Bunkers On The Air
Bunkerbase
Welcome to the exciting world of Bunkers on the Air (UKBOTA)!
UKBOTA is a thrilling amateur radio activity that combines exploration,
historical appreciation, and radio communication in a unique and adventurous
way.
In this introduction, we will delve into what UKBOTA is, its origins,
and how you can participate in this captivating endeavor.
Bunkers on the Air is a specialized form of amateur radio operating where
participants,
known as "Bunkers on the Air activators and hunters," seek out and activate
or hunt
disused military bunkers, shelters, and underground facilities for radio
communication purposes.
These structures, often remnants of past conflicts or wartime preparations,
provide both a historical context and an exciting challenge for amateur radio
enthusiasts.
The roots of Bunkers on the Air can be traced back to the broader concept of
"Summits on the Air" (SOTA),
which involves radio activators and hunters activating mountain summits for amateur radio
communication. Inspired by SOTA,
Bunkers on the Air emerged as a niche activity that combines elements of
history, exploration, and radio communication.
Participating in Bunkers on the Air offers enthusiasts a multifaceted
experience.
It involves researching and locating disused bunkers,
often in remote or off-the-beaten-path locations, which provides a sense of
adventure and exploration.
Additionally, activating these bunkers for radio communication requires
technical skills,
as activators and hunters set up portable radio equipment in sometimes challenging
environments.
Furthermore, Bunkers on the Air fosters a deeper appreciation for history,
as activators and hunters learn about the significance of the bunkers they activate
or hunt.
These structures often have intriguing stories behind them,
reflecting the tumultuous events of the past and the human experiences
associated with them.
Whether you're a seasoned amateur radio operator looking for a new challenge
or someone fascinated by history and exploration,
Bunkers on the Air offers a unique and rewarding experience.
Join UKBOTA and embark on an adventure to discover, activate or hunt
and communicate from these hidden remnants of the past,
connecting the present with history through the fascinating world of amateur
radio.
The UK Bunkers On The Air programme and awards scheme is to support
radio amateurs and short-wave listeners,
both in the United Kingdom and overseas, to communicate with other radio
amateurs activating ROC Bunkers in the United Kingdom.
Whilst not a contest, awards (PDF certificates) will be issued to both
activators and hunters
submitting logs and demonstrating QSO with the requisite number of
stations.
Awards are also available for SWL submitting reception logs.
The Bunkers on the Air (BOTA) programme was born in 2005.
UKBOTA is born of a desire to rekindle interest in the activation of ROC
Bunkers.
The idea of activating bunkers orginally came from Brian G8GMU and his
grandson Joshua M3HBM almost 20 years ago,
who with the Coventry Amateur Radio Society, activated several bunkers
in their local area.
Subequently, by 2010, a Bunkers on the Air scheme was integrated into
into
Castle and Stately Homes On The Air Team (CASHOTA) By Chris Darlington
M0DOL.
The good work (and recent support) of those who ran the previous
activities and schemes is acknowledged with gratitide.
A UKBOTA event was run in October 2023, focussed on Royal Observer Corps
posts was dedicated to the memory of M0DOL (now SK).
Now in 2024, the award scheme is vibrant, healthy and well supported.
Hope You enjoyed reading about UK Bunkers on the Air and that you might
consider activating or chasing one vert soon.
Remember that is award scheme is available to all UK radio amateurs and
SWL.
Overseas radio amateurs and SWL are aslo very welcome to participate as
hunters. Most bunker activations seem to take place on 40m or 20m, but
you can operate on any band or mode you wish. Participation from clubs
is particularly welcome.
Most activations are quickly spotted on the DX cluster.
For those chasing awards you can find out more information at the awards
database ‘BunkerBase’ , follow the link above.
