This page Contains Technical info for Radio Operators setting up and running a JOTA site
Firstly, thank you for assisting Scouts with JOTA/JOTI – the largest annual Scout event. Your assistance is greatly appreciated. The following is provided for your information.
Before you start please have a read of the JOTA Rules
Index
Scout Working with Children Clearance (WWCC) and Non Scout Members
Guides Working with Children Clearance (WWCC) and Non Guide Members
Chief Scout & Guide JOTA/JOTI Message
Operating Times 2016
Morse Code (CW) call Frequencies
SSB Phone Frequencies
Slow Scan TV (SSTV)
Calling Frequencies for PSK31
JOTA Calling Frequencies Interference Avoidance and QSY
Sydney Calling Repeaters
Suggested Simplex Frequencies
Finding Contacts
JOTA Dx Cluster
ScoutLink #Hamradio
ScoutWired JOTA OPS
ScoutDial #Hamradio
Contest Radar
CQ JOTA
QSL cards
Echolink
Repeaters’
Satellite Contacts/Space communications
Internet Repeater linking Project (IRLP)
Non JOTA Contacts over JOTA
JOTA as a Contest
Who's event is JOTA
Amateur TV (ATV)
Automated Packet Reporting System (APRS)
Broadband Hamnet (HSMM-MESH)
FoxHunt
Digital modes
Pre arranged contacts
Question sheets
Assessments and youth badge work
J code
How long do i let the youth members talk ?
Foundation calls
Working with other amateurs
Misbehaving youth
Setup and Take down
Work health and safety
No youth at station
Parades
Very interested youth or adult members of scouts and guides
Security
How to hold the youth's attention
Scout/Guides Amateur Radio Call signs
Logbooks
Summits On The Air (SOTA)
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Scout Working with Children Clearance (WWCC) and Non Scout Members
All persons on a JOTA site over the age of 18 and are not members of scouts must submit a WWCC number to Email: wwcc@nsw.scouts.com.au
Non members of scouts can apply for WWCC clearance from http://www.kidsguardian.nsw.gov.au/Working-with-children/Working-With-Children-Check/apply/apply and apply for a volunteer clearance. Which is free, the applicant will then need to report a any Roads and Maritime services (RMS) office and present proof of identity (such as driver licence) an application will then be processed and all being well the applicant with have their number in 2 to 3 weeks. The clearance lasts for 5 years.
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Guides Working with Children Clearance (WWCC) and Non Guide Members
Coming soon
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Chief Scout & Guide JOTA/JOTI Message
Download and hear a message by the Chief Scout & Guide and from
http://www.international.scouts.com.au/programs-in-australia/jotajoti available from the week before JOTA/JOTI.
The Message will also be transmitted by Amateur radio NSW (ARNSW) news network on amateur frequency around 12:00 local on the 15th
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Operating Times 2016
JOTA-JOTI 2016 Operates on 14th, 15th and 16th of october, you can take part as much as you want over JOTA-JOTI weekend
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JOTA Calling Frequencies by band
Morse Code (CW) Frequencies
| Band |
Frequency |
Mode |
VK/World |
| 80 Meter |
3.570 Mhz |
CW |
World & VK |
| 40 Meter |
7.030 Mhz |
CW |
World & VK |
| 20 Meter |
14.060 Mhz |
CW |
World & VK |
| 17 Meter |
18.080 Mhz |
CW |
World & VK |
| 15 Meter |
21.140 Mhz |
CW |
World & VK |
| 12 Meter |
24.910 Mhz |
CW |
World & VK |
| 10 Meter |
28.180 Mhz |
CW |
World & VK |
| 6 Meter |
50.160 Mhz |
CW |
World & VK |
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SSB Phone Frequencies
| Band |
Frequency |
Mode |
VK/World |
| 80 Meter |
3.690 Mhz |
SSB/AM |
World |
| 80 Meter |
3.650 Mhz |
SSB/AM |
VK |
| 40 Meter |
7.190 Mhz |
SSB/AM |
World & VK |
| 40 Meter |
7.090 Mhz |
SSB/AM |
VK |
| 20 Meter |
14.290 Mhz |
SSB/AM |
World |
| 20 Meter |
14.190 Mhz |
SSB/AM |
VK |
| 17 Meter |
18.140 Mhz |
SSB/AM |
World |
| 15 Meter |
21.360 Mhz |
SSB/AM |
World |
| 15 Meter |
21.190 Mhz |
SSB/AM |
VK |
| 10 Meter |
28.390 Mhz |
SSB/AM |
World |
| 10 Meter |
28.590 Mhz |
SSB/AM |
VK |
| 6 Meter |
50.160 Mhz |
SSB/AM |
World |
| 6 Meter |
52.160 Mhz |
SSB/AM |
VK |
Note a +-5Khz Gard Band is Recommended on all SSB Call Channels
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Slow Scan TV (SSTV)
| Band |
Frequency |
Mode |
VK/World |
| 80 Meter |
3.630 Mhz |
SSTV |
World |
| 40 Meter |
7.033 Mhz |
SSTV |
World |
| 20 Meter |
14.227 Mhz |
SSTV |
World |
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Calling Frequencies for PSK31
14.070Mhz
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JOTA Calling Frequencies Interference Avoidance and QSY
Please After Establishing A JOTA contact on a Calling Frequeney move to an agreed other frequency to allow others to establish their own JOTA contacts on the Calling Frequency. make shore to QSY off the call frequency as soon as practical after making contact. No Communications are to be held on call frequency’s other than communications related to establishing contact.
It is recommended that the agreed contact frequency be at least +- 5khz away from the Calling Frequency to Avoid potential interference
Spacing of +-3Khz to +-6Khz is recommended between non call channels
At all times remember good operating practices and that other amateurs and youth members are trying to communicate as well
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Sydney Calling Repeaters
If you are in the Greater Sydney area please use the following repeaters to establish contact.
North Region - Terry Hills VK2RMB (2m & 70cm) 146.8750 Mhz & 438.1750 (91.5 CTCSS)
South Region - Maddens Plains VK2RMP (2m) 146.2500Mhz
West Region - Blue Mountains VK2RBM (2m) 147.0500Mhz (123.0 CTCSS)
Once a Contact has been established, A JOTA station should try to move to another frequency that provides a communication path between the two stations. be it simplex or another 2m or 70cm repeater. Conversations between youth on call repeaters should be avoided, if no other practical path is able to be used for conversation use the call repeater, please keep the conversations short
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Suggested Simplex Frequencies
Suggested HF JOTA Simplex Frequencies
| Band |
SSB (phone) |
CW (morse) |
| 80 Meter |
3.650 to 3.700 Mhz |
3.560 to 3.590 Mhz |
| 40 Meter |
7.080 to 7.140 Mhz |
7.040 to 7.060 Mhz |
| 20 Meter |
14.112 to 14.125 Mhz & 14.280 to 4.350 Mhz |
14.060 to 14.112 Mhz |
| 17 Meter |
18.110 to 18.145 Mhz |
18.068 to 18.100 Mhz |
| 15 Meter |
21.350 to 21.450 Mhz |
21.000 to 21.140 Mhz |
12 Meter |
24.930 to 24.990 Mhz |
24.890 to 24.910 Mhz |
10 Meter |
28.300 to 28.440 Mhz |
28.000 to 28.070 Mhz |
6 Meter |
50.150 to 50.220 Mhz & 52.000 to 52.300 Hhz |
50.150 to 50.220 Mhz |
Suggested VHF UHF JOTA Simplex Frequencies
| Band |
SSB (phone) |
FM (Voice) |
| 2 Meter |
144.200 to 144.220 Mhz & 144.300 to 144.320Mhz |
144.425 to 146.500 Mhz (See Note A) |
| 70 cm |
432.200 to 432.220 Mhz & 432.300 to 432.320Mhz |
438.975 to 439.025 Mhz (See Note B) |
| Note A |
Leaves 146.525 to 146.600 Mhz available for other users |
| Note B |
Leaves 439.050 to 439.075 Mhz available for other users |
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Finding Contacts
4 services are available to help in finding contacts at JOTA
JOTA Dx Cluster (A world wide HF Data bace of live JOTA Data) Link
ScoutLink #Hamradio (A text based chat line between radio ops) Link
ScoutWired JOTA OPS Channel (Voice chat line between radio ops) Link
ScoutDial #Hamradio (A text based chatline between Radio ops for VK and ZL) Link
Contest Radar (Maps showing posts for the last 72 hours) Link
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JOTA Dx Cluster
How do i quickly find a JOTA-JOTI Station on the amateur radio bands?
Well help is offered using the JOTA-JOTI DX Cluster (a database for radio amateurs) that can be used during JOTA to see exactly at which frequency a Scout station somewhere in the world is transmitting
How douse this work?
If one amateur radio station hears a Scout station on the air, they can enter the date, time, frequency and call sign in the database. The Information is immediately visible worldwide. You can also enter your own transmitting frequency. Other scout stations can use the info to tune to the announced frequency and make a contact
What fo you need for this?
* A computer, a packet radio terminal programme, Ham net or Internet connection
* Electricity or battery pack
*An enthusiastic Scout or Guide to operate the system (the JOTA-JOTI contact manager)
Software to use
DxLink
Server adress
Adress: pi4raz.nl
Port : 7300
For more info see DxLink website
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ScoutLink #Hamradio
The #Hamradio is a channel on the Scoutlink IRC Service follow the instructions bellow to get set up, join #Hamradio Channel once set up
What you need
Any PC P3 or more will run IRC Tablets are also able to be used
Address for all IRC Servers is chat.scoutlink.net port 6667
SOFTWARE TO USE
Windows - MIRC which can be downloaded from www.mirc.co.uk. Install this on your computer that you are using for JOTA.
Server setup
Join Channel
Mac OS X - Colloquy which can be downloaded from http://colloquy.info/downloads.html. Install this on your computer that you are using for JOTA.
Server setup
Linux - Xchat which can be downloaded from https://hexchat.github.io/downloads.html. Install this on your computer that you are using for JOTA.
Server setup
Join Channel
Scoutlink Andriod app - Scoutlink Andriod app which can be downloaded from https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.org.mattford.scoutlink&hl=en_GB. Install this on your computer that you are using for JOTI.
Ipad - TurboIRC 3 which can be downloaded from https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/turboirc/id583000012?ls=1&mt=8. Install this on your IPad that you are using for JOTA.
Scoutlink offer a web based IRC Client called webchat
Webchat - Goto http://www.scoutlink.net/connect/webchat/.
Users with @ or green dots before their names
users with @ or green dots on IRC are Channel Moderator and are controling the channel
For more about IRC visit Scoutlink
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TeamSpeak Voice Chat JOTA OPS
JOTA OPS is a Voice channel on the ScoutWired service that you can talk useing your voice like ecolink to other Amateur radio operators. Once you are set up join the JOTA OPS Channel. Their is a Password which is Vkham
If you need help while using our TeamSpeak server, you can:
* Ask one of our operators or team members for help. They all have a shield (Red,Silver, Pink or Green) next to their name on the server.
What You will need
Speakers or headphones
Microphone
TeamSpeak software
SOFTWARE TO USE
TeamSpeak 3 which can be downloaded from http://www.teamspeak.com/?page=downloads. Install this on your computer that you are using for JOTA Versons are avilable for Windows, Mac and linux.
Server Setup
TeamSpeak Server set up
For more about Teamspeak 3 visit ScoutWired
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ScoutDial #Hamradio
The #Hamradio is a channel on the SccoutDial IRC Service follow the instructions bellow to get set up, join #Hamradio Channel once set up
What you need
Any PC P3 or more will run IRC Tablets are also able to be used
Address for all IRC Servers is IRC.ScoutDial.org port 6667
SOFTWARE TO USE
Windows - MIRC which can be downloaded from www.mirc.co.uk. Install this on your computer that you are using for JOTA.
Server setup
Join Channel
Mac OS X - Colloquy which can be downloaded from http://colloquy.info/downloads.html. Install this on your computer that you are using for JOTA.
Server setup
Linux - Xchat which can be downloaded from https://hexchat.github.io/downloads.html. Install this on your computer that you are using for JOTA.
Server setup
Join Channel
Scoutlink Andriod app - Scoutlink Andriod app which can be downloaded from https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.org.mattford.scoutlink&hl=en_GB. Install this on your computer that you are using for JOTI.
Ipad - TurboIRC 3 which can be downloaded from https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/turboirc/id583000012?ls=1&mt=8. Install this on your IPad that you are using for JOTA.
Contest Radar alows users to log/post Location, frequency, mode and any other relevant informasion, log posts should mention JOTA. Maps show posts within the last 72 hours. Station information can be updated by logging another post
see www.contestradar.com for more.
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CQ JOTA
The correct way to call another JOTA Station is using CQ JOTA Spoken at max 3 times and then the station call sign. Don’t continuously call if no replies to your calls are received, take a break or try a different band or mode
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QSL cards
QSL cards are able to be exchanged as part of JOTA. Request QSL requirements with other stations and the start or conclusion of contacts. It may be an idea if you are going to be issuing and receiving QSL cards that you get the youth members to design the Card, talk with the site coordinator about this, the cards must have your call sign and the scout or guide logo some ware on them.
It is suggested eQSL is used at www.eqsl.cc/qslcard/index.cfm Operators will need to register and design a card (scouts o guides should help with this). If the recipient station is not registered, card can still be sent using an email address of the receiving radio operator or unit (no youth members personal emails are to be used)
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EchoLink
It is recommended that JOTA be added to the location area of Echolink accounts used for Jota Stations
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What you will need
Radio: same as IRLP
PC: a computer, Microphone, a internet
Software to use
Echolink
Setup
Echolink setup
How to use
Echolink How to use
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Repeaters
UHF and VHF Repeaters can be used for JOTA Contacts. Please keep in mind that others may want to use the repeater as well, so try not to hog it. Be aware of time out and indents on each repeater system you use
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Satellite Contacts/Space communications
Satellite contacts are ok for JOTA but be advised Satellite contacts can be unreliable and are not as used as some other services over JOTA you may wish to arrange a contact before JOTA
International Space Station (ISS) contacts using the Amateur radio in space (ARIS) Program provided by NASA. Contacts are possible over JOTA but a lot of work and planning needs to go into it can take almost 1/2 a year to get approval
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Internet Repeater linking Project (IRLP)
Using IRLP for JOTA Contacts is ok, please always say your call sign and then dial, also always close the link with a 73 when you are done
see IRLP for more information on IRLP and node numbers
A add in .kml file to display live IRLP data on Google Earth can be Downloaded hear
NSW JOTA-JOTI operates a IRLP simplex node from western Sydney Node number 6111 for more info see the IRLP6111 Page
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Non JOTA Contacts over JOTA
Contact with non JOTA Stations over JOTA are fine but should be avoided if there are other JOTA stations around otherwise they are ok.
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JOTA as a Contest ?
JOTA is Not a Contest, Their are no points or time limits for contacts
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Who's event is JOTA
JOTA is a world scout/guide event and so is seen as a scout/guide event a radio club should not be organising a JOTA only providing their time and equipment to help, also a adult scout member should be appointed to help at any JOTA site. Any questions on this please email contact@nswjotajoti.org
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Amateur TV (ATV)
ATV is fine to use you can use SSTV, FSTV, DVB-T, DVB-S and so on, but be aware currently there are very few JOTA sites that use ATV. Pre arranged contacts may be a good idea
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Automated Packet Reporting System (APRS)
APRS can be used over JOTA but has limited applications with direct JOTA activities; you may use it to show your site location, as a TXT service and so on, it would most likely be best used as part of a another activity not in the radio shack. You can also use the APRS.fi Page to show APRS information
A add in .kml file to display live APRS data on Google Earth can be Downloaded hear
NSW JOTAJOTI is currently looking a APRS Digipeater and Igate see the APRS page for more info
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Broadband Hamnet (HSMM-MESH)
Broadband Hamnets are able to be used and demonstrated at part of JOTA. You may wish to use it as part of other JOTA activities or even use it as the internet connection for JOTA DX service or JOTI Services
See Broadband Hamnet page for more information
NSW JOTA JOTI is currently Testing HSMM-MESH for Scout use at JOTA-JOTI and other events. check out the HSMM-MESH Page for more
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FoxHunt or RDF
Fox hunts are a very good JOTA activity while not part of the main radio activity they are a good way of keeping the youth members occupied while not on the radio. Common Foxes used are fm bugs from jaycar or alike but bigger and better foxes have been used in the past. The youth members could even build receivers or the fox as part of another activity
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Digital modes
Digital modes such as D-STAR, Packet, PSK32, P25, PSK31 and so on are fine to use. You may wish to look at what other sites are using in the way of digital modes before deciding to use Digital modes; pre arranged contacts may be an idea as well.
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Pre arranged contacts
Pre arranged contacts can be made at any time before JOTA via email, internet, on air chats and so on. If you agree to a chat make shore you keep your word
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Assessments and youth badge work
As a licence amateur radio operator at times you may get requests from leaders or youth members to assess youth members for skills related to communications. If you are able please help them. You can request the requirements of the skill from the leaders, if you think the youth member passes you can sign your name and call sign in their award book
Scout Award Scheme
Guide Award Scheme
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Question sheets
Sometimes youth members will clam up when on the radio and have a mind blank. To help stop this you may wish to have a question sheet near the radios. The questions must not probe to deeply into another’s personal life, and addresses of private houses should not be given halls and so on are fine. The question sheets are only meant to be used as chat starters and youth members do not have to use them
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J code
J-code aims to make a very basic communication possible between Scouts and Guides that have no language in common. It is a fun way to try to link up with someone who you otherwise could not communicate with. The J-code is analogous to the Q-code. The code can be used in radio contacts during the JOTA weekend.
J-Code sheet
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How long do i let the youth members talk ?
There is no time limit on JOTA contacts let the youth members talk for as long as they like or as much as other local restrains allow, if the contact is loosing momentum it may be time to put the next youth member on.
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Foundation calls
Foundation or F calls can operate a JOTA site the only difference is they must hold the microphone to the youth members mouth and operate the push to talk switch (PTT)
If the Foundation is operating with a standard or advanced call they can let the youth members hold the microphone and use the PTT
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Working with other amateurs
When working with other amateurs the station site can operate to the level of the highest licensed amateur in the station. so as a practical example. if a site has 3 foundation, 1 standard and 2 advanced licence holders. When one of the advanced licence holders is in the station every one including the foundation holders can operate as an advanced. If the advanced exits the station and the standard is still in the station the station becomes a standard station
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Misbehaving youth
At a JOTA site you as a amateur radio operator have the same authority as a standard leader, you can tell a youth member to do something and they must do as you say, if you are going to tell a youth member what to do. Be very careful not to put a youth member in danger with any of your requests. It is very common for radio operators to kick youth members out of the station for misbehaving. if you fell you are unable or un willing to deal with misbehaving youth ask one of the leaders to deal with the youth member
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Setup and Take down
At the start and end of JOTA it is expected that members of scouts and guides should help you with your equipment in some cases youth members can get credit in their award books for helping you. If you need help with set up or pack up you can request any idol youth member to help you
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Work health and safety
All JOTA sites must be safe for everyone to be in. as a radio operator you must make shore people cannot hurt them self on anything you own or put up, look out for trip hazards, electrical hazards and radiation hazards. you may also be requested to provide a Risk assessment for your site, talk to your site contact about risk assessments
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No youth at station
If you do not have youth at your station, you can still answer JOTA stations but advise the operator that you currently do not have any youth members at your station but you are happy to talk to their youth members
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Parades
You may be invited to a parade at the start or end of JOTA, you are welcome to attend. a few points of protocol, one do not talk unless asked, stand near the flags with the leaders, you do salute the Australian flag with the youth members but no other flags are to be saluted. You may be asked to walk into the centre of the parade to receive a thanks from the youth members for all your hard work, to which a reply is required (ask the leaders beforehand what the response is)
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Very interested youth or adult members of scouts and guides
Make shore you have flyers for your radio club or the WIA handy as well as a Foundation manual. Talk with the member as much as you can and let them have a read of the foundation manual. Give them some flyers try and talk them in to doing the foundation licence and joining the world of amateur radio. This is good for JOTA, your club and Amateur radio as a hole do not let them leave the station without a flyer in their hand.
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Security
Security is very important over JOTA. if you leave the station for any reason make shore that your equipment can not be operated use locks, taking the power cord or the microphone with you. it is not good enough to just tell youth or adult members not to touch your equipment. As youth will see it as a chance to run amuck on your equipment and not get in trouble, they also may steal parts so keep a close eye on your equipment. if anything happens make the equipment inoperative without delay and talk with the site coordinator
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How to hold the youth's attention
it is very important to not let the youth members get board, try not to use jargon when talking to them, do not dwell on the past to much, do not get bogged down with the science of how the radio works, you only have about 10 to 15 minutes before you lose them and their mind moves to other things. And most of all let the touch feel and hear things.
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Scout/Guides Amateur Radio Call signs
These are available to Scouts and Guides for use throughout the year and during JOTA They are Scout Call signs VK2SAA to VK2SDZ and Guides VK2GGA to VK2GGZ. if you would like one you need an advanced or (Level 3) Amateur radio operator to be the custodian of the call sign
Please direct enquiries to Email: callsign@nswjotajoti.org for approval and recommendation of Scout call signs and forms to apply to the Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA).
The amateur radio operator are to use their own callsign in the absence of a Scout or Guide allocated callsign.
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Logbooks
If your site is using a scout/guide or club callsign over JOTA you must keep a log of all contacts this is a legal requirement from the ACMA, if you are not than logs are optional.
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Summits On The Air (SOTA)
The SOTA programme is an amateur radio awards programme, not a contest. It is about making radio contacts from selected mountain summits, or making contacts with operators on those summits.
It is possible for JOTA and SOTA can be combined a hike can also be added.
See vkfaq.ampr.org/opersota.php
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