This is based on a PIC microcontroller controlled ID'er, and N7KSB 10 meter QRP transmitter both found in the 2001 ARRL handbook.
I have received some excellent comments on this project, and it's ability to get out with 500mw QRP. Bill, WJ5O, says he will add me to his excellent 10 Meter beacon list, as "Intermittent". This beacon has been running almost continously through March. Who knows, maybe I'll string up a 10M antenna and leave it in continuous operation. This beacon has done over 7500 miles per watt!
While on vacation in the Carribbean, I got the chance to visit the ship's radio room. The Radio Officer allowed me to use the ship's HF receiver to listen for my beacon. Sure enough, I heard it! What a thrill!
I have reactivated by beacon, in the same configuration as the 2001 test.
| Receiving Station | QTH | Date | Report | Comment |
| WA6CDO | San Francisco CA | 10.Jan.03 17:10z | 28.234108 | |
| John | Palm Beach County, FL | 7.Jan.03 | 599 | |
| WJ5O | South Texas EL17 | 9.Jan.03 18:00z | ||
| DL8WX | Germany | 6.Jan.03 | S3 | Slight Chirp |
| N4SO | 5.Jan.03 1z | Rare Short-skip conditions | ||
| G0AEV | England IO81 | 2.Jan.03 17:25z | S1 |
Beacon Test - Feb 2001:
I ran my beacon for the weekend of Feb 23, 2001, to see how well it held up to continous operation, and see what kind of reports I would receive. Saturday evening the weather kicked up and got my antenna wet, pulling my SWR off a bit, but it still got out!
Results for N9SSA/BCN test Feb 23 - Feb 25, 2001:
QTH: en62wt Holland, Michigan
Frequency: 28.234
Alternate Frequency: 28.229
Output: 500 Milliwatts (.5 Watt)
Antenna: 80M Center Fed Zepp Through MFJ VersaTuner
| Receiving Station | QTH | Date | Report | Comment |
| N8ROL | Holland, MI | 23.Feb.01 EST | 599 | A little chirpy |
| W9ADS JavaRadio | Urbana, IL | 24.Feb.01 EST | Partial Copy, local Tstorms | |
| G0AEV | UK | 25.Feb.01 14.45z | S1 | Copy marginal (band noisy) 3769 miles! |
| HP1AC | Panama City,Panama FJ08 | 25.Feb.01 21:14z | 549 QSB | 2408 miles! |
| AA7EQ | Bisbee, Az | 26.Feb.01 EST | 228 QSB | |
| WA7TQK | St. Maries, ID DN17RH | 26.Feb.01 18:53z | S1 | Heard with N9RET/B |
More Beacon Info:
Please send reception reports to [email protected]