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How to build a simple WSPR beacon using the Raspberry Pi for the transmitter

The NCDXF/IARU International Beacon Project operates a worldwide network of 18 high-frequency radio beacons, continuously transmitting on 14.100, 18.110, 21.150, 24.930, and 28.200 MHz. These beacons, initially launched in 1979 with a single station and expanded to the current 18-beacon system in 1995, provide reliable signals for both amateur and commercial users to assess current **ionospheric propagation** conditions. The system's design, construction, and operation are managed by volunteers, covering hardware and shipping costs. The resource details the evolution of the beacon network, including the transition from Kenwood TS-50s transmitters to Icom IC-7200 radios with a new controller design implemented in 2015. It explains how listening for these 100-watt signals, transmitted to vertical antennas, allows operators to determine band openings and optimal propagation paths globally. The content also references three QST articles providing historical context and technical specifics of the beacon project. Practical information includes methods for identifying transmitting beacons via a schedule or specialized software like FAROS and Skimmer, which integrates with the **Reverse Beacon Network** for automated monitoring.

WB4WOR Propagation Beacon on 6 and 10 meters Jointly Owned and Operated by the Broadcast Packet and Repeater Group and Piedmont Amateur Radio GroupRandleman, NC USA

Clandestine radios, cluster beacons and dx stations recordedd by AA5TB

A small program to simplify changing messages in the Expanded Spectrum Systems Freakin' Beacon controller. The program makes it easy to modify an existing message or to have multiple messages available in different files ready to program into the beacon controller.

The MicroBeacon is the combination of a memory keyer and controllable RF attenuator.

This table gives the minute and second of the start of the first transmission within the hour for each beacon on each frequency.

Beacons recorded audio files by kl7fdq

The _Italian VHF Beacons_ resource provides a detailed listing of active and QRT amateur radio beacons operating across VHF, UHF, and SHF bands within Italy. Each entry specifies the beacon's callsign (e.g., IQ1SP/B), operating frequency (e.g., 144.411 MHz), QTH locator (e.g., JN44VC), effective radiated power (ERP) in watts, and antenna configuration (e.g., Big Wheel, 4x Dipole, Yagi). This data is crucial for radio amateurs involved in propagation studies, equipment testing, and long-distance (DX) communication on these higher frequency bands, offering fixed signal sources for monitoring. This compilation, last updated in October 2005, serves as a historical snapshot of Italian beacon activity. For instance, it lists several 144 MHz beacons with ERPs ranging from **0.1W** to **10W**, and higher frequency beacons such as I8EMG/B on 1296.880 MHz and I3EME/B on 24192.132 MHz. The inclusion of QRT (Quiet Radio Teletype) status for many entries indicates the dynamic nature of beacon operations over time. Users can utilize this information to identify potential signal sources for band openings or to calibrate their receiving equipment against known transmissions.

List of european vhf uhf beacons by G4URH

Complete introduction to Shortwave radio, includes Qsl gallery, Propagation, Beacons, Contest, Begginers guide, in Spanish

Info and specifications on my three beacons on 10 and 6 meter bands. You will find also informations on the propagation for these two band.

This page describes an cheap RF signal source, a portable micro beacon, using a low cost temperature controlled crystal oscillator

This circuit stores a single morse code message as bits in an EPROM chip, the message is sent to a relay which can key a CW transmitter.

An example of how to control a Yaesu FT-817 with an Arduino to make a multi-band CW beacon.

HF beacon monitoring. Check world-wide propagation, updated every 15 minutes.

10 meter propigation beacon project

Flash crystals, Feakin' beacon keyer, beacon attenuator

Demonstrates the operational status and reception reports for the SK6RUD/SA6RR QRPP beacons, which transmit on 478.9 kHz, 1995 kHz, 10.131 MHz, and 40.673 MHz. These beacons utilize extremely low power, with the 630-meter beacon operating at approximately 0.1 watt ERP into an L-antenna, showcasing the potential for long-distance contacts under favorable propagation conditions. The site details the specific frequencies and antenna types employed, such as a vertical at 500 kHz and a 1/4 vertical for higher bands. The resource compiles over 10,530 reception reports from amateur radio operators worldwide, logging details such as date, time, band, RST signal report, locator, distance, and receiver setup. Notable long-distance reports include a 500 kHz reception by AA1A-Dave from 5832 km in 2008 and a 10.133 MHz reception by ZL2FT-Jason from 17680 km in 2010, illustrating the global reach of these low-power transmissions. Each log entry provides specific equipment used by the reporting station, including transceivers like the Yaesu FT817, ICOM IC-7300, and various antenna configurations such as coaxial mag loops, inverted Ls, and end-fed wires. The primary objective of the SK6RUD beacons is to challenge conventional notions of power requirements for effective two-way communication, proving that contacts over significant distances are achievable with minimal output. The site also includes a submission form for new reception reports, fostering community engagement and continuous data collection on propagation phenomena across different bands. The detailed logs offer practical insights into real-world propagation characteristics and the efficacy of QRPP operations.

Bandplans, Beacons and many useful info on VHF operations

Settng up a 40 meter WSPR beacon based on Raspberry Pi by VA3PAW

Here you can find beacons audio files list recorded by IW3FZQ and IK3NWX

Shows which beacon is currently transmitting on the selected radio band Displays information about transmitting beacon Informs about direction and bearing from users position towards transmitting beacon

This web article by VK3BLG details the construction of an experimental 70cm (432 MHz) circularly polarized patch antenna, intended for satellite communication. The resource provides dimensions, feed point specifications, and impedance matching considerations for a single patch element, with discussion extending to array configurations for circular polarization. Construction involves a copper patch element on a dielectric substrate, fed via a coaxial cable. The design is based on information derived from AO-40 satellite antenna specifications, focusing on achieving circular polarization for satellite reception. The article includes specific dimensions for the patch and feed points, along with impedance values. Validation is implied through on-air satellite reception reports, with initial signal reports of **1 S-point above noise** for AO-40 beacons using a grid reflector, improving to **3-4 S-points above noise** with a 2-turn helical feed. The author references a _NanoVNA_ for impedance measurements and discusses the relationship between slot and dipole antennas in the context of patch design. DXZone Focus: Web Article | 70cm Patch Antenna | On-Air Satellite Reception | Circular Polarization

Here is a simple, self-contained beacon which can run a few milliwatts or as much as a watt depending on choice of amplifier and supply voltage.

40meter band beacon on 7,039.6 MHz

As used on the new GB3VHF 144.43MHz Beacon

PropNetPSK is a PSK (Phase Shift Keying) program capable of receiving multiple signals (2 - 16) at one time for the exclusive use to decode a properly formatted PropNetPSK beacon signal. If you are looking for a Keyboard to Keyboard type of program, this will not fit your bill.

This simple 30m QRSS beacon is built entirely out of junkbox parts, the only component purchased specifically for this project was the 10,140kHz crystal.

30 Watt 50 MHz ham radio beacon de N6CA

Presents a detailed resource for DXers interested in Non-Directional Radiobeacons (NDBs), MF, HF, and VHF propagation beacons, and various other radiobeacon types. The site offers access to downloadable information files, including an Abbreviations List, NDB List Country List, and NDB Publications List, which serve as foundational materials for newcomers to the hobby of beacon monitoring and DXing. It covers specialized topics such as DGPS beacons, GMDSS DSC mode, and NAVTEX mode, with dedicated sections providing in-depth explanations. A Beacon Photo Gallery showcases diverse radiobeacon types from around the globe, offering visual context for different systems encountered in the field. The platform also facilitates participation in unique monthly Coordinated Listening Events (CLEs), providing guidelines and schedules for these activities. The resource outlines various associated Groups.io lists, including the primary NDB List for radiobeacons (NDBs, Propagation Beacons, VOR systems), the DGPS List for DGPS DXing, Time Signals, LORAN, and WeFAX modes, and specialist groups like NavtexDX and DSC List for GMDSS-DSC. It details how to join these communities for further engagement and information exchange.

With spectrum analysis of beacon signals, it's possible to see features relating to various propagation phenomonen.

This is about Small Antenna types and their properties which can help choosing proper antenna for high-frequency wireless communications as: two-way radio, microwave short links, repeaters, radio beacons or wireless telemetry

CW Beacon kit by Expanded Spectrum Systems

K6FRC/B 6 m beacons website

A new multi-mode QRP radio beacon built around the Arduino. The beacon started with the usual lash-up on the bench, hooking the previously reported Wotduino and DDS Shield up to a driver and a transmitter module, as previously used for the Raspberry Pi beacon

Running 10 and 6 meters beacons, 6 m and 70 cm fm repeater from Melbourne, Australia

Microcontrollers for many ham radio applications including repeater controllers, beacon transmitters, keyers, antenna switches, battery monitors, etc.

A list mantained by I5WBE of all beacons based in italy

Ham radio satellites, XE1KK/B beacon on 50.023 MHz, and some other radio experiments.

Introduction to WSPR beacons. Article describe WSPR2 and WSPR15 beaconing mode and include a frequency reference table for both WSPR modes

Last 15 minute Reverse Beacon Network spots on live graph, let you filter by dx spot continent or spotter continent, as well as by band and let you reduce bandwidth

DIY beacon for six meters band by K9MU

This project involves the construction of a 5 Watt Morse code beacon transmitter that operates in the 28.200 to 28.300 section of the 10 Meter Amateur Radio band. The beacon controller uses an Arduino Uno microprocessor board to produce the three signals that control the transmitter.

Designing a beacon keyer that transmit the relative output power along to call sign.

The six meter beacons calculator for distance and azimuth by OE1SMC

30 meters beacon from UK. QRSS is a method of sending very slow morse code.

10MHz WSPR and QRSS Transmitter Project

This article describes a simple QRSS beacon exciter for the DX portion of the 2200m amateur band.

Beacon OK0EV works daily from 6:00AM to 8:00PM local time in 160m band from the Czech Republic.