Please refer to the entry QSO point rules below.

QSO Points

10 points: Exchange pictures by D-STAR data mode in addition to voice communication
5 points : Direct, via a D-STAR repeater or D-STAR repeaters (Callsign routing) voice communication between D-STAR radios
1 point : Any other means between any devices using D-STAR protocol either in IP or RF (including use of reflectors / internet relayed non-radio terminals)
Note: QSO between the same station can be counted only once in a day.

More info will be published on December 15 or contact us on fota@cqqso.eu

November 11 - 2023 Remembrance Day

From Flanders Field American Cemetery and Memorial

September 2023 - August 2024

Ireland 32 Counties Natural Beauty Activation Tour

We are starting our 32 Ireland counties SOTA, POTA, IOTA, Lighthouse Tour around September 20.

For more info visit EI4FOTA on qrz.com

AUGUST 25 - FOTA - Friends On The Air

Irish DX and Contest Station Coming Soon

We have been very busy over the last year and our 'paradise' FOTA HAMcation DX and Contest Station

is nearing completion. Situated in an idyllic location in County Kerry, amidst beautiful mountain ranges and 4 mile long nearby beaches our EI4FOTA station will be operational autumn 2023.

We will be able to give our 500 members from 34 countries a

Céad Mile Fáilte

(one hundred thousand welcomes)

very soon!

More info on our 32 counties of Ireland Natural Beauty activation tour can be found on qrz.com

Friendly regards, Stefaan

JUNE 4 - Return to Paradise Part 3 - Ireland Islands Tour

We hereby confirm that we will be activating a few Irish Islands between June 20 and July 15.

We have HAM accommodation in Connemara. We start with Inishboffin island.

JULY 4 update - Activating Connemara National park

POTA EI-0004 on July 8 and 9

MAY 20 - ID9/OP8L Stromboli Island/Volcano

We now finished the activation of POTA I-0289 Stromboli Island/Volcano with 482 QSO and 47 DXCC.

MAY 25-26-27 activation of Egadi islands

May 28-29 activation of Ustica island.

In coperation with IIA, Italian Islands Award.

MAY 17 - ID9/OP8L Stromboli Island/Volcano

First attempt to make QSO's from volcano was interrupted by volcanic activity. We will make second and third attempt on Friday May 19 and Saturday May 20, weather permitting. 73, Stefaan

MAY 2- MAY 31

A Quick post to confirm we have arrived and it's happening.

May 4 to May 10

Starting with ETNA at the Silvestri Crater at 1800 meter followed by a summit activation.

May 15 to May 20 - Stromboli ... first from the beach and then as high as possible towards the eruptions!

Logging on QRZ.com IT9/OP8L - ID9/OP8L - I8/OP8L

Above are pictures from ETNA at the Silvestri Crater at 1800 meter.

Below are pictures from 3000 meter activation @ -3

MAY 20 - MAY 26

We will activate POTA I-1539 Favignana Natura 2000

IOTA EU-054 Egadi Islands

MARCH 26 - APRIL 16

The return to paradise!

After last year's success with the activation of Skellig Island

we are returning to Ireland for the activation of a few islands and summits. Tune in to hear us form the top of Croagh Patrick!

73, OP8L and the other team members of FOTA.

MAY 1 - MAY 30

FOTA Goes Volcanoes !

Activation of Vesuvius, Etna and Stromboli volcanoes.

QRP ! Icom IC-705 and ATAS-25 Mobile vertical antenna.

Not only OP8L but multiple operators will be active.

COMING SOON

Our International Friends On The Air Magazine

about DXpeditions, SOTA, POTA and IOTA and the perfect companion to our FOTA LIVE Guest Videomeetings.

2023 will be a very ACTIVE year, 73 OP8L

STEM - World Heritage Sites

Between April 2023 and November 2024 FOTA - Friends On The Air will be visiting all EU countries and organising special activations in/around UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This in cooperation with local authorities, radio operators and STEM schools. We will combine POTA (Parks On The Air) outdoor activities with cultural heritage and promoting new ways of communications to students within the EU.

All schools can contact us on fota@cqqso.eu

We are now in the planning stages of this project.

This website will be redesigned soon.

Friendly regards,

Stefaan, OP8L

December 12 - 16 - Activating Parks On The Air - ON-0521

Multiple Days, Multiple Operators - Multiple Bands