SSB Field Day 2019

Overall QSO numbers and points were a little down on the last two years with the majority of contacts on 3.6, 7 and 14 MHz as expected at this point in the solar cycle.  However useful multipliers and contacts were to be found on both 21 and 28 MHz.  Sporadic E on 28 MHz provided Eu QSOs just after the contest started and again on Sunday morning. 21 MHz was devoid of any DX this year but yielded plenty of Eu multipliers.  Entry levels were up on the previous year in all sections except the QRP Portable and QRP 'Renewable Energy - Portable'.

Logs were received from other European societies which allows more rigorous cross checking.  As with last year, one or two 'odd' callsigns caused a few problems with accurate logging.

Registration by entrants to allow inspection by representatives of the HFCC and CSC was introduced three years ago to put this contest into line with CW Field Day.  Registration is required to be eligible to win an award.  Unfortunately some entrants still seem to find difficulty in supplying a valid NGR and sufficient detail to enable an inspector who may be unfamiliar with the area to find their station.  There were also quite a few registrations that missed the deadline by several days.  Remember that an inspection of the site may also be carried out before the contest starts to ensure that no part of the station has been assembled more than 24 hours in advance so precise details are essential.  This year nine entrants had to be contacted to request either a valid NGR or further information before their registration could be accepted.  A valid NGR (National Grid Reference) consists of two letters followed by six numbers, not five!  Please use the link on the registration form to check that the NGR you have is correct before you submit the form.  Fortunately this year there were no wasted journeys due to 'no-shows'.  Note that registration is not required for Fixed stations or the QRP 'Renewable Energy - Portable' section.

In the Low Power Unassisted Portable section the top three places were the same as last year with Sussex Downs CG G4FNL/P in first place followed by Yorkshire Amateur Radio Friends M0YRF/P in second and Reading & DARC G3ULT/P in third.  Sussex Downs CG are awarded the Northumbria Trophy for the third year running.  The certificate for the highest placed single operator entry goes to RAF Waddington ARC M0ORY/P.  There were three non UK&CD entries, OH1ZA/P operated by  OH1ZAA was the leading non-UK station, in 27th position overall.

In 2018 Milton Keynes ARS entered the Low Power Assisted section with a simple antenna for fun and experience, this year with a more elaborate antenna array and a superior multiplier count over Scarborough ARS G4BP/P they take the top spot.  The certificate for third place is awarded to Grampian Hilltoppers GM5G/P.  There was just one non UK&CD entry from US4QWA/P operated by UR4QTP and UV5QQ.

The QRP Portable section attracted just one entry from Chorley & DARS M6OXO/P.

This is the second year of running the QRP 'Renewable Energy - Portable' section and Addiscombe ARC G4ALE/P operated by Mike G3VYI are once again the leading station.  In second place is a first time entry from Rugby ATS M0KNV/P with PA0CLM/P in overall third and the highest placed non-UK&CD entry.

The Fixed section attracted almost double last year's entries and the overall leader is RW1F located in St. Petersburg, Russia.  In seventh place but second highest non-UK&CD is K3ZO followed by EU1WW operated by EU1W.  In second place overall and leading UK&CD station is Furness ARS G3RXQ followed by MW6M (GW4BVJ) and G4HVC.

John G4CZB