Lakes and Lagoons On The Air: Exciting New Portable Ham Radio Program
For portable ham radio operators who've conquered countless parks and are looking for their next adventure, there's an exciting new activation program emerging from Chile that's making waves in the amateur radio community: Lakes and Lagoons On The Air (LLOTA).
A Fresh Take on Portable Operations
While Parks On The Air (POTA) has captured the hearts of thousands of radio amateurs worldwide, LLOTA offers a unique twist that brings operators to some of the most breathtaking aquatic environments on the planet. The program, known in Spanish as "Programa de Activación Acuática Lagos y Lagunas En El Aire," invites radio enthusiasts to discover, activate, and chase references at stunning lakes and lagoons.
How It Works
LLOTA follows a familiar structure that POTA enthusiasts will recognize, but with its own distinctive character:
For Activators
Pack your portable station and head to a validated lake or lagoon reference. Set up your equipment in these pristine natural settings and share your location with the world. It's an opportunity to combine the technical challenge of portable operations with the serenity of waterside locations.
For Hunters
Tune across the bands and collect contacts (QSOs) with activators operating from these remote and beautiful locations. Build your collection of lake and lagoon references from around the world.
Recognition and Awards
Just like other "On The Air" programs, LLOTA features a points system where both activators and hunters can accumulate achievements and earn digital recognition for their accomplishments.
Official Program Rules
To maintain the integrity and spirit of the program, LLOTA has established clear official rules that all participants must follow:
Eligibility Requirements
To participate in LLOTA, you must have:
- A valid amateur radio license
- Registration with a Google account
- A properly configured profile on the LLOTA website
- Operation within legally permitted amateur radio bands
Valid References
LLOTA accepts the following types of water body references:
- Natural lakes
- Lagoons
- Reservoirs and dams
Each reference is assigned a unique code (e.g., CL-0001) and precise GPS coordinates that define its valid operating location.
Activation Rules
To successfully activate a reference, activators must meet these minimum requirements:
Minimum Requirements:
- 10 QSOs minimum to validate the activation
- Operate a maximum of 200 meters from the edge of the reference, or even from a nearby location or over the lake (for example, on a bridge), as long as it's safe for the activator
- Operating within (/MM) the lake, lagoon, dam, or reservoir is permitted if your category allows it
- Use of portable or mobile equipment
- Upload log (ADIF) within a maximum of 30 days
Prohibited Activities:
- Operation from moving land vehicles
- Use of terrestrial repeaters (direct simplex is the standard)
- Operation from fixed QTH or permanent installations
Hunting References
Hunting is open to any radio amateur from any location. The program encourages direct contact and respect on the frequency.
Bands and Modes
Bands: All legally assigned amateur radio bands are permitted
Modes: SSB, CW, Digital Modes (FT8, etc.), FM (Simplex)
Cluster and Spotting
- Self-spotting is permitted
- Users are encouraged to use the cluster system responsibly
- Avoid spam
Log Format Requirements
When submitting your logs, use the following format:
- MY_SIG: LLOTA
- MY_SIG_INFO: [REF-CODE]
Terms of Service and Responsibility
By registering on the LLOTA website, users agree to the current and future terms of service and conditions outlined in the official rules.
Important Disclaimer: The LLOTA program is designed to encourage radio operation from beautiful locations of value to countries and amateur radio in general. However, LLOTA assumes no responsibility and places complete responsibility on the operator who joins the program for any damage or harm (to the operator, equipment, or location) that may occur during the activity.
It is the operator's exclusive responsibility to research before visiting a location, including:
- Reference details and access information
- Required permissions
- Weather conditions
- Safety considerations
Real-Time Community Engagement
The LLOTA website features a live cluster showing activities reported in real-time by the community, making it easy to find active stations and plan your next chase or activation. When no activations are underway, the cluster displays "Banda Silenciosa" (Silent Band), encouraging operators to be the first to get on the air.
Environmental Stewardship
What sets LLOTA apart is its explicit commitment to environmental responsibility. The program is designed not just as another activation scheme, but as "an initiative designed to foster amateur radio from unique natural environments, promoting respect for the environment." This emphasis on environmental stewardship makes LLOTA particularly appealing to operators who want their hobby to align with conservation values.
Why LLOTA Appeals to Portable Operators
For those who've spent countless weekends activating parks, LLOTA offers:
- New Challenges: Different terrain and propagation conditions near bodies of water
- Scenic Locations: Lakes and lagoons often provide stunning backdrops for operations
- Unique Operating Conditions: Water-adjacent setups can affect antenna performance in interesting ways
- Global Participation: While based in Chile, the program welcomes international participants
- Community Building: Join a growing community of radio amateurs who share your passion for portable operations and nature
- Flexible Operating Locations: The ability to operate from bridges, shorelines, or even on the water itself (where permitted) adds variety to your activations
Getting Started
Ready to dive into Lakes and Lagoons On The Air? Visit llota.app to explore the program, find validated references, check the live cluster, and connect with the community. Be sure to review the complete official rules at llota.app/reglas.html before your first activation.
Whether you're planning your first lakeside activation or looking to add new lagoon references to your log, LLOTA offers an exciting new frontier for portable amateur radio operations.
For ham radio operators seeking fresh air, beautiful scenery, and the thrill of portable operations, LLOTA represents the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and radio sport. So grab your portable rig, find a picturesque lake or lagoon, and join this innovative program that's making a splash in the amateur radio world!
