John Burton G4TQE from Shropshire, United Kingdom has achieved the coveted SOTA 'Mountain Goat Award', for achieving 1000 activator points.

He did this with activation of Waun Fach GW/SW-002 in the Brecon Beacons, South Wales, earlier this year. Existing SOTA Mountain Goat Allan Jones GW4VPX was with him.

A series of themed challenges will take place in 2020, as part of the SOTA - Summits On The Air awards programme.

The idea is to encourage SOTA activity on bands and modes that are popular in amateur radio generally, but somewhat under-represented in SOTA.

The SOTA 'Flavours' Challenge 2020

• 1st - 7th January 2020: LF - 160m & 80m

• 1st - 7th February 2020: Datamodes

• 1st - 7th March 2020: Digital voice

• 1st - 7th April 2020: LF - 160m & 80m

• 1st - 7th May 2020: Datamodes

• 1st - 7th June 2020: 12m, 10m & 6m

• 1st - 7th July 2020: 70cm

• 1st - 7th August 2020: 17m

• 1st - 7th September 2020: Datamodes

• 1st - 7th October 2020: Digital voice

• 1st - 7th November 2020: LF - 160m & 80m

• 1st - 7th December 2020: 12m, 10m & 6m

The Radio Club of America (RCA) has announced its 2019 award recipients and fellows. Many of those being recognized are radio amateurs. Honorees will be feted at RCA’s 110th Banquet & Awards Presentation on Saturday 23rd November 2019, in New York City.