The Southdown Amateur Radio Society is a club for anybody interested in amateur radio, with members across the South Downs and even other countries.
We usually meet on a weekly basis at our Beachy Head radio site, as well as once a month in our Eastbourne-based club rooms.
We have members interested in everything from CW to modern data mode and participate in many contests each year – you can read more about what we get up to on the blog, or below.
Latest News
Beachy Head Radio Site (BHRS) Temporary Closure
Members will have already seen an email to advise that the site is TEMPORARILY closed. This action is so that necessary maintenance and safety work can be carried out.
We have already repaired the generator and also need to enact some work, such as PAT Testing on all mains powered equipment. Your committee have already met on site to determine the best way forward. And we will be tidying the compound with some work having already commenced.
Committee members will be completing a full asset inventory and reinstating equipment in the shack ready of operational use. The BHRS safety guidelines are also being updated to include some new items. The new issue will be available on our website in due course. We trust that members will be patient whilst these actions are embodied, which should enhance the site for all users.
More information will be posted here as it becomes available from the committee.
Barry G8DXU BHRS site manager.
Please remember to check out the Members Forum and our WhatsApp goups.
for club members that missed filling the form in ,at the club meeting the other month.
The Society’s AGM will be held this Friday, 1st March from 20:00 at the Old Town Community Centre in Eastbourne.
Our February’s meeting will be a talk from Callum M0MCX, aka @DXCommanderHQ on YouTube. The meeting will take place at 8pm on Friday 2nd February at the Old Town Community Centre as usual.
Your subs are now due for 2024, as of 1st January! Please check this page for fees, and see the members forum if you need the club’s bank details.
S.A.R.s first friday of the month , club meeting is Friday 5th January 2024. The theme is : bring along any Christmas projects you have been doing or Christmas gifts that are radio related. Be interesting to see ..Tea ,coffee and biscuits will be available to purchase from the kiosk !
On behalf of Southdown amateur Radio Society , Committee members and myself , I would like to thank everybody connected to the club for all the time, effort, support and dedication that’s been selflessly given to ensure we have a brilliant ,contest winning club ! I would also like to take this opportunity, to wish you and your loved ones all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year but more than anything, STAY SAFE and I hope to see you all in the New Year.
Jane Chairperson 2E1PJJ
These short duration VHF contests are running as usual this year. Starting with 50 MHz then 70 MHz, 144 MHz and finally 432 MHz on successive days. Boxing Day sees the first event on 6m with all starting at 1400 and finishing at 1600. Whilst all modes are permitted, most activity is on the SSB section of the bands.
Tim M0THM and Kevin M7KST will be operating G1KAR/P from our Beachy Head site, with the possible assistance of others. Members are welcome to visit us but are reminded that at this time of year, the access track may only be suitable for four wheel drive vehicles. We would appreciate calls from any station on the above bands during these events.
Members are reminded that the above event takes place tomorrow evening from 2000-2300 UTC. Individual members of SARS can and indeed, are encouraged to participate in these AFS events, mobile, portable or from their home QTH. Membership of the RSGB is not a requirement. SSB entries should use frequencies between 1892-1990 kHz.
Exchange is Serial, starting 001 then report plus “Club Member” and club identifier “SDWN” for Southdown. Full rules can be found on the RSGB website. See “Operating” and HF contests. This is one occasion when Top Band really comes alive and is at least worth a listen!