Welcome to BunkerBase 2
What is BunkerBase
BunkerBase was launched in December 2023 as the online database for UK Bunkers on the Air (UKBOTA). The first version of BunkerBase (1) reached its end of life in September 2025. BunkerBase 2 (BB2) is a direct replacement for the original version: it retains all core capabilities while adding a host of new and exciting features. BB2 uses a new data model and several modern technologies to ensure speed and accuracy, as well as providing a rich and visually attractive interface to UKBOTA data.
The use of BunkerBase 2 is not mandatory. UKBOTA supporters are welcome to activate, hunt, and claim awards without using BunkerBase. However, those participating in UKBOTA are strongly encouraged to use BunkerBase 2 for the most informed and immersive experience!
Accounts
BunkerBase 1 users (from bunkerbase.org) should use their previous log in details to log into BB2. New users will be required to register in order to save activation and hunter QSO details.
Password problems?
This site uses your old account details (including password) from bunkerbase.org, if you have forgotten your details then try a password reset.
Do not rely on auto-fill the first time you try to log on!
If you did not previously have a bunkerbase.org account you can go ahead a register a new account here.
If all else fails message one of the admin team and we will help you.
BunkerBase Structure and Navigation
BunkerBase 2 features three key areas, known as dashboards: the Bunker Dashboard, the Activator’s Dashboard, and the Hunter’s Dashboard. These dashboards can be accessed using the top menu under BunkerBase. Users who are not logged in will not see the Activator or Hunter pages in the sub-menu. The Activator’s and Hunter’s Dashboards are also linked to a personalized Map and Stats page showing statistical and mapped data, including awards earned, for the user’s UKBOTA activity.
The Bunker Dashboard (This is not a personalised dashboard and does not require the user to log in), it comprises:
1. A searchable, filterable and sortable list of all current UKBOTA bunkers.
2. A searchable , filterable, zoomable and configurable map of all UKBOTA bunkers. Using this map users can view:
(1) All UK bunkers (filterable),
(2) All previous UK bunker activations recorded on BunkerBase,
(3) All UKBOTA ATNO (All Time New Ones), ie. UKBOTA bunkers for which there is no record of a previous activation.
The Activator Dashboard (This is a personalised dashboard which requires the user to have registered with BunkerBase and to be logged in), it comprises:
1. An activation report form. This is where users can update the BunkerBase database with their new activations. New activation records update the activator’s personal log, awards scores, and also update the data on the ‘Activator Maps, Stats and Log‘ page.
2. A table of the last activations recorded by the activator.
Note: ADIF logs are NOT required by UKBOTA!
Plus a link to the activators map, statistics and full activation record.
The Hunter Dashboard (Like the Activator’s Dashboard, this is a personalised dashboard which requires the user to have registered with BunkerBase and to be logged in), it comprises:
1. An hunter QSO report form. This is where users can update the BunkerBase database with their hunter QSO. New hunter QSO records update the hunter’s personal log, awards scores, and also update the data on the ‘Hunter Maps, Stats and Log‘ page.
2. A table of the last recorded hunter QSO recorded by the hunter.
3. The latest WWBOTA Cluster feed (viewable only). This feed allows users to click on an active UKBOTA spots and auto-fill the hunter QSO report form.
Note: Short Wave Listeners are requested to record what they hear using the Hunter’s Dashboard.
BunkerBase 2 - coming soon
The following features are in testing and will be included in a BunkerBase 2 update (Phase 2) soon:
1. Autofill of Activator ADIF logs to the Activator Dashboard.
2. Bulk upload of Hunter ADIF logs.
BunkerBase 2 Guidance and Tips
Accounts and Callsigns
All records are assigned to the logged in username. The username must be the normal callsign of the user, eg. if you your usual callsign is MM1ABC then this is your username (no /P) added.
By using usernames as the users identity this allows many different callsigns and callsign combinations to be used by the same person, eg. MM1ABC could use (to quote just a few combinations): M1ABC, MM1ABC/M, MW1ABC/P and all activity will be credited to the same user.
Enter records as soon as possible
Activator and Hunter records can quickly pile up if they are not entered regularly. For frequent UKBOTA users, we recommend uploading “a little and often” to prevent things from mounting up and becoming a chore.
Many activators find it helpful to record their activations on the day of activation. This also benefits other activators by ensuring ATNO lists and maps are up-to-date. Many activators find using Ham2K Portable Logger (PoLo) significantly speeds up the recording process. Others choose to log on paper and later upload their activation record by transposing from paper to the form on the Activator’s Dashboard.
Many hunters find it helpful to record individual QSOs in real-time during or immediately after a QSO.
Why are hunter records not extracted automatically from activator records?
We are aware that a number of other “On the Air” programmes (though not all) do not require the hunter to enter any QSO information in order to be credited for individual QSOs or to collect awards.
UKBOTA, on the other hand, separates activator and hunter records — i.e., hunter records are not automatically extracted from activator logs. There are both advantages and disadvantages to the UKBOTA methodology and way of working:
✅ In UKBOTA, hunters do not rely on an activator uploading a log in order to claim awards.
✅ In UKBOTA, hunters do not depend on the accuracy of the activator’s log.
✅ If a hunter uploads their own record of a QSO, they receive 100% credit — 100% of the time — as soon as the entry is made in BunkerBase.
✅ The UKBOTA methodology allows SWLs (Shortwave Listeners) to take part in the programme.
✅ All UKBOTA logging and awards claims are based entirely on trust.
✅ Activators who do not log digitally are not pressured into uploading digital logs.
ℹ️ There is a little more work required from UKBOTA hunters compared to some other award programmes.