Welcome!

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

Annual General Meeting on 27th February by Tom 2E0ONX

The Society’s AGM will be held this Friday, 1st March from 20:00 at the Old Town Community Centre in Eastbourne.

Talk by Callum McCormick M0MCX (YouTube DXCommander) on 19th January by Tom 2E0ONX

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.

2024 renewals now due on 3rd January by Tom 2E0ONX

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.

Welcome to 2024. on 1st January by 2E1PJJ

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 !

Merry Christmas 2023 on 24th December by 2E1PJJ

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

Christmas Cumulative Contests on 21st December by Barry G8DXU

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.

1.8 MHz Club Calls AFS (Phone) Contest 11.11.23 on 10th November by Barry G8DXU

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!

Annual Dinner on 6th November by Tom 2E0ONX

We’re pleased to announce the return of the club’s Annual Dinner, to be held on Saturday 20th January 2024 at the Langham Hotel in Eastbourne (19:00 for 19:30). We have again arranged this several months in advance to ensure a competitive rate of £32 per person (including tip). For further information and to confirm your choices and transfer of the appropriate amount, please use this online form:

https://sars.club/members/sars-annual-dinner-form/

Bank details and instructions can also be found on the above page.

Please note that the last day for RSVPs will be Saturday 2nd December so that the Langham can make the necessary arrangements.

We look forward to seeing you on the evening!

AMBERLEY MUSEUM Classic Land Rover Day on 22nd September by Barry G8DXU

Three members will be exhibiting their vehicles at this event on the 8th of October. Ranging from early series One examples to Defender 110. There will be many exhibits that trace the history of these iconic vehicles.

For those not necessarily interested in vehicles, the Amberley Museum has a very good display of classic radios and Televisions. These range from early domestic to communications receivers and Transceivers. There is also a good display of heavy electrical power engineering and much more.

70 MHz AFS Contest, Sunday 17th on 12th September by Barry G8DXU

The first in the AFS series of contests starts this Sunday 17th September.

Running between 0900-1200 UTC members will be participating from our Beachy Head site. Our callsign will be G1KAR/P using the LFA beam and IC-7300

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