Tnx Ed for the encouragement. I realize that the Hifer beacons are at the whim
of propagation (which has been dismal of late) and of course the low power
involved. My amateur radio activities were a bit subdued during the summer
due mostly to the poor band condx....same goes for the beacon chasing.I hesitate to ask the following questions since this subject has probably been
discussed many times on this list....however, here goes anyway and I apologize
for the length:
Should one want to put on a Hifer beacon (not saying I'm gonna but...) I was
wondering just how to go about it. I would be interested in the CW mode...no
digital. I have read the FCC regs and pretty well understand the main points.
As for a transmitter, I guess there are numerous ways to go....homebrew from scratch, modify an existing QRP rig as you did, buy something ready to go
(haven't seen any of those). From my standpoint, I am not much on solid state,
which I would guess would be the best way to go. I do prefer tubes and do some building of one tube osc. rigs. I have seen mention of some type of IC that has a
QRP xmtr built in with inputs for voltages and keying. I think they can be programed by the vendor when bought. I guess about the only thing to add would be a keyer
and antenna coupling....any comments on any of these methods.
I see that the FCC spec holds the FS to 15,848 microvols at 30 mtrs for freqs of
13.553 to 13.567 mhz. I suppose this is where all Hifers operate since the most
power is allowed in this part of the band. Is there a practical way to measure for
this FS? How does this equate to xmtr input/output?
Is there any coordination of beacon freqs or just fire up where ya want to
or depending on what xtal one might have available?
I will stop with this: how complex were the mods you did to the QRP xmtr?
Thanks for putting up with this. I appreciate any comments.
Thanks/73 de Bill K4JYS