SOTAMĀT (pronounced "sota-mate") is for licensed amateur radio operators (ham radio) who want to self-spot SOTA (Summits On The Air) or POTA (Parks On The Air) with or without internet! It supports spotting 7 different ways, including over HF. It also allows you to send predefined messages (eMail or SMS) when you don't have cell service, much like a satellite 'spot' device to tell family members "I'm OK", or "Send help", etc.
What you can do "offline":
• Post a Self-Spot (SOTA or POTA) via HF radio (no internet, cellular, or satellite required!)
• Post a Self-Alert (SOTA) via HF radio (useful for CW operators to 'tickle' RBNhole)
• Select and send predefined SMS messages to predefined recipients via HF radio
• See reference materials such as band plans, the syntax of various services such as APRS, and more.
• Includes a "Hiking Time Calculator", sunrise and sunset times for any SOTA summit or POTA park.
The app works by encoding your commands into a special message which is modulated using your iPhone or iPad for transmission over HF (using a built-in FT8 encoder, or use PSK31 or RTTY). Over 130 monitoring stations worldwide (skimmers) pick up your HF transmission and relay it to PSK Reporter, which forwards the message to the SOTAMAT server for processing. SOTAMAT then connects to the official SOTA, POTA, or SMS services to carry out your instructions.
The amazing thing is that you don't need a computer (use your iPhone/iPad!) and you don't need special cables (use your phone's speaker directly into your HF radio's microphone input). The app not only computes the FT8 message, but also generates the FT8 audio.
For those times when you DO have cellular service, the app also allows for spotting via SMS, eMail, or satellite communicator. It even allows Alerting for CW users wanting to "tickle" RBNhole.
The app also has a database of every SOTA Summit and POTA Park worldwide and can help you navigate to the activation zone with maps and orientation feedback.
The app also has a reference table of additional commands you can use when you are "online" (via SMS, eMail, or satellite):
• Get current spots (SOTA/POTA)
• Get information (callinfo, peak info, park info)
• Get localized weather reports for specific SOTA Peaks and POTA Parks
• ...and more!
Owners of Elecraft KX2 or KX3 radios can use an optional "SOTACAT" device to allow SOTAMAT to control your radio over WiFi, and even spot using direct FT8 synthesis.
See the https://SOTAmat.com web site for details.
I cannot believe that someone sat down and completely solved one of the most frustrating problems for sota and pota such a comprehensive way. It's absolutely brilliant. Like someone else mentioned, the set up is a little convoluted. But if you're capable of doing pota and sota, you should be capable of doing this. I'm continually amazed at how some people in amateur radio are doing such cool things. This is the coolest hobby. Because stuff like this exists and people just did it on their own and they make it available for others to benefit. Awesome
All-in-one field spotting solution for SOTA and POTA
Adam8845
Awesome app for offline (and online) spotting and sending canned messages.Once configured it’s easy to use and works amazingly well. It seems like magic - playing FT8 sounds on the phone’s speaker near the radio’s mic manages to get the message out with just a couple of watts.The internet and SMS spotting features make this an all-in-one solution for times when you have cellular or satellite coverage.
Astounding Perfection
小老鼠朋友
This app is everything that ham radio software should be. If you’re not using SOTAMĀT for SOTA & POTA, you’re wrong. AB6D has leveraged FT8 skimmers, Garmin satcom, an elegant web server, and a concise and clean client. Between this and APRS, why activate any other way? Bravo. Please keep this going.
Magic?
karcod
Cannot believe how well this app works!No cell coverage.8-10 skimmers pick up my FT8 signal. By the time I’ve tuned back to my POTA frequency and called CQ, I’m already spotted! Recommend without reservation!
1. Added a 'Hiking Time Calculator' in the "More" menu.
2. Added 'Sunrise' and 'Sunset' time to the SOTA Summit and POTA Park mapping pages.
Version 2.2.3
The developer, Brian Mathews, indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .
Data Linked to You
The following data may be collected and linked to your identity:
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The developer has not yet indicated which accessibility features this app supports. Learn More
Information
Seller
Brian Mathews
Size
26.5 MB
Category
Lifestyle
Compatibility
Requires iOS 15.0 or later.
iPhone Requires iOS 15.0 or later.
iPad Requires iPadOS 15.0 or later.
iPod touch Requires iOS 15.0 or later.
Mac Requires macOS 12.0 or later and a Mac with Apple M1 chip or later.