Welcome to RSGB SSB Field Day 2026 with SADARS
On 5th–6th September 2026, the members of SADARS took part in the RSGB SSB Field Day as G3SAD/P, operating from a field near Letchworth, Hertfordshire.
Our day began at 10:00 am with plans to set up the station, although things didn’t quite go to plan! The farmer was away in a meeting and the gate to the field hadn’t been opened, so we spent an unexpected hour waiting. By 11:00 am we finally gained access and quickly got to work erecting the operating tent and antenna system.
For the weekend we used a full-size G5RV antenna, supported between two military fibreglass masts and securely guyed into position. The station itself consisted of the club’s Yaesu FT-991A, a laptop running the contest software, a SuperLux HMD-660 headset, and an MFJ-939 automatic antenna tuner.
The contest began at 2:00 pm BST on Saturday 5th September and continued for the full 24 hours, finishing at 2:00 pm BST on Sunday 6th September. We initially powered the station from a generator before switching over at dusk to a substantial 280 Ah battery, kindly supplied by Dave (M7WVX). Tim (G6DXY) also provided a Jackery power station, which ran the Behringer HA400 Micro Headphone Amplifier, allowing independent volume control for both the headset and external speaker. The MFJ-939 tuner was powered separately from a leisure battery, also provided by Tim.
By the end of the contest we had logged an impressive 463 QSOs, making contacts across the UK and Europe throughout the event. (Update: 406 confirmed QSO’s and came 10th in the Low Power Unassisted Section).
Several SADARS members camped overnight, adding to the enjoyable atmosphere and making the weekend as much a social event as a radio contest. Everyone who attended had a fantastic time, although one tradition was sadly missed—we never did get to see the chickens this year!
A huge thank you to everyone who helped with the setup, operation, and pack-down. We’re already looking forward to RSGB SSB Field Day 2027.
