GB3NGI Radio Beacons


1296 MHz Beacon


Frequency: 1296.905 MHz
ERP: 15dBW
Heading: 45° and 135°
Locator: IO65VB27
Location: Slieve Annora
Keeper: Gordon Curry GI6ATZ



The 1296 MHZ Beacon uses the Next Generation Beacon hardware: -
http://www.rudius.net/oz2m/


BeaconParts


The reference 10 MHz Oscillator is derived from the GPSDO already in use for the 144 MHz beacon: -

http://www.jrmiller.demon.co.uk/projects/ministd/frqstd.htm

The Beacon has a final RF power level of 12 watts.


The beacon transmits JT4G on the even minutes and CW on the odd minutes in the following sequence: -

00:01 – 00:51 GB3NGI IO65VB in JT4G mode
00:52 – 01:00 GB3NGI IO65VB in CW
01:01 – 01:29 Plain Carrier
01:30 – 01:40 GB3NGI IO65VB in CW
01:41 – 02:00 Plain Carrier

The sequence then repeats

To decode the JT4G, tune the carrier to obtain a tone of 800Hz with the receiver set to USB, and the dial frequency reading 1296.9042. The JT4G will then be tuned in correctly.

The antennas used for the 1296 MHz beacon are a pair of Wimo PA23R panel antennas:-

https://www.wimo.com/en/pa-23r

The antennas are connected to the transmitter using Andrews LDF 6-50 cable. The antennas are 10 metres above ground level.





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