Terminology :
Here’s a breakdown of the terminology provided, explained clearly:
ROBOTA Bunker:
Refers to a bunker that’s listed on the main WWBOTA List. You can find the most up-to-date version of this list at https://wwbota.org/ and also on https://www.robota.org.ro/.
Qualifying sites reflect unique defence and infrastructure history and may include:
- Cold War–era military and civil defence installations
- Coastal defence batteries and fortifications
- Radar, communications, and early‑warning sites
- Underground command, control, and communications facilities
- Supporting military infrastructure with historical significance
Each site is researched, documented, and assigned a unique ROBOTA reference, which is fully compatible with the global WWBOTA system.
Activator:
An activator is a radio amateur station that operates near/from a bunker. In other words, they set up and conduct radio communications directly near/from a bunker location.
Hunter:
A hunter is a station that seeks out and communicates with activator stations. They engage in QSOs (radio contacts) with stations that are located at bunkers.
SWLs (Shortwave Listeners):
Log and submit verified receptions.
Safety and Permissions:
- Activators are advised to request permission from landowners and conduct a personal safety assessment before performing an activation.
- Listing a bunker on our ROBOTA reference list in no way indicates that a bunker or its vicinity is either safe or legal to enter. Always ask for permission.
- ROBOTA assumes no responsibility for issues arising from activating a bunker.
- ROBOTA is not responsible for an activator’s failure to secure proper access or for personal safety concerns.
Activation Guidelines:
- All existing bunkers and war shelters are eligible for activation.
- Activations must be portable or mobile, within a maximum radius of 1 km(1000m) from the bunker.
- Bunkers cannot be activated by fixed stations using mains power from a home location. However, “portable and mobile activations” from home locations are permitted, for example, from home gardens if they happen to fall within the activation zone.
- The use of /P and /M attached to the call sign is NOT required in Romania and is therefore recommended for ROBOTA activations.
- For valid ROBOTA Bunker activations, contact at least 25 stations. You can continue on other days if necessary.Digital modes are allowed (FT4/FT8)
- Activators can use all legal frequencies and modes, with the exception of repeaters or the internet, which are not permitted.
Activating more than one bunker at a time:
Normally, activating a bunker requires standing within its specific activation zone. However, when bunkers are placed close together, their activation zones can intersect.
Up to 5 bunkers can be activated at the same time but the activator must be within 1000m of every bunker’s given coordinates, i.e. only where all activation zones overlap (Venn diagram style).