BOTA Activation at Keri Beach, North Goa

June 15, 2024 – By Sandesh VU3FGJ

Watch the activation video here

I am thrilled to share my recent Beaches On The Air (BOTA) activation experience at Keri Beach, North Goa, India. Despite challenging weather conditions, the activation turned out to be quite an adventure and a success.

Activation Summary:

•   Location: Keri Beach, North Goa, India
•   Coordinates: 15.7211° N, 73.7045° E
•   Date: June 15, 2024
•   Time: 07:00 UTC - 12:00 UTC
•   Band: 20m
•   Mode: Voice SSB
•   Frequency: 14.240 MHz
•   QSO Count: 8
•   Activation Code: 9q9g

The activation began at 07:00 UTC. The weather was less than ideal with intermittent rain and high gusting winds, which posed significant challenges for setting up and maintaining the equipment. Early on, a strong gust of wind caused my antenna to fall, breaking the ring connector and disconnecting the wire. Despite the adversity, the spirit of amateur radio is all about overcoming obstacles and making the most out of the situation, and that’s exactly what I did.

The heavy rain and strong winds tested my setup to the limits. At one point, the antenna came crashing down due to the gusting winds, breaking the ring connector and disconnecting the wire. I quickly sprang into action with my toolkit, managing to fix the connector and get the antenna back up and running. It was a real test of patience and ingenuity.

The 20m band conditions were not particularly favorable, making it a bit tough to establish clear communications. Nevertheless, persistence paid off, and I managed to log 8 QSOs over the course of the activation. Operating on 14.240 MHz, I was able to connect with fellow hams who were supportive and enthusiastic about the BOTA initiative.

A big thank you to everyone who made contact during the activation. Your participation and encouragement are what make these events rewarding. Special thanks to VU3IBL for sponsoring this activation and providing invaluable support.

This activation at Keri Beach has motivated me to plan future BOTA activations across different beaches in Goa and beyond. Stay tuned for more adventures and on-air activities. If you have any suggestions or would like to join in on future activations, feel free to reach out.

Thank you for following along with my ham radio journey. Your support and engagement are greatly appreciated.

73,
Sandesh VU3FGJ

For more details on this activation, visit: BOTA Activation – Keri Beach