DB0APD microwave beacon

 

10 GHz:

Location

Apolda

Locator

JO51SA25VI

Above see level

210 m

Above ground

10 m

Band

3cm

Frequency

10368.852 MHz (GPS-disciplined)

Antenna

2x10 slots (omni)

Polarization

Horizontal

Power

output 1 mW

Mode

A1A (~40 cpm)

Condition

on

 

2.3 GHz:

Location

Apolda

Locator

JO51SA25VI

Above see level

210 m

Above ground

10 m

Band

13cm

Frequency

2320.852 MHz (non-t-compensated quartz)

Antenna

2x9 slots (omni)

Polarization

Horizontal

Power

output 30 mW (+15dBm)

Mode

A1A (~40 cpm)

Condition

on

Exciter 2320 MHz +2 dBm:

13cm Schema

Approximate coverage:

Coverage DB0APD

Old location near Kiew (Ukraine):


TXmast
Picture of the new stacked dipole antenna and the tower with the old stacked YAGI antenna.
Shema Photo
Exciter 1296 MHz +7 dBm
Richtungsdiagramm
Approximate radiation pattern simulated by Radio Mobile software (level S6)

The beacon was first deployed in April 2007 and operated since that time almost continuously (as long as mains is there). It could be well heard in Kiev 50 m over ground (223m ASL). It was also possible to receive its signals in Fastov on the ground. A frequency deviation in the range ±5 kHz around the main frequency happen daily, since the equipment is located outdoors.


History
15.04.2007   Beginning of the opeation,power 10 mW, 2x7elYAGI @ 12m height
28.08.2007 The power supply was exchanged for one able to operatebeginning from 100V mains. The YAGIs were replaced with a stacked dipole antenna. The heigth of the tower increased from 12 to 14.5 m. The output power (20mW) is now filtered using a double-helix filter.
28.12.2007 13cm beacon has been put in operation, inspite of problems with its manipulation and output. A probable reason is a significant cross-talk between the two beacons over the power supply. In the the 23 cm beacon, it is not only the final stage, but also the last multiplier, which are now keyed.
15.03.2008  The power supply of both the beacons is now stabilized on the tower, and the frequency of the 23cm beacon is shifted to 1296.853 MHz into the segment allocated for beacons by IARU. The output power  of the 23cm beacon was increased to 125 mW, the 13cm beacon became fully operational with about 2mW output, to begin with.
18.07.2008   Record reports: 13cm: 38 km in KO40VE, 23cm 45km in KO40UD
28.12.2008   13cm beacon is off for a lengthy maintenance
2019   relocation of the beacons to Apolda, construction of the 10 GHz beacon
11.12.2023   Success of construction of a new 24 GHz beacon, yet to be deployed

QSL:

Date

QTH

QRB, km

Band

RST or S/N(3 kHz)

Ant

16.12.2018

JO51RD82BX

13.11

13cm

579

23el Yagi

17.12.2023

JO51QA64VS

9.336

13cm

589

23el Yagi



If you hear the beacon signal, please report it in DX Cluster, on Beacon Report Page or directly to df4ae( at )darc.de. Information about the use of the beacon stimulates its development!

Last updated:  15.12.2023

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