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The NCDXF/IARU International Beacon Project schedule provides precise transmission start times for 18 beacons operating on 14.100 MHz, 18.110 MHz, 21.150 MHz, 24.930 MHz, and 28.200 MHz. Each beacon transmits every three minutes, cycling through its callsign at 22 WPM followed by four one-second dashes. The initial callsign and first dash are sent at 100 watts, with subsequent dashes at 10 watts, 1 watt, and 100 milliwatts, enabling **propagation analysis** across varying signal strengths. The schedule lists the minute and second within each hour for the first transmission of each beacon on its respective frequencies. This resource allows **DXers** and **contesters** to accurately predict beacon transmissions for real-time propagation assessment. For example, 4U1UN transmits first at 00:00 on 14.100 MHz, followed by VE8AT at 00:10, and W6WX at 00:20, continuing the sequence. The page also notes recent hardware upgrades, such as the installation of IBP 2.0 controllers with Icom 7200 radios at some sites, and provides status updates for beacons experiencing hardware failures or those not recently heard, aiding in troubleshooting and managing expectations for monitoring.

BeaconSee shows you, in real time, worldwide HF band openings on your PC. Analyses the audio signals from your radio, which is tuned to the NCDXF IARU HF beacon network and shows you the signal strength received from each of the 18 beacon transmitters as a plot of frequency spectrum against time.

The W6AMT Beacons is a Windows program which automates the collection of radio propagation data. HF data is collected by monitoring the worldwide network of NCDXF / IARU HF beacons.

Displays the actual transmitting beacons of the NCDXF/IARU Beacon Project.

Beaconmap is a Win95/98/NT program to help listeners to identify the beacon stations of the NCDXF/IARU beacon network. The program displays a flashing dot at the location of the beacon that is currently transmitting. The call sign of the beacon, as well as the QTH is shown in the status bar. By PA1ARE

Windows shareware, automatic NCDXF beacon monitor for Radio Amateurs, SWL'ers and HF communication engineers. by Alex VE3NEA. It continuously monitors 18 NCDXF beacons on five bands, automatically detects the presence of the beacon signals, even in QRM and noise.

Iphone app for ncdxf IARU beacon monitoring, shows the currently transmitting beacon on each band, reception charts from the active monitoring stations, and latest solar flux A and K indices

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.

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

IARU NCDXF Beacon in Sri Lanka 4S7B working on 14.100, 18.110, 21.150, 24.930, and 28.200

A view of the NCDXF Multiband beacon and a cluster of stacked yagi antennas.

Whatch at beacons transmitting in real time. This page contains a self refreshing table that displays every 10 seconds the current transmission schedule of the international beacon project. Tune your radio and check the beacon you are hearing.

NCDXF Beacons monitoring in Europe in french

The Northern California DX Foundation is a private foundation established in 1972 to assist worthwhile amateur radio and scientific projects with funding and equipment.

Reception of the IARU/NCDXF International Beacon Project from Trent, Germany with daily reception reports of HF IARU/NCDXF beacons.