JOTA-JOTI is the largest Scouting event in the world with over 1.3 million Scouts participating across 150+ countries. Scouts and Guides across the world connect with each other during JOTA-JOTI using the airwaves and the internet.
JOTA is a spectacular opportunity to introduce Scouts to amateur radio. For many, this will be their first exposure to the world of ham radio. Some will go on to become hams, enjoying the hobby for a lifetime. A few will even find the basis of a career in science and technology.
The event has been held the third weekend of October since 1957.
The next Jota will be 16-18 October 2020
Why is there a JOTA-JOTI ?
Jamboree on the Air – Jamboree on the Internet (JOTA-JOTI) is a fun and exciting annual experience for all young people in Scouting using the widest range of technology communication channels to educate, promote cultural awareness, develop tolerance, as well as enhance sharing, collaboration and teamwork, along with building a sense of belonging to the worldwide Scout Movement. It is a “travel-free” Jamboree that takes place wherever you are in the world
JOTA-JOTI Purpose
Jamboree on the Air – Jamboree on the Internet (JOTA-JOTI) is a fun and exciting annual experience for all young people in Scouting using the widest range of technology communication channels to educate, promote cultural awareness, develop tolerance, as well as enhance sharing, collaboration and teamwork, along with building a sense of belonging to the worldwide Scout Movement. It is a “travel-free” Jamboree that takes place wherever you are in the world.
JOTA-JOTI Description
Jamboree on the Air – Jamboree on the Internet promotes a Scout’s sense of belonging to the worldwide Scout Movement and builds cultural awareness, develops tolerance, advocates sharing and collaboration as well as demonstrates teamwork.
It provides exciting opportunities for young people to explore technology and to develop technical skills including fostering innovation and creativity through communicating with other Scouts. A wide range of activities using communication technology are the chief methods of attaining these goals.
JOTA-JOTI strives for a meaningful engagement of as many young people from as many parts of the world as possible annually on the third weekend in October. This weekend is also an occasion to celebrate Scouting and to generate positive energy to support the development of the Scout Movement.
The event seeks to promote quality Scouting in a manner faithful to the purpose, principles and method of Scouting and consistent with the needs and aspirations of young people in today’s world.
The JOTA-JOTI programme shall be a reflection of the Promise, Law, Principles and Method of Scouting, as defined by the WOSM Constitution, and shall also reflect the most up-to-date policies and initiatives of WOSM relating to youth programme for all ages.
JOTA Operating Rules
- All radio operators must operate their station strictly in accordance with FCC regulations.
- Stations should try to contact each other by calling “CQ Jamboree” or “CQ JOTA” or by answering other stations sending this call.
- Any authorized amateur radio frequency may be used. It is suggested that the frequencies listed below be used, at least for a starting point. Once contact is established, you can move to another frequency to leave the calling frequency open for others.
- Any amateur mode of operation can be used such, as CW, SSB, PSK, SSTV, FM, and satellite. The more modes in operation, the more exciting the event will be for the Scouts.
- JOTA is not a contest. The idea is to contact other Scout stations and allow as many Scouts as possible to talk to other Scouts and learn about who they are and what they are doing. You might think about counting the Scouts on both sides of the QSO rather than the number of QSOs!
SPECIAL ADVICE FOR COVID-19 MEASURES
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to unprecedented measures in almost every country. Luckily, the JOTA-JOTI event will not be affected as much as other events, as participants are able to take part from any location, anytime during the weekend, with any number of Scouts.
Nevertheless, some safety considerations need to be taken into account. Please check your local regulations effective at the time of the event, particularly in regard to the maximum number of people that allowed to gather in one space.
Social distancing:
Radio signals can bridge thousands of kilometres around the globe. So certainly, they can operate at 1.5 or 2 meter distance at your local station. Ask your radio operator to install a microphone lead of 2 meters or more, so your Scouts can keep a distance from the operator. Alternatively, you can use wireless microphones on bluetooth, or even separate walkie-talkies to get your audio to your radio transmitter.
You may also place radio stations outdoors, for example at a Scout camp, where there is ample space to keep distances. Radio amateurs will be pleased with the large space to set up the antennas.
Hygiene:
Take care of extra cleaning at your station, in particular microphones and keyboards used by more than one person. You can place transparent screens between participants and / or radio operators. Also take additional measures for food and drinks at your radio station.
Different locations:
Is it possible for your Scout group to not be present at the same location? Ask your radio amateur to connect two or more locations together electronically so you can all enjoy the same event. Ask him about a short-link amateur television (ATV) connection or using station remote control over a wifi link.
Activities:
Several fun activities can be offered to Scouts almost unchanged, including a morse code game with stations in separated rooms connected by wire, or foxhunting where individual Scouts try to locate small transmitters hidden outside in the field. Is the morse code too difficult or fast? Try one of the decoder apps on your smartphone and discover what is behind these mysterious beeps on the radio. More programme suggestions will follow soon.
Be creative and focus on what is possible and safe to do.
JOTA Suggested Frequencies
- All frequencies are shown as megahertz.
- Primary HF recommendations are for General Class licensees. Technicians may take advantage of 10 m and VHF/UHF for voice communications.
- After contact is made on Calling Channel or frequency, move to another channel or frequency for QSO.
- Experiment with modes prior to JOTA or Radio Scouting demo. ‘Murphy’s Law’ prevails!
- Use web search tools to find lots of helpful information about any of the modes commonly used for JOTA and Radio Scouting.
- WOSM (World Organization of the Scouting Movement) calling frequencies are shown to indicate center of international activity.
World Wide JOTA HF Frequencies
| Band | SSB (phone) | CW (Morse) |
| 80 m | 3.690 & 3.940 MHz | 3.570 MHz |
| 40 m | 7.090 & 7.190 MHz | 7.030 MHz |
| 20 m | 14.290 MHz | 14.060 MHz |
| 17 m | 18.140 MHz | 18.080 MHz |
| 15 m | 21.360 MHz | 21.140 MHz |
| 12 m | 24.960 MHz | 24.910 MHz |
| 10 m | 28.390 MHz | 28.180 MHz |
| 6 m | 50.160 MHz | 50.160 MHz |
European JOTA Frequencies
JOTA isa worldwide event, and JOTA staions in Euripe are looking for contacts. To avoid a conflcit with the Worked All Germany contenst, European JOTA stations will be active on these band segments:
| 80 m | CW 3.560-3.800 kHz | SSB 3.650-3.700 kHz |
| 40 m | CW 7.040-7.200 kHz | SSB 7.080-7.140 kHz |
| 20 m | CW 14.060-14.350 kHz | SSB 14.100-14.125 kHZ and 14.280-14.350 kHZ |
| 15 m | SSB 21.350-21.450 kHz | |
| 10 m | SSB 28.225-28.400 kHz |
2 Meter FM Simplex
147.450, 147.480, 147.510, 147.540* * Use 147.540 as Calling Channel. Always listen first to avoid interfering with another QSO or auxiliary or control link. Avoid 146.520, the National FM Simplex Calling Frequency, as well as 146.550, which is commonly used by mobiles and RVers.
70 CM FM Simplex
446.000*, 445.950, 446.050, 446.100, 446.150 * Use 446.000 as Calling Channel. Always listen first to avoid interfering with another QSO or auxiliary or control link.
D-STAR
REF033A has been allocated as a full-time JOTA/Radio Scouting D-STAR Reflector. After contact is established, stations should disconnect from REF033A and connect to one or other repeater or migrate to an unused Reflector.
SIMPLEX Channels: 145.670*, 145.640, 145.610, 438.010. * 145.670 and 438.010 are commonly used as the National D-STAR Simplex Channels and should be used only as Calling Channels for JOTA. Always listen first to avoid interfering with another QSO.
DMR
All wide area talkgroups are permitted for use for JOTA for establishing contacts. After contact is established, stations should utilize as few resources as possible. For international, national, and regional QSO’s, stations should move their transmissions to one of the DMR-MARC UA talkgroups or to the DCI TAC-310 talkgroup.
For intrastate contacts, stations may use their area’s statewide talkgroup (if applicable). The use of your repeater’s local talkgroup (if applicable) is always permitted.
SIMPLEX Channels: 441.0000*, 446.5000, 446.0750, 433.4500, 145.7900*, 145.5100. All simplex frequencies operate on time-slot 1 and use color code 1. (*are commonly used as the National DMR Simplex Channels and should be used only as Calling Channels for JOTA. Always listen first to avoid interfering with another QSO.)
Need More Information?
Go to scouting.org/jota, for the information provided by the Boy Scouts of America.
Information is also available from the ARRL at arrl.org/jamboree-on-the-air-jota.