Beacons operate on a continuous basis and
are used primarily as a propagation indicator,
particularly in the absence of other (intermittent)
transmissions from the area where the beacon is located.

Amateur beacons have been used in long term investigation of unusual propagation;
for example across the Great Australian Bight
between Albany in VK6 and Adelaide in VK5.

 Beacons also provide an invaluable reference marker for receiver and
antenna evaluation within and beyond their normal service area.

Current practice in VK6 has been to use all solid state keyers and transmitters.
The latter are based on modified versions of the
Philips FM828/880/814 series of transceivers between 50 and 432 MHz,
with locally constructed equipment on higher frequencies to 10GHz.


In Western Australia
beacons are operational on the following frequencies:-

10 Metres

6 Metres

VK6RWA is licensed to the WIA (WA Division)

The licensee of all the others listed is