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The beacon consists of the following hardware:
Radio Shack HTX-100 (5 watt output) – operating 28.231 mhz
Picokeyer (embedded inside of radio)
Custom rack mount enclosure (click link for more details) Ringo AR-10 at 200 feet AGL
LMR-400 apx 100 foot run
The beacon is located at:
FM17HD in Prince George, Virginia
The beacon is operational 24 hours a day). The message sent is VVV de WA4FC/B WA4FC/B WA4FC/B FM17 FM17. This is sent at 12wpm over a 46 second time period, followed by a 20 second pause to allow for reception of other beacons that may possibly be on the frequency.
The WA4FC 10 meter beacon officially became operational on October 9, 2008, and was operated from two other locations until coming to the current spot in February 2010.
We had thought for several years about putting beacons on the air to help with the study of propagation, and things just started falling into place. Those responsible for building the actual transmitter include KD4BPZ and KG4SNN. Thanks go to KD4GIE, KI4BWJ and KG4YJB for helping with the location and antenna arrangements. More pictures can be found in the photo gallery about this project and this article about constructing this beacon.. Don’t forget to listen for our 6 meter beacon as well.
