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The ZS1J/B beacon operates on 28.2025 MHz with 5 Watts output to a half-wave, end-fed vertical antenna, initially installed in 1977 as ZS5VHF near Durban. The 10-meter transmitter is a modified 23-channel CB radio, and the identification keyer uses a diode matrix unit with TTL ICs from the same era. After relocation to Plettenberg Bay in 1993, the beacon has been in continuous service, with additional QRP transmitters later installed for other bands. In 1994, a single-transistor, 80-meter, 0.5-watt QRP transmitter with a half-wave dipole was added on 3586 kHz, followed by a 160-meter, 0.5-watt unit on 1817 kHz. A 30-meter, 0.5-watt transmitter was installed in 1996, operating on 10.124 MHz. In 2002, a 40-meter QRRP beacon on 7029 kHz, with an output of 100 microwatts, achieved DX reports up to 1100 km from ZS6UT in Pretoria. Best DX reports for the 80m and 160m beacons came from 9J2BO.

10 meter beacon trasmitting from Catlett VA

10 Meter Propagation Beacon OE3XAC

Propagation Beacon, Sweden,Stockholm,Sollentuna

Two beacons in 3 and 1.2 cm band, 10368.755 MHz and 24048.870 MHz

Project by N9SSA

DF0WD/DL4YHF's Longwave Overview details amateur radio operations on the 135.7 to 137.8 kHz segment in Germany. The author outlines the "inofficial" European band plan, specifying segments for QRSS, TX tests, beacons, conventional CW, and data modes. Early LF activities at DF0WD began with a 20-watt CW transmitter, later upgraded to a homemade linear transverter capable of 100 watts, driven by an Icom IC706 on 10.137 MHz. The station's antenna system includes a 200-meter wire, approximately 10 meters above ground, supported by football field light-masts. Despite its length, the antenna's efficiency is noted as very low due to the immense wavelength of about 2.2 km. The author's experience highlights the significant challenge of achieving effective radiated power (EIRP) on LF, estimating DF0WD's EIRP at around 80 milliwatts based on field strength measurements from PA0SE. DF0WD/DL4YHF has successfully worked numerous countries on 136 kHz CW, including DL, F, G, GI, GM, GU, GW, HB9, HB0, LX, OE, OH, OK, OM, ON, OZ, PA, and SM. The author also mentions ongoing efforts to log contacts with CT, EI, LA/LG, and to complete a two-way QSO with Italy, demonstrating persistent activity on this challenging band.

AC7GZ/B is a converted Sharp CB-2460 Citizens Band transceiver operatin on 28.2118 MHz.

Alaska 10 meter Beacon

IT9EJW Beacon 28.226 MHz CW

German 10 meter beacon on 28.211 MHz

28.2665Mhz 10 meter beacon

N4PAL 10 Meter, 28.214MHz Radio Beacon Site Information and Siginal Report Logging

This blog chronicles the development of an 80-meter vertical antenna for amateur radio operation. The author constructs a top-loaded vertical using fiberglass poles, achieving significant performance improvements over their previous end-fed wire antenna. Comparative testing using the Reverse Beacon Network and on-air contacts demonstrates 8-10 dB gain on the east coast. The project evolved to include 40-meter capability through a modified design featuring a four-wire vertical cage, loading coil, and strategic guying system. Despite challenges with signal wobble during windy conditions, the vertical consistently outperforms the end-fed wire, particularly for reaching distant stations during nighttime propagation.

Exploring LoRaWAN Range, comparing the performance of 1Watt and 100mW LoRa trackers on daily commute. Analyzing APRS tracks, beacon statistics, and visual comparisons to uncover insights and surprises in the world of long-range wireless communication.

Demonstrates the _Widget DX HB9HBY_ software, a compact desktop application for amateur radio operators, providing essential real-time information. The widget displays UTC time, current HF propagation conditions, local weather, and thunderstorm risk. It also integrates radio-related links and offers advanced PRO functions, such as a DX map, HF noise radar, IBP beacon synchronization, contest heatmap, aurora radar, and a rare DX radar. The software is available for Windows 10/11 and Linux, with a macOS version planned for future release, and supports both French and English interfaces. Author HB9HBY highlights the widget's simple installation process and automatic update capabilities, which can be silent for minor fixes or include notifications for significant changes. The free version provides core functionalities, while a 15-day free trial unlocks the PRO features. A lifetime PRO license is available for a one-time payment of CHF 10, activating advanced tools that help operators make quicker decisions at the station by correlating propagation, UTC, DX activity, and local conditions, though results remain indicative and require confirmation via listening or tools like _RBN_ or _PSKReporter_.

The W6PQL 23cm Beacon Project describes a **1296 MHz** beacon designed for microwave propagation studies and equipment testing, capable of 30 watts output. It utilizes a PIC 16F628A microcontroller to generate CW and FSK keying for a crystal oscillator, followed by a series of frequency doublers and triplers to reach the target frequency. The final power amplification stage employs a Mitsubishi M57762 module, providing a robust 10-watt RF output. The design emphasizes stability and reliability for continuous operation, with the microcontroller code, written in assembly, provided for customization of the beacon's callsign and message. Originally located in CM97am and aimed at 140 true, the beacon used four 4-foot Yagis stacked vertically for a total ERP of 3kW. The article includes schematics, parts lists, and construction notes to guide builders, along with antenna pattern measurements. Although the beacon itself is no longer in service as of August 2010, the detailed documentation remains a valuable reference for amateur radio operators interested in building similar **microwave** projects or understanding beacon operation.