Simple beacon controller

    Detailed here within is a simple beacon transmitter controller. Originally developed to be integrated into either a 2m or 70cm FM transmitter for use as an aid to propagation investigations, or as part of a hidden transmitter i.e. FOX hunts.

    The beacon controller presents a keyed 600Hz tone at a level suitable for direct connection to the microphone input of most modern commercially built transceivers, a closing contact for transmitter keying, and three indicator LED's to show the controllers current operational status.

Design concept:

    The design concepts primary goals were as follows:

• Identification by callsign in morse code at 12wpm, at the beginning and end of each period of transmission.

• Transmission period of two minutes, followed by an eight minute pause prior to the next transmission period.

• All signalling and keying to be generated on board.

• Low power consumption.

• A small and compact.

• Simple to build, and easy to set up.

• Easy to replicate design, using readily available components.

        Simple Beacon Controller System schematic:

        Simple Beacon Controller component placement / layout:

        Simple Beacon Controller PCB bottom trace:

        Simple Beacon Controller Resultant software:

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