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)