SSB Field Day 2021

Band conditions and QSO numbers were generally similar to the last 'normal' running of this event in 2019 and overall entry levels were maintained due to an increase in the number of non-UK&CD stations submitting logs.  The majority of contacts were made on the 3.6, 7 and 14MHz bands and there was some very limited Sporadic E on 28MHz.  21MHz was more productive this year compared to 2019 with plenty of Eu multipliers available plus some DX in the form of 4L, 4X, 5B4, 7Z, A4, OD, UA9, UN, VR2 and VU from Asia, V5 from Africa and PY from South America.

Logs were received from other European societies which allows more rigorous cross checking.  Incorrect copying of callsigns was the main cause of errors and loss of points and multipliers.

There were fewer problems with defective registrations this year so thanks to everyone for ensuring submission of accurate details first time and prompt corrections where queries were raised.  However for your registration to be accepted entrants should note the deadline is 7 days before the contest.  This allows time for organising inspections to minimise travelling between different locations and for additional site access information to be obtained if required.  All inspections carried out this year found compliance with the rules and a friendly reception for the inspectors.

Since the introduction of the Low Power Unassisted Portable section in 2017 and ignoring 2020 which allowed only single operator portable, the section has been won every year by the Sussex Downs CG.  The two man team of G4BVH and G4FNL have once again captured the top spot for 2021 and with it the Northumbria Trophy.  In second place and up from third in 2019 is Reading & DARC G3ULT/P, while Yorkshire Amateur Radio Friends G1K/P are just behind in third place.  There were four non-UK&CD entries, SP3W/P is the leading station with ON8GE/P in second place.  MW1LCR/P in overall 6th place was the leading single operator station.

The leading station in the High Power Assisted Portable section is R3KBO/P, a six man team from Voronezh Russia with S50X/P as the next highest non-UK&CD team in overall third place.  The leading UK&CD station is Camb-Hams G3PYE/P in overall second place with Gordano ARG M0TSL/P awarded the UK&CD second place certificate and Oxford & DARS G5LO/P third.

The QRP Unassisted Portable section had just one entry from overseas, a single operator effort from PF5T/P who is awarded a first place certificate.  There is a Trophy available for the leading UK&CD station which has not been awarded since 2016.

The QRP Get on the Air, Renewable Energy, Unassisted Portable section attracted three entries this year and in first place is G3VYI/P.  Mike operated in two sessions on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning for the six hours total operating time making 50 QSOs.  In second place and the leading non-UK&CD station is S50TTT/P (S55SM).

The Fixed station section usually has a number of non-UK entries, this year was no exception and the two highest places were taken by overseas stations.  Top spot is a multi-op entry from 3Z7H in Grabina Poland with K3ZO the second highest non-UK&CD.  In third place and the highest placed UK&CD entrant is MW6M (GW4BVJ) with G3MXH and G3R (G0CDA) second and third UK&CD respectively.

John G4CZB