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 meet on a weekly basis at one of our two radio sites, 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
The results for the Christmas Cumulative Contests have now been published by the RSGB.
SARS have achieved 2nd place (Runner-Up) in the Open section of the 50MHz (6 metre) event. This is thanks to those members who gave up their time to participate on each of the three days after Boxing Day.
There was a good attendance from members at the societies Beachy Head site for participation by G1KAR/P in this event.
Weather was excellent, allowing deployment of two dedicated dipoles for 80m and 40m. These bands were very active giving plenty of stations to contact using the IC-7300 and Henry 1KD-5 linear amplifier on its trial run after repair by G8DXU.
There was an unexpected and interesting gathering of Land Rovers on Saturday 26th of October at the societies Beachy Head.Radio Site.
Pictured from left to right, Defender 110 FFR (Tithonus) 2.5 N/A owned by Barry G8DXU, Defender 90 2.5 N/A owned by Ferg M0SIP, visiting from Wales. Both of these vehicles being 34 years old. Defender 90 300 TDi owned by SARS Treasurer Richard, 2E0JXU with an excellent Series One manufactured in 1948 brought along by Dr Jon M0JAO.
It is recognised that not all members have an interest in Land Rovers but will hopefully appreciate that these vehicles are ideal for amateur radio purposes. The Fitted for Radio (FFR) vehicles have HF and VHF antenna mounts, separate batteries and 2kW alternator.
As four wheel drive vehicles with low ratio gears and the ability to lock the differential, these are ideal for accessing remote sites for portable and contest operations. The society has an increasing number of members with military vehicles. eg Defender 110 FFR, Defender Wolf FFR, FV432 Armoured personnel carrier, Daimler Ferret Armoured, LR Series One 1949.
SARS is pleased to offer training for the foundation licence which enables new members to use compliant military radio equipment on amateur frequencies.
