Important! Field Day 2026: Deadlines and rules for the logs
The antennas have been taken down, the QSOs are in the bag. But let’s be honest: who actually reads the entire set of regulations from A to Z before a contest? That’s precisely why we’ve picked out a few key points for the SSB Field Day 2026 that you absolutely must bear in mind to avoid any nasty surprises.
8 days – and the clock is ticking
After Field Day, you have 8 days to submit your log. Not 9, not ‘when I get round to it at the weekend’, and certainly not ‘I thought my mate would sort it out’. Logs must be submitted via the USKA’s web-based user interface: https://contestlog.uska.ch. Exception for our SWLs: SWL logs may be sent by email to contest@uska.ch.
Sent does not mean received
Your log is only considered accepted once you have received a confirmation of receipt by email from the evaluator. No confirmation? Then please also check the place where important emails occasionally end up, lost between ‘You’ve inherited 12 million’ and ‘Your parcel could not be delivered’: the spam folder.
Cabrillo – and nothing else
Only the Cabrillo format is accepted. PDFs, Excel files, Word documents, a photo of the logbook or an artfully inscribed napkin from the Field Day barbecue may well have their charm – but unfortunately, they are of no help to us when it comes to evaluating the logs. For one-man stations, the following also applies: the prescribed rest periods must be listed in the log under SOAPBOX: or OFFTIME:.
Soapbox: This is where you can really let your human side shine
It’s not just QSOs we’re interested in. You can also submit reports and photos of your Field Day experiences via the Soapbox. Whether it’s a perfect antenna setup, an improvised mast, rain, sunshine, a culinary masterpiece or the story of why that one particular cable just happened to be lying around at home – we’d love to hear your impressions.
Include your call sign – it makes the evaluators happy
Please name your files using your call sign, for example: HB9A.CBR, HB9A.ALL, HB9A.LOG. This makes it much easier to match them up and prevents any exciting guessing games during the contest evaluation.
No additional signature required
By submitting your log electronically, you automatically confirm that you have complied with the contest rules and licence regulations. No additional written declaration is required.
And the most important recommendation to end with: please do read the full, revised Field Day regulations 2026 anyway. Because this article is about as much of a substitute for the regulations as a dummy load is for a good DX antenna.
Dominik HB9CZF looks forward to receiving your Cabrillo log, which should reach him within 8 days.
73 and good luck at the SSB Field Day 2027!
Andy, HB9JOE
Head of Radio Sports at the USKA
