Heritage on the Air — keeping history alive through amateur radio
HOTA (Heritage on the Air) is an amateur radio group that strives to motivate radio amateurs to learn more about history, and to keep history alive by activating a multitude of historical sites on SSB, AM, FM, CW and even with Heliographs.
HOTA operates under the auspices of the Bo-Karoo Amateur Radio Club, South Africa. It brings together amateur radio operators — “hams” — who share a passion for both the hobby and the rich heritage of the South African landscape.
The evolution of an idea — from heliographs to heritage
Jannie Smith (ZS3CM) came up with the idea of activating Anglo-Boer War heliograph points using amateur radio. This initial concept lit the fire that would become HOTA.
Tjaart van der Walt (ZS3DR) started thinking about breaking the world record for the longest heliograph link. The idea quickly gained traction, and a group began working on bringing it to life.
Steve Brooks (ZS3SB) and Tjaart developed the HOTA concept into a full amateur radio initiative. Steve created the Excel spreadsheet scoring system used to calculate contest scores for chasers and activators.
HOTA evolved from “Heliographs on the Air” to “History on the Air”, and finally to “Heritage on the Air” — reflecting its broadened scope to cover all facets of South Africa’s rich heritage.
ZS3CM
Originated the idea of activating heliograph points of the Anglo-Boer War with amateur radio.
ZS3DR
Pursued the heliograph world record concept and helped develop the HOTA initiative.
ZS3SB
Co-developed the HOTA idea and created the scoring spreadsheet system.
The people and organisations who made this website possible
Xenolabs Software
This website was proudly sponsored by Xenolabs Software, providing the infrastructure and resources to keep HOTA online.
xenolabs.co.zaZS6SHZ
Shaun Scholtz
Website design, development, and ongoing maintenance by Shaun Scholtz.