I am trying to create a second logbook under our club account to run our GOTA call sign. Is this something that can be done?
Yes you can use WRL for the GOTA logging but there are some caveats to comply with per the ARRL Rules. I have some outlined below, sorry it is a bunch.
You will need to us a separate callsign for the GOTA station. You use the Class and Section of the main station but it must be a different callsign per ARRL Field Day rules.
If your Field Day group is operating in the Class A or F category, and are at least a two-transmitter entry, you have two more ways of adding operating excitement to your event. Groups at 2A or 2F (or higher) may add a dedicated GET ON THE AIR station (GOTA) that uses a call sign that is different from the primary station call. This station may be operated by newly licensed amateurs and other generally inactive licensees. Non-licensed individuals may participate in this station, but only under the direct supervision of a properly licensed control operator. It may be operated on any Field Day band (HF or VHF) or mode, provided it is under the direct supervision of a control operator that has license privileges that includes that band and mode. The complete guidelines are found in Field Day Rule 4.1.1. as well as in two FAQs in this packet.
The GOTA station gives out the same exchange as its parent station but MUST use a unique call sign.
4.1.1. Get On The Air (GOTA) Station (updated for 2025): Any Class A or F entry may also operate one additional station without changing its base entry category, known as the Get On The
Air (GOTA) station. This GOTA station may operate on any Field Day band, HF or VHF, but is limited to one GOTA station transmitted signal at any time.
4.1.1.1. This station must use a different callsign from the primary Field Day station. The GOTA station must use the same callsign for the duration of the event regardless if operators change. The GOTA station uses the same exchange as its parent.
4.1.1.2. The GOTA station may be operated by any person licensed since the previous year’s Field Day, regardless of license class. It may also be operated by a generally inactive licensee. Non-licensed persons may participate under the direct supervision of an appropriate control operator. A list of operators and participants must be included on the required summary sheet to ARRL HQ.
4.1.1.3. As per FCC rules, this station must have a valid control operator present at the control point if operating beyond the license privileges of the participant using the station.
4.1.1.4. The maximum transmitter output power for the GOTA station shall be 100 watts. If the primary Field Day group is claiming the QRP multiplier level of five (5), the maximum transmitter output power of the GOTA station may not exceed 5 watts.
4.1.1.5. There is no limit to the number of contacts made by the GOTA station. QSOs made by this station may be claimed for credit by its primary Field Day operation. In addition, bonus points may be earned by this station under rule 7.3.13.
4.1.1.6. The GOTA station may operate on any Field Day band. Only one transmitted signal is allowed from the GOTA station at any time.
4.1.1.7. The GOTA station does not affect the additional VHF/UHF station provided for under Field Day Rule 4.1.2. for Class A stations.
4.1.1.8. Participants are reminded that non-licensed participants working under the direction of a valid control operator may only communicate with other W/VE stations or with stations in countries with which the US has entered a third-party agreement.
4.1.1.9. The GOTA station does not qualify as an additional transmitter when determining the number of transmitters eligible for the 100-point emergency power bonus under Rule 7.3.1.
Yes there are a lot of Rules concerning the GOTA station, but I can provide a great experience for new/inactive hams and the general public.
Hopefully that will help. It is from the ARRL Field Day site, in the 2025 Field Day Packet.
73
Rodney
AE5TX
I am the control operator for out clubs GOTA station and I setup a separate free account with dedicated callsign for logging the GOTA contacts.
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Thanks Rodney!
Also, today, I think creating a separate account as Rodney mentioned is the best option, because you can only have one field day logbook per account.
You could create another logbook in the same account, but it wouldn’t have the necessary section and class fields.
So, I think it is best to use a separate account, or use the Notes field to mark the GOTA contacts for correction later.
Thank you. That is the answer I was looking for. I was hoping GOTA would fit in the same account.
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