Amateur radio is not just a tool for communication; it is a bridge. Making calls to the world from castles that carry the traces of the past is one of the most exciting experiences in building this bridge. With our TC7COTA (Castles on the Air) project, we brought the echoes of many historical castles in the Black Sea region to the airwaves, merging history with technology.
COTA: A Modern Way to Explore History
Castles on the Air is an event aimed at bringing historic structures into the world of amateur radio. In these activities, each castle tells a story, and each contact becomes a part of that story. We had the chance to share the rich heritage of the Black Sea region with the world through the calls that resonated on the airwaves.
The architect of this unique adventure and the coordinator of Turkey’s COTA program, TA7H Furkan, has led the way with the vision of introducing our historical heritage to the amateur radio world. Under his leadership, we discovered the power of amateur radio while diving into the depths of history.
Equipment and Preparations
Working from historical castles also requires technical preparation. For our COTA activities, we used the following equipment:
- FT-857: Compact and powerful, perfect for field operations.
- ENFWT antenna and dipoles: These lightweight and portable antennas were a great help in the challenging terrain of the castles.
- Power Supply: The battery of my 2000 model car became our faithful source of power.
Each castle was not just a historical structure but also a challenge that we overcame by dealing with difficult conditions.
History and Amateur Radio: Living Time on the Airwaves
COTA activities offer a unique perspective by placing amateur radio within a historical context. The roots of amateur radio, like those of these castles, are built on resilience and creativity. In these activities, learning the stories of the castles and bringing them to life on the airwaves demonstrated that amateur radio can be a cultural tool as well.
A Message to the World via Frequencies
During our operations, we had the opportunity to share information about the history of the castles while connecting with local and international amateurs. This was not just a radio contact but also a historical conversation and a cultural exchange.
In conclusion, these efforts that combine history and technology prove how vast and vibrant the world of amateur radio is. The calls that started from historic castles echoed around the globe.
73&88 de TA7YLY Merzuke
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