At the upcoming HOPE_16 in NYC, Todd (KE2AEQ) is launching a brilliantly fun, tongue-in-cheek radio activity called Toilets on the Air (TOTA) — inspired by Georg (DH5GH) and the German hacker scene.
Yes, Toilets on the Air. But before you flush the idea entirely (sorry!) read on…
Much like POTA and SOTA, TOTA is about getting on the air from a defined activation zone — in this case, just outside conference restrooms.
It’s lighthearted, but there’s a serious side too: TOTA promotes hands-on, hyper-local ham radio experimentation in environments that aren’t traditionally OTA-friendly. Modes like SSTV, APRS, and even CW can shine in this creatively constrained space.
In Todd’s own words, it’s a way “to have fun, to experiment, and to use our precious spectrum space.” I couldn’t agree more.
Check out Todd’s post here: https://toddmazierski.com/radio/toilets-on-the-air-hope-16
And the official TOTA watch site: https://hope-16.totawatch.de/
Todd, if you’re reading this — I think TOTA needs to be rolled-out at Hamvention next year. Just sayin’.
72,
Thomas (K4SWL)
Oh Lord. got to say I like it. Just make sure if its a porta potty you set up your station UPWIND Just saying. LOL
A good idea or you may finish up with hum on your signal !
Great opportunity to work qrPP
😉😆
Is TOTA a contest?
John ve3ips
A successful TOTA activation will be a real relief.
🤣
The ideal location for this is alas no more: the foul restrooms of Hamvention’s HARA Arena. More decrepit than the worst destination for a DXpedition. Heard from reliable sources that HARA Arena’s restrooms were ground zero for the COVID virus.
The inspiration https://hamhijinks.com/nrrl-promotes-npoota/
PPOTA is already a hamvention staple – PortaPotties on the Air!
I will admit to doing a groggy double-take to be sure this isn’t April 1st.
I’m not really sure SSTV is a desirable mode for this enterprise…
Truth! 😂
This post is flush with great comments. Thank you all!
Sounds like Amateurfunkgeruch to me.
Most people outside the hobby seem to have an image of old men sitting in darkend rooms. Usually surrounded by lots of bits of wire and biscuit tin sized boxes. As the boxes emit funny beeping sounds they watch tiny 4 inch TV screens which make pretty pictures a bit like 1970’s lava lamps. Harmless ould erjits.
Moving the whole shooting match to just outside your local public loo will certainly get the hobby a lot more publicity. Would changing the public perception of ham radio operators to “ old men who set up camp outside the local public restrooms and report worldwide on the comings and goings” Be a change for the better? 😀
I can definitely see a few wee teething problems with this one folks.
Ha ha! So the idea of TOTA is for it to be used at events like hacker and ham radio conventions, not all of the time, and in public places like POTA. 🙂
I know, I was attempting to be witty.
… a new destination for elimination…?
Anyway … how about PLOTA? Parking Lots On The Air?
Only qualifier I can think of is a minimum number of handicapped spots to make it legit – maybe at least 4? I don’t know, probably thinking about this too hard…
JD, i’ll do you one better – Walmart Parking Lots on the Air https://wmplota.org/
https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/8fi0xo/walmart_parking_lots_on_the_air_is_real_and_this/
I think it’s been a while since the last activation, so it could use a revival…a rollback if you will 😀
Dit Daa Dit Daa Daa slap slap
Before Thomas kicks off again and chases me away, its not bad morse code.. its the Rollback music 🙂
73 Robbie
TOTA is a great idea, but unfortunately a little late.
Things On The Air (also TOTA) is already established and, due to brilliant foresight, supercedes all other -OTA programs.
More info here:
https://www.k0nr.com/wordpress/2018/05/things-on-the-air/
Sometimes… you have to flush twice. This idea? Yeah, flush twice to be sure.