How To Join

Summits on the Air (SOTA) is a worldwide amateur radio programme that encourages portable operation from designated mountain summits. In West Malaysia, the SOTA association is known by the prefix 9M2. Whether you are a licensed amateur operator or a SWL looking to explore the combination of outdoor adventure and radio operation, joining SOTA is both rewarding and accessible.

Step 1: Understand the SOTA Programme

Before participating, it is essential to understand how SOTA works. Begin by reading the official “Joining In” guide provided by the SOTA Management Team at:

🔗 https://www.sota.org.uk/Joining-In

This guide explains the key roles in SOTA — Activators (those who climb and operate from summits) and Chasers (those who make contact with activators). It also outlines the points system, operational guidelines, and the use of the SOTA database.

In addition, please read the 9M2 Summits on the Air Association Reference Manual, which provides specific information relevant to West Malaysia, including the official summits list and regional guidelines.
🔗 9M2 SOTA Association Reference Manual

Step 2: Select a Summit in 9M2

Once you are familiar with the programme, choose a summit within the 9M2 Association to activate. You can find the full, verified list of summits here:

🔗 Summits List

Each summit entry includes the summit reference code, elevation, coordinates, and the number of points awarded for a successful activation.

Be sure to choose a summit that matches your hiking experience and accessibility preferences. Always prioritize safety and obtain any necessary permissions before your trip.

Step 3: Operate and Log Your Contacts

On your activation day, bring your portable amateur radio gear and operate from the summit following SOTA guidelines. To earn points as an activator, you must make a minimum of four valid two-way QSOs (contacts) during the activation.

All contacts — whether as an Activator or a Chaser — must be logged in the official SOTA database:

🔗 https://www.sotadata.org.uk/en/

Timely and accurate submission of your logs is necessary to accumulate points and track your progress toward awards.

Additional Tips:

1. Announce your planned activation on SOTAWatch to alert chasers and improve your chances of successful contacts.

2. Use proper operating procedures and respect local regulations at all times.

3. Carry GPS, safety equipment, and adequate supplies when hiking.

📡 SOTA Activator Rules (Quick Guide)

To ensure your SOTA expedition is valid and eligible for points and awards, your activation must follow these official rules. They are designed to uphold the spirit of portable, self-powered, and fair amateur radio operation from mountain summits.

✅ 1. Access and Legality

• Use only legitimate access routes.

• Ensure you have the landowner’s permission if required.

• Do not activate from summits where access is restricted, prohibited, or unclear.

• Check maps, tourism boards, and signage for access status.

✅ 2. License and Callsign Use

• All participants must be licensed amateur radio operators.

• Use only callsigns you are authorized to use without supervision.

• No operations under supervision of a higher-class licensee.

• Club or special event callsigns must comply with your own license privileges.

✅ 3. Final Approach Must Be Human-Powered

• The final access to the summit must be by foot, mountain bike, etc.

• No motorized transport is allowed into the Activation Zone.

• You may park below and hike in, but not drive to the summit.

✅ 4. Activation Zone Compliance

• Operate within 25 vertical meters of the summit peak.

• This “Activation Zone” ensures your station is truly on the summit.

• Use maps or GPS to confirm your elevation.

✅ 5. Portable and Independent Operation

• You must carry all your equipment to the operating position.

• Use only portable power sources (e.g. batteries, solar).

• Fossil fuel generators, mains power, and vehicle connections are forbidden.

• No part of your station may be physically or electrically connected to a vehicle.

✅ 6. QSOs – Contact Requirements

• You must make at least one QSO to qualify an activation.

• To earn activator points: make at least four two-way QSOs, each with a different station.

• Each QSO must include callsigns and signal reports.

• It is recommended to state the summit reference during each QSO.

❌ 7. Invalid Contacts

• QSOs via terrestrial repeaters do not count.

• QSOs with other stations on the same summit do not count.

• Contacts from outside the Activation Zone do not count.

✅ 8. Satellite and Balloon QSOs

• QSOs via amateur satellites or balloon-borne repeaters are permitted, as long as they are two-way.

• Operation must still comply with all other SOTA rules.

✅ 9. Claiming Activator Points

• Points go to the operator, not necessarily the callsign.

• If multiple operators are involved, each must independently make four valid QSOs to earn their own points.

• Points can only be claimed once per summit per calendar year.

✅ 10. Logging

• Activators must submit their log via the SOTA Database.

• Even if not claiming points, logs should be submitted to support Chaser claims.

🗺️ 11. Border Summits

• If a summit lies on a border between associations, it can only be listed under one.

• Activations can occur from anywhere in the Activation Zone, even if outside the listed association.

• Association Managers should resolve disputes over shared summits amicably.

🧭 12. Conduct and Spirit of SOTA

• All activations must be carried out in the spirit of fair, portable operation.

• Abuse of the rules may result in loss of points or further sanctions by the SOTA Management Team.
  
  

📄 For full official details: 👉 SOTA Activator Guidelines PDF

By following these steps, you’ll be ready to join the growing community of SOTA participants in West Malaysia. Whether you're in it for the points, the adventure, or the camaraderie, SOTA offers an experience unlike any other in amateur radio.

Join:

Official Telegram group: https://t.me/WestMalaysiaSOTA

Official mailing list: https://groups.google.com/g/9m2-summits-on-the-air

Note: To foreign amateur radio operators, please read Guide for Foreign Hams.