SOTA Operating Frequencies

There are no fixed operating frequencies in the VK Band Plan for SOTA activators and there doesn’t need to be.  My preferred SOTA operating frequencies are shown in the table below, note this is my preference as such it is a guide only.  Actual activation frequencies may vary due to other traffic and conditions on the day.  You will notice I haven’t listed CW or digital mode frequencies.  Why? I am not proficient in CW transmission.

Are you interested in becoming an enthusiastic SOTA chaser and you are wondering where activators are operating from and on which band?  The primary live source of information is SOTAWatch all times are in UTC. Check SOTAWatch ‘Spots’ for real-time information on activations from 109 participating associations all over the world.   Too see future planned activations select the Alerts menu.

My preferred operating frequencies, personal choice only:

Band	Mode	Preferred Frequency (MHz)	Alternate Frequency  (MHz)
23cm	FM	1294.000	1294.025
23cm	SSB	1296.150	1296.160
70cm	SSB	432.200	432.150
70cm	FM	439.000
2m	SSB	144.200	144.150
2m	FM	146.500	146.525
6m	SSB	50.160	52.200
6m	FM	52.525	52.530
10m	SSB	28.480	28.490
15m	SSB	21.280	21.300
20m	SSB	14.310	14.315, 14.320, 14.325
40m	SSB	7.090	7.080, 7.085*, 7.095, 7.100 else spin the VFO for a clear frequency
80m	SSB	3.585	3.610

*For VK activators.  If you are activating on a Saturday afternoon, please lookout for the VK Navy net on 7.085 MHz.  In late 2013 the Navy net voluntarily moved from their regular Saturday afternoon operating frequency 7.090 MHz to 7.085 MHz to accommodate enthusiastic SOTA activators.  We all know the rules and while no single operator or group ‘owns’ a frequency, it’s worth remembering there are regular nets on 40m.  🙂

WARC frequencies.  From time to time you may find ‘Full Call’ VK and ZL activators operating 12, 17 and 30m.

Band	Mode	Frequencies (MHz)
12m	SSB	24.980
17m	SSB	18.140
30m	SSB	10.130

Have fun chasing SOTA , be careful SOTA is addictive   🙂

First published: 14 December 2014
Last Update: 28 October 2021 – now have 23cm 1296 MHz capability.

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