Current status
The beacon has been reactivated at a new location,
IO81VC73 with beacon
keeper now G3TCT. The NoV was issued by Ofcom on 20 June 2016. The beacon started operation on 26 July 2016.
Beacon parameters:-
Frequency |
1296.870MHz.
The exciter is not GPS-locked.
NEW
As from 17 Feb 2017, the exciter is based on an Arduino-controlled
ADF4351 synthesiser with a 10MHz reference and should be within
100Hz. For details see the link above.
|
Mode |
F1 (1K50F1AAN) with 400Hz shift
|
ERP |
20dBW east and 16dBW north, horizontal polarisation |
Antenna |
Wimo
flat plate PA-23R-16. Power is split between Wimo and 47cm dish
pointing due north. Maximum radiation from the system is at 090
degrees. |
Height ASL |
218m
|
Antenna height AGL |
15m |
Times of operation |
From 26 July 2016, 0600 to 2200UTC.
From 17 Sep 2016, 0600 to 2000UTC.
From 12 Oct 2016, 0800 to 1700UTC
From 20 May 2017, 0600 to 1900UTC
From 21 Sep 2017, 0800 to 1700UTC
From 13 Apr 2018, 0600 to 1900UTC
From 17 Nov 2018, 0700 to 1800UTC
The beacon is at a site that is solar and wind
powered only, and also supports 2m and 70cm repeaters. In order to keep
within the energy budget, the times of operation are limited and may be subject to some outages especially during winter. The
keyer now sends a code for the battery voltage.
|
Sound recording
|
GB3USK 19/04/2017
|
Reports
Thanks for all the reports!!
Standard reception reports are appreciated, please use
www.beaconspot.uk
At that site you can see the latest coverage map - one below is for 19/11/2018
In case of interference or other faults please report them by email to g3tct (at) g3tct.co.uk
Recent rain scatter event
21 July 2017 event showing rain returns up to 180Hz LF of the signal on
both mark and space, whilst beaming ~30degrees north of direct path.
History
GB3USK is the callsign of the 23cm beacon originally installed near
Bristol but named after the town of Usk in south Wales. Its
parameters were:-
Frequency 1296.875MHz, Mode F1, Locator IO81QJ, Antenna 15 over 15ele beaming east, beacon keeper: GW8AWM
Due to the withdrawal of site permission, the beacon had to close down in June 2013.
Acknowledgements
Thanks are due to the following
-
Frank GW8AWM for donation of the transmitter and cabinet
-
Dave G1EHF for donation of the dish antenna and various professional
measurements
-
Phil G3TCU for donation of the power splitter
-
Dave G3ZXX for agreeing use of the GB3JB site, provision of power supplies, and arranging antenna installation
- Steve 2E0DUJ for the antenna installation
- The UK Microwave Group for funding the Wimo antenna.