The SOTA-CT Portugal Day 2025, marking the 14th anniversary of the implementation of the Summits on the Air (SOTA) program in mainland Portugal, will be “on the air” on April 5th and 6th, featuring multiple activations across the country.
Like the SOTA program itself, this activity is not a contest but rather a radio gathering, where all amateur radio operators are welcome.
Objectives
The objectives for SOTA-CT Portugal Day 2025 are:
- To raise awareness of the Summits on the Air (SOTA) program within the amateur radio community, aiming to increase the number of “activators” and “chasers”, while also spreading knowledge of the program’s international rules.
- To foster camaraderie among participants by combining hiking, outdoor experiences, and amateur radio.
Participation Guidelines
During SOTA-CT Portugal Day 2025, participants are invited to:
Activators:
- Activate summits listed in the SOTA CT (Mainland Portugal), SOTA CT3 (Madeira), and SOTA CU (Azores) programs on one or both event days, following the general Summits on the Air (SOTA) rules.
- Register on the SOTAWATCH portal (www.sotawatch.org), if not already registered.
- Post spots and/or alerts related to their activations.
- Register on the SOTA Database (www.sotadata.org.uk), if not already registered.
- Log their contacts in the SOTA Database.
Experienced activators are especially encouraged to invite other amateur radio operators or prospective operators to participate, giving them the chance to experience the SOTA program.
Chasers:
- Make radio contacts with activators who will be on SOTA-listed summits in Portugal, Madeira, and the Azores during the event.
- Register on the SOTA Database (www.sotadata.org.uk), if not already registered.
- Log their contacts in the SOTA Database.
Certificates for Activators
Electronic certificates (PDF) will be emailed to activators who:
- Log their activations from April 5th and 6th in the SOTA Database within 10 days after the event and meet the scoring requirement (at least four valid contacts).
- Request a certificate via email at ctsotaportugal@gmail.com, including:
- The SOTA references activated on the event dates.
- The name and callsign to be included on the certificate.
- At least one photo or short video of the activation (instead of log files, which must still be uploaded to the SOTA DATABASE).
The submitted images and videos will later be published on the SOTA Portugal portal.
Certificates for Chasers and SWLs
Electronic certificates (PDF) will be sent to Chasers and Shortwave Listeners (SWLs) who:
- Log their chaser contacts or SWL observations (listening to contacts between activators and chasers) in the SOTA Database within 10 days of the event.
- Request a certificate via email at ctsotaportugal@gmail.com, including:
- A list of SOTA references contacted or heard (for SWLs) on April 5th and 6th.
- The name and callsign to be included on the certificate.
Log files are not required for submission, but all contacts must be uploaded to the SOTA DATABASE.
Portals & Contact Information
- SOTAWATCH: www.sotawatch.org
- SOTA Program Portal: www.sota.org.uk
- SOTA Maps: www.sotamaps.org
- SOTA Database: www.sotadata.org.uk
- SOTA Portugal: www.sotaportugal.pt
- Email: ctsotaportugal@gmail.com