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Anatomy of a low frequency aviation radio beacon

Discussion in 'Amateur Radio News' started by KX4O, Aug 25, 2020.

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  1. KX4O

    KX4O XML Subscriber QRZ Page

    Aviation LF/MF beacons provide an opportunity to admire electrically-small antenna design on a macroscopic scale and provide the amateur radio operator useful tips to safely transmit on the 630 and 2200 meter bands. The article includes a photographic survey plus electrical analysis correlating with some field measurements of the 351 kHz MSQ beacon in Virginia.

    https://www.hamradio.me/antennas/anatomy-of-a-low-frequency-aviation-radio-beacon.html

    [​IMG]
     
    KG7A/SK2022, KI4ZUQ, W0AMT and 28 others like this.
  2. KA0HCP

    KA0HCP XML Subscriber QRZ Page

    Superb article. I wasn't familiar with this "new style' NDB installation. b.
     
    N0TZU and KF1P like this.
  3. KL7AJ

    KL7AJ Ham Member QRZ Page

    Excellent. Thank you!
     
  4. WR2E

    WR2E XML Subscriber QRZ Page

    He's lucky the NSA didn't show up and throw him in the hoosegow as a terrorist!
     
  5. KL7AJ

    KL7AJ Ham Member QRZ Page

    I shall have to do s similar piece on our friendly local CUN, the outer marker for Ft. Wainwright. It is now in a residential area. Not sure how long it will last . :(
     
    KL7SG likes this.
  6. KL7AJ

    KL7AJ Ham Member QRZ Page

    Likewise, I shall be alert for the Men In Black. But all the military radio folks know me around here anyway...so minimal hazard. :)
     
    WR2E likes this.
  7. K0UO

    K0UO Platinum Subscriber Platinum Subscriber QRZ Page

    I have taken care of a number of them over the years there are still some on the Air in the mid U.S.
    I have done E field test around many also
     
    N5HNX and K8PG like this.
  8. KX4O

    KX4O XML Subscriber QRZ Page

    What are some previous styles?
     
  9. KA0HCP

    KA0HCP XML Subscriber QRZ Page

    Of course I can't find a photo....

    The older style was a Marconi T antenna fed with a single wire. Two wooden poles about 30ft high painted alternating red/white supported the T ends. The T was perhaps 60-90ft long. A 'doghouse" shelter painted red/white below the center point housed the xmitter and matching equipment.
     
    N1VAU likes this.
  10. KA0HCP

    KA0HCP XML Subscriber QRZ Page

    Here is an old style NDB, situated as a Compass Locator or Locator Outer Marker beacon. Note the two Yagi's in Vee configuration on 75Mhz to the left of the doghouse that form a "Bone" or "Fan" Marker for aircraft precise position indication during an instrument approach.

    [​IMG]
     
    KD0IRF, KH6DC, N0DET and 5 others like this.
  11. KA0HCP

    KA0HCP XML Subscriber QRZ Page

    Instrument approaches with NDB/Compass Locator/Marker Beacons

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
    KD8DWO likes this.
  12. SM0AOM

    SM0AOM Ham Member QRZ Page

    Some memories.
    Below are some pictures of a similar, 1960s vintage, NDB.

    It is the ITT-Standard Radio LB100 which was common in the Nordic countries and was produced practically unchanged (except for the cabinet colour) for nearly 40 years.

    N415_antenn.jpg
    DSCN0482.jpg
    DSC_5772.jpg
    upload_2020-8-26_20-16-42.png
    Nowadays, NDBs are becoming more and more uncommon.

    73/
    Karl-Arne
    SM0AOM
     
    Last edited: Aug 26, 2020
    YF8RQN, 4X1ST, KD8DWO and 2 others like this.
  13. KX4O

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    Yup that's what I remember being off to the side at Manassas Airport (KHEF former W10) back in the day.
     
  14. K4RGN

    K4RGN Premium Subscriber QRZ Page

    YF8RQN, W0PV and KX4O like this.
  15. N3FAA

    N3FAA XML Subscriber QRZ Page

    Disregard.
     
    Last edited: Aug 27, 2020

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