Beacon

International Beacon Network

The International Beacon Network. This network is a co-operative project, jointly owned and managed by the International Amateur radio Union(IARU) and the Northern Californian DX Foundation (NCDXF). Operating frequencies are : 14.100MHz, 18.110MHz, 21.150MHz, 24.930MHz and 28.200MHz. The purpose of the beacons is two-fold; to provide reliable, frequency stable reference points, and to assist commercial and amateur operators in assessing propagation conditions. The system was designed and built by volunteers, and continues to be operated by a group of volunteers. Idents for these beacons are sent in CW at 22 WPM.

Beacon Locations. Eighteen beacons are in operation around the world in each continent.

Beacon Transmission Schedule. The beacons transmit every three minutes, continuously. This page has details of transmission schedules.

Brief History. The first beacon was turned on in 1970. The complete 18 station system was started in 1995, with 12 of the 18 beacons being operational by the end of 1996.

Local Beacons

Many amateur radio clubs operate beacons in the VHF and UHF bands. Amateurs can themselves, with the aid of built in functionality, use modern rigs to operate beacons. The Yaesu FT-897 is an example of a rig with this functionality built in.