https://hfunderground.com/wiki/index.php?feed=atom&target=Zazzle&title=Special%3AContributions%2FZazzle 2026-10-21T23:51:24Z From HFUnderground MediaWiki 1.16.5 https://hfunderground.com/wiki/index.php/Common_and_Precious_5 2025-11-05T20:39:53Z

<p>Zazzle: </p> <hr /> <div>== Beacon &quot;Common and Precious Nr. 5&quot; ==<br /> <br /> '''05. of November 2025: New location found'''<br /> <br /> After pondering about options for far longer that intended, the decision for a new location was made. There were some dependencies which needed to be met. A grid connection. At least 100+ meters away from where people live (strong fields is an issue with lots of modern multimedia devices and it might cause issues which lead to authorities to show up). And an option for a larg(er) antenna. I wish I could tell about the structure that will be (ab-)used as an antenna. Likely the most hillarious thing. But I guess sooner or later the site will be demolished as well and after that it can be revealed. <br /> <br /> <br /> '''16. of February 2024: permamently offline. See below for details.'''<br /> <br /> <br /> Before anyone will ask the obvious: yeah, I went a bit over the top with this project. I kinda wanted to build it and then, when it was done, realised that maybeee... But oh well. It is what it is now. I'm not aiming for more Beacons in this power range. Except maybe one on 2200m. But only because the radition effiency of antennas here is around 0.1-1%.<br /> <br /> All Common and Precious Beacons are under re-construction and some in for a re-location. The 2nd generation Beacons will transmit both on CW and RTTY. The new message will carry, besides the usual informative text, also live telemetry Data such as temperature and humidity. An AM2303 sensor is used.<br /> <br /> This new Beacon, Nr. 5, is the first to run with the new software and features. If all works fine, the hardware of all other beacons will be upgraded and fitted with the new firmware.<br /> <br /> <br /> == History Backlog ==<br /> <br /> - '''22. January 2023:''' project went on air for the first time. (The Antenna was a 5m vertical with two load coils. One at the base and the second approx 30cm below the capacity hat. It allows for a higher feed point impedance, higher bandwith and also a good radiation of both the inductive and capacitive elemements. The Antenna was installed approx 35m above ground. Matching to 50R+j0 is realised by a simple L/C network. The antenna is a converted lightning rod. The basepoint was isolated from the mounting post by a sleeve made from PVC tube. A blotch of silicone works as a seal and keeps rainwater from seeping into it and causing corrosion together with the RF signal.)<br /> <br /> - '''24. March 2023:''' Project off-air. Unexpected demolition works have started. Power has been turned off. A new site was found. Moving the beacon will happen in April.<br /> <br /> - '''07. August 2023''': A new site was found. Setup is in progress. But it's expected that the location has to be changed again within this year. A lot of locations lay dormant for years. But oddly, since the end of the Covid-19 pandemic, a lot sites got demonished (or became marked for demlishing). Turns out a lot of properies got sold during the pandemy and will be used for new objects soon. It becomes more and more tricky to find suitable locations (especially with power available). Additionally, more and more vlogs (Video Blogs) on S1ocial Media about lost places results in an increasing number of people on locations. And with such comes more and more vandalism. Hence, running on Solar might become tricky as well. There's more lost objects available outside my home town, but most require at least a 45-60 minutes drive by car one way. Which I struggle with. Time and ecological wise.<br /> <br /> - '''08. August 2023''': The beacon is operating again.<br /> <br /> - '''14-16. August 2023''': Beacon was down. Copper scavengers cut the cable. Re-Routet a new cable in a place where it's hardly visible.<br /> <br /> - '''Approx end of November 2023 (ongoing)''': It goes down with the location rapidly. Lots of activities regarding scavengers. They now even go for the thin cables that were left untouched before. Need to re-route a new cable even more hidden. It's winter. Snow and cold. The roof is slippery AF. Fixing the issue will take until the end of the year I guess. But hey, the big scorch mark on the cut cable was satisfying to see. Someone got a nasty suprise.<br /> <br /> - '''16. of February 2024''': permamently offline. I managed to retrieve the whole setup last minute. Demolition work has started and the Antenna (modified lighning rod) was already flat on the roof. Bit of a shame. Right now I'm on the search for new location. Could become hard. Feels like all objects that lay dormant for decades became an interest for new housing projects recently.<br /> <br /> <br /> == Summary and details==<br /> <br /> * Frequency: 4.095.400kHz (CW and Mark Frequency). RTTY: 170Hz shift, 50 Baud, 2 Stop-bits<br /> <br /> * RF Power: 50W<br /> <br /> * Operating since: 22. January 2023<br /> <br /> * Antenna: 8m vertical with one load coil at the base together with the match. The Antenna is installed approx 10m above ground. Matching to 50R+j0 is realised by a simple L/C network. The antenna is a converted lightning rod. It sits on a tripod that's held down by concrete weights that also function as an isolator. The former ground connection was cut and connected to the matching box of the antenna instead. The C elemnt is a variable capacitor with additional fixed value styroflex capacitors. The inductor is an air-core type on a PVC tube. An iron power core suitable to handle the load would be too big to fit into the matching box. An additional 10k/2W resistor across the PL socket allows for any static buildup (caused wind / snow / rain or thunderstorm) to pass to ground. The existing grounding grid of the lightning arrester system was used as a counterpoise. (Note: re-tightening and greasing and existing joints may help to remove high contact resistance due to corrosion.)<br /> <br /> * Power Source: 24V/120W Switch Mode Power Supply. A special industrial type designed for dynamic loads was used.<br /> <br /> * Oscillator: pulled 4.096kHz X-tal based on a 74LS02 oscillator circuit. Frequency shifting is done by Varicap Diodes (Schottky Diodes were used since they're cheap and exhibit a high junction capacitance).<br /> <br /> * Keying: Atmel AVR ATTiny 461 (4kB Flash). An ATTiny26 was used first. First it all looked tight but good. Merging all functions eventually caused the MCU to run out of program memory. It was approx 100 bytes short (a bit more with debugging code still active). A pin compatible type with 4kb was used instead (the hardware had already been build). It also offers room for further features. Fun fact: software entirely done in assembler. Every bit of it. From reading the AM2302 to math and conversion and the CW/RTTY functions. The software is written in librarsies so the code exist as independent blocks that can be use for other/future projects as well. Keeping the code flexible was a key feature in this project.<br /> <br /> * Environmental Sensor: AM2303 (in instrument shelter), mounted outside (facing south may cause the temnperature reading during summer to be some degrees above the actual value. But since it's mounted high above the ground it can be assumed that present wind will keep it quite on-spot.)<br /> <br /> * Power Stage: Class E based on IRF640 FET @ 24V. Driver: MCP1407-E/P. Using a 7-pole (tripple PI) filter. 2nd harmonic supression greater than 33dB.<br /> <br /> * System effiency: approx 85%<br /> <br /> <br /> == Some additional notes ==<br /> <br /> * A 9.216.000MHz cryshttps://www.hfunderground.com/wiki/skins/common/images/button_image.pngtal allows to both derivate a 50Hz (20ms IRQ) Baud RTTY signal and also regular RS232 Baud rates from it (for debugging purposes).<br /> <br /> * Class E introduces quite some stress to Switch Mode Power Supplies when operating in CW mode. Experience from the recent years has shown that output capacitors will dry up rapidly or become short, oftean leading to a blown up power supply. Use a power supply that can at least provide double the amps drawn by the transmitter. Adding additional high capacity ceramic caps (2-3 x 10µ/50V, usually 1210 footprint) accross electrolytic caps also helps to reduce the stress a great deal. A classic transformer based power supply works also great. Be aware that any 100/120Hz ripple will be audible as AM modulation, thus leading to a higher signal bandwith. <br /> <br /> * Suitable (commonly available) FET drivers up to 8..10MHz: MCP1407-E/P, IR2121 or IR2125. Do NOT use the MCPxxE10/E14 series. Despite the datasheet stating good rise- and falltimes, those will become horrible above 1MHz. Discharging of the Gate to the low (off) state will not happen. Also, add some heatsink to any driver IC used. Especially on those with DIL-8 footprint.<br /> <br /> <br /> == Pictures ==<br /> <br /> '''Hardware'''<br /> <br /> [[File:CaP05-Transmitter Prototyping.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Transmitter Final-01.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Transmitter Final-02.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Transmitter Housing.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Antenna 1-Tuner Box.jpg||320px]]<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> '''Picture of the current location.'''<br /> <br /> ''Not available - for obvious reasons.''<br /> <br /> [[File:CaP05-Antenna_1_Construction-Tuning.jpg||320px]]<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> '''Former Location - January to March 2023. Old 13 story tall building. Fully demolished by June 2023.'''<br /> <br /> Pictures of the Antenne construction. No pictures of the full antenna available. Which would reveal the location.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> [[File:CaP05-Antenna 1 Load Coil-Wound.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Antenna 1 Load Coil-Isolated.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Antenna 1-Base Section-Isolation.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Antenna_1-Tuning.jpg||320px]]<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> The location was discovered in Winter 2020 shortly before the Covid-19 pandemic. With power available in the elevator engine room on the roof. Sadly, during winter 2020/-21 metal thieves discovered that the building was deserted as well and cut/tore out everything they could.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> [[File:CaP05-Location_1-Wiring-Stubs-01.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Location_1-Wiring-Stubs-02.jpg||320px]]<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Power was still available in the heavyily damaged fuse boxes in the basement. Giving up was no option. Wire stubs sticking from the walls were rang out to find a connection from the basement to the staircase through the walls. Single wires we ran through the pipes going through all 13 floors. Took a quite some time. But eventually power was available on the roof again. Sadly again, demolition works suddenly started two months after the installation. Thus, everything had to be removed again. You gain some. You lose some. Sigh.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> [[File:CaP05-Location_1-Wiring-Fusebox.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Location_1-Wiring-Rewiring-01.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Location_1-Wiring-Rewiring-02.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Location_1-Wiring-Rewiring-03.jpg||320px]]<br /> <br /> [[Category:Beacons]]</div>

Zazzle https://hfunderground.com/wiki/index.php/Common_and_Precious_5 2024-02-21T11:59:43Z

<p>Zazzle: </p> <hr /> <div>== Beacon &quot;Common and Precious Nr. 5&quot; ==<br /> <br /> <br /> '''16. of February 2024: permamently offline. See below for details.'''<br /> <br /> <br /> Before anyone will ask the obvious: yeah, I went a bit over the top with this project. I kinda wanted to build it and then, when it was done, realised that maybeee... But oh well. It is what it is now. I'm not aiming for more Beacons in this power range. Except maybe one on 2200m. But only because the radition effiency of antennas here is around 0.1-1%.<br /> <br /> All Common and Precious Beacons are under re-construction and some in for a re-location. The 2nd generation Beacons will transmit both on CW and RTTY. The new message will carry, besides the usual informative text, also live telemetry Data such as temperature and humidity. An AM2303 sensor is used.<br /> <br /> This new Beacon, Nr. 5, is the first to run with the new software and features. If all works fine, the hardware of all other beacons will be upgraded and fitted with the new firmware.<br /> <br /> <br /> == History Backlog ==<br /> <br /> - '''22. January 2023:''' project went on air for the first time. (The Antenna was a 5m vertical with two load coils. One at the base and the second approx 30cm below the capacity hat. It allows for a higher feed point impedance, higher bandwith and also a good radiation of both the inductive and capacitive elemements. The Antenna was installed approx 35m above ground. Matching to 50R+j0 is realised by a simple L/C network. The antenna is a converted lightning rod. The basepoint was isolated from the mounting post by a sleeve made from PVC tube. A blotch of silicone works as a seal and keeps rainwater from seeping into it and causing corrosion together with the RF signal.)<br /> <br /> - '''24. March 2023:''' Project off-air. Unexpected demolition works have started. Power has been turned off. A new site was found. Moving the beacon will happen in April.<br /> <br /> - '''07. August 2023''': A new site was found. Setup is in progress. But it's expected that the location has to be changed again within this year. A lot of locations lay dormant for years. But oddly, since the end of the Covid-19 pandemic, a lot sites got demonished (or became marked for demlishing). Turns out a lot of properies got sold during the pandemy and will be used for new objects soon. It becomes more and more tricky to find suitable locations (especially with power available). Additionally, more and more vlogs (Video Blogs) on S1ocial Media about lost places results in an increasing number of people on locations. And with such comes more and more vandalism. Hence, running on Solar might become tricky as well. There's more lost objects available outside my home town, but most require at least a 45-60 minutes drive by car one way. Which I struggle with. Time and ecological wise.<br /> <br /> - '''08. August 2023''': The beacon is operating again.<br /> <br /> - '''14-16. August 2023''': Beacon was down. Copper scavengers cut the cable. Re-Routet a new cable in a place where it's hardly visible.<br /> <br /> - '''Approx end of November 2023 (ongoing)''': It goes down with the location rapidly. Lots of activities regarding scavengers. They now even go for the thin cables that were left untouched before. Need to re-route a new cable even more hidden. It's winter. Snow and cold. The roof is slippery AF. Fixing the issue will take until the end of the year I guess. But hey, the big scorch mark on the cut cable was satisfying to see. Someone got a nasty suprise.<br /> <br /> - '''16. of February 2024''': permamently offline. I managed to retrieve the whole setup last minute. Demolition work has started and the Antenna (modified lighning rod) was already flat on the roof. Bit of a shame. Right now I'm on the search for new location. Could become hard. Feels like all objects that lay dormant for decades became an interest for new housing projects recently.<br /> <br /> <br /> == Summary and details==<br /> <br /> * Frequency: 4.095.400kHz (CW and Mark Frequency). RTTY: 170Hz shift, 50 Baud, 2 Stop-bits<br /> <br /> * RF Power: 50W<br /> <br /> * Operating since: 22. January 2023<br /> <br /> * Antenna: 8m vertical with one load coil at the base together with the match. The Antenna is installed approx 10m above ground. Matching to 50R+j0 is realised by a simple L/C network. The antenna is a converted lightning rod. It sits on a tripod that's held down by concrete weights that also function as an isolator. The former ground connection was cut and connected to the matching box of the antenna instead. The C elemnt is a variable capacitor with additional fixed value styroflex capacitors. The inductor is an air-core type on a PVC tube. An iron power core suitable to handle the load would be too big to fit into the matching box. An additional 10k/2W resistor across the PL socket allows for any static buildup (caused wind / snow / rain or thunderstorm) to pass to ground. The existing grounding grid of the lightning arrester system was used as a counterpoise. (Note: re-tightening and greasing and existing joints may help to remove high contact resistance due to corrosion.)<br /> <br /> * Power Source: 24V/120W Switch Mode Power Supply. A special industrial type designed for dynamic loads was used.<br /> <br /> * Oscillator: pulled 4.096kHz X-tal based on a 74LS02 oscillator circuit. Frequency shifting is done by Varicap Diodes (Schottky Diodes were used since they're cheap and exhibit a high junction capacitance).<br /> <br /> * Keying: Atmel AVR ATTiny 461 (4kB Flash). An ATTiny26 was used first. First it all looked tight but good. Merging all functions eventually caused the MCU to run out of program memory. It was approx 100 bytes short (a bit more with debugging code still active). A pin compatible type with 4kb was used instead (the hardware had already been build). It also offers room for further features. Fun fact: software entirely done in assembler. Every bit of it. From reading the AM2302 to math and conversion and the CW/RTTY functions. The software is written in librarsies so the code exist as independent blocks that can be use for other/future projects as well. Keeping the code flexible was a key feature in this project.<br /> <br /> * Environmental Sensor: AM2303 (in instrument shelter), mounted outside (facing south may cause the temnperature reading during summer to be some degrees above the actual value. But since it's mounted high above the ground it can be assumed that present wind will keep it quite on-spot.)<br /> <br /> * Power Stage: Class E based on IRF640 FET @ 24V. Driver: MCP1407-E/P. Using a 7-pole (tripple PI) filter. 2nd harmonic supression greater than 33dB.<br /> <br /> * System effiency: approx 85%<br /> <br /> <br /> == Some additional notes ==<br /> <br /> * A 9.216.000MHz cryshttps://www.hfunderground.com/wiki/skins/common/images/button_image.pngtal allows to both derivate a 50Hz (20ms IRQ) Baud RTTY signal and also regular RS232 Baud rates from it (for debugging purposes).<br /> <br /> * Class E introduces quite some stress to Switch Mode Power Supplies when operating in CW mode. Experience from the recent years has shown that output capacitors will dry up rapidly or become short, oftean leading to a blown up power supply. Use a power supply that can at least provide double the amps drawn by the transmitter. Adding additional high capacity ceramic caps (2-3 x 10µ/50V, usually 1210 footprint) accross electrolytic caps also helps to reduce the stress a great deal. A classic transformer based power supply works also great. Be aware that any 100/120Hz ripple will be audible as AM modulation, thus leading to a higher signal bandwith. <br /> <br /> * Suitable (commonly available) FET drivers up to 8..10MHz: MCP1407-E/P, IR2121 or IR2125. Do NOT use the MCPxxE10/E14 series. Despite the datasheet stating good rise- and falltimes, those will become horrible above 1MHz. Discharging of the Gate to the low (off) state will not happen. Also, add some heatsink to any driver IC used. Especially on those with DIL-8 footprint.<br /> <br /> <br /> == Pictures ==<br /> <br /> '''Hardware'''<br /> <br /> [[File:CaP05-Transmitter Prototyping.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Transmitter Final-01.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Transmitter Final-02.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Transmitter Housing.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Antenna 1-Tuner Box.jpg||320px]]<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> '''Picture of the current location.'''<br /> <br /> ''Not available - for obvious reasons.''<br /> <br /> [[File:CaP05-Antenna_1_Construction-Tuning.jpg||320px]]<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> '''Former Location - January to March 2023. Old 13 story tall building. Fully demolished by June 2023.'''<br /> <br /> Pictures of the Antenne construction. No pictures of the full antenna available. Which would reveal the location.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> [[File:CaP05-Antenna 1 Load Coil-Wound.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Antenna 1 Load Coil-Isolated.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Antenna 1-Base Section-Isolation.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Antenna_1-Tuning.jpg||320px]]<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> The location was discovered in Winter 2020 shortly before the Covid-19 pandemic. With power available in the elevator engine room on the roof. Sadly, during winter 2020/-21 metal thieves discovered that the building was deserted as well and cut/tore out everything they could.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> [[File:CaP05-Location_1-Wiring-Stubs-01.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Location_1-Wiring-Stubs-02.jpg||320px]]<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Power was still available in the heavyily damaged fuse boxes in the basement. Giving up was no option. Wire stubs sticking from the walls were rang out to find a connection from the basement to the staircase through the walls. Single wires we ran through the pipes going through all 13 floors. Took a quite some time. But eventually power was available on the roof again. Sadly again, demolition works suddenly started two months after the installation. Thus, everything had to be removed again. You gain some. You lose some. Sigh.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> [[File:CaP05-Location_1-Wiring-Fusebox.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Location_1-Wiring-Rewiring-01.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Location_1-Wiring-Rewiring-02.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Location_1-Wiring-Rewiring-03.jpg||320px]]<br /> <br /> [[Category:Beacons]]</div>

Zazzle https://hfunderground.com/wiki/index.php/Common_and_Precious_5 2023-12-07T09:39:02Z

<p>Zazzle: </p> <hr /> <div>== Beacon &quot;Common and Precious Nr. 5&quot; ==<br /> <br /> <br /> '''Approx end of November 2023: offline. Cable damage. See below for details.'''<br /> <br /> <br /> Before anyone will ask the obvious: yeah, I went a bit over the top with this project. I kinda wanted to build it and then, when it was done, realised that maybeee... But oh well. It is what it is now. I'm not aiming for more Beacons in this power range. Except maybe one on 2200m. But only because the radition effiency of antennas here is around 0.1-1%.<br /> <br /> All Common and Precious Beacons are under re-construction and some in for a re-location. The 2nd generation Beacons will transmit both on CW and RTTY. The new message will carry, besides the usual informative text, also live telemetry Data such as temperature and humidity. An AM2303 sensor is used.<br /> <br /> This new Beacon, Nr. 5, is the first to run with the new software and features. If all works fine, the hardware of all other beacons will be upgraded and fitted with the new firmware.<br /> <br /> <br /> == History Backlog ==<br /> <br /> - '''22. January 2023:''' project went on air for the first time. (The Antenna was a 5m vertical with two load coils. One at the base and the second approx 30cm below the capacity hat. It allows for a higher feed point impedance, higher bandwith and also a good radiation of both the inductive and capacitive elemements. The Antenna was installed approx 35m above ground. Matching to 50R+j0 is realised by a simple L/C network. The antenna is a converted lightning rod. The basepoint was isolated from the mounting post by a sleeve made from PVC tube. A blotch of silicone works as a seal and keeps rainwater from seeping into it and causing corrosion together with the RF signal.)<br /> <br /> - '''24. March 2023:''' Project off-air. Unexpected demolition works have started. Power has been turned off. A new site was found. Moving the beacon will happen in April.<br /> <br /> - '''07. August 2023''': A new site was found. Setup is in progress. But it's expected that the location has to be changed again within this year. A lot of locations lay dormant for years. But oddly, since the end of the Covid-19 pandemic, a lot sites got demonished (or became marked for demlishing). Turns out a lot of properies got sold during the pandemy and will be used for new objects soon. It becomes more and more tricky to find suitable locations (especially with power available). Additionally, more and more vlogs (Video Blogs) on S1ocial Media about lost places results in an increasing number of people on locations. And with such comes more and more vandalism. Hence, running on Solar might become tricky as well. There's more lost objects available outside my home town, but most require at least a 45-60 minutes drive by car one way. Which I struggle with. Time and ecological wise.<br /> <br /> - '''08. August 2023''': The beacon is operating again.<br /> <br /> - '''14-16. August 2023''': Beacon was down. Copper scavengers cut the cable. Re-Routet a new cable in a place where it's hardly visible.<br /> <br /> - '''Approx end of November 2023 (ongoing)''': It goes down with the location rapidly. Lots of activities regarding scavengers. They now even go for the thin cables that were left untouched before. Need to re-route a new cable even more hidden. It's winter. Snow and cold. The roof is slippery AF. Fixing the issue will take until the end of the year I guess. But hey, the big scorch mark on the cut cable was satisfying to see. Someone got a nasty suprise.<br /> <br /> <br /> == Summary and details==<br /> <br /> * Frequency: 4.095.400kHz (CW and Mark Frequency). RTTY: 170Hz shift, 50 Baud, 2 Stop-bits<br /> <br /> * RF Power: 50W<br /> <br /> * Operating since: 22. January 2023<br /> <br /> * Antenna: 8m vertical with one load coil at the base together with the match. The Antenna is installed approx 10m above ground. Matching to 50R+j0 is realised by a simple L/C network. The antenna is a converted lightning rod. It sits on a tripod that's held down by concrete weights that also function as an isolator. The former ground connection was cut and connected to the matching box of the antenna instead. The C elemnt is a variable capacitor with additional fixed value styroflex capacitors. The inductor is an air-core type on a PVC tube. An iron power core suitable to handle the load would be too big to fit into the matching box. An additional 10k/2W resistor across the PL socket allows for any static buildup (caused wind / snow / rain or thunderstorm) to pass to ground. The existing grounding grid of the lightning arrester system was used as a counterpoise. (Note: re-tightening and greasing and existing joints may help to remove high contact resistance due to corrosion.)<br /> <br /> * Power Source: 24V/120W Switch Mode Power Supply. A special industrial type designed for dynamic loads was used.<br /> <br /> * Oscillator: pulled 4.096kHz X-tal based on a 74LS02 oscillator circuit. Frequency shifting is done by Varicap Diodes (Schottky Diodes were used since they're cheap and exhibit a high junction capacitance).<br /> <br /> * Keying: Atmel AVR ATTiny 461 (4kB Flash). An ATTiny26 was used first. First it all looked tight but good. Merging all functions eventually caused the MCU to run out of program memory. It was approx 100 bytes short (a bit more with debugging code still active). A pin compatible type with 4kb was used instead (the hardware had already been build). It also offers room for further features. Fun fact: software entirely done in assembler. Every bit of it. From reading the AM2302 to math and conversion and the CW/RTTY functions. The software is written in librarsies so the code exist as independent blocks that can be use for other/future projects as well. Keeping the code flexible was a key feature in this project.<br /> <br /> * Environmental Sensor: AM2303 (in instrument shelter), mounted outside (facing south may cause the temnperature reading during summer to be some degrees above the actual value. But since it's mounted high above the ground it can be assumed that present wind will keep it quite on-spot.)<br /> <br /> * Power Stage: Class E based on IRF640 FET @ 24V. Driver: MCP1407-E/P. Using a 7-pole (tripple PI) filter. 2nd harmonic supression greater than 33dB.<br /> <br /> * System effiency: approx 85%<br /> <br /> <br /> == Some additional notes ==<br /> <br /> * A 9.216.000MHz cryshttps://www.hfunderground.com/wiki/skins/common/images/button_image.pngtal allows to both derivate a 50Hz (20ms IRQ) Baud RTTY signal and also regular RS232 Baud rates from it (for debugging purposes).<br /> <br /> * Class E introduces quite some stress to Switch Mode Power Supplies when operating in CW mode. Experience from the recent years has shown that output capacitors will dry up rapidly or become short, oftean leading to a blown up power supply. Use a power supply that can at least provide double the amps drawn by the transmitter. Adding additional high capacity ceramic caps (2-3 x 10µ/50V, usually 1210 footprint) accross electrolytic caps also helps to reduce the stress a great deal. A classic transformer based power supply works also great. Be aware that any 100/120Hz ripple will be audible as AM modulation, thus leading to a higher signal bandwith. <br /> <br /> * Suitable (commonly available) FET drivers up to 8..10MHz: MCP1407-E/P, IR2121 or IR2125. Do NOT use the MCPxxE10/E14 series. Despite the datasheet stating good rise- and falltimes, those will become horrible above 1MHz. Discharging of the Gate to the low (off) state will not happen. Also, add some heatsink to any driver IC used. Especially on those with DIL-8 footprint.<br /> <br /> <br /> == Pictures ==<br /> <br /> '''Hardware'''<br /> <br /> [[File:CaP05-Transmitter Prototyping.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Transmitter Final-01.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Transmitter Final-02.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Transmitter Housing.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Antenna 1-Tuner Box.jpg||320px]]<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> '''Picture of the current location.'''<br /> <br /> ''Not available - for obvious reasons.''<br /> <br /> [[File:CaP05-Antenna_1_Construction-Tuning.jpg||320px]]<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> '''Former Location - January to March 2023. Old 13 story tall building. Fully demolished by June 2023.'''<br /> <br /> Pictures of the Antenne construction. No pictures of the full antenna available. Which would reveal the location.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> [[File:CaP05-Antenna 1 Load Coil-Wound.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Antenna 1 Load Coil-Isolated.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Antenna 1-Base Section-Isolation.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Antenna_1-Tuning.jpg||320px]]<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> The location was discovered in Winter 2020 shortly before the Covid-19 pandemic. With power available in the elevator engine room on the roof. Sadly, during winter 2020/-21 metal thieves discovered that the building was deserted as well and cut/tore out everything they could.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> [[File:CaP05-Location_1-Wiring-Stubs-01.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Location_1-Wiring-Stubs-02.jpg||320px]]<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Power was still available in the heavyily damaged fuse boxes in the basement. Giving up was no option. Wire stubs sticking from the walls were rang out to find a connection from the basement to the staircase through the walls. Single wires we ran through the pipes going through all 13 floors. Took a quite some time. But eventually power was available on the roof again. Sadly again, demolition works suddenly started two months after the installation. Thus, everything had to be removed again. You gain some. You lose some. Sigh.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> [[File:CaP05-Location_1-Wiring-Fusebox.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Location_1-Wiring-Rewiring-01.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Location_1-Wiring-Rewiring-02.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Location_1-Wiring-Rewiring-03.jpg||320px]]<br /> <br /> [[Category:Beacons]]</div>

Zazzle https://hfunderground.com/wiki/index.php/Common_and_Precious_5 2023-08-24T09:06:29Z

<p>Zazzle: </p> <hr /> <div>== Beacon &quot;Common and Precious Nr. 5&quot; ==<br /> <br /> <br /> '''08. August 2023: the beacon is active.'''<br /> <br /> <br /> Before anyone will ask the obvious: yeah, I went a bit over the top with this project. I kinda wanted to build it and then, when it was done, realised that maybeee... But oh well. It is what it is now. I'm not aiming for more Beacons in this power range. Except maybe one on 2200m. But only because the radition effiency of antennas here is around 0.1-1%.<br /> <br /> All Common and Precious Beacons are under re-construction and some in for a re-location. The 2nd generation Beacons will transmit both on CW and RTTY. The new message will carry, besides the usual informative text, also live telemetry Data such as temperature and humidity. An AM2303 sensor is used.<br /> <br /> This new Beacon, Nr. 5, is the first to run with the new software and features. If all works fine, the hardware of all other beacons will be upgraded and fitted with the new firmware.<br /> <br /> <br /> == History Backlog ==<br /> <br /> - '''22. January 2023:''' project went on air for the first time. (The Antenna was a 5m vertical with two load coils. One at the base and the second approx 30cm below the capacity hat. It allows for a higher feed point impedance, higher bandwith and also a good radiation of both the inductive and capacitive elemements. The Antenna was installed approx 35m above ground. Matching to 50R+j0 is realised by a simple L/C network. The antenna is a converted lightning rod. The basepoint was isolated from the mounting post by a sleeve made from PVC tube. A blotch of silicone works as a seal and keeps rainwater from seeping into it and causing corrosion together with the RF signal.)<br /> <br /> - '''24. March 2023:''' Project off-air. Unexpected demolition works have started. Power has been turned off. A new site was found. Moving the beacon will happen in April.<br /> <br /> - '''07. August 2023''': A new site was found. Setup is in progress. But it's expected that the location has to be changed again within this year. A lot of locations lay dormant for years. But oddly, since the end of the Covid-19 pandemic, a lot sites got demonished (or became marked for demlishing). Turns out a lot of properies got sold during the pandemy and will be used for new objects soon. It becomes more and more tricky to find suitable locations (especially with power available). Additionally, more and more vlogs (Video Blogs) on S1ocial Media about lost places results in an increasing number of people on locations. And with such comes more and more vandalism. Hence, running on Solar might become tricky as well. There's more lost objects available outside my home town, but most require at least a 45-60 minutes drive by car one way. Which I struggle with. Time and ecological wise.<br /> <br /> - '''08. August 2023''': The beacon is operating again.<br /> <br /> - '''14-16. August 2023''': Beacon down. Copper scavengers cut the cable. Re-Routet a new cable in a place where it's hardly visible.<br /> <br /> == Summary and details==<br /> <br /> * Frequency: 4.095.400kHz (CW and Mark Frequency). RTTY: 170Hz shift, 50 Baud, 2 Stop-bits<br /> <br /> * RF Power: 50W<br /> <br /> * Operating since: 22. January 2023<br /> <br /> * Antenna: 8m vertical with one load coil at the base together with the match. The Antenna is installed approx 10m above ground. Matching to 50R+j0 is realised by a simple L/C network. The antenna is a converted lightning rod. It sits on a tripod that's held down by concrete weights that also function as an isolator. The former ground connection was cut and connected to the matching box of the antenna instead. The C elemnt is a variable capacitor with additional fixed value styroflex capacitors. The inductor is an air-core type on a PVC tube. An iron power core suitable to handle the load would be too big to fit into the matching box. An additional 10k/2W resistor across the PL socket allows for any static buildup (caused wind / snow / rain or thunderstorm) to pass to ground. The existing grounding grid of the lightning arrester system was used as a counterpoise. (Note: re-tightening and greasing and existing joints may help to remove high contact resistance due to corrosion.)<br /> <br /> * Power Source: 24V/120W Switch Mode Power Supply. A special industrial type designed for dynamic loads was used.<br /> <br /> * Oscillator: pulled 4.096kHz X-tal based on a 74LS02 oscillator circuit. Frequency shifting is done by Varicap Diodes (Schottky Diodes were used since they're cheap and exhibit a high junction capacitance).<br /> <br /> * Keying: Atmel AVR ATTiny 461 (4kB Flash). An ATTiny26 was used first. First it all looked tight but good. Merging all functions eventually caused the MCU to run out of program memory. It was approx 100 bytes short (a bit more with debugging code still active). A pin compatible type with 4kb was used instead (the hardware had already been build). It also offers room for further features. Fun fact: software entirely done in assembler. Every bit of it. From reading the AM2302 to math and conversion and the CW/RTTY functions. The software is written in librarsies so the code exist as independent blocks that can be use for other/future projects as well. Keeping the code flexible was a key feature in this project.<br /> <br /> * Environmental Sensor: AM2303 (in instrument shelter), mounted outside (facing south may cause the temnperature reading during summer to be some degrees above the actual value. But since it's mounted high above the ground it can be assumed that present wind will keep it quite on-spot.)<br /> <br /> * Power Stage: Class E based on IRF640 FET @ 24V. Driver: MCP1407-E/P. Using a 7-pole (tripple PI) filter. 2nd harmonic supression greater than 33dB.<br /> <br /> * System effiency: approx 85%<br /> <br /> <br /> == Some additional notes ==<br /> <br /> * A 9.216.000MHz cryshttps://www.hfunderground.com/wiki/skins/common/images/button_image.pngtal allows to both derivate a 50Hz (20ms IRQ) Baud RTTY signal and also regular RS232 Baud rates from it (for debugging purposes).<br /> <br /> * Class E introduces quite some stress to Switch Mode Power Supplies when operating in CW mode. Experience from the recent years has shown that output capacitors will dry up rapidly or become short, oftean leading to a blown up power supply. Use a power supply that can at least provide double the amps drawn by the transmitter. Adding additional high capacity ceramic caps (2-3 x 10µ/50V, usually 1210 footprint) accross electrolytic caps also helps to reduce the stress a great deal. A classic transformer based power supply works also great. Be aware that any 100/120Hz ripple will be audible as AM modulation, thus leading to a higher signal bandwith. <br /> <br /> * Suitable (commonly available) FET drivers up to 8..10MHz: MCP1407-E/P, IR2121 or IR2125. Do NOT use the MCPxxE10/E14 series. Despite the datasheet stating good rise- and falltimes, those will become horrible above 1MHz. Discharging of the Gate to the low (off) state will not happen. Also, add some heatsink to any driver IC used. Especially on those with DIL-8 footprint.<br /> <br /> <br /> == Pictures ==<br /> <br /> '''Hardware'''<br /> <br /> [[File:CaP05-Transmitter Prototyping.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Transmitter Final-01.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Transmitter Final-02.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Transmitter Housing.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Antenna 1-Tuner Box.jpg||320px]]<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> '''Picture of the current location.'''<br /> <br /> ''Not available - for obvious reasons.''<br /> <br /> [[File:CaP05-Antenna_1_Construction-Tuning.jpg||320px]]<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> '''Former Location - January to March 2023. Old 13 story tall building. Fully demolished by June 2023.'''<br /> <br /> Pictures of the Antenne construction. No pictures of the full antenna available. Which would reveal the location.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> [[File:CaP05-Antenna 1 Load Coil-Wound.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Antenna 1 Load Coil-Isolated.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Antenna 1-Base Section-Isolation.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Antenna_1-Tuning.jpg||320px]]<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> The location was discovered in Winter 2020 shortly before the Covid-19 pandemic. With power available in the elevator engine room on the roof. Sadly, during winter 2020/-21 metal thieves discovered that the building was deserted as well and cut/tore out everything they could.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> [[File:CaP05-Location_1-Wiring-Stubs-01.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Location_1-Wiring-Stubs-02.jpg||320px]]<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Power was still available in the heavyily damaged fuse boxes in the basement. Giving up was no option. Wire stubs sticking from the walls were rang out to find a connection from the basement to the staircase through the walls. Single wires we ran through the pipes going through all 13 floors. Took a quite some time. But eventually power was available on the roof again. Sadly again, demolition works suddenly started two months after the installation. Thus, everything had to be removed again. You gain some. You lose some. Sigh.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> [[File:CaP05-Location_1-Wiring-Fusebox.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Location_1-Wiring-Rewiring-01.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Location_1-Wiring-Rewiring-02.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Location_1-Wiring-Rewiring-03.jpg||320px]]<br /> <br /> [[Category:Beacons]]</div>

Zazzle https://hfunderground.com/wiki/index.php/Common_and_Precious_5 2023-08-24T09:06:05Z

<p>Zazzle: </p> <hr /> <div>== Beacon &quot;Common and Precious Nr. 5&quot; ==<br /> <br /> <br /> '''08. August 2023: the beacon is active.'''<br /> <br /> <br /> Before anyone will ask the obvious: yeah, I went a bit over the top with this project. I kinda wanted to build it and then, when it was done, realised that maybeee... But oh well. It is what it is now. I'm not aiming for more Beacons in this power range. Except maybe one on 2200m. But only because the radition effiency of antennas here is around 0.1-1%.<br /> <br /> All Common and Precious Beacons are under re-construction and some in for a re-location. The 2nd generation Beacons will transmit both on CW and RTTY. The new message will carry, besides the usual informative text, also live telemetry Data such as temperature and humidity. An AM2303 sensor is used.<br /> <br /> This new Beacon, Nr. 5, is the first to run with the new software and features. If all works fine, the hardware of all other beacons will be upgraded and fitted with the new firmware.<br /> <br /> <br /> == History Backlog ==<br /> <br /> - '''22. January 2023:''' project went on air for the first time. (The Antenna was a 5m vertical with two load coils. One at the base and the second approx 30cm below the capacity hat. It allows for a higher feed point impedance, higher bandwith and also a good radiation of both the inductive and capacitive elemements. The Antenna was installed approx 35m above ground. Matching to 50R+j0 is realised by a simple L/C network. The antenna is a converted lightning rod. The basepoint was isolated from the mounting post by a sleeve made from PVC tube. A blotch of silicone works as a seal and keeps rainwater from seeping into it and causing corrosion together with the RF signal.)<br /> <br /> - '''24. March 2023:''' Project off-air. Unexpected demolition works have started. Power has been turned off. A new site was found. Moving the beacon will happen in April.<br /> <br /> - '''07. August 2023''': A new site was found. Setup is in progress. But it's expected that the location has to be changed again within this year. A lot of locations lay dormant for years. But oddly, since the end of the Covid-19 pandemic, a lot sites got demonished (or became marked for demlishing). Turns out a lot of properies got sold during the pandemy and will be used for new objects soon. It becomes more and more tricky to find suitable locations (especially with power available). Additionally, more and more vlogs (Video Blogs) on S1ocial Media about lost places results in an increasing number of people on locations. And with such comes more and more vandalism. Hence, running on Solar might become tricky as well. There's more lost objects available outside my home town, but most require at least a 45-60 minutes drive by car one way. Which I struggle with. Time and ecological wise.<br /> <br /> - '''08. August 2023''': The beacon is operating again.<br /> <br /> - '''14-16. August 2023''': Copper scavengers cut the cable. Re-Routet a new cable in a place where it's hardly visible.<br /> <br /> == Summary and details==<br /> <br /> * Frequency: 4.095.400kHz (CW and Mark Frequency). RTTY: 170Hz shift, 50 Baud, 2 Stop-bits<br /> <br /> * RF Power: 50W<br /> <br /> * Operating since: 22. January 2023<br /> <br /> * Antenna: 8m vertical with one load coil at the base together with the match. The Antenna is installed approx 10m above ground. Matching to 50R+j0 is realised by a simple L/C network. The antenna is a converted lightning rod. It sits on a tripod that's held down by concrete weights that also function as an isolator. The former ground connection was cut and connected to the matching box of the antenna instead. The C elemnt is a variable capacitor with additional fixed value styroflex capacitors. The inductor is an air-core type on a PVC tube. An iron power core suitable to handle the load would be too big to fit into the matching box. An additional 10k/2W resistor across the PL socket allows for any static buildup (caused wind / snow / rain or thunderstorm) to pass to ground. The existing grounding grid of the lightning arrester system was used as a counterpoise. (Note: re-tightening and greasing and existing joints may help to remove high contact resistance due to corrosion.)<br /> <br /> * Power Source: 24V/120W Switch Mode Power Supply. A special industrial type designed for dynamic loads was used.<br /> <br /> * Oscillator: pulled 4.096kHz X-tal based on a 74LS02 oscillator circuit. Frequency shifting is done by Varicap Diodes (Schottky Diodes were used since they're cheap and exhibit a high junction capacitance).<br /> <br /> * Keying: Atmel AVR ATTiny 461 (4kB Flash). An ATTiny26 was used first. First it all looked tight but good. Merging all functions eventually caused the MCU to run out of program memory. It was approx 100 bytes short (a bit more with debugging code still active). A pin compatible type with 4kb was used instead (the hardware had already been build). It also offers room for further features. Fun fact: software entirely done in assembler. Every bit of it. From reading the AM2302 to math and conversion and the CW/RTTY functions. The software is written in librarsies so the code exist as independent blocks that can be use for other/future projects as well. Keeping the code flexible was a key feature in this project.<br /> <br /> * Environmental Sensor: AM2303 (in instrument shelter), mounted outside (facing south may cause the temnperature reading during summer to be some degrees above the actual value. But since it's mounted high above the ground it can be assumed that present wind will keep it quite on-spot.)<br /> <br /> * Power Stage: Class E based on IRF640 FET @ 24V. Driver: MCP1407-E/P. Using a 7-pole (tripple PI) filter. 2nd harmonic supression greater than 33dB.<br /> <br /> * System effiency: approx 85%<br /> <br /> <br /> == Some additional notes ==<br /> <br /> * A 9.216.000MHz cryshttps://www.hfunderground.com/wiki/skins/common/images/button_image.pngtal allows to both derivate a 50Hz (20ms IRQ) Baud RTTY signal and also regular RS232 Baud rates from it (for debugging purposes).<br /> <br /> * Class E introduces quite some stress to Switch Mode Power Supplies when operating in CW mode. Experience from the recent years has shown that output capacitors will dry up rapidly or become short, oftean leading to a blown up power supply. Use a power supply that can at least provide double the amps drawn by the transmitter. Adding additional high capacity ceramic caps (2-3 x 10µ/50V, usually 1210 footprint) accross electrolytic caps also helps to reduce the stress a great deal. A classic transformer based power supply works also great. Be aware that any 100/120Hz ripple will be audible as AM modulation, thus leading to a higher signal bandwith. <br /> <br /> * Suitable (commonly available) FET drivers up to 8..10MHz: MCP1407-E/P, IR2121 or IR2125. Do NOT use the MCPxxE10/E14 series. Despite the datasheet stating good rise- and falltimes, those will become horrible above 1MHz. Discharging of the Gate to the low (off) state will not happen. Also, add some heatsink to any driver IC used. Especially on those with DIL-8 footprint.<br /> <br /> <br /> == Pictures ==<br /> <br /> '''Hardware'''<br /> <br /> [[File:CaP05-Transmitter Prototyping.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Transmitter Final-01.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Transmitter Final-02.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Transmitter Housing.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Antenna 1-Tuner Box.jpg||320px]]<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> '''Picture of the current location.'''<br /> <br /> ''Not available - for obvious reasons.''<br /> <br /> [[File:CaP05-Antenna_1_Construction-Tuning.jpg||320px]]<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> '''Former Location - January to March 2023. Old 13 story tall building. Fully demolished by June 2023.'''<br /> <br /> Pictures of the Antenne construction. No pictures of the full antenna available. Which would reveal the location.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> [[File:CaP05-Antenna 1 Load Coil-Wound.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Antenna 1 Load Coil-Isolated.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Antenna 1-Base Section-Isolation.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Antenna_1-Tuning.jpg||320px]]<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> The location was discovered in Winter 2020 shortly before the Covid-19 pandemic. With power available in the elevator engine room on the roof. Sadly, during winter 2020/-21 metal thieves discovered that the building was deserted as well and cut/tore out everything they could.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> [[File:CaP05-Location_1-Wiring-Stubs-01.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Location_1-Wiring-Stubs-02.jpg||320px]]<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Power was still available in the heavyily damaged fuse boxes in the basement. Giving up was no option. Wire stubs sticking from the walls were rang out to find a connection from the basement to the staircase through the walls. Single wires we ran through the pipes going through all 13 floors. Took a quite some time. But eventually power was available on the roof again. Sadly again, demolition works suddenly started two months after the installation. Thus, everything had to be removed again. You gain some. You lose some. Sigh.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> [[File:CaP05-Location_1-Wiring-Fusebox.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Location_1-Wiring-Rewiring-01.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Location_1-Wiring-Rewiring-02.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Location_1-Wiring-Rewiring-03.jpg||320px]]<br /> <br /> [[Category:Beacons]]</div>

Zazzle https://hfunderground.com/wiki/index.php/Common_and_Precious_5 2023-08-11T12:59:35Z

<p>Zazzle: </p> <hr /> <div>== Beacon &quot;Common and Precious Nr. 5&quot; ==<br /> <br /> <br /> '''08. August 2023: the beacon is active.'''<br /> <br /> <br /> Before anyone will ask the obvious: yeah, I went a bit over the top with this project. I kinda wanted to build it and then, when it was done, realised that maybeee... But oh well. It is what it is now. I'm not aiming for more Beacons in this power range. Except maybe one on 2200m. But only because the radition effiency of antennas here is around 0.1-1%.<br /> <br /> All Common and Precious Beacons are under re-construction and some in for a re-location. The 2nd generation Beacons will transmit both on CW and RTTY. The new message will carry, besides the usual informative text, also live telemetry Data such as temperature and humidity. An AM2303 sensor is used.<br /> <br /> This new Beacon, Nr. 5, is the first to run with the new software and features. If all works fine, the hardware of all other beacons will be upgraded and fitted with the new firmware.<br /> <br /> <br /> == History Backlog ==<br /> <br /> - '''22. January 2023:''' project went on air for the first time. (The Antenna was a 5m vertical with two load coils. One at the base and the second approx 30cm below the capacity hat. It allows for a higher feed point impedance, higher bandwith and also a good radiation of both the inductive and capacitive elemements. The Antenna was installed approx 35m above ground. Matching to 50R+j0 is realised by a simple L/C network. The antenna is a converted lightning rod. The basepoint was isolated from the mounting post by a sleeve made from PVC tube. A blotch of silicone works as a seal and keeps rainwater from seeping into it and causing corrosion together with the RF signal.)<br /> <br /> - '''24. March 2023:''' Project off-air. Unexpected demolition works have started. Power has been turned off. A new site was found. Moving the beacon will happen in April.<br /> <br /> - '''07. August 2023''': A new site was found. Setup is in progress. But it's expected that the location has to be changed again within this year. A lot of locations lay dormant for years. But oddly, since the end of the Covid-19 pandemic, a lot sites got demonished (or became marked for demlishing). Turns out a lot of properies got sold during the pandemy and will be used for new objects soon. It becomes more and more tricky to find suitable locations (especially with power available). Additionally, more and more vlogs (Video Blogs) on S1ocial Media about lost places results in an increasing number of people on locations. And with such comes more and more vandalism. Hence, running on Solar might become tricky as well. There's more lost objects available outside my home town, but most require at least a 45-60 minutes drive by car one way. Which I struggle with. Time and ecological wise.<br /> <br /> - '''08. August 2023''': The beacon is operating again.<br /> <br /> <br /> == Summary and details==<br /> <br /> * Frequency: 4.095.400kHz (CW and Mark Frequency). RTTY: 170Hz shift, 50 Baud, 2 Stop-bits<br /> <br /> * RF Power: 50W<br /> <br /> * Operating since: 22. January 2023<br /> <br /> * Antenna: 8m vertical with one load coil at the base together with the match. The Antenna is installed approx 10m above ground. Matching to 50R+j0 is realised by a simple L/C network. The antenna is a converted lightning rod. It sits on a tripod that's held down by concrete weights that also function as an isolator. The former ground connection was cut and connected to the matching box of the antenna instead. The C elemnt is a variable capacitor with additional fixed value styroflex capacitors. The inductor is an air-core type on a PVC tube. An iron power core suitable to handle the load would be too big to fit into the matching box. An additional 10k/2W resistor across the PL socket allows for any static buildup (caused wind / snow / rain or thunderstorm) to pass to ground. The existing grounding grid of the lightning arrester system was used as a counterpoise. (Note: re-tightening and greasing and existing joints may help to remove high contact resistance due to corrosion.)<br /> <br /> * Power Source: 24V/120W Switch Mode Power Supply. A special industrial type designed for dynamic loads was used.<br /> <br /> * Oscillator: pulled 4.096kHz X-tal based on a 74LS02 oscillator circuit. Frequency shifting is done by Varicap Diodes (Schottky Diodes were used since they're cheap and exhibit a high junction capacitance).<br /> <br /> * Keying: Atmel AVR ATTiny 461 (4kB Flash). An ATTiny26 was used first. First it all looked tight but good. Merging all functions eventually caused the MCU to run out of program memory. It was approx 100 bytes short (a bit more with debugging code still active). A pin compatible type with 4kb was used instead (the hardware had already been build). It also offers room for further features. Fun fact: software entirely done in assembler. Every bit of it. From reading the AM2302 to math and conversion and the CW/RTTY functions. The software is written in librarsies so the code exist as independent blocks that can be use for other/future projects as well. Keeping the code flexible was a key feature in this project.<br /> <br /> * Environmental Sensor: AM2303 (in instrument shelter), mounted outside (facing south may cause the temnperature reading during summer to be some degrees above the actual value. But since it's mounted high above the ground it can be assumed that present wind will keep it quite on-spot.)<br /> <br /> * Power Stage: Class E based on IRF640 FET @ 24V. Driver: MCP1407-E/P. Using a 7-pole (tripple PI) filter. 2nd harmonic supression greater than 33dB.<br /> <br /> * System effiency: approx 85%<br /> <br /> <br /> == Some additional notes ==<br /> <br /> * A 9.216.000MHz cryshttps://www.hfunderground.com/wiki/skins/common/images/button_image.pngtal allows to both derivate a 50Hz (20ms IRQ) Baud RTTY signal and also regular RS232 Baud rates from it (for debugging purposes).<br /> <br /> * Class E introduces quite some stress to Switch Mode Power Supplies when operating in CW mode. Experience from the recent years has shown that output capacitors will dry up rapidly or become short, oftean leading to a blown up power supply. Use a power supply that can at least provide double the amps drawn by the transmitter. Adding additional high capacity ceramic caps (2-3 x 10µ/50V, usually 1210 footprint) accross electrolytic caps also helps to reduce the stress a great deal. A classic transformer based power supply works also great. Be aware that any 100/120Hz ripple will be audible as AM modulation, thus leading to a higher signal bandwith. <br /> <br /> * Suitable (commonly available) FET drivers up to 8..10MHz: MCP1407-E/P, IR2121 or IR2125. Do NOT use the MCPxxE10/E14 series. Despite the datasheet stating good rise- and falltimes, those will become horrible above 1MHz. Discharging of the Gate to the low (off) state will not happen. Also, add some heatsink to any driver IC used. Especially on those with DIL-8 footprint.<br /> <br /> <br /> == Pictures ==<br /> <br /> '''Hardware'''<br /> <br /> [[File:CaP05-Transmitter Prototyping.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Transmitter Final-01.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Transmitter Final-02.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Transmitter Housing.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Antenna 1-Tuner Box.jpg||320px]]<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> '''Picture of the current location.'''<br /> <br /> ''Not available - for obvious reasons.''<br /> <br /> [[File:CaP05-Antenna_1_Construction-Tuning.jpg||320px]]<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> '''Former Location - January to March 2023. Old 13 story tall building. Fully demolished by June 2023.'''<br /> <br /> Pictures of the Antenne construction. No pictures of the full antenna available. Which would reveal the location.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> [[File:CaP05-Antenna 1 Load Coil-Wound.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Antenna 1 Load Coil-Isolated.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Antenna 1-Base Section-Isolation.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Antenna_1-Tuning.jpg||320px]]<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> The location was discovered in Winter 2020 shortly before the Covid-19 pandemic. With power available in the elevator engine room on the roof. Sadly, during winter 2020/-21 metal thieves discovered that the building was deserted as well and cut/tore out everything they could.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> [[File:CaP05-Location_1-Wiring-Stubs-01.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Location_1-Wiring-Stubs-02.jpg||320px]]<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Power was still available in the heavyily damaged fuse boxes in the basement. Giving up was no option. Wire stubs sticking from the walls were rang out to find a connection from the basement to the staircase through the walls. Single wires we ran through the pipes going through all 13 floors. Took a quite some time. But eventually power was available on the roof again. Sadly again, demolition works suddenly started two months after the installation. Thus, everything had to be removed again. You gain some. You lose some. Sigh.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> [[File:CaP05-Location_1-Wiring-Fusebox.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Location_1-Wiring-Rewiring-01.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Location_1-Wiring-Rewiring-02.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Location_1-Wiring-Rewiring-03.jpg||320px]]<br /> <br /> [[Category:Beacons]]</div>

Zazzle https://hfunderground.com/wiki/index.php/Common_and_Precious_5 2023-08-07T12:59:28Z

<p>Zazzle: </p> <hr /> <div>== Beacon &quot;Common and Precious Nr. 5&quot; ==<br /> <br /> <br /> '''07. August 2023: A new site was found. Setup is in progress.'''<br /> <br /> <br /> Before anyone will ask the obvious: yeah, I went a bit over the top with this project. I kinda wanted to build it and then, when it was done, realised that maybeee... But oh well. It is what it is now. I'm not aiming for more Beacons in this power range. Except maybe one on 2200m. But only because the radition effiency of antennas here is around 0.1-1%.<br /> <br /> All Common and Precious Beacons are under re-construction and some in for a re-location. The 2nd generation Beacons will transmit both on CW and RTTY. The new message will carry, besides the usual informative text, also live telemetry Data such as temperature and humidity. An AM2303 sensor is used.<br /> <br /> This new Beacon, Nr. 5, is the first to run with the new software and features. If all works fine, the hardware of all other beacons will be upgraded and fitted with the new firmware.<br /> <br /> <br /> == History Backlog ==<br /> <br /> - '''22. January 2023:''' project went on air for the first time. (The Antenna was a 5m vertical with two load coils. One at the base and the second approx 30cm below the capacity hat. It allows for a higher feed point impedance, higher bandwith and also a good radiation of both the inductive and capacitive elemements. The Antenna was installed approx 35m above ground. Matching to 50R+j0 is realised by a simple L/C network. The antenna is a converted lightning rod. The basepoint was isolated from the mounting post by a sleeve made from PVC tube. A blotch of silicone works as a seal and keeps rainwater from seeping into it and causing corrosion together with the RF signal.)<br /> <br /> - '''24. March 2023:''' Project off-air. Unexpected demolition works have started. Power has been turned off. A new site was found. Moving the beacon will happen in April.<br /> <br /> - '''07. August 2023''': A new site was found. Setup is in progress. But it's expected that the location has to be changed again within this year. A lot of locations lay dormant for years. But oddly, since the end of the Covid-19 pandemic, a lot sites got demonished (or became marked for demlishing). Turns out a lot of properies got sold during the pandemy and will be used for new objects soon. It becomes more and more tricky to find suitable locations (especially with power available). Additionally, more and more vlogs (Video Blogs) on S1ocial Media about lost places results in an increasing number of people on locations. And with such comes more and more vandalism. Hence, running on Solar might become tricky as well. There's more lost objects available outside my home town, but most require at least a 45-60 minutes drive by car one way. Which I struggle with. Time and ecological wise.<br /> <br /> <br /> == Summary and details==<br /> <br /> * Frequency: 4.095.400kHz (CW and Mark Frequency). RTTY: 170Hz shift, 50 Baud, 2 Stop-bits<br /> <br /> * RF Power: 50W<br /> <br /> * Operating since: 22. January 2023<br /> <br /> * Antenna: 8m vertical with one load coil at the base together with the match. The Antenna is installed approx 10m above ground. Matching to 50R+j0 is realised by a simple L/C network. The antenna is a converted lightning rod. It sits on a tripod that's held down by concrete weights that also function as an isolator. The former ground connection was cut and connected to the matching box of the antenna instead. The C elemnt is a variable capacitor with additional fixed value styroflex capacitors. The inductor is an air-core type on a PVC tube. An iron power core suitable to handle the load would be too big to fit into the matching box. An additional 10k/2W resistor across the PL socket allows for any static buildup (caused wind / snow / rain or thunderstorm) to pass to ground. The existing grounding grid of the lightning arrester system was used as a counterpoise. (Note: re-tightening and greasing and existing joints may help to remove high contact resistance due to corrosion.)<br /> <br /> * Power Source: 24V/120W Switch Mode Power Supply. A special industrial type designed for dynamic loads was used.<br /> <br /> * Oscillator: pulled 4.096kHz X-tal based on a 74LS02 oscillator circuit. Frequency shifting is done by Varicap Diodes (Schottky Diodes were used since they're cheap and exhibit a high junction capacitance).<br /> <br /> * Keying: Atmel AVR ATTiny 461 (4kB Flash). An ATTiny26 was used first. First it all looked tight but good. Merging all functions eventually caused the MCU to run out of program memory. It was approx 100 bytes short (a bit more with debugging code still active). A pin compatible type with 4kb was used instead (the hardware had already been build). It also offers room for further features. Fun fact: software entirely done in assembler. Every bit of it. From reading the AM2302 to math and conversion and the CW/RTTY functions. The software is written in librarsies so the code exist as independent blocks that can be use for other/future projects as well. Keeping the code flexible was a key feature in this project.<br /> <br /> * Environmental Sensor: AM2303 (in instrument shelter), mounted outside (facing south may cause the temnperature reading during summer to be some degrees above the actual value. But since it's mounted high above the ground it can be assumed that present wind will keep it quite on-spot.)<br /> <br /> * Power Stage: Class E based on IRF640 FET @ 24V. Driver: MCP1407-E/P. Using a 7-pole (tripple PI) filter. 2nd harmonic supression greater than 33dB.<br /> <br /> * System effiency: approx 85%<br /> <br /> <br /> == Some additional notes ==<br /> <br /> * A 9.216.000MHz cryshttps://www.hfunderground.com/wiki/skins/common/images/button_image.pngtal allows to both derivate a 50Hz (20ms IRQ) Baud RTTY signal and also regular RS232 Baud rates from it (for debugging purposes).<br /> <br /> * Class E introduces quite some stress to Switch Mode Power Supplies when operating in CW mode. Experience from the recent years has shown that output capacitors will dry up rapidly or become short, oftean leading to a blown up power supply. Use a power supply that can at least provide double the amps drawn by the transmitter. Adding additional high capacity ceramic caps (2-3 x 10µ/50V, usually 1210 footprint) accross electrolytic caps also helps to reduce the stress a great deal. A classic transformer based power supply works also great. Be aware that any 100/120Hz ripple will be audible as AM modulation, thus leading to a higher signal bandwith. <br /> <br /> * Suitable (commonly available) FET drivers up to 8..10MHz: MCP1407-E/P, IR2121 or IR2125. Do NOT use the MCPxxE10/E14 series. Despite the datasheet stating good rise- and falltimes, those will become horrible above 1MHz. Discharging of the Gate to the low (off) state will not happen. Also, add some heatsink to any driver IC used. Especially on those with DIL-8 footprint.<br /> <br /> <br /> == Pictures ==<br /> <br /> '''Hardware'''<br /> <br /> [[File:CaP05-Transmitter Prototyping.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Transmitter Final-01.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Transmitter Final-02.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Transmitter Housing.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Antenna 1-Tuner Box.jpg||320px]]<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> '''Picture of the current location.'''<br /> <br /> ''Not available - for obvious reasons.''<br /> <br /> [[File:CaP05-Antenna_1_Construction-Tuning.jpg||320px]]<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> '''Former Location - January to March 2023. Old 13 story tall building. Fully demolished by June 2023.'''<br /> <br /> Pictures of the Antenne construction. No pictures of the full antenna available. Which would reveal the location.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> [[File:CaP05-Antenna 1 Load Coil-Wound.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Antenna 1 Load Coil-Isolated.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Antenna 1-Base Section-Isolation.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Antenna_1-Tuning.jpg||320px]]<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> The location was discovered in Winter 2020 shortly before the Covid-19 pandemic. With power available in the elevator engine room on the roof. Sadly, during winter 2020/-21 metal thieves discovered that the building was deserted as well and cut/tore out everything they could.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> [[File:CaP05-Location_1-Wiring-Stubs-01.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Location_1-Wiring-Stubs-02.jpg||320px]]<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Power was still available in the heavyily damaged fuse boxes in the basement. Giving up was no option. Wire stubs sticking from the walls were rang out to find a connection from the basement to the staircase through the walls. Single wires we ran through the pipes going through all 13 floors. Took a quite some time. But eventually power was available on the roof again. Sadly again, demolition works suddenly started two months after the installation. Thus, everything had to be removed again. You gain some. You lose some. Sigh.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> [[File:CaP05-Location_1-Wiring-Fusebox.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Location_1-Wiring-Rewiring-01.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Location_1-Wiring-Rewiring-02.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Location_1-Wiring-Rewiring-03.jpg||320px]]<br /> <br /> [[Category:Beacons]]</div>

Zazzle https://hfunderground.com/wiki/index.php/Common_and_Precious_5 2023-08-07T12:58:49Z

<p>Zazzle: </p> <hr /> <div>== Beacon &quot;Common and Precious Nr. 5&quot; ==<br /> <br /> <br /> '''07. August 2023: A new site was found. Setup is in progress.'''<br /> <br /> <br /> Before anyone will ask the obvious: yeah, I went a bit over the top with this project. I kinda wanted to build it and then, when it was done, realised that maybeee... But oh well. It is what it is now. I'm not aiming for more Beacons in this power range. Except maybe one on 2200m. But only because the radition effiency of antennas here is around 0.1-1%.<br /> <br /> All Common and Precious Beacons are under re-construction and some in for a re-location. The 2nd generation Beacons will transmit both on CW and RTTY. The new message will carry, besides the usual informative text, also live telemetry Data such as temperature and humidity. An AM2303 sensor is used.<br /> <br /> This new Beacon, Nr. 5, is the first to run with the new software and features. If all works fine, the hardware of all other beacons will be upgraded and fitted with the new firmware.<br /> <br /> <br /> == History Backlog ==<br /> <br /> - '''22. January 2023:''' project went on air for the first time. (The Antenna was a 5m vertical with two load coils. One at the base and the second approx 30cm below the capacity hat. It allows for a higher feed point impedance, higher bandwith and also a good radiation of both the inductive and capacitive elemements. The Antenna was installed approx 35m above ground. Matching to 50R+j0 is realised by a simple L/C network. The antenna is a converted lightning rod. The basepoint was isolated from the mounting post by a sleeve made from PVC tube. A blotch of silicone works as a seal and keeps rainwater from seeping into it and causing corrosion together with the RF signal.)<br /> <br /> - '''24. March 2023:''' Project off-air. Unexpected demolition works have started. Power has been turned off. A new site was found. Moving the beacon will happen in April.<br /> <br /> - '''07. August 2023''': A new site was found. Setup is in progress. But it's expected that the location has to be changed again within this year. A lot of locations lay dormant for years. But oddly, since the end of the Covid-19 pandemic, a lot sites got demonished (or became marked for demlishing). Turns out a lot of properies got sold during the pandemy and will be used for new objects soon. It becomes more and more tricky to find suitable locations (especially with power available). Additionally, more and more vlogs (Video Blogs) on S1ocial Media about lost places results in an increasing number of people on locations. And with such comes more and more vandalism. Hence, running on Solar might become tricky as well. There's more lost objects available outside my home town, but most require at least a 45-60 minutes drive by car one way. Which I struggle with. Time and ecological wise.<br /> <br /> <br /> == Summary and details==<br /> <br /> * Frequency: 4.095.400kHz (CW and Mark Frequency). RTTY: 170Hz shift, 50 Baud, 2 Stop-bits<br /> <br /> * RF Power: 50W<br /> <br /> * Operating since: 22. January 2023<br /> <br /> * Antenna: 8m vertical with one load coil at the base together with the match. The Antenna is installed approx 10m above ground. Matching to 50R+j0 is realised by a simple L/C network. The antenna is a converted lightning rod. It sits on a tripod that's held down by concrete weights that also function as an isolator. The former ground connection was cut and connected to the matching box of the antenna instead. The C elemnt is a variable capacitor with additional fixed value styroflex capacitors. The inductor is an air-core type on a PVC tube. An iron power core suitable to handle the load would be too big to fit into the matching box. An additional 10k/2W resistor across the PL socket allows for any static buildup (caused wind / snow / rain or thunderstorm) to pass to ground. The existing grounding grid of the lightning arrester system was used as a counterpoise. (Note: re-tightening and greasing and existing joints may help to remove high contact resistance due to corrosion.)<br /> <br /> * Power Source: 24V/120W Switch Mode Power Supply. A special industrial type designed for dynamic loads was used.<br /> <br /> * Oscillator: pulled 4.096kHz X-tal based on a 74LS02 oscillator circuit. Frequency shifting is done by Varicap Diodes (Schottky Diodes were used since they're cheap and exhibit a high junction capacitance).<br /> <br /> * Keying: Atmel AVR ATTiny 461 (4kB Flash). An ATTiny26 was used first. First it all looked tight but good. Merging all functions eventually caused the MCU to run out of program memory. It was approx 100 bytes short (a bit more with debugging code still active). A pin compatible type with 4kb was used instead (the hardware had already been build). It also offers room for further features. Fun fact: software entirely done in assembler. Every bit of it. From reading the AM2302 to math and conversion and the CW/RTTY functions. The software is written in librarsies so the code exist as independent blocks that can be use for other/future projects as well. Keeping the code flexible was a key feature in this project.<br /> <br /> * Environmental Sensor: AM2303 (in instrument shelter), mounted outside (facing south may cause the temnperature reading during summer to be some degrees above the actual value. But since it's mounted high above the ground it can be assumed that present wind will keep it quite on-spot.)<br /> <br /> * Power Stage: Class E based on IRF640 FET @ 24V. Driver: MCP1407-E/P. Using a 7-pole (tripple PI) filter. 2nd harmonic supression greater than 33dB.<br /> <br /> * System effiency: approx 85%<br /> <br /> <br /> == Some additional notes ==<br /> <br /> * A 9.216.000MHz cryshttps://www.hfunderground.com/wiki/skins/common/images/button_image.pngtal allows to both derivate a 50Hz (20ms IRQ) Baud RTTY signal and also regular RS232 Baud rates from it (for debugging purposes).<br /> <br /> * Class E introduces quite some stress to Switch Mode Power Supplies when operating in CW mode. Experience from the recent years has shown that output capacitors will dry up rapidly or become short, oftean leading to a blown up power supply. Use a power supply that can at least provide double the amps drawn by the transmitter. Adding additional high capacity ceramic caps (2-3 x 10µ/50V, usually 1210 footprint) accross electrolytic caps also helps to reduce the stress a great deal. A classic transformer based power supply works also great. Be aware that any 100/120Hz ripple will be audible as AM modulation, thus leading to a higher signal bandwith. <br /> <br /> * Suitable (commonly available) FET drivers up to 8..10MHz: MCP1407-E/P, IR2121 or IR2125. Do NOT use the MCPxxE10/E14 series. Despite the datasheet stating good rise- and falltimes, those will become horrible above 1MHz. Discharging of the Gate to the low (off) state will not happen. Also, add some heatsink to any driver IC used. Especially on those with DIL-8 footprint.<br /> <br /> <br /> == Pictures ==<br /> <br /> '''Hardware'''<br /> <br /> [[File:CaP05-Transmitter Prototyping.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Transmitter Final-01.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Transmitter Final-02.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Transmitter Housing.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Antenna 1-Tuner Box.jpg||320px]]<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> '''Picture of the current location.'''<br /> <br /> ''Not available - for obvious reasons.''<br /> <br /> [[File:CaP05-Antenna_1_Construction-Tuning.jpg||320px]]<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> '''Former Location - January to March 2023. Old 13 story tall building. Fully demolished by June 2023.'''<br /> <br /> Pictures of the Antenne construction. No pictures of the full antenna available. Which would reveal the location.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> [[File:CaP05-Antenna 1 Load Coil-Wound.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Antenna 1 Load Coil-Isolated.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Antenna 1-Base Section-Isolation.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Antenna_1-Tuning.jpg||320px]]<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> The location was discovered in Winter 2020 shortly before the Covid-19 pandemic. With power available in the elevator engine room on the roof. Sadly, during winter 2020/-21 metal thieves discovered that the building was deserted as well and cut/tore out everything they could.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> [[File:CaP05-Location_1-Wiring-Stubs-01.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Location_1-Wiring-Stubs-02.jpg||320px]]<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Power was still available in the heavyily damaged fuse boxes in the basement. Giving up was no option. Wire stubs sticking from the walls were rang out to find a connection from the basement to the staircase through the walls. Single wires we ran through the pipes going through all 13 floors. Took a quite some time. But eventually power was available on the roof again. Sadly again, demolition works suddenly started two months after the installation. Thus, everything had to be removed again. You gain some. You lose some. Sigh.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> [[File:CaP05-Location_1-Wiring-Fusebox.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Location_1-Wiring-Rewiring-01.jpg||320px]]<br /> [[File:CaP05-Location_1-Wiring-Rewiring-02.jpg||320px]]<br /> <br /> [[Category:Beacons]]</div>

Zazzle https://hfunderground.com/wiki/index.php/File:CaP05-Antenna_1_Construction-Tuning.jpg 2023-08-07T12:27:26Z

<p>Zazzle: CAP 5 Location 2 (August 2023) - Antenna Tuning</p> <hr /> <div>CAP 5 Location 2 (August 2023) - Antenna Tuning</div>

Zazzle https://hfunderground.com/wiki/index.php/File:CaP05-Location_1-Wiring-Rewiring-03.jpg 2023-08-07T12:26:58Z

<p>Zazzle: CAP 5 Location 1 (January to March 2023) - Rewiring on roof</p> <hr /> <div>CAP 5 Location 1 (January to March 2023) - Rewiring on roof</div>

Zazzle https://hfunderground.com/wiki/index.php/File:CaP05-Location_1-Wiring-Rewiring-02.jpg 2023-08-07T12:26:28Z

<p>Zazzle: CAP 5 Location 1 (January to March 2023) - Rewiring in staircase</p> <hr /> <div>CAP 5 Location 1 (January to March 2023) - Rewiring in staircase</div>

Zazzle https://hfunderground.com/wiki/index.php/File:CaP05-Location_1-Wiring-Rewiring-01.jpg 2023-08-07T12:26:06Z

<p>Zazzle: CAP 5 Location 1 (January to March 2023) - Rewiring in basement</p> <hr /> <div>CAP 5 Location 1 (January to March 2023) - Rewiring in basement</div>

Zazzle https://hfunderground.com/wiki/index.php/File:CaP05-Location_1-Wiring-Stubs-02.jpg 2023-08-07T12:25:38Z

<p>Zazzle: uploaded a new version of &amp;quot;File:CaP05-Location 1-Wiring-Stubs-02.jpg&amp;quot;: CAP 5 Location 1 (January to March 2023) - Wire stubs in staircase from cable theft</p> <hr /> <div>CAP 5 Location 1 (January to March 2023) - Wire stubs in basement from cable theft</div>

Zazzle https://hfunderground.com/wiki/index.php/File:CaP05-Location_1-Wiring-Stubs-01.jpg 2023-08-07T12:25:09Z

<p>Zazzle: CAP 5 Location 1 (January to March 2023) - Wire stubs in basement from cable theft</p> <hr /> <div>CAP 5 Location 1 (January to March 2023) - Wire stubs in basement from cable theft</div>

Zazzle https://hfunderground.com/wiki/index.php/File:CaP05-Location_1-Wiring-Stubs-02.jpg 2023-08-07T12:24:26Z

<p>Zazzle: uploaded a new version of &amp;quot;File:CaP05-Location 1-Wiring-Stubs-02.jpg&amp;quot;: CAP 5 Location 1 (January to March 2023) - Wire stubs staircase from cable theft</p> <hr /> <div>CAP 5 Location 1 (January to March 2023) - Wire stubs in basement from cable theft</div>

Zazzle https://hfunderground.com/wiki/index.php/File:CaP05-Location_1-Wiring-Stubs-02.jpg 2023-08-07T12:23:18Z

<p>Zazzle: CAP 5 Location 1 (January to March 2023) - Wire stubs in basement from cable theft</p> <hr /> <div>CAP 5 Location 1 (January to March 2023) - Wire stubs in basement from cable theft</div>

Zazzle https://hfunderground.com/wiki/index.php/File:CaP05-Location_1-Wiring-Fusebox.jpg 2023-08-07T12:22:43Z

<p>Zazzle: CAP 5 Location 1 (January to March 2023) - Fusebox basement</p> <hr /> <div>CAP 5 Location 1 (January to March 2023) - Fusebox basement</div>

Zazzle https://hfunderground.com/wiki/index.php/File:CaP05-Transmitter_Housing.jpg 2023-08-07T12:21:36Z

<p>Zazzle: CAP 5 Transmitter in housing with PSU</p> <hr /> <div>CAP 5 Transmitter in housing with PSU</div>

Zazzle https://hfunderground.com/wiki/index.php/File:CaP05-AM2302_Weather_Shield.jpg 2023-08-07T12:21:07Z

<p>Zazzle: CAP 5 AM2302 (Temperature and Humidity Sensor) - Weather Shield</p> <hr /> <div>CAP 5 AM2302 (Temperature and Humidity Sensor) - Weather Shield</div>

Zazzle https://hfunderground.com/wiki/index.php/File:CaP05-AM2302_RF_Shield.jpg 2023-08-07T12:20:31Z

<p>Zazzle: CAP 5 AM2302 (Temperature and Humidity Sensor) - RF Shield</p> <hr /> <div>CAP 5 AM2302 (Temperature and Humidity Sensor) - RF Shield</div>

Zazzle https://hfunderground.com/wiki/index.php/File:CaP05-Antenna_1-Tuning.jpg 2023-08-07T12:19:48Z

<p>Zazzle: CAP 5 Location 1 (January to March 2023) Antenna Tuning</p> <hr /> <div>CAP 5 Location 1 (January to March 2023) Antenna Tuning</div>

Zazzle https://hfunderground.com/wiki/index.php/File:CaP05-Antenna_1_Load_Coil-Isolated.jpg 2023-08-07T12:19:19Z

<p>Zazzle: CAP 5 Location 1 (January to March 2023) Antenna Load Coil isolated</p> <hr /> <div>CAP 5 Location 1 (January to March 2023) Antenna Load Coil isolated</div>

Zazzle https://hfunderground.com/wiki/index.php/File:CaP05-Antenna_1_Load_Coil-Wound.jpg 2023-08-07T12:19:06Z

<p>Zazzle: CAP 5 Location 1 (January to March 2023) Antenna Load Coil unisolated</p> <hr /> <div>CAP 5 Location 1 (January to March 2023) Antenna Load Coil unisolated</div>

Zazzle https://hfunderground.com/wiki/index.php/File:CaP05-Antenna_1-Base_Section-Final.jpg 2023-08-07T12:18:32Z

<p>Zazzle: CAP 5 Location 1 (January to March 2023) Antenna Feed Point.</p> <hr /> <div>CAP 5 Location 1 (January to March 2023) Antenna Feed Point.</div>

Zazzle https://hfunderground.com/wiki/index.php/File:CaP05-Antenna_1-Base_Section-Isolation.jpg 2023-08-07T12:17:20Z

<p>Zazzle: Turning a lightning rod into an Antenna. Isolating the base against ground and mounting the LC Tuner Box.</p> <hr /> <div>Turning a lightning rod into an Antenna. Isolating the base against ground and mounting the LC Tuner Box.</div>

Zazzle https://hfunderground.com/wiki/index.php/File:CaP05-Antenna_1-Tuner_Box.jpg 2023-08-07T12:16:31Z

<p>Zazzle: Work in Progress of the CAP 5 Vertical Antenna LC Tuning Box</p> <hr /> <div>Work in Progress of the CAP 5 Vertical Antenna LC Tuning Box</div>

Zazzle https://hfunderground.com/wiki/index.php/File:CaP05-Transmitter_Final-02.jpg 2023-08-07T12:15:56Z

<p>Zazzle: Final Transmitter of CAP 5</p> <hr /> <div>Final Transmitter of CAP 5</div>

Zazzle https://hfunderground.com/wiki/index.php/File:CaP05-Transmitter_Final-01.jpg 2023-08-07T12:15:44Z

<p>Zazzle: Final Transmitter of CAP 5</p> <hr /> <div>Final Transmitter of CAP 5</div>

Zazzle https://hfunderground.com/wiki/index.php/File:CaP05-Transmitter_Prototyping.jpg 2023-08-07T12:15:15Z

<p>Zazzle: Work in progress of the CAP 5 Transmitter Board</p> <hr /> <div>Work in progress of the CAP 5 Transmitter Board</div>

Zazzle https://hfunderground.com/wiki/index.php/Common_and_Precious_5 2023-08-07T12:12:19Z

<p>Zazzle: </p> <hr /> <div>== Beacon &quot;Common and Precious Nr. 5&quot; ==<br /> <br /> <br /> '''07. August 2023: A new site was found. Setup is in progress.'''<br /> <br /> <br /> Before anyone will ask the obvious: yeah, I went a bit over the top with this project. I kinda wanted to build it and then, when it was done, realised that maybeee... But oh well. It is what it is now. I'm not aiming for more Beacons in this power range. Except maybe one on 2200m. But only because the radition effiency of antennas here is around 0.1-1%.<br /> <br /> All Common and Precious Beacons are under re-construction and some in for a re-location. The 2nd generation Beacons will transmit both on CW and RTTY. The new message will carry, besides the usual informative text, also live telemetry Data such as temperature and humidity. An AM2303 sensor is used.<br /> <br /> This new Beacon, Nr. 5, is the first to run with the new software and features. If all works fine, the hardware of all other beacons will be upgraded and fitted with the new firmware.<br /> <br /> <br /> == History Backlog ==<br /> <br /> - '''22. January 2023:''' project went on air for the first time. (The Antenna was a 5m vertical with two load coils. One at the base and the second approx 30cm below the capacity hat. It allows for a higher feed point impedance, higher bandwith and also a good radiation of both the inductive and capacitive elemements. The Antenna was installed approx 35m above ground. Matching to 50R+j0 is realised by a simple L/C network. The antenna is a converted lightning rod. The basepoint was isolated from the mounting post by a sleeve made from PVC tube. A blotch of silicone works as a seal and keeps rainwater from seeping into it and causing corrosion together with the RF signal.)<br /> <br /> - '''24. March 2023:''' Project off-air. Unexpected demolition works have started. Power has been turned off. A new site was found. Moving the beacon will happen in April.<br /> <br /> - '''07. August 2023''': A new site was found. Setup is in progress. But it's expected that the location has to be changed again within this year. A lot of locations lay dormant for years. But oddly, since the end of the Covid-19 pandemy, a lot sites got demonished (or became marked for demlishing). Turns out a lot of properies got sold during the pandemy and will be used for new objects soon. It becomes more and more tricky to find suitable locations (especially with power available). Additionally, more and more vlogs (Video Blogs) on S1ocial Media about lost places results in an increasing number of people on locations. And with such comes more and more vandalism. Hence, running on Solar might become tricky as well. There's more lost objects available outside my home town, but most require at least a 45-60 minutes drive by car one way. Which I struggle with. Time and ecological wise.<br /> <br /> <br /> == Summary and details==<br /> <br /> * Frequency: 4.095.400kHz (CW and Mark Frequency). RTTY: 170Hz shift, 50 Baud, 2 Stop-bits<br /> <br /> * RF Power: 50W<br /> <br /> * Operating since: 22. January 2023<br /> <br /> * Antenna: 8m vertical with one load coil at the base together with the match. The Antenna is installed approx 10m above ground. Matching to 50R+j0 is realised by a simple L/C network. The antenna is a converted lightning rod. It sits on a tripod that's held down by concrete weights that also function as an isolator. The former ground connection was cut and connected to the matching box of the antenna instead. The C elemnt is a variable capacitor with additional fixed value styroflex capacitors. The inductor is an air-core type on a PVC tube. An iron power core suitable to handle the load would be too big to fit into the matching box. An additional 10k/2W resistor across the PL socket allows for any static buildup (caused wind / snow / rain or thunderstorm) to pass to ground. The existing grounding grid of the lightning arrester system was used as a counterpoise. (Note: re-tightening and greasing and existing joints may help to remove high contact resistance due to corrosion.)<br /> <br /> * Power Source: 24V/120W Switch Mode Power Supply. A special industrial type designed for dynamic loads was used.<br /> <br /> * Oscillator: pulled 4.096kHz X-tal based on a 74LS02 oscillator circuit. Frequency shifting is done by Varicap Diodes (Schottky Diodes were used since they're cheap and exhibit a high junction capacitance).<br /> <br /> * Keying: Atmel AVR ATTiny 461 (4kB Flash). An ATTiny26 was used first. First it all looked tight but good. Merging all functions eventually caused the MCU to run out of program memory. It was approx 100 bytes short (a bit more with debugging code still active). A pin compatible type with 4kb was used instead (the hardware had already been build). It also offers room for further features. Fun fact: software entirely done in assembler. Every bit of it. From reading the AM2302 to math and conversion and the CW/RTTY functions. The software is written in librarsies so the code exist as independent blocks that can be use for other/future projects as well. Keeping the code flexible was a key feature in this project.<br /> <br /> * Environmental Sensor: AM2303 (in instrument shelter), mounted outside (facing south may cause the temnperature reading during summer to be some degrees above the actual value. But since it's mounted high above the ground it can be assumed that present wind will keep it quite on-spot.)<br /> <br /> * Power Stage: Class E based on IRF640 FET @ 24V. Driver: MCP1407-E/P. Using a 7-pole (tripple PI) filter. 2nd harmonic supression greater than 33dB.<br /> <br /> * System effiency: approx 85%<br /> <br /> <br /> == Some additional notes ==<br /> <br /> * A 9.216.000MHz crystal allows to both derivate a 50Hz (20ms IRQ) Baud RTTY signal and also regular RS232 Baud rates from it (for debugging purposes).<br /> <br /> * Class E introduces quite some stress to Switch Mode Power Supplies when operating in CW mode. Experience from the recent years has shown that output capacitors will dry up rapidly or become short, oftean leading to a blown up power supply. Use a power supply that can at least provide double the amps drawn by the transmitter. Adding additional high capacity ceramic caps (2-3 x 10µ/50V, usually 1210 footprint) accross electrolytic caps also helps to reduce the stress a great deal. A classic transformer based power supply works also great. Be aware that any 100/120Hz ripple will be audible as AM modulation, thus leading to a higher signal bandwith. <br /> <br /> * Suitable (commonly available) FET drivers up to 8..10MHz: MCP1407-E/P, IR2121 or IR2125. Do NOT use the MCPxxE10/E14 series. Despite the datasheet stating good rise- and falltimes, those will become horrible above 1MHz. Discharging of the Gate to the low (off) state will not happen. Also, add some heatsink to any driver IC used. Especially on those with DIL-8 footprint.<br /> <br /> <br /> == Pictures ==<br /> <br /> TBD<br /> <br /> [[Category:Beacons]]</div>

Zazzle https://hfunderground.com/wiki/index.php/Common_and_Precious_5 2023-08-07T08:27:57Z

<p>Zazzle: </p> <hr /> <div>== Beacon &quot;Common and Precious Nr. 5&quot; ==<br /> <br /> <br /> '''07. August 2023: A new site was found. Setup is in progress.'''<br /> <br /> <br /> Before anyone will ask the obvious: yeah, I went a bit over the top with this project. I kinda wanted to build it and then, when it was done, realised that maybeee... But oh well. It is what it is now. I'm not aiming for more Beacons in this power range. Except maybe one on 2200m. But only because the radition effiency of antennas here is around 0.1-1%.<br /> <br /> All Common and Precious Beacons are under re-construction and some in for a re-location. The 2nd generation Beacons will transmit both on CW and RTTY. The new message will carry, besides the usual informative text, also live telemetry Data such as temperature and humidity. An AM2303 sensor is used.<br /> <br /> This new Beacon, Nr. 5, is the first to run with the new software and features. If all works fine, the hardware of all other beacons will be upgraded and fitted with the new firmware.<br /> <br /> <br /> == History Backlog ==<br /> <br /> - '''22. January 2023:''' project went on air for the first time. (The Antenna was a 5m vertical with two load coils. One at the base and the second approx 30cm below the capacity hat. It allows for a higher feed point impedance, higher bandwith and also a good radiation of both the inductive and capacitive elemements. The Antenna was installed approx 35m above ground. Matching to 50R+j0 is realised by a simple L/C network. The antenna is a converted lightning rod. The basepoint was isolated from the mounting post by a sleeve made from PVC tube. A blotch of silicone works as a seal and keeps rainwater from seeping into it and causing corrosion together with the RF signal.)<br /> <br /> - '''24. March 2023:''' Project off-air. Unexpected demolition works have started. Power has been turned off. A new site was found. Moving the beacon will happen in April.<br /> <br /> - '''07. August 2023''': A new site was found. Setup is in progress. But it's expected that the location has to be changed again within this <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> == Summary and details==<br /> <br /> * Frequency: 4.095.400kHz (CW and Mark Frequency). RTTY: 170Hz shift, 50 Baud, 2 Stop-bits<br /> <br /> * RF Power: 50W<br /> <br /> * Operating since: 22. January 2023<br /> <br /> * Antenna: 8m vertical with one load coil at the base together with the match. The Antenna is installed approx 10m above ground. Matching to 50R+j0 is realised by a simple L/C network. The antenna is a converted lightning rod. It sits on a tripod that's held down by concrete weights that also function as an isolator. The former ground connection was cut and connected to the matching box of the antenna instead. The C elemnt is a variable capacitor with additional fixed value styroflex capacitors. The inductor is an air-core type on a PVC tube. An iron power core suitable to handle the load would be too big to fit into the matching box. An additional 10k/2W resistor across the PL socket allows for any static buildup (caused wind / snow / rain or thunderstorm) to pass to ground. The existing grounding grid of the lightning arrester system was used as a counterpoise. (Note: re-tightening and greasing and existing joints may help to remove high contact resistance due to corrosion.)<br /> <br /> * Power Source: 24V/120W Switch Mode Power Supply. A special industrial type designed for dynamic loads was used.<br /> <br /> * Oscillator: pulled 4.096kHz X-tal based on a 74LS02 oscillator circuit. Frequency shifting is done by Varicap Diodes (Schottky Diodes were used since they're cheap and exhibit a high junction capacitance).<br /> <br /> * Keying: Atmel AVR ATTiny 461 (4kB Flash). An ATTiny26 was used first. First it all looked tight but good. Merging all functions eventually caused the MCU to run out of program memory. It was approx 100 bytes short (a bit more with debugging code still active). A pin compatible type with 4kb was used instead (the hardware had already been build). It also offers room for further features. Fun fact: software entirely done in assembler. Every bit of it. From reading the AM2302 to math and conversion and the CW/RTTY functions. The software is written in librarsies so the code exist as independent blocks that can be use for other/future projects as well. Keeping the code flexible was a key feature in this project.<br /> <br /> * Environmental Sensor: AM2303 (in instrument shelter), mounted outside (facing south may cause the temnperature reading during summer to be some degrees above the actual value. But since it's mounted high above the ground it can be assumed that present wind will keep it quite on-spot.)<br /> <br /> * Power Stage: Class E based on IRF640 FET @ 24V. Driver: MCP1407-E/P. Using a 7-pole (tripple PI) filter. 2nd harmonic supression greater than 33dB.<br /> <br /> * System effiency: approx 85%<br /> <br /> <br /> == Some additional notes ==<br /> <br /> * A 9.216.000MHz crystal allows to both derivate a 50Hz (20ms IRQ) Baud RTTY signal and also regular RS232 Baud rates from it (for debugging purposes).<br /> <br /> * Class E introduces quite some stress to Switch Mode Power Supplies when operating in CW mode. Experience from the recent years has shown that output capacitors will dry up rapidly or become short, oftean leading to a blown up power supply. Use a power supply that can at least provide double the amps drawn by the transmitter. Adding additional high capacity ceramic caps (2-3 x 10µ/50V, usually 1210 footprint) accross electrolytic caps also helps to reduce the stress a great deal. A classic transformer based power supply works also great. Be aware that any 100/120Hz ripple will be audible as AM modulation, thus leading to a higher signal bandwith. <br /> <br /> * Suitable (commonly available) FET drivers up to 8..10MHz: MCP1407-E/P, IR2121 or IR2125. Do NOT use the MCPxxE10/E14 series. Despite the datasheet stating good rise- and falltimes, those will become horrible above 1MHz. Discharging of the Gate to the low (off) state will not happen. Also, add some heatsink to any driver IC used. Especially on those with DIL-8 footprint.<br /> <br /> <br /> == Pictures ==<br /> <br /> TBD<br /> <br /> [[Category:Beacons]]</div>

Zazzle https://hfunderground.com/wiki/index.php/Common_and_Precious_5 2023-03-24T12:17:14Z

<p>Zazzle: </p> <hr /> <div>== Beacon &quot;Common and Precious Nr. 5&quot; ==<br /> <br /> <br /> '''24. March 2023: Project off-air. Unexpected demolition works have started. Power has been turned off. A new site was found. Moving the beacon will happen in April.'''<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Before anyone will ask the obvious: yeah, I went a bit over the top with this project. I kinda wanted to build it and then, when it was done, realised that maybeee... But oh well. It is what it is now. I'm not aiming for more Beacons in this power range. Except maybe one on 2200m. But only because the radition effiency of antennas here is around 0.1-1%.<br /> <br /> All Common and Precious Beacons are under re-construction and some in for a re-location. The 2nd generation Beacons will transmit both on CW and RTTY. The new message will carry, besides the usual informative text, also live telemetry Data such as temperature and humidity. An AM2303 sensor is used.<br /> <br /> This new Beacon, Nr. 5, is the first to run with the new software and features. If all works fine, the hardware of all other beacons will be upgraded and fitted with the new firmware.<br /> <br /> <br /> == History Backlog ==<br /> <br /> - '''22. January 2023:''' project went on air for the first time.<br /> <br /> - '''24. March 2023:''' Project off-air. Unexpected demolition works have started. Power has been turned off. A new site was found. Moving the beacon will happen in April.<br /> <br /> <br /> == Summary and details==<br /> <br /> * Frequency: 4.095.400kHz (CW and Mark Frequency). RTTY: 170Hz shift, 50 Baud, 2 Stop-bits<br /> <br /> * RF Power: 50W<br /> <br /> * Operating since: 22. January 2023<br /> <br /> * Antenna: 5m vertical with two load coils. One at the base and the second approx 30cm below the capacity hat. It allows for a higher feed point impedance, higher bandwith and also a good radiation of both the inductive and capacitive elemements. The Antenna is installed approx 35m above ground. Matching to 50R+j0 is realised by a simple L/C network. The antenna is a converted lightning arrester. The basepoint was isolated from the mounting post by a sleeve made from PVC tube. A blotch of silicone works as a seal and keeps rainwater from seeping into it and causing corrosion together with the RF signal. The bottom is left open to allow moisture and possible condensation to evaporate. The C elemnt is a variable capacitor with additional fixed value styroflex capacitors. The inductor is an air-core type on a PVC tube. An iron power core suitable to handle the load would be too big to fit into the matching box. An additional 10k/2W resistor across the PL socket allows for any static buildup (caused wind / snow / rain or thunderstorm) to pass to ground. The existing grounding grid of the lightning arrester system was used as a counterpoise. (Note: re-tightening and greasing and existing joints may help to remove high contact resistance due to corrosion.)<br /> <br /> * Power Source: 24V/120W Switch Mode Power Supply. A special industrial type designed for dynamic loads was used.<br /> <br /> * Oscillator: pulled 4.096kHz X-tal based on a 74LS02 oscillator circuit. Frequency shifting is done by Varicap Diodes (Schottky Diodes were used since they're cheap and exhibit a high junction capacitance).<br /> <br /> * Keying: Atmel AVR ATTiny 461 (4kB Flash). An ATTiny26 was used first. First it all looked tight but good. Merging all functions eventually caused the MCU to run out of program memory. It was approx 100 bytes short (a bit more with debugging code still active). A pin compatible type with 4kb was used instead (the hardware had already been build). It also offers room for further features. Fun fact: software entirely done in assembler. Every bit of it. From reading the AM2302 to math and conversion and the CW/RTTY functions. The software is written in librarsies so the code exist as independent blocks that can be use for other/future projects as well. Keeping the code flexible was a key feature in this project.<br /> <br /> * Environmental Sensor: AM2303 (in instrument shelter), mounted outside (facing south may cause the temnperature reading during summer to be some degrees above the actual value. But since it's mounted high above the ground it can be assumed that present wind will keep it quite on-spot.)<br /> <br /> * Power Stage: Class E based on IRF640 FET @ 24V. Driver: MCP1407-E/P. Using a 7-pole (tripple PI) filter. 2nd harmonic supression greater than 33dB.<br /> <br /> * System effiency: approx 85%<br /> <br /> <br /> == Some additional notes ==<br /> <br /> * A 9.216.000MHz crystal allows to both derivate a 50Hz (20ms IRQ) Baud RTTY signal and also regular RS232 Baud rates from it (for debugging purposes).<br /> <br /> * Class E introduces quite some stress to Switch Mode Power Supplies when operating in CW mode. Experience from the recent years has shown that output capacitors will dry up rapidly or become short, oftean leading to a blown up power supply. Use a power supply that can at least provide double the amps drawn by the transmitter. Adding additional cap sto the output also helps. A classic transformer based power supply works also great. Be aware that any 100/120Hz ripple will be audible as AM modulation, thus leading to a higher signal bandwith. <br /> <br /> * Suitable (commonly available) FET drivers up to 8..10MHz: MCP1407-E/P, IR2121 or IR2125. Do NOT use the MCPxxE10/E14 series. Despite the datasheet stating good rise- and falltimes, those will become horrible above 1MHz. Discharging of the Gate to the low (off) state will not happen. Also, add some heatsink to the IC.<br /> <br /> <br /> == Pictures ==<br /> <br /> TBD<br /> <br /> [[Category:Beacons]]</div>

Zazzle https://hfunderground.com/wiki/index.php/Common_and_Precious_5 2023-03-24T12:16:51Z

<p>Zazzle: </p> <hr /> <div>== Beacon &quot;Common and Precious Nr. 5&quot; ==<br /> <br /> <br /> '''24. March 2023: Project offline. Unexpected demolition works have started. Power has been turned off. A new site was found. Moving the beacon will happen in April.'''<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Before anyone will ask the obvious: yeah, I went a bit over the top with this project. I kinda wanted to build it and then, when it was done, realised that maybeee... But oh well. It is what it is now. I'm not aiming for more Beacons in this power range. Except maybe one on 2200m. But only because the radition effiency of antennas here is around 0.1-1%.<br /> <br /> All Common and Precious Beacons are under re-construction and some in for a re-location. The 2nd generation Beacons will transmit both on CW and RTTY. The new message will carry, besides the usual informative text, also live telemetry Data such as temperature and humidity. An AM2303 sensor is used.<br /> <br /> This new Beacon, Nr. 5, is the first to run with the new software and features. If all works fine, the hardware of all other beacons will be upgraded and fitted with the new firmware.<br /> <br /> <br /> == History Backlog ==<br /> <br /> - '''22. January 2023:''' project went on air for the first time.<br /> <br /> - '''24. March 2023:''' Project offline. Unexpected demolition works have started. Power has been turned off. A new site was found. Moving the beacon will happen in April.<br /> <br /> <br /> == Summary and details==<br /> <br /> * Frequency: 4.095.400kHz (CW and Mark Frequency). RTTY: 170Hz shift, 50 Baud, 2 Stop-bits<br /> <br /> * RF Power: 50W<br /> <br /> * Operating since: 22. January 2023<br /> <br /> * Antenna: 5m vertical with two load coils. One at the base and the second approx 30cm below the capacity hat. It allows for a higher feed point impedance, higher bandwith and also a good radiation of both the inductive and capacitive elemements. The Antenna is installed approx 35m above ground. Matching to 50R+j0 is realised by a simple L/C network. The antenna is a converted lightning arrester. The basepoint was isolated from the mounting post by a sleeve made from PVC tube. A blotch of silicone works as a seal and keeps rainwater from seeping into it and causing corrosion together with the RF signal. The bottom is left open to allow moisture and possible condensation to evaporate. The C elemnt is a variable capacitor with additional fixed value styroflex capacitors. The inductor is an air-core type on a PVC tube. An iron power core suitable to handle the load would be too big to fit into the matching box. An additional 10k/2W resistor across the PL socket allows for any static buildup (caused wind / snow / rain or thunderstorm) to pass to ground. The existing grounding grid of the lightning arrester system was used as a counterpoise. (Note: re-tightening and greasing and existing joints may help to remove high contact resistance due to corrosion.)<br /> <br /> * Power Source: 24V/120W Switch Mode Power Supply. A special industrial type designed for dynamic loads was used.<br /> <br /> * Oscillator: pulled 4.096kHz X-tal based on a 74LS02 oscillator circuit. Frequency shifting is done by Varicap Diodes (Schottky Diodes were used since they're cheap and exhibit a high junction capacitance).<br /> <br /> * Keying: Atmel AVR ATTiny 461 (4kB Flash). An ATTiny26 was used first. First it all looked tight but good. Merging all functions eventually caused the MCU to run out of program memory. It was approx 100 bytes short (a bit more with debugging code still active). A pin compatible type with 4kb was used instead (the hardware had already been build). It also offers room for further features. Fun fact: software entirely done in assembler. Every bit of it. From reading the AM2302 to math and conversion and the CW/RTTY functions. The software is written in librarsies so the code exist as independent blocks that can be use for other/future projects as well. Keeping the code flexible was a key feature in this project.<br /> <br /> * Environmental Sensor: AM2303 (in instrument shelter), mounted outside (facing south may cause the temnperature reading during summer to be some degrees above the actual value. But since it's mounted high above the ground it can be assumed that present wind will keep it quite on-spot.)<br /> <br /> * Power Stage: Class E based on IRF640 FET @ 24V. Driver: MCP1407-E/P. Using a 7-pole (tripple PI) filter. 2nd harmonic supression greater than 33dB.<br /> <br /> * System effiency: approx 85%<br /> <br /> <br /> == Some additional notes ==<br /> <br /> * A 9.216.000MHz crystal allows to both derivate a 50Hz (20ms IRQ) Baud RTTY signal and also regular RS232 Baud rates from it (for debugging purposes).<br /> <br /> * Class E introduces quite some stress to Switch Mode Power Supplies when operating in CW mode. Experience from the recent years has shown that output capacitors will dry up rapidly or become short, oftean leading to a blown up power supply. Use a power supply that can at least provide double the amps drawn by the transmitter. Adding additional cap sto the output also helps. A classic transformer based power supply works also great. Be aware that any 100/120Hz ripple will be audible as AM modulation, thus leading to a higher signal bandwith. <br /> <br /> * Suitable (commonly available) FET drivers up to 8..10MHz: MCP1407-E/P, IR2121 or IR2125. Do NOT use the MCPxxE10/E14 series. Despite the datasheet stating good rise- and falltimes, those will become horrible above 1MHz. Discharging of the Gate to the low (off) state will not happen. Also, add some heatsink to the IC.<br /> <br /> <br /> == Pictures ==<br /> <br /> TBD<br /> <br /> [[Category:Beacons]]</div>

Zazzle https://hfunderground.com/wiki/index.php/Common_and_Precious_5 2023-01-23T09:15:26Z

<p>Zazzle: </p> <hr /> <div>== Beacon &quot;Common and Precious Nr. 5&quot; ==<br /> <br /> Before anyone will ask the obvious: yeah, I went a bit over the top with this project. I kinda wanted to build it and then, when it was done, realised that maybeee... But oh well. It is what it is now. I'm not aiming for more Beacons in this power range. Except maybe one on 2200m. But only because the radition effiency of antennas here is around 0.1-1%.<br /> <br /> All Common and Precious Beacons are under re-construction and some in for a re-location. The 2nd generation Beacons will transmit both on CW and RTTY. The new message will carry, besides the usual informative text, also live telemetry Data such as temperature and humidity. An AM2303 sensor is used.<br /> <br /> This new Beacon, Nr. 5, is the first to run with the new software and features. If all works fine, the hardware of all other beacons will be upgraded and fitted with the new firmware.<br /> <br /> <br /> == History Backlog ==<br /> <br /> - '''22. January 2023:''' project went on air for the first time.<br /> <br /> <br /> == Summary and details==<br /> <br /> * Frequency: 4.095.400kHz (CW and Mark Frequency). RTTY: 170Hz shift, 50 Baud, 2 Stop-bits<br /> <br /> * RF Power: 50W<br /> <br /> * Operating since: 22. January 2023<br /> <br /> * Antenna: 5m vertical with two load coils. One at the base and the second approx 30cm below the capacity hat. It allows for a higher feed point impedance, higher bandwith and also a good radiation of both the inductive and capacitive elemements. The Antenna is installed approx 35m above ground. Matching to 50R+j0 is realised by a simple L/C network. The antenna is a converted lightning arrester. The basepoint was isolated from the mounting post by a sleeve made from PVC tube. A blotch of silicone works as a seal and keeps rainwater from seeping into it and causing corrosion together with the RF signal. The bottom is left open to allow moisture and possible condensation to evaporate. The C elemnt is a variable capacitor with additional fixed value styroflex capacitors. The inductor is an air-core type on a PVC tube. An iron power core suitable to handle the load would be too big to fit into the matching box. An additional 10k/2W resistor across the PL socket allows for any static buildup (caused wind / snow / rain or thunderstorm) to pass to ground. The existing grounding grid of the lightning arrester system was used as a counterpoise. (Note: re-tightening and greasing and existing joints may help to remove high contact resistance due to corrosion.)<br /> <br /> * Power Source: 24V/120W Switch Mode Power Supply. A special industrial type designed for dynamic loads was used.<br /> <br /> * Oscillator: pulled 4.096kHz X-tal based on a 74LS02 oscillator circuit. Frequency shifting is done by Varicap Diodes (Schottky Diodes were used since they're cheap and exhibit a high junction capacitance).<br /> <br /> * Keying: Atmel AVR ATTiny 461 (4kB Flash). An ATTiny26 was used first. First it all looked tight but good. Merging all functions eventually caused the MCU to run out of program memory. It was approx 100 bytes short (a bit more with debugging code still active). A pin compatible type with 4kb was used instead (the hardware had already been build). It also offers room for further features. Fun fact: software entirely done in assembler. Every bit of it. From reading the AM2302 to math and conversion and the CW/RTTY functions. The software is written in librarsies so the code exist as independent blocks that can be use for other/future projects as well. Keeping the code flexible was a key feature in this project.<br /> <br /> * Environmental Sensor: AM2303 (in instrument shelter), mounted outside (facing south may cause the temnperature reading during summer to be some degrees above the actual value. But since it's mounted high above the ground it can be assumed that present wind will keep it quite on-spot.)<br /> <br /> * Power Stage: Class E based on IRF640 FET @ 24V. Driver: MCP1407-E/P. Using a 7-pole (tripple PI) filter. 2nd harmonic supression greater than 33dB.<br /> <br /> * System effiency: approx 85%<br /> <br /> <br /> == Some additional notes ==<br /> <br /> * A 9.216.000MHz crystal allows to both derivate a 50Hz (20ms IRQ) Baud RTTY signal and also regular RS232 Baud rates from it (for debugging purposes).<br /> <br /> * Class E introduces quite some stress to Switch Mode Power Supplies when operating in CW mode. Experience from the recent years has shown that output capacitors will dry up rapidly or become short, oftean leading to a blown up power supply. Use a power supply that can at least provide double the amps drawn by the transmitter. Adding additional cap sto the output also helps. A classic transformer based power supply works also great. Be aware that any 100/120Hz ripple will be audible as AM modulation, thus leading to a higher signal bandwith. <br /> <br /> * Suitable (commonly available) FET drivers up to 8..10MHz: MCP1407-E/P, IR2121 or IR2125. Do NOT use the MCPxxE10/E14 series. Despite the datasheet stating good rise- and falltimes, those will become horrible above 1MHz. Discharging of the Gate to the low (off) state will not happen. Also, add some heatsink to the IC.<br /> <br /> <br /> == Pictures ==<br /> <br /> TBD<br /> <br /> [[Category:Beacons]]</div>

Zazzle https://hfunderground.com/wiki/index.php/High_Frequency_Beacon 2023-01-23T09:12:51Z

<p>Zazzle: </p> <hr /> <div>[[Image:ColoradoBeaconQSL.png|thumb|right|A QSL card from a High Frequency beacon]]<br /> '''High Frequency Beacon''' is a colloquial term for an unlicensed '''[[radio beacon]]''' that does not follow government regulations for operation (such as [[Part 15]]), and is [[PHFER_Beacon_Madness|technically illegal]]. Unlicensed HF beacons which operate legally, according to rules for low power transmissions are classified as [[HiFER]]s. See also: [[HF_pagers|data link networks]] and [[Remote_Control|RC systems]] in the [[CB|26-28 MHz]] or [[11_meter|11 meter band]] region that operate as '''de facto''' beacons. These systems may be found primarily on 26995, 27045, 27095, 27145, 27195 and 27255 kHz but numerous other frequencies are used worldwide. <br /> <br /> There is a separate list of [[Part 15 Beacons]]<br /> <br /> ==Description==<br /> [[File:PRV-6852-001.jpg|thumb|right|PRV (6852 kHz) under test]]<br /> There are many of these beacons, quite a few are run as [[PHFER_Beacon_Madness|propagation experiments]]. Due to their nature, the exact location of these stations is generally not published, although many are believed to operate from remote locations in the deserts of the southwest USA. Likewise, these stations tend to suddenly appear and disappear from the air. Most run with very low power levels of just hundreds or even tens of milliwatts of power, and are often solar powered, so they can be hidden in open areas. Some are switched via a photocell, so they only operate at night, running off of a battery that is charged during the daytime by a solar panel.<br /> <br /> There is a message board where listeners can report reception of beacons, it is also useful to see what other folks are presently hearing:<br /> * [http://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/board,9.0.html HF Beacon Loggings]<br /> <br /> {{clear}}<br /> <br /> == North American High Frequency Beacons ==<br /> <br /> <br /> {| border=&quot;1&quot; cellspacing=&quot;0&quot; cellpadding=&quot;5&quot; align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |- style=&quot;background: #E7E7FF&quot;<br /> ! Freq (kHz) !! Station ID !! Location !! Operation Notes !! Last reported<br /> |-<br /> | 2008.4 || Dits|| Nevada USA|| (CW ditter 130 mW) N/S dipole, battery power, night only. Approximate CW timing: 191 millisecond dit duration, 1.55 second repetition, 1.5 minute ON cycle, 3 minute OFF cycle [https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/topic,8299.0.html] || December 27, 2018<br /> |-<br /> | 2097 || A || Arizona || - 15 watts max., 10 second repetition, 24/7 [http://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/topic,6109.0.html] || Off the air<br /> |-<br /> | 4094 || UFO || unknown || id's UFO TMP three times, after TMP two numbers are sent then back to dashes. On the air around Nov 2020 || 2021<br /> |-<br /> |4095.650 || DW || SW Desert || Desert Whooper - (1 Watt) 30 Whoops &amp; ID - After 6 cycles sends Bat-Outside Temp -Inside Temp - Solar Panel current 24/7/365 https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php?topic=85047.0 || 2021<br /> |-<br /> | 4096.1 || Dasher || Joshua Tree N.P. || 4.5 sec long dashes (about 13 dashes per min.) - big signal - north-facing dipole ('Coxie') 24/7 || 2021<br /> |-<br /> | 4096.2 || Buddha || -Calif Desert || Slow dasher called Buddha, was &quot;Phallaxy&quot; was &quot;Viking&quot;. About 30 mW, daytime only. On for 3 seconds, off for 3 seconds || 2021<br /> |-<br /> 4096.85 &quot;Marin Dit&quot;, 24/7 5-10 mW, harmonic of 8193.77 radiates better<br /> |-<br /> | 4096.85 || &quot;Marin Ditter&quot; || Marin County || 24/7 5-10 mW, 2nd harmonic of 8193.77 radiates better || 2021<br /> |-<br /> | 4097.08 || Dasher || unknown || Slow Dasher, 2secs on and 2 secs off. Discovered Nov. 2020, it does appear to be related to 7997.2 kHz. The two dashers appear to be in sync. || 2021<br /> |-<br /> | 4097.1 || Dasher || unknown || Fast Ditter. New in 2021 || 2021<br /> |-<br /> | 4098.2 ~ 4104+ || ZN || Western USA || Drifts up to 4104+ kHz during daylight hours, drifts down to 4098 kHz just after sunset, ZN sometimes heard run together like a prosign with an extra dash between the Z and N: &quot;dah-dah-di-di-dah-dah-dit&quot; or --..--. || September 08, 2018<br /> |-<br /> | 4100.1 || H || Unknown || &quot;H&quot; repeated ID only, Source: [https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/topic,45340.0.html HF Underground, 4 MHz Western USA Beacons] || September 10, 2018<br /> |-<br /> | 4102.8 || W... || southeast California desert || [https://www.hfunderground.com/wiki/index.php/High_Frequency_Beacon#Windy_Beacon ''Windy'' beacon - see section on this page about the telemetry]. Sends Morse code 'W' and series of dits - each dit correlating to a turn of its anemometer wind sensor, so if it is windy in the vicinity, it sends lots of dits; and no wind, no dits. TMP temperature (Fahrenheit), B battery voltage (decivolts). 24/7/365 || 2021<br /> |-<br /> | 6700.4 || Dasher || Joshua N.P. || About 62 dashes per min., 24/7 (Hexy2k) || 2021<br /> |-<br /> | 7998.1 || HI || Western USA || Morse CW beacon. Approximate timing: 9.64 seconds repetition, dit duration 128 milliseconds || 27 December, 2018<br /> |-<br /> | 8191.7 || Dasher || Southwestern USA || 4 second dash (somewhat variable), likely 2nd harmonic of ''Viking'' on 4095.86 kHz (Source: [https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/topic,45438.0.html HF Underground Forum, 8 MHz Western USA Beacons]) || August 26, 2018<br /> |-<br /> | 8192.7 || Dasher || Southwestern USA || 2.3 second dash, likely 2nd harmonic of ''Haystack'' on 4096.38 kHz (Source: [https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/topic,45438.0.html HF Underground Forum, 8 MHz Western USA Beacons]) || August 26, 2018<br /> |-<br /> | 8193.7 || Ditter || Western USA || 1.1 dits per second, ''MarinDit'', also may be heard on 4096.86 kHz (Source: [https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/topic,45438.0.html HF Underground Forum, 8 MHz Western USA Beacons]) || 2021<br /> |-<br /> | 8200.1 || D || Unknown || (Source: [https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/topic,45438.msg167326.html#msg167326 HF Underground Forum]) || September 08, 2018<br /> |-<br /> | <br /> |-<br /> |}<br /> <br /> == European High Frequency Beacons ==<br /> <br /> {| border=&quot;1&quot; cellspacing=&quot;0&quot; cellpadding=&quot;5&quot; align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |- style=&quot;background: #E7E7FF&quot;<br /> ! Freq (kHz) !! Station ID !! Location !! Operation Notes !! Last reported<br /> |-<br /> | 1654.95 || PRV || Preveza, Greece || Op: SW6HMU, QSL via sw6hmu@yahoo.gr (Source: ndblist). || April 15, 2012<br /> |-<br /> | 3810 || [[SV1TEST]] || Athens, Greece&lt;BR&gt;(KM18VB) || no further info. (Source: [[UDXF]]) ||<br /> |-<br /> | 4.095.400 || [[Common and Precious 5]] || JO62, Germany || CW + RTTY. Telemetry Data. || Active<br /> |-<br /> | 4194 || MX || Europe || Xtal controlled milliwatt beacon operated occasionally in europe. Sometimes sends straight carrier instead of ID. ||<br /> |-<br /> | 4608 || MXC || Europe || Xtal controlled milliwatt beacon operated occasionally in europe. Sometimes sends straight carrier instead of ID. Sister beacon to MX. ||<br /> |-<br /> | 6,375.00 || [[Common and Precious 4]] || Berlin, Germany || CW only. Solar powered with Battery backup. 1,5W into a short vertical. Operates 24/7. Sends SQL Cards on request. ([https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/topic,26877.0.html Project Thread on HFU Board]) || Jule 17, 2018<br /> |-<br /> | 6,398.5 || [[Common and Precious 2]] || Berlin, Germany || CW only. Grid powered. 25W into a 1/2λ Dipole. Operates 24/7. Sends SQL Cards on request. ([https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/topic,26877.0.html Project Thread on HFU Board]) || Jule 19, 2017<br /> |-<br /> | 6547.0 || PRV || Preveza, Greece || Op: SW6HMU, QSL via sw6hmu@yahoo.gr (Source: [[UDXF]]). Also reported on 6852.1 || January 22, 2012<br /> |-<br /> | rowspan=2 | 6815 || [[SV1TEST]] || Athens, Greece&lt;BR&gt;(KM18VB) || Active 2010-2011, no further info. (Source: [[UDXF]]) ([http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHHzK-nKO3Y Youtube video]) || <br /> |-<br /> | X9Q || S.E. Europe or&lt;BR&gt;Middle East || Sporadic operation, no further info. (Source: [[UDXF]]) || April 2012<br /> |-<br /> | 6852.1 || PRV || Preveza, Greece || 15 W Op: SW6HMU (Source: [[UDXF]]). &lt;sup&gt;(2)&lt;/sup&gt; &lt;sup&gt;(3)&lt;/sup&gt; Occasionally active with irregular schedule. QSLs via sw6hmu@yahoo.gr Former website [http://6852khz.blogspot.com/] closed. Reported also on 6547.0 and 1654.95 kHz || April 24, 2012<br /> |-<br /> | 6994.8 || - || Norfolk, UK&lt;BR&gt;(JO02) || &quot;RRR RRR RRR UK BEACON PROJECT 0.8E 52.8N 0.1 WATTS&lt;BR&gt;RRR RRR RRR REPORTS TO UKBEACON _ GMAIL.COM&quot; (Source: [[UDXF]]) || 2011<br /> |-<br /> | 7542 || 55555 || W Europe or NE USA || (Source: [http://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php?topic=6447.0], N&amp;O-173&lt;sup&gt;(5)&lt;/sup&gt;, [[UDXF]]) || March 1, 2012<br /> |-<br /> | 8000.0 || QRP || W. Europe || reported on UDXF by european monitors || February 9, 2014<br /> |-<br /> | 10,237.74 || [[Common and Precious]] || Berlin, Germany || Grid powered. 5W into a 1/2λ Dipole. Operates 24/7. Sends SQL Cards on request. ([http://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/topic,12795.0.html Project Thread on HFU Board]) || Jule 19, 2017<br /> |-<br /> | 26510 || [[Common and Precious 3]] || Berlin, Germany || [[CB#Russian_CB_Channel_Frequencies|26.510 MHz]] Grid powered. 7W into a 5/8λ Vertical. Operates 24/7. Sends SQL Cards on request. ([https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/topic,21834.0.html Project Thread on HFU Board]) || Jule 19, 2017<br /> |-<br /> | 27140.8 || 50RS497 || [[CB#Russian_CB_Channel_Frequencies|Russia]] || 27.141 MHz 27.140 MHz USB 27.142 MHz LSB CW ID 50RS497<br /> |-<br /> | 27141.6 || 14RS000 || France || JN38 200 mW power 27.1416 MHz 27.142 MHz beacon CW ID 14RS000 + long tone burst 27.140 MHz USB 27.143 MHz LSB ||<br /> |-<br /> | 27175 || 153SD101 || Thailand || CB Channel 18 27.175 MHz CW ID 153SD101 ||<br /> |-<br /> | 27185 || CW ID in FM mode || Poland || Morse code modulated FM CB Channel 19 ||<br /> |-<br /> | 27205 || FM voice 11m CB [[CB#CB_Repeater_Listing|repeater]] beacon || Sweden || simplex repeater - DTMF [[CB#US_.22FCC.22_.22CEPT.22_or_.22mid_band.22_CB_Frequencies|mid band]] CB channel 20 27.205 MHz|| <br /> |- <br /> | 27245 || siren-like &quot;whoop&quot; || UK || 1 watt power 1 pip per minute [[CB]] Channel 25 Solar Powered Beacon 27.245MHz 27MHz UK CB beacon ||<br /> |-<br /> | 27255 || CW || Switzerland || CB Channel 23 27.255 MHz - 10w power CW ID : VVV VVV DE 15BS061 15BS061 10 WATT 11M BEACON LOC. JN37TN JN37TN ||<br /> |-<br /> | 27405 || 1 dot/minute || Germany || 1 watt power 1 pip per minute [[CB]] Channel [[CB#German.2C_Czech_and_Hungarian_.22Auxiliary.22_channels_41-80|40]]- 27.405 MHz ||<br /> |-<br /> | 27499.6 || 50KS00 || Moscow, Russia || 2 watt power beacon 27.500 MHz LSB 27.4996 MHz CW ID 50KS00 ||<br /> |-<br /> | 27500 || 69BY || Costa Rica || CW ID 69BY [also on 27550 and 27610] ||<br /> |-<br /> | 27500 || Pips || Mexico City || CW pips (unknown TX power) ||<br /> |-<br /> | 27500 || 38 Voice || Greenland || USB voice ID &quot;38 voice beacon&quot; ||<br /> |-<br /> | 27500 || 153RT007 || Thailand || CW QRP Beacon 27.5 MHz [[11_meter#11_meter_Beacon_Frequencies_11m_CB_Beacon_Channels_11m_Beacon_Bands|27.500 MHz 11m beacon frequency]] ||<br /> |-<br /> | 27500 || 19/27MHZDX || Netherlands || CW ID VVV 19/27MHZDX JO21BU 20W 11MTRBEACONATGMAIL.COM ||<br /> |-<br /> | 27550 || 69BY || Costa Rica || CW ID 69BY alternate freq ||<br /> |-<br /> | 27610 || 69BY || Costa Rica || CW ID 69BY primary 27.610 MHz 27609.9 27.609.9 MHz || Sept 8, 2021<br /> |}<br /> <br /> ==Telemetry Pirate Beacon== <br /> A telemetry pirate beacon may transmit some type of brief information about its surroundings, usually along with its identification symbol or some other identifying characteristic. Its transmission may have more content than the common dasher, ditter, or Morse code CW beacon, but the content can be mysterious or undocumented. <br /> <br /> ===Windy Beacon===<br /> A good example of a telemetry pirate beacon is the ''Windy'' beacon which has been widely logged on approximately 4102.8 kHz CW. It is believed by some beacon listeners to be a solar powered pirate beacon, located somewhere in the rough back-country of southwestern USA. <br /> <br /> ''Windy'' transmits Morse code telemetry of internal Temperature TMPfff (where fff is degrees Fahrenheit), Battery Voltage Bvvv (where vvv is decivolts), and 5 intervals of &quot;W&quot; followed by wind velocity dit pulses corresponding to revolutions of its ambient wind sensor. The typical timing of the ''Windy'' beacon telemetry is as follows: A 26 second temperature and battery interval; followed by 5 intervals of 13 seconds each for wind telemetry; with a total cycle time of approximately 135 seconds, repeating 24/7/365. <br /> [[File:4102_Morse_Beacon_Windy_Telemetry_Timing.jpg|480px|center|4102 kHz Windy pirate beacon telemetry diagram]]<br /> <br /> ===Desert Whooper===<br /> This telemetry beacon broadcasts on 4095.70 and has been logged widely on the West Coast, up into Canada, as far west as Hawaii and as far east as Maryland. It sends a Morse Code ID of DW, then thirty upward 150 Hz sweeps (whoops), repeats 6 times then sends telemetry: BAT is in volts DC. oTMP is in degrees F with a calibrated outdoor thermistor, iTMP is in degrees F using a digital two wire sensor within the weathertight box and PV is in milliAmps to monitor solar panel performance.<br /> <br /> The antenna is a 1/2 wave dipole oriented North/South and raised 0.15 wavelength above the desert soil to create a more vertical but omni-like pattern known as NVIS. The 1:1 balun is home made and measured VSWR is close to 1.1 to 1 for 1 Watt of transmit power.<br /> <br /> QSL Card<br /> <br /> https://i.ibb.co/F7nbKRt/DW-QSL-2.jpg<br /> <br /> ==See also==<br /> [[Image:69BY-beacon.jpg|thumb|right|27 MHz beacon 69BY in Costa Rica on [[CB|27.610 MHz]] 27610 kHz]]<br /> * [[Pictures of high frequency beacons]]<br /> * [[HiFER]] 22 meter band 13.56 MHz 13560 kHz band [[Part 15]] beacons <br /> * [[11_meter#11_meter_Beacon_Frequencies_11m_CB_Beacon_Channels_11m_Beacon_Bands|11m beacons]] 11 meter band/27 MHz CB beacons<br /> * [[PHFER Beacon Madness]] - A glimpse into the Pathology and Symptoms of this Disease<br /> * [[Radio propagation beacon]] - beacons with an official license<br /> <br /> ==References==<br /> # Ary Boender: &quot;Numbers and Oddities&quot;, issue 162, March 2011, pp. 17<br /> # Ary Boender: &quot;Numbers and Oddities&quot;, issue 156, September 2010, pp. 15-16<br /> # &quot;PRV&quot; was often reported during the past few months and was unid until Linkz submitted a link to websites about this station. Linkz writes: ''I have no idea if this station is legit or a pirate. It's operator is Eystathios Karastathis (SW6HMU) from Preveza, Greece. He writes on his blog &quot;PRV - 6852 kHz 15w cw BEACON with Dipole Ant on the air 17.30 pm- 8.00 am&quot;. According to his blog there is also a MF beacon &quot;PRV beacon 500-531 khz am/cw 400 Watt&quot; and a local AM broadcasting station &quot;Studio 421&quot; on 1655 kHz”''. This beacon was last reported to [[UDXF]] on December 31, 2011.<br /> # Ary Boender: &quot;Numbers and Oddities&quot;, issue 159, December 2010, pp. 23.<br /> # Ary Boender: &quot;Numbers and Oddities&quot;, issue 173, February 2012, pp. 29.<br /> <br /> <br /> [[Category:Beacons]]</div>

Zazzle https://hfunderground.com/wiki/index.php/Common_and_Precious_5 2023-01-22T01:38:51Z

<p>Zazzle: </p> <hr /> <div>== Beacon &quot;Common and Precious Nr. 5&quot; ==<br /> <br /> Before anyone will ask the obvious: yeah, I went a bit over the top with this project. I kinda wanted to build it and then, when it was done, realised that maybeee... But oh well. It is what it is now. I'm not aiming for more Beacons in this power range. Except maybe one on 2200m. But only because the radition effiency of antennas here is around 0.1-1%.<br /> <br /> All Common and Precious Beacons are under re-construction and some in for a re-location. The 2nd generation Beacons will transmit both on CW and RTTY. The new message will carry, besides the usual informative text, also live telemetry Data such as temperature and humidity. An AM2303 sensor is used.<br /> <br /> This new Beacon, Nr. 5, is the first to run with the new software and features. If all works fine, the hardware of all other beacons will be upgraded and fitted with the new firmware.<br /> <br /> <br /> == History Backlog ==<br /> <br /> - '''22. January 2023:''' project went on air for the first time.<br /> <br /> <br /> == Summary and details==<br /> <br /> * Frequency: 4.095.500kHz (CW and Mark Frequency). RTTY: 170Hz shift, 50 Baud, 2 Stop-bits<br /> <br /> * RF Power: 50W<br /> <br /> * Operating since: 22. January 2023<br /> <br /> * Antenna: 5m vertical with two load coils. One at the base and the second approx 30cm below the capacity hat. It allows for a higher feed point impedance, higher bandwith and also a good radiation of both the inductive and capacitive elemements. The Antenna is installed approx 35m above ground. Matching to 50R+j0 is realised by a simple L/C network. The antenna is a converted lightning arrester. The basepoint was isolated from the mounting post by a sleeve made from PVC tube. A blotch of silicone works as a seal and keeps rainwater from seeping into it and causing corrosion together with the RF signal. The bottom is left open to allow moisture and possible condensation to evaporate. The C elemnt is a variable capacitor with additional fixed value styroflex capacitors. The inductor is an air-core type on a PVC tube. An iron power core suitable to handle the load would be too big to fit into the matching box. An additional 10k/2W resistor across the PL socket allows for any static buildup (caused wind / snow / rain or thunderstorm) to pass to ground. The existing grounding grid of the lightning arrester system was used as a counterpoise. (Note: re-tightening and greasing and existing joints may help to remove high contact resistance due to corrosion.)<br /> <br /> * Power Source: 24V/120W Switch Mode Power Supply. A special industrial type designed for dynamic loads was used.<br /> <br /> * Oscillator: pulled 4.096kHz X-tal based on a 74LS02 oscillator circuit. Frequency shifting is done by Varicap Diodes (Schottky Diodes were used since they're cheap and exhibit a high junction capacitance).<br /> <br /> * Keying: Atmel AVR ATTiny 461 (4kB Flash). An ATTiny26 was used first. First it all looked tight but good. Merging all functions eventually caused the MCU to run out of program memory. It was approx 100 bytes short (a bit more with debugging code still active). A pin compatible type with 4kb was used instead (the hardware had already been build). It also offers room for further features. Fun fact: software entirely done in assembler. Every bit of it. From reading the AM2302 to math and conversion and the CW/RTTY functions. The software is written in librarsies so the code exist as independent blocks that can be use for other/future projects as well. Keeping the code flexible was a key feature in this project.<br /> <br /> * Environmental Sensor: AM2303 (in instrument shelter), mounted outside (facing south may cause the temnperature reading during summer to be some degrees above the actual value. But since it's mounted high above the ground it can be assumed that present wind will keep it quite on-spot.)<br /> <br /> * Power Stage: Class E based on IRF640 FET @ 24V. Driver: MCP1407-E/P. Using a 7-pole (tripple PI) filter. 2nd harmonic supression greater than 33dB.<br /> <br /> * System effiency: approx 85%<br /> <br /> <br /> == Some additional notes ==<br /> <br /> * A 9.216.000MHz crystal allows to both derivate a 50Hz (20ms IRQ) Baud RTTY signal and also regular RS232 Baud rates from it (for debugging purposes).<br /> <br /> * Class E introduces quite some stress to Switch Mode Power Supplies when operating in CW mode. Experience from the recent years has shown that output capacitors will dry up rapidly or become short, oftean leading to a blown up power supply. Use a power supply that can at least provide double the amps drawn by the transmitter. Adding additional cap sto the output also helps. A classic transformer based power supply works also great. Be aware that any 100/120Hz ripple will be audible as AM modulation, thus leading to a higher signal bandwith. <br /> <br /> * Suitable (commonly available) FET drivers up to 8..10MHz: MCP1407-E/P, IR2121 or IR2125. Do NOT use the MCPxxE10/E14 series. Despite the datasheet stating good rise- and falltimes, those will become horrible above 1MHz. Discharging of the Gate to the low (off) state will not happen. Also, add some heatsink to the IC.<br /> <br /> <br /> == Pictures ==<br /> <br /> TBD<br /> <br /> [[Category:Beacons]]</div>

Zazzle https://hfunderground.com/wiki/index.php/Common_and_Precious_5 2023-01-22T01:29:55Z

<p>Zazzle: </p> <hr /> <div>== Beacon &quot;Common and Precious Nr. 5&quot; ==<br /> <br /> Before anyone will ask the obvious: yeah, I went a bit over the top with this project. I kinda wanted to build it and then, when it was done, realised that maybeee... But oh well. It is what it is now. I'm not aiming for more Beacons in this power range. Except maybe one on 2200m. But only because the radition effiency of antennas here is around 0.1-1%.<br /> <br /> == Summary ==<br /> This is work in progress and scheduled for launch in middle of January.<br /> <br /> All Common and Precious Beacons are under re-construction or in for a re-location. The 2nd generation beacons will transmit on CW and RTTY alternating. The new message will carry, besides the usual informative standard text, also live temperature and humidity. An AM2303 sensor is used.<br /> <br /> This news Beacon, Nr. 5, is the first to run with the new concept. If all works fine, the hardware of all other beacons will be upgraded and updated with the new firmware.<br /> <br /> <br /> == History Backlog ==<br /> <br /> - '''22. January 2023:''' project went on air for the first time.<br /> <br /> <br /> == Summary and details==<br /> <br /> * Frequency: 4.095.500kHz (CW and Mark Frequency). RTTY: 170Hz shift, 50 Baud, 2 Stop-bits<br /> <br /> * RF Power: 50W<br /> <br /> * Operating since: 22. January 2023<br /> <br /> * Antenna: 5m vertical with two load coils. One at the base and the second approx 30cm below the capacity hat. It allows for a higher feed point impedance, higher bandwith and also a good radiation of both the inductive and capacitive elemements. The Antenna is installed approx 35m above ground. Matching to 50R+j0 is realised by a simple L/C network. The antenna is a converted lightning arrester. The basepoint was isolated from the mounting post by a sleeve made from PVC tube. A blotch of silicone works as a seal and keeps rainwater from seeping into it and causing corrosion together with the RF signal. The bottom is left open to allow moisture and possible condensation to evaporate. The C elemnt is a variable capacitor with additional fixed value styroflex capacitors. The inductor is an air-core type on a PVC tube. An iron power core suitable to handle the load would be too big to fit into the matching box. An additional 10k/2W resistor across the PL socket allows for any static buildup (caused wind / snow / rain or thunderstorm) to pass to ground. The existing grounding grid of the lightning arrester system was used as a counterpoise. (Note: re-tightening and greasing and existing joints may help to remove high contact resistance due to corrosion.)<br /> <br /> * Power Source: 24V/120W Switch Mode Power Supply. A special industrial type designed for dynamic loads was used.<br /> <br /> * Oscillator: pulled 4.096kHz X-tal based on a 74LS02 oscillator circuit. Frequency shifting is done by Varicap Diodes (Schottky Diodes were used since they're cheap and exhibit a high junction capacitance).<br /> <br /> * Keying: Atmel AVR ATTiny 461 (4kB Flash). An ATTiny26 was used first. First it all looked tight but good. Merging all functions eventually caused the MCU to run out of program memory. It was approx 100 bytes short (a bit more with debugging code still active). A pin compatible type with 4kb was used instead (the hardware had already been build). It also offers room for further features. Fun fact: software entirely done in assembler. Every bit of it. From reading the AM2302 to math and conversion and the CW/RTTY functions. The software is written in librarsies so the code exist as independent blocks that can be use for other/future projects as well. Keeping the code flexible was a key feature in this project.<br /> <br /> * Environmental Sensor: AM2303 (in instrument shelter), mounted outside (facing south may cause the temnperature reading during summer to be some degrees above the actual value. But since it's mounted high above the ground it can be assumed that present wind will keep it quite on-spot.)<br /> <br /> * Power Stage: Class E based on IRF640 FET @ 24V. Driver: MCP1407-E/P. Using a 7-pole (tripple PI) filter. 2nd harmonic supression greater than 33dB.<br /> <br /> * System effiency: approx 85%<br /> <br /> <br /> == Some additional notes ==<br /> <br /> * A 9.216.000MHz crystal allows to both derivate a 50Hz (20ms IRQ) Baud RTTY signal and also regular RS232 Baud rates from it (for debugging purposes).<br /> <br /> * Class E introduces quite some stress to Switch Mode Power Supplies when operating in CW mode. Experience from the recent years has shown that output capacitors will dry up rapidly or become short, oftean leading to a blown up power supply. Use a power supply that can at least provide double the amps drawn by the transmitter. Adding additional cap sto the output also helps. A classic transformer based power supply works also great. Be aware that any 100/120Hz ripple will be audible as AM modulation, thus leading to a higher signal bandwith. <br /> <br /> * Suitable (commonly available) FET drivers up to 8..10MHz: MCP1407-E/P, IR2121 or IR2125. Do NOT use the MCPxxE10/E14 series. Despite the datasheet stating good rise- and falltimes, those will become horrible above 1MHz. Discharging of the Gate to the low (off) state will not happen. Also, add some heatsink to the IC.<br /> <br /> <br /> == Pictures ==<br /> <br /> TBD<br /> <br /> [[Category:Beacons]]</div>

Zazzle https://hfunderground.com/wiki/index.php/Common_and_Precious_5 2023-01-22T01:29:30Z

<p>Zazzle: </p> <hr /> <div>== Beacon &quot;Common and Precious Nr. 5&quot; ==<br /> <br /> Before anyone will ask the obvious: yeah, I went a bit over the top with this project. I kinda wanted to build it and then, when it was done, realised that maybeee... But oh well. It is what it is now. I'm not aiming for more Beacons in this power range. Except maybe one on 2200m. But only because the radition effiency of antennas here is around 0.1-1%.<br /> <br /> == Summary ==<br /> This is work in progress and scheduled for launch in middle of January.<br /> <br /> All Common and Precious Beacons are under re-construction or in for a re-location. The 2nd generation beacons will transmit on CW and RTTY alternating. The new message will carry, besides the usual informative standard text, also live temperature and humidity. An AM2303 sensor is used.<br /> <br /> This news Beacon, Nr. 5, is the first to run with the new concept. If all works fine, the hardware of all other beacons will be upgraded and updated with the new firmware.<br /> <br /> <br /> == History Backlog ==<br /> <br /> - '''22. January 2023:''' project went on air for the first time.<br /> <br /> <br /> == Summary and details==<br /> <br /> * Frequency: 4.095.500kHz (CW and Mark Frequency). RTTY: 170Hz shift, 50 Baud, 2 Stop-bits<br /> <br /> * RF Power: 50W<br /> <br /> * Operating since: 22. January 2023<br /> <br /> * Antenna: 5m vertical with two load coils. One at the base and the second approx 30cm below the capacity hat. It allows for a higher feed point impedance, higher bandwith and also a good radiation of both the inductive and capacitive elemements. The Antenna is installed approx 35m above ground. Matching to 50R+j0 is realised by a simple L/C network. The antenna is a converted lightning arrester. The basepoint was isolated from the mounting post by a sleeve made from PVC tube. A blotch of silicone works as a seal and keeps rainwater from seeping into it and causing corrosion together with the RF signal. The bottom is left open to allow moisture and possible condensation to evaporate. The C elemnt is a variable capacitor with additional fixed value styroflex capacitors. The inductor is an air-core type on a PVC tube. An iron power core suitable to handle the load would be too big to fit into the matching box. An additional 10k/2W resistor across the PL socket allows for any static buildup (caused wind / snow / rain or thunderstorm) to pass to ground. The existing grounding grid of the lightning arrester system was used as a counterpoise. (Note: re-tightening and greasing and existing joints may help to remove high contact resistance due to corrosion.)<br /> <br /> * Power Source: 24V/120W Switch Mode Power Supply. A special industrial type designed for dynamic loads was used.<br /> <br /> * Oscillator: pulled 4.096kHz X-tal based on a 74LS02 oscillator circuit. Frequency shifting is done by Varicap Diodes (Schottky Diodes were used since they're cheap and exhibit a high junction capacitance).<br /> <br /> * Keying: Atmel AVR ATTiny 461 (4kB Flash). An ATTiny26 was used first. First it all looked tight but good. Merging all functions eventually caused the MCU to run out of program memory. It was approx 100 bytes short (a bit more with debugging code still active). A pin compatible type with 4kb was used instead (the hardware had already been build). It also offers room for further features. Fun fact: software entirely done in assembler. Every bit of it. From reading the AM2302 to math and conversion and the CW/RTTY functions. The software is written in librarsies so the code exist as independent blocks that can be use for other/future projects as well. Keeping the code flexible was a key feature in this project.<br /> <br /> * Environmental Sensor: AM2303 (in instrument shelter), mounted outside (facing south may cause the temnperature reading during summer to be some degrees above the actual value. But since it's mounted high above the ground it can be assumed that present wind will keep it quite on-spot.)<br /> <br /> * Power Stage: Class E based on IRF640 FET @ 24V. Driver: MCP1407-E/P. Using a 7-pole (tripple PI) filter. 2nd harmonic supression greater than 33dB.<br /> <br /> * System effiency: approx 85%<br /> <br /> <br /> == Some additional notes ==<br /> <br /> * A 9.216.000MHz crystal allows to both derivate a 50Hz (20ms IRQ) Baud RTTY signal and also regular RS232 Baud rates from it (for debugging purposes).<br /> <br /> * Class E introduces quite some stress to Switch Mode Power Supplies when operating in CW mode. Experience from the recent years has shown that output capacitors will dry up rapidly or become short, oftean leading to a blown up power supply. Use a power supply that can at least provide double the amps drawn by the transmitter. Adding additional cap sto the output also helps. A classic transformer based power supply works also great. Be aware that any 100/120Hz ripple will be audible as AM modulation, thus leading to a higher signal bandwith. <br /> <br /> * Suitable (commonly available) FET drivers up to 8..10MHz: MCP1407-E/P, IR2121 or IR2125. Do NOT use the MCPxxE10/E14 series. Despite the datasheet stating good rise- and falltimes, those will become horrible above 1MHz. Discharging of the Gate to the low (off) state will not happen. Also, add some heatsink to the IC.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> [[Category:Beacons]]</div>

Zazzle https://hfunderground.com/wiki/index.php/High_Frequency_Beacon 2023-01-22T01:23:45Z

<p>Zazzle: </p> <hr /> <div>[[Image:ColoradoBeaconQSL.png|thumb|right|A QSL card from a High Frequency beacon]]<br /> '''High Frequency Beacon''' is a colloquial term for an unlicensed '''[[radio beacon]]''' that does not follow government regulations for operation (such as [[Part 15]]), and is [[PHFER_Beacon_Madness|technically illegal]]. Unlicensed HF beacons which operate legally, according to rules for low power transmissions are classified as [[HiFER]]s. See also: [[HF_pagers|data link networks]] and [[Remote_Control|RC systems]] in the [[CB|26-28 MHz]] or [[11_meter|11 meter band]] region that operate as '''de facto''' beacons. These systems may be found primarily on 26995, 27045, 27095, 27145, 27195 and 27255 kHz but numerous other frequencies are used worldwide. <br /> <br /> There is a separate list of [[Part 15 Beacons]]<br /> <br /> ==Description==<br /> [[File:PRV-6852-001.jpg|thumb|right|PRV (6852 kHz) under test]]<br /> There are many of these beacons, quite a few are run as [[PHFER_Beacon_Madness|propagation experiments]]. Due to their nature, the exact location of these stations is generally not published, although many are believed to operate from remote locations in the deserts of the southwest USA. Likewise, these stations tend to suddenly appear and disappear from the air. Most run with very low power levels of just hundreds or even tens of milliwatts of power, and are often solar powered, so they can be hidden in open areas. Some are switched via a photocell, so they only operate at night, running off of a battery that is charged during the daytime by a solar panel.<br /> <br /> There is a message board where listeners can report reception of beacons, it is also useful to see what other folks are presently hearing:<br /> * [http://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/board,9.0.html HF Beacon Loggings]<br /> <br /> {{clear}}<br /> <br /> == North American High Frequency Beacons ==<br /> <br /> <br /> {| border=&quot;1&quot; cellspacing=&quot;0&quot; cellpadding=&quot;5&quot; align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |- style=&quot;background: #E7E7FF&quot;<br /> ! Freq (kHz) !! Station ID !! Location !! Operation Notes !! Last reported<br /> |-<br /> | 2008.4 || Dits|| Nevada USA|| (CW ditter 130 mW) N/S dipole, battery power, night only. Approximate CW timing: 191 millisecond dit duration, 1.55 second repetition, 1.5 minute ON cycle, 3 minute OFF cycle [https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/topic,8299.0.html] || December 27, 2018<br /> |-<br /> | 2097 || A || Arizona || - 15 watts max., 10 second repetition, 24/7 [http://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/topic,6109.0.html] || Off the air<br /> |-<br /> | 4094 || UFO || unknown || id's UFO TMP three times, after TMP two numbers are sent then back to dashes. On the air around Nov 2020 || 2021<br /> |-<br /> |4095.650 || DW || SW Desert || Desert Whooper - (1 Watt) 30 Whoops &amp; ID - After 6 cycles sends Bat-Outside Temp -Inside Temp - Solar Panel current 24/7/365 https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php?topic=85047.0 || 2021<br /> |-<br /> | 4096.1 || Dasher || Joshua Tree N.P. || 4.5 sec long dashes (about 13 dashes per min.) - big signal - north-facing dipole ('Coxie') 24/7 || 2021<br /> |-<br /> | 4096.2 || Buddha || -Calif Desert || Slow dasher called Buddha, was &quot;Phallaxy&quot; was &quot;Viking&quot;. About 30 mW, daytime only. On for 3 seconds, off for 3 seconds || 2021<br /> |-<br /> 4096.85 &quot;Marin Dit&quot;, 24/7 5-10 mW, harmonic of 8193.77 radiates better<br /> |-<br /> | 4096.85 || &quot;Marin Ditter&quot; || Marin County || 24/7 5-10 mW, 2nd harmonic of 8193.77 radiates better || 2021<br /> |-<br /> | 4097.08 || Dasher || unknown || Slow Dasher, 2secs on and 2 secs off. Discovered Nov. 2020, it does appear to be related to 7997.2 kHz. The two dashers appear to be in sync. || 2021<br /> |-<br /> | 4097.1 || Dasher || unknown || Fast Ditter. New in 2021 || 2021<br /> |-<br /> | 4098.2 ~ 4104+ || ZN || Western USA || Drifts up to 4104+ kHz during daylight hours, drifts down to 4098 kHz just after sunset, ZN sometimes heard run together like a prosign with an extra dash between the Z and N: &quot;dah-dah-di-di-dah-dah-dit&quot; or --..--. || September 08, 2018<br /> |-<br /> | 4100.1 || H || Unknown || &quot;H&quot; repeated ID only, Source: [https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/topic,45340.0.html HF Underground, 4 MHz Western USA Beacons] || September 10, 2018<br /> |-<br /> | 4102.8 || W... || southeast California desert || [https://www.hfunderground.com/wiki/index.php/High_Frequency_Beacon#Windy_Beacon ''Windy'' beacon - see section on this page about the telemetry]. Sends Morse code 'W' and series of dits - each dit correlating to a turn of its anemometer wind sensor, so if it is windy in the vicinity, it sends lots of dits; and no wind, no dits. TMP temperature (Fahrenheit), B battery voltage (decivolts). 24/7/365 || 2021<br /> |-<br /> | 6700.4 || Dasher || Joshua N.P. || About 62 dashes per min., 24/7 (Hexy2k) || 2021<br /> |-<br /> | 7998.1 || HI || Western USA || Morse CW beacon. Approximate timing: 9.64 seconds repetition, dit duration 128 milliseconds || 27 December, 2018<br /> |-<br /> | 8191.7 || Dasher || Southwestern USA || 4 second dash (somewhat variable), likely 2nd harmonic of ''Viking'' on 4095.86 kHz (Source: [https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/topic,45438.0.html HF Underground Forum, 8 MHz Western USA Beacons]) || August 26, 2018<br /> |-<br /> | 8192.7 || Dasher || Southwestern USA || 2.3 second dash, likely 2nd harmonic of ''Haystack'' on 4096.38 kHz (Source: [https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/topic,45438.0.html HF Underground Forum, 8 MHz Western USA Beacons]) || August 26, 2018<br /> |-<br /> | 8193.7 || Ditter || Western USA || 1.1 dits per second, ''MarinDit'', also may be heard on 4096.86 kHz (Source: [https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/topic,45438.0.html HF Underground Forum, 8 MHz Western USA Beacons]) || 2021<br /> |-<br /> | 8200.1 || D || Unknown || (Source: [https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/topic,45438.msg167326.html#msg167326 HF Underground Forum]) || September 08, 2018<br /> |-<br /> | <br /> |-<br /> |}<br /> <br /> == European High Frequency Beacons ==<br /> <br /> {| border=&quot;1&quot; cellspacing=&quot;0&quot; cellpadding=&quot;5&quot; align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |- style=&quot;background: #E7E7FF&quot;<br /> ! Freq (kHz) !! Station ID !! Location !! Operation Notes !! Last reported<br /> |-<br /> | 1654.95 || PRV || Preveza, Greece || Op: SW6HMU, QSL via sw6hmu@yahoo.gr (Source: ndblist). || April 15, 2012<br /> |-<br /> | 3810 || [[SV1TEST]] || Athens, Greece&lt;BR&gt;(KM18VB) || no further info. (Source: [[UDXF]]) ||<br /> |-<br /> | 4.095.500 || [[Common and Precious 5]] || JO62, Germany || CW + RTTY. Telemetry Data. Grid powered. 50W into loaded/short Groundplane. || Active<br /> |-<br /> | 4194 || MX || Europe || Xtal controlled milliwatt beacon operated occasionally in europe. Sometimes sends straight carrier instead of ID. ||<br /> |-<br /> | 4608 || MXC || Europe || Xtal controlled milliwatt beacon operated occasionally in europe. Sometimes sends straight carrier instead of ID. Sister beacon to MX. ||<br /> |-<br /> | 6,375.00 || [[Common and Precious 4]] || Berlin, Germany || CW only. Solar powered with Battery backup. 1,5W into a short vertical. Operates 24/7. Sends SQL Cards on request. ([https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/topic,26877.0.html Project Thread on HFU Board]) || Jule 17, 2018<br /> |-<br /> | 6,398.5 || [[Common and Precious 2]] || Berlin, Germany || CW only. Grid powered. 25W into a 1/2λ Dipole. Operates 24/7. Sends SQL Cards on request. ([https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/topic,26877.0.html Project Thread on HFU Board]) || Jule 19, 2017<br /> |-<br /> | 6547.0 || PRV || Preveza, Greece || Op: SW6HMU, QSL via sw6hmu@yahoo.gr (Source: [[UDXF]]). Also reported on 6852.1 || January 22, 2012<br /> |-<br /> | rowspan=2 | 6815 || [[SV1TEST]] || Athens, Greece&lt;BR&gt;(KM18VB) || Active 2010-2011, no further info. (Source: [[UDXF]]) ([http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHHzK-nKO3Y Youtube video]) || <br /> |-<br /> | X9Q || S.E. Europe or&lt;BR&gt;Middle East || Sporadic operation, no further info. (Source: [[UDXF]]) || April 2012<br /> |-<br /> | 6852.1 || PRV || Preveza, Greece || 15 W Op: SW6HMU (Source: [[UDXF]]). &lt;sup&gt;(2)&lt;/sup&gt; &lt;sup&gt;(3)&lt;/sup&gt; Occasionally active with irregular schedule. QSLs via sw6hmu@yahoo.gr Former website [http://6852khz.blogspot.com/] closed. Reported also on 6547.0 and 1654.95 kHz || April 24, 2012<br /> |-<br /> | 6994.8 || - || Norfolk, UK&lt;BR&gt;(JO02) || &quot;RRR RRR RRR UK BEACON PROJECT 0.8E 52.8N 0.1 WATTS&lt;BR&gt;RRR RRR RRR REPORTS TO UKBEACON _ GMAIL.COM&quot; (Source: [[UDXF]]) || 2011<br /> |-<br /> | 7542 || 55555 || W Europe or NE USA || (Source: [http://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php?topic=6447.0], N&amp;O-173&lt;sup&gt;(5)&lt;/sup&gt;, [[UDXF]]) || March 1, 2012<br /> |-<br /> | 8000.0 || QRP || W. Europe || reported on UDXF by european monitors || February 9, 2014<br /> |-<br /> | 10,237.74 || [[Common and Precious]] || Berlin, Germany || Grid powered. 5W into a 1/2λ Dipole. Operates 24/7. Sends SQL Cards on request. ([http://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/topic,12795.0.html Project Thread on HFU Board]) || Jule 19, 2017<br /> |-<br /> | 26510 || [[Common and Precious 3]] || Berlin, Germany || [[CB#Russian_CB_Channel_Frequencies|26.510 MHz]] Grid powered. 7W into a 5/8λ Vertical. Operates 24/7. Sends SQL Cards on request. ([https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/topic,21834.0.html Project Thread on HFU Board]) || Jule 19, 2017<br /> |-<br /> | 27140.8 || 50RS497 || [[CB#Russian_CB_Channel_Frequencies|Russia]] || 27.141 MHz 27.140 MHz USB 27.142 MHz LSB CW ID 50RS497<br /> |-<br /> | 27141.6 || 14RS000 || France || JN38 200 mW power 27.1416 MHz 27.142 MHz beacon CW ID 14RS000 + long tone burst 27.140 MHz USB 27.143 MHz LSB ||<br /> |-<br /> | 27175 || 153SD101 || Thailand || CB Channel 18 27.175 MHz CW ID 153SD101 ||<br /> |-<br /> | 27185 || CW ID in FM mode || Poland || Morse code modulated FM CB Channel 19 ||<br /> |-<br /> | 27205 || FM voice 11m CB [[CB#CB_Repeater_Listing|repeater]] beacon || Sweden || simplex repeater - DTMF [[CB#US_.22FCC.22_.22CEPT.22_or_.22mid_band.22_CB_Frequencies|mid band]] CB channel 20 27.205 MHz|| <br /> |- <br /> | 27245 || siren-like &quot;whoop&quot; || UK || 1 watt power 1 pip per minute [[CB]] Channel 25 Solar Powered Beacon 27.245MHz 27MHz UK CB beacon ||<br /> |-<br /> | 27255 || CW || Switzerland || CB Channel 23 27.255 MHz - 10w power CW ID : VVV VVV DE 15BS061 15BS061 10 WATT 11M BEACON LOC. JN37TN JN37TN ||<br /> |-<br /> | 27405 || 1 dot/minute || Germany || 1 watt power 1 pip per minute [[CB]] Channel [[CB#German.2C_Czech_and_Hungarian_.22Auxiliary.22_channels_41-80|40]]- 27.405 MHz ||<br /> |-<br /> | 27499.6 || 50KS00 || Moscow, Russia || 2 watt power beacon 27.500 MHz LSB 27.4996 MHz CW ID 50KS00 ||<br /> |-<br /> | 27500 || 69BY || Costa Rica || CW ID 69BY [also on 27550 and 27610] ||<br /> |-<br /> | 27500 || Pips || Mexico City || CW pips (unknown TX power) ||<br /> |-<br /> | 27500 || 38 Voice || Greenland || USB voice ID &quot;38 voice beacon&quot; ||<br /> |-<br /> | 27500 || 153RT007 || Thailand || CW QRP Beacon 27.5 MHz [[11_meter#11_meter_Beacon_Frequencies_11m_CB_Beacon_Channels_11m_Beacon_Bands|27.500 MHz 11m beacon frequency]] ||<br /> |-<br /> | 27500 || 19/27MHZDX || Netherlands || CW ID VVV 19/27MHZDX JO21BU 20W 11MTRBEACONATGMAIL.COM ||<br /> |-<br /> | 27550 || 69BY || Costa Rica || CW ID 69BY alternate freq ||<br /> |-<br /> | 27610 || 69BY || Costa Rica || CW ID 69BY primary 27.610 MHz 27609.9 27.609.9 MHz || Sept 8, 2021<br /> |}<br /> <br /> ==Telemetry Pirate Beacon== <br /> A telemetry pirate beacon may transmit some type of brief information about its surroundings, usually along with its identification symbol or some other identifying characteristic. Its transmission may have more content than the common dasher, ditter, or Morse code CW beacon, but the content can be mysterious or undocumented. <br /> <br /> ===Windy Beacon===<br /> A good example of a telemetry pirate beacon is the ''Windy'' beacon which has been widely logged on approximately 4102.8 kHz CW. It is believed by some beacon listeners to be a solar powered pirate beacon, located somewhere in the rough back-country of southwestern USA. <br /> <br /> ''Windy'' transmits Morse code telemetry of internal Temperature TMPfff (where fff is degrees Fahrenheit), Battery Voltage Bvvv (where vvv is decivolts), and 5 intervals of &quot;W&quot; followed by wind velocity dit pulses corresponding to revolutions of its ambient wind sensor. The typical timing of the ''Windy'' beacon telemetry is as follows: A 26 second temperature and battery interval; followed by 5 intervals of 13 seconds each for wind telemetry; with a total cycle time of approximately 135 seconds, repeating 24/7/365. <br /> [[File:4102_Morse_Beacon_Windy_Telemetry_Timing.jpg|480px|center|4102 kHz Windy pirate beacon telemetry diagram]]<br /> <br /> ===Desert Whooper===<br /> This telemetry beacon broadcasts on 4095.70 and has been logged widely on the West Coast, up into Canada, as far west as Hawaii and as far east as Maryland. It sends a Morse Code ID of DW, then thirty upward 150 Hz sweeps (whoops), repeats 6 times then sends telemetry: BAT is in volts DC. oTMP is in degrees F with a calibrated outdoor thermistor, iTMP is in degrees F using a digital two wire sensor within the weathertight box and PV is in milliAmps to monitor solar panel performance.<br /> <br /> The antenna is a 1/2 wave dipole oriented North/South and raised 0.15 wavelength above the desert soil to create a more vertical but omni-like pattern known as NVIS. The 1:1 balun is home made and measured VSWR is close to 1.1 to 1 for 1 Watt of transmit power.<br /> <br /> QSL Card<br /> <br /> https://i.ibb.co/F7nbKRt/DW-QSL-2.jpg<br /> <br /> ==See also==<br /> [[Image:69BY-beacon.jpg|thumb|right|27 MHz beacon 69BY in Costa Rica on [[CB|27.610 MHz]] 27610 kHz]]<br /> * [[Pictures of high frequency beacons]]<br /> * [[HiFER]] 22 meter band 13.56 MHz 13560 kHz band [[Part 15]] beacons <br /> * [[11_meter#11_meter_Beacon_Frequencies_11m_CB_Beacon_Channels_11m_Beacon_Bands|11m beacons]] 11 meter band/27 MHz CB beacons<br /> * [[PHFER Beacon Madness]] - A glimpse into the Pathology and Symptoms of this Disease<br /> * [[Radio propagation beacon]] - beacons with an official license<br /> <br /> ==References==<br /> # Ary Boender: &quot;Numbers and Oddities&quot;, issue 162, March 2011, pp. 17<br /> # Ary Boender: &quot;Numbers and Oddities&quot;, issue 156, September 2010, pp. 15-16<br /> # &quot;PRV&quot; was often reported during the past few months and was unid until Linkz submitted a link to websites about this station. Linkz writes: ''I have no idea if this station is legit or a pirate. It's operator is Eystathios Karastathis (SW6HMU) from Preveza, Greece. He writes on his blog &quot;PRV - 6852 kHz 15w cw BEACON with Dipole Ant on the air 17.30 pm- 8.00 am&quot;. According to his blog there is also a MF beacon &quot;PRV beacon 500-531 khz am/cw 400 Watt&quot; and a local AM broadcasting station &quot;Studio 421&quot; on 1655 kHz”''. This beacon was last reported to [[UDXF]] on December 31, 2011.<br /> # Ary Boender: &quot;Numbers and Oddities&quot;, issue 159, December 2010, pp. 23.<br /> # Ary Boender: &quot;Numbers and Oddities&quot;, issue 173, February 2012, pp. 29.<br /> <br /> <br /> [[Category:Beacons]]</div>

Zazzle https://hfunderground.com/wiki/index.php/Common_and_Precious_5 2023-01-20T23:17:33Z

<p>Zazzle: /* Beacon &quot;Common and Precious Nr. 5&quot; */</p> <hr /> <div>== Beacon &quot;Common and Precious Nr. 5&quot; ==<br /> <br /> Before anyone will ask the obvious: yeah, I went a bit over the top with this project. I kinda wanted to build it and then, when it was done, realised that maybeee... But oh well. It is what it is now. I'm not aiming for more Beacons in this power range. Except maybe one on 2200m. But only because the radition effiency of antennas here is around 0.1-1%.<br /> <br /> == Summary ==<br /> This is work in progress and scheduled for launch in middle of January.<br /> <br /> All Common and Precious Beacons are under re-construction or in for a re-location. The 2nd generation beacons will transmit on CW and RTTY alternating. The new message will carry, besides the usual informative standard text, also live temperature and humidity. An AM2303 sensor is used.<br /> <br /> This news Beacon, Nr. 5, is the first to run with the new concept. If all works fine, the hardware of all other beacons will be upgraded and updated with the new firmware.<br /> <br /> == History Backlog ==<br /> <br /> - '''20. January 2023:''' none so far<br /> <br /> <br /> == Summary and details==<br /> <br /> * Frequency: 4.09*,***kHz (to be set)<br /> <br /> * RF Power: 50W<br /> <br /> * Operating since: <br /> <br /> * Antenna: 5m vertical with two load coils. One at the base and the second approx 30cm below the capacity hat. It allows for a higher feed point impedance, higher bandwith and also a good radiation of both the inductive and capacitive elemements. The Antenna is installed approx 35m above ground. Matching to 50R+j0 is realised by a simple L/C network. The antenna is a converted lightning arrester. The basepoint was isolated from the mounting post by a sleeve made from PVC tube. A blotch of silicone works as a seal and keeps rainwater from seeping into it and causing corrosion together with the RF signal. The bottom is left open to allow moisture and possible condensation to evaporate. The C elemnt is a variable capacitor with additional fixed value styroflex capacitors. The inductor is an air-core type on a PVC tube. An iron power core suitable to handle the load would be too big to fit into the matching box. An additional 10k/2W resistor across the PL socket allows for any static buildup (caused wind / snow / rain or thunderstorm) to pass to ground. The existing grounding grid of the lightning arrester system was used as a counterpoise. (Note: re-tightening and greasing and existing joints may help to remove high contact resistance due to corrosion.)<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * Power Source: 24V/120W Switch Mode Power Supply. A special industrial type designed for dynamic loads was used.<br /> <br /> * Oscillator: pulled 4.096kHz X-tal based on a 74LS02 oscillator circuit. Frequency shifting is done by Varicap Diodes (Schottky Diodes were used since they're cheap and exhibit a high junction capacitance).<br /> <br /> * Keying: Atmel AVR ATTiny 461 (4kB Flash). An ATTiny26 was used first. First it all looked tight but good. Merging all functions eventually caused the MCU to run out of program memory. It was approx 100 bytes short (a bit more with debugging code still active). A pin compatible type with 4kb was used instead (the hardware had already been build). It also offers room for further features. Fun fact: software entirely done in assembler. Every bit of it. From reading the AM2302 to math and conversion and the CW/RTTY functions. The software is written in librarsies so the code exist as independent blocks that can be use for other/future projects as well. Keeping the code flexible was a key feature in this project.<br /> <br /> * Environmental Sensor: AM2303 (in instrument shelter), mounted outside (facing south may cause the temnperature reading during summer to be some degrees above the actual value. But since it's mounted high above the ground it can be assumed that present wind will keep it quite on-spot.)<br /> <br /> * Power Stage: Class E based on IRF640 FET @ 24V. Driver: MCP1407-E/P. Using a 7-pole (tripple PI) filter. 2nd harmonic supression greater than 33dB.<br /> <br /> * System effiency: approx 85%<br /> <br /> == Some additional notes ==<br /> <br /> * A 9.216.000MHz crystal allows to both derivate a 50Hz (20ms IRQ) Baud RTTY signal and also regular RS232 Baud rates from it (for debugging output).<br /> <br /> * Class E introduces quite some stress to Switch Mode Power Supplies. Experience from the recent years has shown that output capacitors will dry up rapidly or become short, oftean leading to a blown up power supply. Use a power supply that can at least provide double the amps drawn by the transmitter. Adding additional cap sto the output also helps. A classic transformer based power supply works also great. Be aware that any 100/120Hz ripple will be audible as AM modulation, thus leading to a higher signal bandwith. <br /> <br /> * Suitable (commonly available) FET drivers up to 8..10MHz: MCP1407-E/P, IR2121 or IR2125. Do NOT use the MCPxxE10/E14 series. Despite the datasheet stating good rise- and falltimes, those will become horrible above 1MHz. Discharging of the Gate to the low (off) state will not happen. Also, add some heatsink to the IC above 4Mhz (+ and gate capacity above 1.400pF).<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> [[Category:Beacons]]</div>

Zazzle https://hfunderground.com/wiki/index.php/Common_and_Precious_5 2023-01-20T23:16:12Z

<p>Zazzle: </p> <hr /> <div>== Beacon &quot;Common and Precious Nr. 5&quot; ==<br /> <br /> Before anyone will ask the obvious: yeah, I went a bit over the top with this project. I kinda wanted to build it and then, when it was done, realised that maybeee.... but oh well. it s what it is. I'm not aiming for more beacons in this power range. Except maybe some on 2200m. But pnly because radition effiency with those is 0.1-1%.<br /> <br /> <br /> == Summary ==<br /> This is work in progress and scheduled for launch in middle of January.<br /> <br /> All Common and Precious Beacons are under re-construction or in for a re-location. The 2nd generation beacons will transmit on CW and RTTY alternating. The new message will carry, besides the usual informative standard text, also live temperature and humidity. An AM2303 sensor is used.<br /> <br /> This news Beacon, Nr. 5, is the first to run with the new concept. If all works fine, the hardware of all other beacons will be upgraded and updated with the new firmware.<br /> <br /> == History Backlog ==<br /> <br /> - '''20. January 2023:''' none so far<br /> <br /> <br /> == Summary and details==<br /> <br /> * Frequency: 4.09*,***kHz (to be set)<br /> <br /> * RF Power: 50W<br /> <br /> * Operating since: <br /> <br /> * Antenna: 5m vertical with two load coils. One at the base and the second approx 30cm below the capacity hat. It allows for a higher feed point impedance, higher bandwith and also a good radiation of both the inductive and capacitive elemements. The Antenna is installed approx 35m above ground. Matching to 50R+j0 is realised by a simple L/C network. The antenna is a converted lightning arrester. The basepoint was isolated from the mounting post by a sleeve made from PVC tube. A blotch of silicone works as a seal and keeps rainwater from seeping into it and causing corrosion together with the RF signal. The bottom is left open to allow moisture and possible condensation to evaporate. The C elemnt is a variable capacitor with additional fixed value styroflex capacitors. The inductor is an air-core type on a PVC tube. An iron power core suitable to handle the load would be too big to fit into the matching box. An additional 10k/2W resistor across the PL socket allows for any static buildup (caused wind / snow / rain or thunderstorm) to pass to ground. The existing grounding grid of the lightning arrester system was used as a counterpoise. (Note: re-tightening and greasing and existing joints may help to remove high contact resistance due to corrosion.)<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * Power Source: 24V/120W Switch Mode Power Supply. A special industrial type designed for dynamic loads was used.<br /> <br /> * Oscillator: pulled 4.096kHz X-tal based on a 74LS02 oscillator circuit. Frequency shifting is done by Varicap Diodes (Schottky Diodes were used since they're cheap and exhibit a high junction capacitance).<br /> <br /> * Keying: Atmel AVR ATTiny 461 (4kB Flash). An ATTiny26 was used first. First it all looked tight but good. Merging all functions eventually caused the MCU to run out of program memory. It was approx 100 bytes short (a bit more with debugging code still active). A pin compatible type with 4kb was used instead (the hardware had already been build). It also offers room for further features. Fun fact: software entirely done in assembler. Every bit of it. From reading the AM2302 to math and conversion and the CW/RTTY functions. The software is written in librarsies so the code exist as independent blocks that can be use for other/future projects as well. Keeping the code flexible was a key feature in this project.<br /> <br /> * Environmental Sensor: AM2303 (in instrument shelter), mounted outside (facing south may cause the temnperature reading during summer to be some degrees above the actual value. But since it's mounted high above the ground it can be assumed that present wind will keep it quite on-spot.)<br /> <br /> * Power Stage: Class E based on IRF640 FET @ 24V. Driver: MCP1407-E/P. Using a 7-pole (tripple PI) filter. 2nd harmonic supression greater than 33dB.<br /> <br /> * System effiency: approx 85%<br /> <br /> == Some additional notes ==<br /> <br /> * A 9.216.000MHz crystal allows to both derivate a 50Hz (20ms IRQ) Baud RTTY signal and also regular RS232 Baud rates from it (for debugging output).<br /> <br /> * Class E introduces quite some stress to Switch Mode Power Supplies. Experience from the recent years has shown that output capacitors will dry up rapidly or become short, oftean leading to a blown up power supply. Use a power supply that can at least provide double the amps drawn by the transmitter. Adding additional cap sto the output also helps. A classic transformer based power supply works also great. Be aware that any 100/120Hz ripple will be audible as AM modulation, thus leading to a higher signal bandwith. <br /> <br /> * Suitable (commonly available) FET drivers up to 8..10MHz: MCP1407-E/P, IR2121 or IR2125. Do NOT use the MCPxxE10/E14 series. Despite the datasheet stating good rise- and falltimes, those will become horrible above 1MHz. Discharging of the Gate to the low (off) state will not happen. Also, add some heatsink to the IC above 4Mhz (+ and gate capacity above 1.400pF).<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> [[Category:Beacons]]</div>

Zazzle https://hfunderground.com/wiki/index.php/Common_and_Precious_5 2022-12-14T13:33:33Z

<p>Zazzle: Created page with &quot;== Beacon &quot;Common and Precious Nr. 5&quot; == '''Status''' This is work in progress and scheduled for launch during December 2022. All Common and Precious Beacons are under re-const...&quot;</p> <hr /> <div>== Beacon &quot;Common and Precious Nr. 5&quot; ==<br /> <br /> '''Status'''<br /> This is work in progress and scheduled for launch during December 2022.<br /> All Common and Precious Beacons are under re-construction or in for a re-location. The 2nd generation beacons will transmit on CW and RTTY alternating. The new message will carry, besides the usual informative standard text, also live temperature and humidity. An AM2303 sensor is used.<br /> <br /> This news Beacon, Nr. 5, is the first to run with the new concept. If all works fine, the hardware of all other beacons will be upgraded and updated with the new firmware.<br /> <br /> '''History Backlog'''<br /> <br /> == Summary ==<br /> <br /> - Operating since: &lt;none&gt;<br /> <br /> - Frequency: 4.09*,***kHz (to be set)<br /> <br /> - RF Power: 50W<br /> <br /> - Antenna: short Groundplane (with top capacity) and load coil located 8/10 up the antenna. Installed approx 70m above the ground. A wider spread set of radials provide a counterpoise. Total height of the antenna is approx 6m.<br /> <br /> - Power Source: 24V/100W Switch Mode Power Supply<br /> <br /> - System: pulled 4.096kHz X-Tal. 74Ls02 based oscillator. MOSFET Driver: . FET used: <br /> <br /> - Keying: Atmel AVR ATTiny26.<br /> <br /> - Uses two 7 pole (triple PI) filter for harmonics supression.<br /> <br /> - System effiency: &lt;open&gt;<br /> <br /> - Record: ''none''<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> [[Category:Beacons]]</div>

Zazzle https://hfunderground.com/wiki/index.php/High_Frequency_Beacon 2022-12-14T13:17:20Z

<p>Zazzle: /* European High Frequency Beacons */</p> <hr /> <div>[[Image:ColoradoBeaconQSL.png|thumb|right|A QSL card from a High Frequency beacon]]<br /> '''High Frequency Beacon''' is a colloquial term for an unlicensed '''[[radio beacon]]''' that does not follow government regulations for operation (such as [[Part 15]]), and is [[PHFER_Beacon_Madness|technically illegal]]. Unlicensed HF beacons which operate legally, according to rules for low power transmissions are classified as [[HiFER]]s. See also: [[HF_pagers|data link networks]] and [[Remote_Control|RC systems]] in the [[CB|26-28 MHz]] or [[11_meter|11 meter band]] region that operate as '''de facto''' beacons. These systems may be found primarily on 26995, 27045, 27095, 27145, 27195 and 27255 kHz but numerous other frequencies are used worldwide. <br /> <br /> There is a separate list of [[Part 15 Beacons]]<br /> <br /> ==Description==<br /> [[File:PRV-6852-001.jpg|thumb|right|PRV (6852 kHz) under test]]<br /> There are many of these beacons, quite a few are run as [[PHFER_Beacon_Madness|propagation experiments]]. Due to their nature, the exact location of these stations is generally not published, although many are believed to operate from remote locations in the deserts of the southwest USA. Likewise, these stations tend to suddenly appear and disappear from the air. Most run with very low power levels of just hundreds or even tens of milliwatts of power, and are often solar powered, so they can be hidden in open areas. Some are switched via a photocell, so they only operate at night, running off of a battery that is charged during the daytime by a solar panel.<br /> <br /> There is a message board where listeners can report reception of beacons, it is also useful to see what other folks are presently hearing:<br /> * [http://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/board,9.0.html HF Beacon Loggings]<br /> <br /> {{clear}}<br /> <br /> == North American High Frequency Beacons ==<br /> <br /> <br /> {| border=&quot;1&quot; cellspacing=&quot;0&quot; cellpadding=&quot;5&quot; align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |- style=&quot;background: #E7E7FF&quot;<br /> ! Freq (kHz) !! Station ID !! Location !! Operation Notes !! Last reported<br /> |-<br /> | 2008.4 || Dits|| Nevada USA|| (CW ditter 130 mW) N/S dipole, battery power, night only. Approximate CW timing: 191 millisecond dit duration, 1.55 second repetition, 1.5 minute ON cycle, 3 minute OFF cycle [https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/topic,8299.0.html] || December 27, 2018<br /> |-<br /> | 2097 || A || Arizona || - 15 watts max., 10 second repetition, 24/7 [http://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/topic,6109.0.html] || Off the air<br /> |-<br /> | 4094 || UFO || unknown || id's UFO TMP three times, after TMP two numbers are sent then back to dashes. On the air around Nov 2020 || 2021<br /> |-<br /> |4095.650 || DW || SW Desert || Desert Whooper - (1 Watt) 30 Whoops &amp; ID - After 6 cycles sends Bat-Outside Temp -Inside Temp - Solar Panel current 24/7/365 https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php?topic=85047.0 || 2021<br /> |-<br /> | 4096.1 || Dasher || Joshua Tree N.P. || 4.5 sec long dashes (about 13 dashes per min.) - big signal - north-facing dipole ('Coxie') 24/7 || 2021<br /> |-<br /> | 4096.2 || Buddha || -Calif Desert || Slow dasher called Buddha, was &quot;Phallaxy&quot; was &quot;Viking&quot;. About 30 mW, daytime only. On for 3 seconds, off for 3 seconds || 2021<br /> |-<br /> 4096.85 &quot;Marin Dit&quot;, 24/7 5-10 mW, harmonic of 8193.77 radiates better<br /> |-<br /> | 4096.85 || &quot;Marin Ditter&quot; || Marin County || 24/7 5-10 mW, 2nd harmonic of 8193.77 radiates better || 2021<br /> |-<br /> | 4097.08 || Dasher || unknown || Slow Dasher, 2secs on and 2 secs off. Discovered Nov. 2020, it does appear to be related to 7997.2 kHz. The two dashers appear to be in sync. || 2021<br /> |-<br /> | 4097.1 || Dasher || unknown || Fast Ditter. New in 2021 || 2021<br /> |-<br /> | 4098.2 ~ 4104+ || ZN || Western USA || Drifts up to 4104+ kHz during daylight hours, drifts down to 4098 kHz just after sunset, ZN sometimes heard run together like a prosign with an extra dash between the Z and N: &quot;dah-dah-di-di-dah-dah-dit&quot; or --..--. || September 08, 2018<br /> |-<br /> | 4100.1 || H || Unknown || &quot;H&quot; repeated ID only, Source: [https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/topic,45340.0.html HF Underground, 4 MHz Western USA Beacons] || September 10, 2018<br /> |-<br /> | 4102.8 || W... || southeast California desert || [https://www.hfunderground.com/wiki/index.php/High_Frequency_Beacon#Windy_Beacon ''Windy'' beacon - see section on this page about the telemetry]. Sends Morse code 'W' and series of dits - each dit correlating to a turn of its anemometer wind sensor, so if it is windy in the vicinity, it sends lots of dits; and no wind, no dits. TMP temperature (Fahrenheit), B battery voltage (decivolts). 24/7/365 || 2021<br /> |-<br /> | 6700.4 || Dasher || Joshua N.P. || About 62 dashes per min., 24/7 (Hexy2k) || 2021<br /> |-<br /> | 7998.1 || HI || Western USA || Morse CW beacon. Approximate timing: 9.64 seconds repetition, dit duration 128 milliseconds || 27 December, 2018<br /> |-<br /> | 8191.7 || Dasher || Southwestern USA || 4 second dash (somewhat variable), likely 2nd harmonic of ''Viking'' on 4095.86 kHz (Source: [https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/topic,45438.0.html HF Underground Forum, 8 MHz Western USA Beacons]) || August 26, 2018<br /> |-<br /> | 8192.7 || Dasher || Southwestern USA || 2.3 second dash, likely 2nd harmonic of ''Haystack'' on 4096.38 kHz (Source: [https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/topic,45438.0.html HF Underground Forum, 8 MHz Western USA Beacons]) || August 26, 2018<br /> |-<br /> | 8193.7 || Ditter || Western USA || 1.1 dits per second, ''MarinDit'', also may be heard on 4096.86 kHz (Source: [https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/topic,45438.0.html HF Underground Forum, 8 MHz Western USA Beacons]) || 2021<br /> |-<br /> | 8200.1 || D || Unknown || (Source: [https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/topic,45438.msg167326.html#msg167326 HF Underground Forum]) || September 08, 2018<br /> |-<br /> | <br /> |-<br /> |}<br /> <br /> == European High Frequency Beacons ==<br /> <br /> {| border=&quot;1&quot; cellspacing=&quot;0&quot; cellpadding=&quot;5&quot; align=&quot;center&quot;<br /> |- style=&quot;background: #E7E7FF&quot;<br /> ! Freq (kHz) !! Station ID !! Location !! Operation Notes !! Last reported<br /> |-<br /> | 1654.95 || PRV || Preveza, Greece || Op: SW6HMU, QSL via sw6hmu@yahoo.gr (Source: ndblist). || April 15, 2012<br /> |-<br /> | 3810 || [[SV1TEST]] || Athens, Greece&lt;BR&gt;(KM18VB) || no further info. (Source: [[UDXF]]) ||<br /> |-<br /> | 409*.** || [[Common and Precious 5]] || Berlin, Germany || CW + RTTY alternating. Grid powered. 50W into shortened Groundplane. || Work in Progress<br /> |-<br /> | 4194 || MX || Europe || Xtal controlled milliwatt beacon operated occasionally in europe. Sometimes sends straight carrier instead of ID. ||<br /> |-<br /> | 4608 || MXC || Europe || Xtal controlled milliwatt beacon operated occasionally in europe. Sometimes sends straight carrier instead of ID. Sister beacon to MX. ||<br /> |-<br /> | 6,375.00 || [[Common and Precious 4]] || Berlin, Germany || CW only. Solar powered with Battery backup. 1,5W into a short vertical. Operates 24/7. Sends SQL Cards on request. ([https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/topic,26877.0.html Project Thread on HFU Board]) || Jule 17, 2018<br /> |-<br /> | 6,398.5 || [[Common and Precious 2]] || Berlin, Germany || CW only. Grid powered. 25W into a 1/2λ Dipole. Operates 24/7. Sends SQL Cards on request. ([https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/topic,26877.0.html Project Thread on HFU Board]) || Jule 19, 2017<br /> |-<br /> | 6547.0 || PRV || Preveza, Greece || Op: SW6HMU, QSL via sw6hmu@yahoo.gr (Source: [[UDXF]]). Also reported on 6852.1 || January 22, 2012<br /> |-<br /> | rowspan=2 | 6815 || [[SV1TEST]] || Athens, Greece&lt;BR&gt;(KM18VB) || Active 2010-2011, no further info. (Source: [[UDXF]]) ([http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHHzK-nKO3Y Youtube video]) || <br /> |-<br /> | X9Q || S.E. Europe or&lt;BR&gt;Middle East || Sporadic operation, no further info. (Source: [[UDXF]]) || April 2012<br /> |-<br /> | 6852.1 || PRV || Preveza, Greece || 15 W Op: SW6HMU (Source: [[UDXF]]). &lt;sup&gt;(2)&lt;/sup&gt; &lt;sup&gt;(3)&lt;/sup&gt; Occasionally active with irregular schedule. QSLs via sw6hmu@yahoo.gr Former website [http://6852khz.blogspot.com/] closed. Reported also on 6547.0 and 1654.95 kHz || April 24, 2012<br /> |-<br /> | 6994.8 || - || Norfolk, UK&lt;BR&gt;(JO02) || &quot;RRR RRR RRR UK BEACON PROJECT 0.8E 52.8N 0.1 WATTS&lt;BR&gt;RRR RRR RRR REPORTS TO UKBEACON _ GMAIL.COM&quot; (Source: [[UDXF]]) || 2011<br /> |-<br /> | 7542 || 55555 || W Europe or NE USA || (Source: [http://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php?topic=6447.0], N&amp;O-173&lt;sup&gt;(5)&lt;/sup&gt;, [[UDXF]]) || March 1, 2012<br /> |-<br /> | 8000.0 || QRP || W. Europe || reported on UDXF by european monitors || February 9, 2014<br /> |-<br /> | 10,237.74 || [[Common and Precious]] || Berlin, Germany || Grid powered. 5W into a 1/2λ Dipole. Operates 24/7. Sends SQL Cards on request. ([http://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/topic,12795.0.html Project Thread on HFU Board]) || Jule 19, 2017<br /> |-<br /> | 26510 || [[Common and Precious 3]] || Berlin, Germany || [[CB#Russian_CB_Channel_Frequencies|26.510 MHz]] Grid powered. 7W into a 5/8λ Vertical. Operates 24/7. Sends SQL Cards on request. ([https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/topic,21834.0.html Project Thread on HFU Board]) || Jule 19, 2017<br /> |-<br /> | 27140.8 || 50RS497 || [[CB#Russian_CB_Channel_Frequencies|Russia]] || 27.141 MHz 27.140 MHz USB 27.142 MHz LSB CW ID 50RS497<br /> |-<br /> | 27141.6 || 14RS000 || France || JN38 200 mW power 27.1416 MHz 27.142 MHz beacon CW ID 14RS000 + long tone burst 27.140 MHz USB 27.143 MHz LSB ||<br /> |-<br /> | 27175 || 153SD101 || Thailand || CB Channel 18 27.175 MHz CW ID 153SD101 ||<br /> |-<br /> | 27185 || CW ID in FM mode || Poland || Morse code modulated FM CB Channel 19 ||<br /> |-<br /> | 27205 || FM voice 11m CB [[CB#CB_Repeater_Listing|repeater]] beacon || Sweden || simplex repeater - DTMF [[CB#US_.22FCC.22_.22CEPT.22_or_.22mid_band.22_CB_Frequencies|mid band]] CB channel 20 27.205 MHz|| <br /> |- <br /> | 27245 || siren-like &quot;whoop&quot; || UK || 1 watt power 1 pip per minute [[CB]] Channel 25 Solar Powered Beacon 27.245MHz 27MHz UK CB beacon ||<br /> |-<br /> | 27255 || CW || Switzerland || CB Channel 23 27.255 MHz - 10w power CW ID : VVV VVV DE 15BS061 15BS061 10 WATT 11M BEACON LOC. JN37TN JN37TN ||<br /> |-<br /> | 27405 || 1 dot/minute || Germany || 1 watt power 1 pip per minute [[CB]] Channel [[CB#German.2C_Czech_and_Hungarian_.22Auxiliary.22_channels_41-80|40]]- 27.405 MHz ||<br /> |-<br /> | 27499.6 || 50KS00 || Moscow, Russia || 2 watt power beacon 27.500 MHz LSB 27.4996 MHz CW ID 50KS00 ||<br /> |-<br /> | 27500 || 69BY || Costa Rica || CW ID 69BY [also on 27550 and 27610] ||<br /> |-<br /> | 27500 || Pips || Mexico City || CW pips (unknown TX power) ||<br /> |-<br /> | 27500 || 38 Voice || Greenland || USB voice ID &quot;38 voice beacon&quot; ||<br /> |-<br /> | 27500 || 153RT007 || Thailand || CW QRP Beacon 27.5 MHz [[11_meter#11_meter_Beacon_Frequencies_11m_CB_Beacon_Channels_11m_Beacon_Bands|27.500 MHz 11m beacon frequency]] ||<br /> |-<br /> | 27500 || 19/27MHZDX || Netherlands || CW ID VVV 19/27MHZDX JO21BU 20W 11MTRBEACONATGMAIL.COM ||<br /> |-<br /> | 27550 || 69BY || Costa Rica || CW ID 69BY alternate freq ||<br /> |-<br /> | 27610 || 69BY || Costa Rica || CW ID 69BY primary 27.610 MHz 27609.9 27.609.9 MHz || Sept 8, 2021<br /> |}<br /> <br /> ==Telemetry Pirate Beacon== <br /> A telemetry pirate beacon may transmit some type of brief information about its surroundings, usually along with its identification symbol or some other identifying characteristic. Its transmission may have more content than the common dasher, ditter, or Morse code CW beacon, but the content can be mysterious or undocumented. <br /> <br /> ===Windy Beacon===<br /> A good example of a telemetry pirate beacon is the ''Windy'' beacon which has been widely logged on approximately 4102.8 kHz CW. It is believed by some beacon listeners to be a solar powered pirate beacon, located somewhere in the rough back-country of southwestern USA. <br /> <br /> ''Windy'' transmits Morse code telemetry of internal Temperature TMPfff (where fff is degrees Fahrenheit), Battery Voltage Bvvv (where vvv is decivolts), and 5 intervals of &quot;W&quot; followed by wind velocity dit pulses corresponding to revolutions of its ambient wind sensor. The typical timing of the ''Windy'' beacon telemetry is as follows: A 26 second temperature and battery interval; followed by 5 intervals of 13 seconds each for wind telemetry; with a total cycle time of approximately 135 seconds, repeating 24/7/365. <br /> [[File:4102_Morse_Beacon_Windy_Telemetry_Timing.jpg|480px|center|4102 kHz Windy pirate beacon telemetry diagram]]<br /> <br /> ===Desert Whooper===<br /> This telemetry beacon broadcasts on 4095.70 and has been logged widely on the West Coast, up into Canada, as far west as Hawaii and as far east as Maryland. It sends a Morse Code ID of DW, then thirty upward 150 Hz sweeps (whoops), repeats 6 times then sends telemetry: BAT is in volts DC. oTMP is in degrees F with a calibrated outdoor thermistor, iTMP is in degrees F using a digital two wire sensor within the weathertight box and PV is in milliAmps to monitor solar panel performance.<br /> <br /> The antenna is a 1/2 wave dipole oriented North/South and raised 0.15 wavelength above the desert soil to create a more vertical but omni-like pattern known as NVIS. The 1:1 balun is home made and measured VSWR is close to 1.1 to 1 for 1 Watt of transmit power.<br /> <br /> QSL Card<br /> <br /> https://i.ibb.co/F7nbKRt/DW-QSL-2.jpg<br /> <br /> ==See also==<br /> [[Image:69BY-beacon.jpg|thumb|right|27 MHz beacon 69BY in Costa Rica on [[CB|27.610 MHz]] 27610 kHz]]<br /> * [[Pictures of high frequency beacons]]<br /> * [[HiFER]] 22 meter band 13.56 MHz 13560 kHz band [[Part 15]] beacons <br /> * [[11_meter#11_meter_Beacon_Frequencies_11m_CB_Beacon_Channels_11m_Beacon_Bands|11m beacons]] 11 meter band/27 MHz CB beacons<br /> * [[PHFER Beacon Madness]] - A glimpse into the Pathology and Symptoms of this Disease<br /> * [[Radio propagation beacon]] - beacons with an official license<br /> <br /> ==References==<br /> # Ary Boender: &quot;Numbers and Oddities&quot;, issue 162, March 2011, pp. 17<br /> # Ary Boender: &quot;Numbers and Oddities&quot;, issue 156, September 2010, pp. 15-16<br /> # &quot;PRV&quot; was often reported during the past few months and was unid until Linkz submitted a link to websites about this station. Linkz writes: ''I have no idea if this station is legit or a pirate. It's operator is Eystathios Karastathis (SW6HMU) from Preveza, Greece. He writes on his blog &quot;PRV - 6852 kHz 15w cw BEACON with Dipole Ant on the air 17.30 pm- 8.00 am&quot;. According to his blog there is also a MF beacon &quot;PRV beacon 500-531 khz am/cw 400 Watt&quot; and a local AM broadcasting station &quot;Studio 421&quot; on 1655 kHz”''. This beacon was last reported to [[UDXF]] on December 31, 2011.<br /> # Ary Boender: &quot;Numbers and Oddities&quot;, issue 159, December 2010, pp. 23.<br /> # Ary Boender: &quot;Numbers and Oddities&quot;, issue 173, February 2012, pp. 29.<br /> <br /> <br /> [[Category:Beacons]]</div>

Zazzle https://hfunderground.com/wiki/index.php/Common_and_Precious_4 2018-07-24T22:22:24Z

<p>Zazzle: </p> <hr /> <div>== Beacon &quot;Common and Precious Nr. 4&quot; ==<br /> <br /> [https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/topic,21834.0.html Project Thread on HFU Board]<br /> <br /> <br /> == Summary ==<br /> <br /> - Operating since: Saturday, 14. of June 2018<br /> <br /> - Frequency: 6.395,500kHz<br /> <br /> - RF Power: 2W<br /> <br /> - Antenna: short Vertical (with top capacity) and load coil located 2/3 up the antenna. Installed approx 8m above the ground. 12 radials provide a counterpoise (groundplane). Total height: approx 3m.<br /> <br /> - Power Source: 100W Solar module (20 years old, ~60W effective power) with 12V/7.2Ah Battery backup for night operation. Shuts off at low charge state to prevent deep discharge.<br /> <br /> - Current: Idle: ~35mA, Key-down: ~360mA<br /> <br /> - System: pulled 6.400kHz X-Tal. Uses 3x 2N3904 for oscillator, buffer and driver and 1x 2N3053 in the PA.<br /> <br /> - Keying: Atmel AVR ATTiny25.<br /> <br /> - Uses two 7 pole (triple PI) filter for harmonics supression.<br /> <br /> - System effiency is approx 48%<br /> <br /> - Record: 15. of June, WebSDR in Twende (460km)<br /> <br /> <br /> == History ==<br /> <br /> {| width=&quot;100%&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; cellspacing=&quot;0&quot; cellpadding=&quot;2&quot; align=&quot;left&quot; style=&quot;border: #969696; border-collapse: collapse; margin: 0px 0px 30px 0px;&quot;<br /> |-<br /> ! Date !! Issue<br /> |- <br /> | 14. June 2017 || Project deployed (with dasher firmware)<br /> |-<br /> |}<br /> <br /> &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;<br /> <br /> == Circuit Notes ==<br /> <br /> The circuit is done in full Transistor topology (all, except PA, 2N3904). A standard (series) pulled crystal oscillator circuit provides the source signal. It's followed by a class A buffer- and amplifier-stage that feeds the class C PA-driver. Impedance matching between the PA driver and PA itself is realized with a small transformer (FT43 material). Same goes for matching the PA output impedance to the low-pass Filter. The PA uses a 2N3053 Transistor and delivers 3W from 14V. Limiting the power to 2W takes place in the PA driver by limiting the amplification with an emitter resistor.<br /> <br /> A 7 Pole (triple) PI filter ensures harmonics suppression that meets the official requirements. ''Mind: just because you do not-so-legal stuff doesn't mean you need to be lazy and annoy people with harmonics. Be nice and thoughtful. Try not to bug people. Choose your frequency with care and make sure your signal is all clean.''<br /> <br /> A Z-Diode and NPN Transistor based linear voltage regulator provides +5V DC to the Atmel AVR ATTiny25 which generates the morse signal. An integrated 7805 voltage regulator was not used due to its own (high) power consumption. Keying takes place in the PA driver stage. The 2N3904 in the driver stage is keyed by using a PNP Transistor (BC557) in its collector path. Turning on and off the +12VDC Bus and therefore the RF that drives the PA.<br /> <br /> The ATTINY25 provides ADC channels. One is used to sample the Battery voltage. A hysteresis is programmed to make sure the battery charge has reached at least 70% before operation is resumed. Turn-off at 11,0V. Turn-on at 12,5V<br /> <br /> Two LEDs (power OK = green, key down = yellow) provide information about the status. The whole board is fit into an old weather-proof PVC chassis. The RF-Module is partly shielded by using bare, copper laminated PCB board.<br /> <br /> <br /> == Antenna Notes ==<br /> Though the operator experienced excellent results with 1/2λ Dipoles on the lower bands he always wanted to go with a Vertical. The issue with Dipoles is, that they require at least two support poles and guywires to add additional support for the (end-) poles. Not every location might allow the installation of such - for a lot of possible reasons. Vertical antennas come with a somewhat bad reputation for the S/W bands. Primary of three opinions: even a 1/4λ can be pretty high and complicated to erect and support. An (extremely) shortened version (with a load coil) has a bad efficiency. And that they require a big counterpoise (groundplane). <br /> <br /> First: true, but every antenna for the S/W bands is bulky. No argument here. Second: the efficiency is lower than that of a un-shortened 1/4λ. But when designed properly (refers to reading literature) not much. Third: both, shortened and un-shortened require an adequate groundplane. When being in the open (i.e. field), lying out some long wires shouldn't be much of an issue.<br /> <br /> Anyway. The operator felt for gaining some more practical impressions to compare a 1/2λ Dipole against a shortened 1/4λ Vertical. The base is fed through a small inductor, which allows fine-tuning of the antenna into resonance. The lower part of the beam radiates the magnetic part of the field and the upper part the capacitive while the top capacity provides additional capacity at the end to allow the strong capacitive part to be radiated to the vertical element.<br /> <br /> An LC network at the feedpoint provides impedance matching from ~18R to 50R. A SWR of 1:1.08 was obtained.<br /> <br /> <br /> == Project Notes ==<br /> A fun fact: this concept was the concept designed for ''Common and Precious I''. But it never left the concept phase which was due to two facts: First, even a 200W PV module might not provide enough energy in the winter months for a 24/7 operation. Second, the operator had no experiences regarding vandalism on the location from where the beacons operate. Therefore, he worried about a fast initial loss off a great investment. As time went on and damage was minimal he started to ponder solar based operation again. In addition he found a cheap source for old, second hand and/or partly damaged PV modules which makes a loss less painful money-wise. Now he’s ready to gain some practical experiences regarding the level of PV power required for operation during the winter months.<br /> <br /> The solar Module is 20 years old and pretty beautiful (to the operator at least). The operator loves the cell design and the polycrystalline pattern of the cells along with the BUS-finger design. It makes him think of the first PV module he owned as a youngster. It still delivers approx 60W (70W is normal for a 100W module since perfect condition can only be achieved in a laboratory). It’s 24V type that got re-wired into 12V systems in parallel (72 cells module). The module might be replaces by a 170W type to provide more energy during winter and therefore less downtime due to battery protection kicking in.<br /> <br /> The frequency close to ''Common and Precious 3'' was chosen on purpose. Even with the difference in RF power level (25W VS 2W) it allows a good comparison of the two setups.<br /> <br /> The beacon started operation with a software that only send 1Hz dashes. The operator decided to redo his Text-2-Morse routines and wasn't able to finish the software in time the schedule installation date. Oh-well, changing an IC can always be done later.<br /> <br /> == Project Pictures ==<br /> <br /> [[File:CaP_4_Setup-02.jpg|left|240px]]<br /> [[File:CaP_4_Panel-01.jpg|left|240px]]<br /> [[File:CaP_4_Electronics_Closeup.jpg|left|240px]]<br /> [[File:CaP_4_Solar-Charger.jpg|left|240px]]<br /> [[File:CaP_4_Headcapacity.jpg|left|240px]]<br /> [[File:CaP_4_LC-Impedancematch.jpg|left|240px]]<br /> [[File:CaP_4_RF-Board-Details.jpg|left|240px]]<br /> [[File:CaP_4_Twende-15.07.2018.jpg|left|240px]]<br /> <br /> <br /> [[Category:Beacons]]</div>

Zazzle https://hfunderground.com/wiki/index.php/Common_and_Precious_4 2018-07-17T15:12:26Z

<p>Zazzle: </p> <hr /> <div>== Beacon &quot;Common and Precious Nr. 4&quot; ==<br /> <br /> [https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/topic,21834.0.html Project Thread on HFU Board]<br /> <br /> <br /> == Summary ==<br /> <br /> - Operating since: Saturday, 14. of June 2018<br /> <br /> - Frequency: 6.395,500kHz<br /> <br /> - RF Power: 2W<br /> <br /> - Antenna: short Vertical (with top capacity) and load coil located 2/3 up the beam. Installed approx 8m above the ground. 12 radials provide a counterpoint (groundplane). Total height: approx 3m.<br /> <br /> - Power Source: 100W Solar module (20 years old, ~60W effective power) with 12V/7.2Ah Battery backup for night operation. Shuts at low charge state to prevent deep discharge.<br /> <br /> - Current: Idle: ~35mA, Key-down: ~360mA<br /> <br /> - System: pulled 6.400kHz X-Tal. Uses 3x 2N3904 for oscillator, buffer and driver and 1x 2N3053 in the PA.<br /> <br /> - Keying: Atmel AVR ATTiny25.<br /> <br /> - Uses two 7 pole (triple PI) filter for harmonics supression.<br /> <br /> - System effiency is approx 48%<br /> <br /> - Record: 15. of June, WebSDR in Twende (460km)<br /> <br /> <br /> == History ==<br /> <br /> {| width=&quot;100%&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; cellspacing=&quot;0&quot; cellpadding=&quot;2&quot; align=&quot;left&quot; style=&quot;border: #969696; border-collapse: collapse; margin: 0px 0px 30px 0px;&quot;<br /> |-<br /> ! Date !! Issue<br /> |- <br /> | 14. June 2017 || Project deployed (with dasher firmware)<br /> |-<br /> |}<br /> <br /> &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;<br /> <br /> == Circuit Notes ==<br /> <br /> The circuit is done in full Transistor topology (all, except PA, 2N3904). A standard (series) pulled crystal oscillator circuit provides the source signal. It's followed by a class A buffer- and amplifier-stage that feeds the class C PA-driver. Impedance matching between the PA driver and PA itself is realized with a small transformer (FT43 material). Same goes for matching the PA output impedance to the low-pass Filter. The PA uses a 2N3053 Transistor and delivers 3W from 14V. Limiting the power to 2W takes place in the PA driver by limiting the amplification with an emitter resistor.<br /> <br /> A 7 Pole (triple) PI filter ensures harmonics suppression that meets the official requirements. ''Mind: just because you do not-so-legal stuff doesn't mean you need to be lazy and annoy people with harmonics. Be nice and thoughtful. Try not to bug people. Choose your frequency with care and make sure your signal is all clean.''<br /> <br /> A Z-Diode and NPN Transistor based linear voltage regulator provides +5V DC to the Atmel AVR ATTiny25 which generates the morse signal. An integrated 7805 voltage regulator was not used due to its own (high) power consumption. Keying takes place in the PA driver stage. The 2N3904 in the driver stage is keyed by using a PNP Transistor (BC557) in its collector path. Turning on and off the +12VDC Bus and therefore the RF that drives the PA.<br /> <br /> The ATTINY25 provides ADC channels. One is used to sample the Battery voltage. A hysteresis is programmed to make sure the battery charge has reached at least 70% before operation is resumed. Turn-off at 11,0V. Turn-on at 12,5V<br /> <br /> Two LEDs (power OK = green, key down = yellow) provide information about the status. The whole board is fit into an old weather-proof PVC chassis. The RF-Module is partly shielded by using bare, copper laminated PCB board.<br /> <br /> <br /> == Antenna Notes ==<br /> Though the operator experienced excellent results with 1/2λ Dipoles on the lower bands he always wanted to go with a Vertical. The issue with Dipoles is, that they require at least two support poles and guywires to add additional support for the (end-) poles. Not every location might allow the installation of such - for a lot of possible reasons. Vertical beams come with a somewhat bad reputation for the S/W bands. Primary of three opinions: even a 1/4λ can be pretty hight and complicated to erect and support. An (extremly) shortened version (with a load coil) has a bad efficiency. And that they require a big counterpoint (groundplane). <br /> <br /> First: true, but every antenna for the S/W bands is bulky. No argument here. Second: the efficiency is lower than that of a un-shortened 1/4λ. But when designed properly (refers to reading literature) not much. Third: both, shortened and un-shortened require an adequate groundplane. When being in the open (i.e. field), lying out some long sires shouldn't me much of an issue.<br /> <br /> Anyway. The operator felt for gaining some more practical impressions to compare a 1/2λ Dipole against a shortened 1/4λ Vertical. The base is fed through a small inductor, which allows fine-tuning of the antenna into resonance. The lower part of the beam radiates the magnetic part of the field and the upper part the capacitive while the top capacity provides additional capacity at the end to allow the strong capacitive part to be radiated to the vertical element.<br /> <br /> An LC network at the feedpoint provides impedance matching from ~18R to 50R. A SWR of 1:1.08 was obtained.<br /> <br /> <br /> == Project Notes ==<br /> A fun fact: this concept was the concept designed for ''Common and Precious I''. But it never left the concept phase which was due to two facts: First, even a 200W PV module might not provide enough energy in the winter months for a 24/7 operation. Second, the operator had no experiences regarding vandalism on the location from where the beacons operate. Therefore, he worried about a fast initial loss off a great investment. As time went on and damage was minimal he starte to ponder solar based operation again. In addition he found a cheap source for old, second hand and/or partly damaged PV modules which makes a loss less painful money-wise. Now he’s ready to gain some practical experiences regarding the level of PV power required for operation during the winter months.<br /> <br /> The solar Module is 20 years old and pretty beautiful (to the operator at least). The operator loves the cell design and the polycrystalline pattern of the cells along with the BUS-finger design. It makes him think of the first PV module he owned as a youngster. It still delivers approx 60W (70W is normal for a 100W module since perfect condition can only be achieved in a laboratory). It’s 24V type that got re-wired into 12V systems in parallel (72 cells module). The module might be replaces by a 170W type to provide more energy during winter and therefore less downtime due to battery protection kicking in.<br /> <br /> The frequency close to ''Common and Precious 3'' was choosen on purpose. Even with the difference in RF power level (25W VS 2W) it allows a good comparison of the two setups.<br /> <br /> The beacon started operation with a software that only send 1Hz dashed. The operator decided to redo his Text-2-Morse routines and wasn't able to finish the software in time the schedule installation date. Oh-well, changing an IC can always be done later.<br /> <br /> == Project Pictures ==<br /> <br /> [[File:CaP_4_Setup-02.jpg|left|240px]]<br /> [[File:CaP_4_Panel-01.jpg|left|240px]]<br /> [[File:CaP_4_Electronics_Closeup.jpg|left|240px]]<br /> [[File:CaP_4_Solar-Charger.jpg|left|240px]]<br /> [[File:CaP_4_Headcapacity.jpg|left|240px]]<br /> [[File:CaP_4_LC-Impedancematch.jpg|left|240px]]<br /> [[File:CaP_4_RF-Board-Details.jpg|left|240px]]<br /> [[File:CaP_4_Twende-15.07.2018.jpg|left|240px]]<br /> <br /> <br /> [[Category:Beacons]]</div>

Zazzle https://hfunderground.com/wiki/index.php/Common_and_Precious_4 2018-07-17T14:46:13Z

<p>Zazzle: Created page with &quot;== Beacon &quot;Common and Precious Nr. 4&quot; == [https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/topic,21834.0.html Project Thread on HFU Board] == Summary == - Operating since: Satu...&quot;</p> <hr /> <div>== Beacon &quot;Common and Precious Nr. 4&quot; ==<br /> <br /> [https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php/topic,21834.0.html Project Thread on HFU Board]<br /> <br /> <br /> == Summary ==<br /> <br /> - Operating since: Saturday, 14. of June 2018<br /> <br /> - Frequency: 6.395,500kHz<br /> <br /> - RF Power: 2W<br /> <br /> - Antenna: short Vertical (with top capacity) and load coil located 2/3 up the beam. Installed approx 8m above the ground. 12 radials provide a counterpoint (groundplane). Total height: approx 3m.<br /> <br /> - Power Source: 100W Solar module (20 years old, ~60W effective power) with 12V/7.2Ah Battery backup for night operation. Shuts at low charge state to prevent deep discharge.<br /> <br /> - Current: Idle: ~35mA, Key-down: ~360mA<br /> <br /> - System: pulled 6.400kHz X-Tal. Uses 3x 2N3904 for oscillator, buffer and driver and 1x 2N3053 in the PA.<br /> <br /> - Keying: Atmel AVR ATTiny25.<br /> <br /> - Uses two 7 pole (triple PI) filter for harmonics supression.<br /> <br /> - System effiency is approx 48%<br /> <br /> - Record: 15. of June, WebSDR in Twende (460km)<br /> <br /> <br /> == History ==<br /> <br /> {| width=&quot;100%&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; cellspacing=&quot;0&quot; cellpadding=&quot;2&quot; align=&quot;left&quot; style=&quot;border: #969696; border-collapse: collapse; margin: 0px 0px 30px 0px;&quot;<br /> |-<br /> ! Date !! Issue<br /> |- <br /> | 14. June 2017 || Project deployed (with dasher firmware)<br /> |-<br /> |}<br /> <br /> &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;<br /> <br /> == Circuit Notes ==<br /> <br /> The circuit is done in full Transistor topology (all, except PA, 2N3904). A standard (series) pulled crystal oscillator circuit provides the source signal. It's followed by a class A buffer- and amplifier-stage that feeds the class C PA-driver. Impedance matching between the PA driver and PA itself is realized with a small transformer (FT43 material). Same goes for matching the PA output impedance to the low-pass Filter. The PA uses a 2N3053 Transistor and delivers 3W from 14V. Limiting the power to 2W takes place in the PA driver by limiting the amplification with an emitter resistor.<br /> <br /> A 7 Pole (triple) PI filter ensures harmonics suppression that meets the official requirements. ''Mind: just because you do not-so-legal stuff doesn't mean you need to be lazy and annoy people with harmonics. Be nice and thoughtful. Try not to bug people. Choose your frequency with care and make sure your signal is all clean.''<br /> <br /> A Z-Diode and NPN Transistor based linear voltage regulator provides +5V DC to the Atmel AVR ATTiny25 which generates the morse signal. An integrated 7805 voltage regulator was not used due to its own (high) power consumption. Keying takes place in the PA driver stage. The 2N3904 in the driver stage is keyed by using a PNP Transistor (BC557) in its collector path. Turning on and off the +12VDC Bus and therefore the RF that drives the PA.<br /> <br /> The ATTINY25 provides ADC channels. One is used to sample the Battery voltage. A hysteresis is programmed to make sure the battery charge has reached at least 70% before operation is resumed. Turn-off at 11,0V. Turn-on at 12,5V<br /> <br /> Two LEDs (power OK = green, key down = yellow) provide information about the status. The whole board is fit into an old weather-proof PVC chassis. The RF-Module is partly shielded by using bare, copper laminated PCB board.<br /> <br /> <br /> == Antenna Notes ==<br /> Though the operator experienced excellent results with 1/2λ Dipoles on the lower bands he always wanted to go with a Vertical. The issue with Dipoles is, that they require at least two support poles and guywires to add additional support for the (end-) poles. Not every location might allow the installation of such - for a lot of possible reasons. Vertical beams come with a somewhat bad reputation for the S/W bands. Primary of three opinions: even a 1/4λ can be pretty hight and complicated to erect and support. An (extremly) shortened version (with a load coil) has a bad efficiency. And that they require a big counterpoint (groundplane). <br /> <br /> First: true, but every antenna for the S/W bands is bulky. No argument here. Second: the efficiency is lower than that of a un-shortened 1/4λ. But when designed properly (refers to reading literature) not much. Third: both, shortened and un-shortened require an adequate groundplane. When being in the open (i.e. field), lying out some long sires shouldn't me much of an issue.<br /> <br /> Anyway. The operator felt for gaining some more practical impressions to compare a 1/2λ Dipole against a shortened 1/4λ Vertical. The base is fed through a small inductor, which allows fine-tuning of the antenna into resonance. The lower part of the beam radiates the magnetic part of the field and the upper part the capacitive while the top capacity provides additional capacity at the end to allow the strong capacitive part to be radiated to the vertical element.<br /> <br /> An LC network at the feedpoint provides impedance matching from ~18R to 50R. A SWR of 1:1.08 was obtained.<br /> <br /> <br /> == Project Notes ==<br /> A fun fact: this concept was the concept designed for ''Common and Precious I''. But it never left the concept phase which was due to two facts: First, even a 200W PV module might not provide enough energy in the winter months for a 24/7 operation. Second, the operator had no experiences regarding vandalism on the location from where the beacons operate. Therefore, he worried about a fast initial loss off a great investment. As time went on and damage was minimal he starte to ponder solar based operation again. In addition he found a cheap source for old, second hand and/or partly damaged PV modules which makes a loss less painful money-wise. Now he’s ready to gain some practical experiences regarding the level of PV power required for operation during the winter months.<br /> <br /> The solar Module is 20 years old and pretty beautiful (to the operator at least). The operator loves the cell design and the polycrystalline pattern of the cells along with the BUS-finger design. It makes him think of the first PV module he owned as a youngster. It still delivers approx 60W (70W is normal for a 100W module since perfect condition can only be achieved in a laboratory). It’s 24V type that got re-wired into 12V systems in parallel (72 cells module). The module might be replaces by a 170W type to provide more energy during winter and therefore less downtime due to battery protection kicking in.<br /> <br /> The beacon started operation with a software that only send 1Hz dashed. The operator decided to redo his Text-2-Morse routines and wasn't able to finish the software in time the schedule installation date. Oh-well, changing an IC can always be done later.<br /> <br /> == Project Pictures ==<br /> <br /> [[File:CaP_4_Setup-02.jpg|left|240px]]<br /> [[File:CaP_4_Panel-01.jpg|left|240px]]<br /> [[File:CaP_4_Electronics_Closeup.jpg|left|240px]]<br /> [[File:CaP_4_Solar-Charger.jpg|left|240px]]<br /> [[File:CaP_4_Headcapacity.jpg|left|240px]]<br /> [[File:CaP_4_LC-Impedancematch.jpg|left|240px]]<br /> [[File:CaP_4_RF-Board-Details.jpg|left|240px]]<br /> [[File:CaP_4_Twende-15.07.2018.jpg|left|240px]]<br /> <br /> <br /> [[Category:Beacons]]</div>

Zazzle https://hfunderground.com/wiki/index.php/File:CaP_4_Twende-15.07.2018.jpg 2018-07-17T14:41:57Z

<p>Zazzle: </p> <hr /> <div></div>

Zazzle https://hfunderground.com/wiki/index.php/File:CaP_4_RF-Board-Details.jpg 2018-07-17T14:38:12Z

<p>Zazzle: </p> <hr /> <div></div>

Zazzle https://hfunderground.com/wiki/index.php/File:CaP_4_LC-Impedancematch.jpg 2018-07-17T14:36:23Z

<p>Zazzle: Common and Precious 4, Impedance Matching</p> <hr /> <div>Common and Precious 4, Impedance Matching</div>

Zazzle https://hfunderground.com/wiki/index.php/File:CaP_4_Headcapacity.jpg 2018-07-17T14:35:45Z

<p>Zazzle: Common and Precious 4, Top Capacity</p> <hr /> <div>Common and Precious 4, Top Capacity</div>

Zazzle https://hfunderground.com/wiki/index.php/File:CaP_4_Solar-Charger.jpg 2018-07-17T14:35:02Z

<p>Zazzle: Common and Precious 4, Solar Charger</p> <hr /> <div>Common and Precious 4, Solar Charger</div>

Zazzle