Andy @G8CPZ picked up on the SOTA MT proposing a similar challenge for 2026.
Here is a summary of their challenge:
2m/70cm SSB/CW
The MT believes this provides a great opportunity for interesting QSOs in the coming year. Many activators and chasers will have access to equipment already for these bands and modes - whether the old faithful FT-817 and FT-857s or newer options like the 2m option for the KX3, the timely CW modification to the cheap and cheerful Quansheng handhelds or the ubiquitous 2m transverter kits available on various auction sites for relatively low cost. Many antenna options are available, whether lightweight yagis, hentennas, oblongs, quads, flowerpots or J-poles (slim or otherwise). Many propagation modes are available. This should provide an interesting and challenging year for each individual participating, where the activators and chasers will have their work cut out to make QSOs under different conditions and via different means.
I’ve been thinking about what would work for WOTA. SOTA’s points scheme takes into account distance, but I don’t think that is so important for WOTA. However, having a crossover challenge with SOTA definitely will encourage people to enter both challenges.
My proposal therefore is as follows:
Supported Band/Mode Combinations
| Band | Mode | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 2m | CW | 1 |
| 2m | SSB | 1 |
| 70cm | CW | 1 |
| 70cm | SSB | 1 |
Purpose of the Challenge
The 2026 WOTA 2m / 70cm SSB & CW Challenge is intended to encourage increased use of these bands and modes within WOTA, promoting experimentation, portability, and VHF/UHF operating skills.
Activator Scoring
Each activator scores one point for each unique fell activated during 2026 for each qualifying band/mode combination on which at least one valid contact is made.
Chaser Scoring
An equivalent scheme should apply to chasers.
For chasers, one point is awarded for making one or more contacts with an activator using a qualifying band/mode combination.
- There is no restriction on unique fells for chasers.
- Scoring is limited to one point per activator, per fell, per day, per band/mode combination.
- Multiple QSOs with the same activator on the same fell, on the same day, using the same band/mode combination count for one point only.
Worked Example
Using my recent activation of Whitfell, Burn Moor & the Barrows as an example:
Activator Points
- LDO-005 Whitfell – 3 × 2 m / CW contacts → 1 point
- LDO-010 Burn Moor – 1 × 2 m / CW contact → 1 point
- LDO-009 Buck Barrow – 2 × 2 m / CW contacts → 1 point
- LDO-012 Kinmont Buck Barrow – 1 × 2 m / CW contact → 1 point
If contacts had also been made using other qualifying band/mode combinations, an additional point would be awarded for each combination.
The maximum activator score under this challenge is therefore 4 points per unique fell per year, achieved by making at least one contact on each of:
- 2 m / CW
- 2 m / SSB
- 70 cm / CW
- 70 cm / SSB
Chaser Points
One point is awarded for each qualifying band/mode combination worked with an activator.
- LDO-005 Whitfell – 1 × 2 m / CW contact with G0HIK, G6AEK & G4WPS → 1 point each
- LDO-010 Burn Moor – 1 × 2 m / CW contact with G8CPZ → 1 point
- LDO-009 Buck Barrow – 1 × 2 m / CW contact with G6AEK & G8CPZ → 1 point each
- LDO-012 Kinmont Buck Barrow – 1 × 2 m / CW contact with G6AEK → 1 point
The maximum chaser score is therefore 4 points per activator per fell per day, achieved by working an activator all four qualifying band/mode combinations.
Multiple contacts using the same band/mode combination with the same activator on the same fell on the same day count for one point only.
Rationale
The most significant design choice concerns how activator points are awarded. By scoring per unique fell rather than per contact, the scheme encourages activators to operate from a wider range of locations rather than focusing on maximising QSOs from a single site. This aligns well with the ethos of WOTA while remaining simple to understand and administer. It also means that activations that involve a large number of contacts relating to a contest such as RSGB backpackers do not skew results - it would be relatively easy, for example, to get 30 or 40 contacts on a single summit.
Limiting points to one point per band/mode combination avoids favouring activators involved in contests, while still rewarding experimentation across bands and modes. The symmetry between activator and chaser scoring, and the close alignment with the proposed SOTA challenge, should also make participation intuitive and attractive to those active in both programmes.