The SK2DR/B microwave beacon project
We have now established two new beacons for 23cm and 3cm in the far north - at latitude 65.5N
Intended to help us discover propagation opportunities on the microwave bands that we presently have difficulties finding.
The picture above shows the 3cm beacon while it's being tested at SM2CEW's QTH in KP15cr. Below are some videos from these tests.
The 23cm beacon is incorporated in the same box as seen in the picture above and the antenna for 23cm is seen above the 60cm dish.
The final location is in KP15eu at latitude 65°50'53.78"N and longitude 22°21'55.27"O at 18m ASL
This beacon QTH is right on the shores of the Gulf of Bothnia, the directional antennas are beaming along the water with a clear path to to SM1 and SP.
|
Band |
Frequency |
Power |
Antenna |
Heading |
|
23cm |
1296.937 MHz |
15 watt |
4 el yagi |
198 deg |
|
3cm |
10368.820 MHz |
4 watts |
60cm dish |
198 deg |
|
3 cm |
10368.820 MHz |
1 watt |
Slotted waveguide |
Omnidirectional |
The beacons are now up and running from their permanent QTH as of August 24, 2020
Some videos of the beacon being received via rain scatter on 10368.820 MHz in KP15cr.
In the first video you see a 23cm yagi also being pointed into the clouds. The beacon could not be heard vid rain scatter on 1296.937 MHz at that time.
Below are some videos and recordings made during the test period.
Checking beacon reception from inside the car at a distance of about 5 kilometer
SK2DR 3cm beacon heard inside the car.mp4
Beacon as heard in KP05xn
Beacon beaming to KP05xn
Beacon heard via rainscatter at SM2FOB
Receiving 10 GHz beacon SK2DR_B by rain scatter.mp4
Beacon heard via rainscatter at SM2CEW/P in KP15CO. At the time the beacon was beaming away from KP15CO into the rain clouds that can be seen in the far distance.
The frequency error seen in the video is due to the transverter being a bit off frequency...
Here's a link to an external video with pictures taken by Kjell SM2FOB during the installation on the tower in KP15eu
//2020-08-27