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While
various types of beacons are on the air, the amateur
radio beacons are of interest to us. These beacons are
operated
by amateur radio operators or clubs to help others with a
clue to the opening of the band to their area.
The International Beacon Project (IBP)
is of greatest use to us, as the different beacons of
many countries are allowed to operate
on the same known frequencies, from 20 metres to 10
metres changing frequencies every 10 seconds. Apart from
the band
opening conditions, you will find whether propagation for
QRP and QRPP exists or not, by listening to these beacons.
Each of the
beacons transmits for ten seconds on each frequency, in
the sequence shown below. They send their call sign at 22
wpm and 100
watts power followed by four one second dashes at 100w,
10w, 1 wand 0.1 w of power. All the beacons in this
project are using
TS-50 equipment, Crushcraft R-5 multiband vertical
antenna and a Trimble Navigation GP receiver to ensure
synchronization,
with a control unit built by Northern California OX
foundation (NCOXF). There are 17 beacons working already
and the
18th-and the last one is about to start working from
China with the Call VR2HK. The whole set of beacons
can be heard every three minutes on a given frequency, in
rotation,
on 14100, 18110, 21150, 24930 and 28200 khz, all the 24
hrs.
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If you are interested in knowing all
about the solar activity and related propagation
predictions, then tune into OK / WCY
on 10144.6 Khz from Scheggerot (Grid Loc JO44VQ) with 10w,
an omni directional horizontal loop antenna, all the 24
hrs.
This beacon gives indications about aurora, basic solar/geophysical
information and forecasts, all in CW,
including R and A index numbers too as observed in
Boulder and Kiel.
Careful monitoring of 10m from about 28150 to 28300 khz
will get you hundreds of beacons operated by various
countries in
A 1 A and F1 modes. Some of them transmit a signal in
parallel on 6 m also. For more information about all the
amateur radio
beacons and their frequencies etc. be in touch with your
club station, who has members with latest information to
share.
Frequency List
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