Overcoming Challenges in Recent BOTA Activations

Activating beaches for BOTA (Beaches on the Air) is always an exhilarating experience, blending my love for ham radio with the serene coastal environment. However, each activation comes with its unique set of challenges. In my recent activations, I’ve encountered several obstacles that tested my skills and adaptability. Here, I’ll share these challenges and the valuable lessons I learned from them.

Challenges Faced

Weather Conditions
During the Keri activation, I faced extremely tough weather conditions, including stormy weather, heavy rainfall, and strong wind gusts. Despite these challenges, I managed to operate from my portable setup inside my jeep, which provided shelter and stability. However, this experience underscored the importance of weather preparedness.

Equipment Stability
Operating on a beach with strong winds proved difficult. During the Keri activation, my tripod and antenna fell over, teaching me the importance of securing equipment with sandbags and guy ropes to prevent such incidents.

Physical Strain
Transporting and setting up the equipment alone posed a significant challenge. Loading and unloading all the gear, including antennas, batteries, and tripods, from the third floor of my house to the jeep and back, resulted in a sprained arm. This highlighted the need for better logistical planning and possibly seeking assistance for heavy lifting.

Signal Interference and Noise
There was significant noise and static on the bands at the beach due to the stormy weather and nearby beach cottages with AC and heaters. At Mandrem, I learned that using a vertical antenna with a long radial reduced noise and static. Additionally, operating at night, when there was less QRM (man-made noise) and QRN (natural static), improved signal clarity.

Equipment Maintenance
I encountered issues with equipment durability. A ring connector with a UHF female connector broke due to the load, though I had a spare. Some connections to the antenna lacked proper soldering, emphasizing the need for robust soldering and reliable connections in harsh conditions.

Safety Concerns
Operating during stormy weather raised concerns about lightning strikes. Conversations with locals and a beach lifeguard taught me that the risk is higher when clouds are directly overhead. I learned valuable tips for identifying dangerous situations and staying safe.

Environmental Awareness
High tides at Keri posed a risk to my setup. I learned the importance of checking tide levels and positioning my equipment safely away from the high tide mark to avoid potential damage.

Rapid Weather Changes
During the Arambhol activation, clear skies quickly gave way to sudden gusts of wind and rain, a common occurrence during monsoon season. This taught me the importance of being prepared for rapid weather changes, even when conditions initially appear favorable.

Lessons Learned

Preparation is Key
Being prepared for all weather conditions is essential. Carrying weatherproof covers and additional securing materials for antennas helped mitigate the impact of sudden weather changes.

Equipment Adaptation
Adapting equipment to the environment is crucial. Using sand anchors, guy lines, and robust soldering for connections ensured smoother operations.

Noise Mitigation
Implementing noise filters and choosing activation spots away from heavy tourist areas helped reduce signal interference. Additionally, operating during less busy times minimized external RF noise.

Efficient Power Use
Though I don’t have a solar charger, my equipment is capable of charging the battery through a solar charger port. Efficient power management became a priority, ensuring I maximized available power without over-relying on solar energy.

Strategic Planning
Careful logistical planning and physical preparation made a significant difference. Breaking down the setup process into manageable steps and ensuring all necessary tools were easily accessible streamlined the activation process.

Portable Setup Efficiency

My portable setups have worked the best and have been the most efficient with all resonant elements. However, I currently lack a 40m band antenna, which I’m actively working on. During the Mandrem activation, I used a loading coil for the 40m band but was not satisfied with the performance of this compromised antenna. Moving forward, I aim to develop a more effective solution for the 40m band.

Equipment Evolution

During the Keri beach activation, I operated inside my portable HF setup, which you can read about in detail here. Initially, I replaced my large aluminum case with a Pelican case, but it was still too heavy and space-consuming. This experience led me to build a lightweight and easy-to-carry tactical HF go-bag for my next activations at Arambhol and Mandrem beaches. You can learn more about this setup here.

Future Plans

In my next activation, I plan to experiment with full square loop antennas to further reduce noise and improve signal clarity. These antennas have the potential to enhance my overall operating experience and performance, particularly in noisy environments.

Activation Logs

For detailed accounts of these activations, you can refer to my blog pages:

•   Keri Beach Activation
•   Arambhol Beach Activation
•   Mandrem Beach Activation

Conclusion

Each BOTA activation is a learning experience, presenting new challenges and opportunities for growth. My recent activations reinforced the importance of preparation, adaptability, and strategic planning. By addressing these challenges head-on, I continue to refine my approach and enhance my skills, ensuring future activations are even more successful and enjoyable.

Stay tuned for more insights and experiences from the world of ham radio.