You did quite well! I used to chase LW beacons and had decent success with my Eton E1 and Drake R8. Local conditions have steadily worsened, mostly WiFi QRM. Cheers from Utah
Thanks for the video, my “Q” is supposed to come on April 3, 2024, however I probably going to have setup a portable antenna away from my QTH in Tucson. Arizona because on all the RF noise near my home. 73! Have a great day!
Many beacons have been shut down since we have GPS. And their number will continue to dwindle so log em while you can! I used to try to pick up marine beacons down in the Caribbean, a fun challenge. All gone now.
That I will. It was my first go. I reckon if I tweak my antenna set it, it will catch more. We'll see. Here is a pdf document with 82 pages of navi beacons: www.uscglightshipsailors.org/hear/LF-MF_Radionavigation_Stations.pdf
@@RSears The RDF beacons I used to chase are long decomissioned. At least those in the Caribbean. There are others around the world. But the system generally was rendered obsolete by GPS.
@@RSears Yeah it's still alot of fun to log the aero beacons. Esp those up in Canada which are higher powered. There should be afew sellers out there that still sell loops or ferrite types that will cover the LW/MW bands. I made my own loop yrs back that worked well. If you haven't done so, put in a minimum 8' ground rod outside close to your listening rm. I have 4. But I'm also a ham.
I was surprised. The long wire and counterpoise brought them in. I didn't get more than 3 or 4 with just the 23' reel antenna. Sometimes one on the whip. Must try to properly ground the counterpoise -- when the ground thaws. Blog or Die had an interesting video / article on beacons and a 4' grounding rod.
For this catch I used a 25' vertical long wire antenna with 8' counterpoise. I picked up a lot more navigational beacons than on the whip or even the 23' WUT. I aim to try a few others when the weather makes up its mind that it is Spring.
You did quite well! I used to chase LW beacons and had decent success with my Eton E1 and Drake R8. Local conditions have steadily worsened, mostly WiFi QRM. Cheers from Utah
Thanks. When the weather warms, I'll try other antenna and grounding ideas.
Thanks for the video, my “Q” is supposed to come on April 3, 2024, however I probably going to have setup a portable antenna away from my QTH in Tucson. Arizona because on all the RF noise near my home.
73! Have a great day!
I hope it fetches some new stations and signals.
@@RSears I definitely do too…😀!
Many beacons have been shut down since we have GPS. And their number will continue to dwindle so log em while you can! I used to try to pick up marine beacons down in the Caribbean, a fun challenge. All gone now.
That I will. It was my first go. I reckon if I tweak my antenna set it, it will catch more. We'll see. Here is a pdf document with 82 pages of navi beacons: www.uscglightshipsailors.org/hear/LF-MF_Radionavigation_Stations.pdf
@@RSears The RDF beacons I used to chase are long decomissioned. At least those in the Caribbean. There are others around the world. But the system generally was rendered obsolete by GPS.
@b3j8 That is a bummer. I have been interested in the required antenna and/or grounding to pick the beacons around here.
@@RSears Yeah it's still alot of fun to log the aero beacons. Esp those up in Canada which are higher powered. There should be afew sellers out there that still sell loops or ferrite types that will cover the LW/MW bands. I made my own loop yrs back that worked well. If you haven't done so, put in a minimum 8' ground rod outside close to your listening rm. I have 4. But I'm also a ham.
Very interesting. Thanks. 😊
I was surprised. The long wire and counterpoise brought them in. I didn't get more than 3 or 4 with just the 23' reel antenna. Sometimes one on the whip. Must try to properly ground the counterpoise -- when the ground thaws. Blog or Die had an interesting video / article on beacons and a 4' grounding rod.
What type of antenna do you use?
For this catch I used a 25' vertical long wire antenna with 8' counterpoise. I picked up a lot more navigational beacons than on the whip or even the 23' WUT. I aim to try a few others when the weather makes up its mind that it is Spring.