50 MHz Beacon
Frequency: 50.004 MHz and 50.462 MHz
ERP: 21dBW
Heading: Omni
Locator: IO65VB27
Location: Slieve Annora
Keeper: Gordon Curry GI6ATZ
The 50 MHZ Beacon is part of the Synchronised Beacon Project (SBP) : -
https://rudius.net/oz2m/sbp/
The beacon operates on two frequencies. During time-periods 3 and 4 it transmits on 50.004 MHz and for the rest of the 5 minute SBP cycle it transmits on 50.462MHz. The beacon uses the Next Generation Beacon hardware: - http://www.rudius.net/oz2m/
The reference 10 MHz Oscillator for the beacon source is derived from a GPS Disciplined Oscillator designed and built by James Miller G3RUH. More information on the GPSDO can be found here: -
http://www.jrmiller.demon.co.uk/projects/ministd/frqstd.htm
The beacon generates both CW and PI4 coding allowing the transmitted signals to be decoded either by ear or by the PI4 software available here: -
http://rudius.net/oz2m/ngnb/pi4.htm
To decode the PI4, tune the carrier to obtain a tone of 800Hz with the receiver set to USB, and the dial frequency reading 50.0032 MHz or 50.4612 MHz. The PI4 will then be tuned in correctly.
The antenna used for the 50 MHz beacon is a Halo built by Gordon GI6ATZ.
The antenna is connected to the transmitter using RG213 cable. The Halo is 5 metres above ground level.
If you would like to contribute to the upkeep of the GB3NGI Beacon Cluster then please click on the link below