Florida Dasher 5156.4 is in trouble!

[weaksigs]

 
 
Trouble at the 5156.4 Florida Dasher, listening 1540-155 UTC  10-2-2010 on LSB and wide filter as it seems to frequency shift somewhat. Without a caretaker this beacon is now in trouble. Either the voltage is very low or it has an antenna problem. The signal is now about 0.5+/- seconds long and the interval between dashes is varying from perhaps three seconds to as long as 10. The signal sounds like AC ripple has appeared or the oscillator is not starting properly. Signal strength is way down or appears to be since the signal may be drifting when keyed like a very bad chirp. Just might be low voltage... hmmmm??

What a shame after performing for so long all this time that this nice beacon may be on its last legs.   

I’ll attempt to listen more frequently and keep a report on its health as it may truly be silent at any given time.  Note- It goes silent for some long intervals on occasion so if you attempt to listen wait for awhile!

[weaksigs]

I had no sooner posted the previous report when it disappeared on the previous frequency and now appears to be near its normal and usual frequency of 5157.82 in narrow CW mode. Obviously there is an intermittent problem, but glad to hear and report that its signal at normal strength and clean tone at least for the moment. I will endeavor to listen more frequently and keep an ear on this beacon.

Shes back but for how long is anybody's guess! Right now its beeping away just like old times.
 

[chucks]

Hi all, just tuned up to Blinky at 0227z (10-03-10) and she's in there but rather weak tonight.
The pulse rate seems to be ok at this time but like you said she could go at anytime. All we can do
is keep our fingers crossed.


Chuck

[syfr]

ROAD TRIP!


 

[weaksigs]

I just had to think about this observation a little more.
Could it be-  That AC power was shut off for some time and the beacon
continued to run off a bad battery? The malfunction as a whole just seems like
a low voltage scenario because while testing solid state transmitters on a
power supply and then turning the voltage way down past the design and while
listening, the effects are very similar.

Did the AC power, if it is ac powered, simply be turned back on or a connection
restored by an outside activity or event?

Just thinking and perhaps too much but the symptoms as described did fit the
possibility very well. I'll check the signal early this afternoon and report as I
mentioned earlier.

[weaksigs]

It is now around 1645UTC and Blinky seems to be quite normal.
There appears to be no sign of what it sounded like yesterday.
Signal strength was real strong for quite awhile but was down when
I finally got around to recording it. Comparing recordings from last
May to today they sound about the same if not identical.

So, problem seems to have  disappeared and all is ok for the time
being in Blinky Ville!

My pleasure to report! 

[cmradio]

ROAD TRIP!


 

*clicks imaginary "Like" button on this*

[weaksigs]

 Hear Ye, Hear Ye- All is well!

This beacon sounds completely normal today!
Good strength and normal tone qualities.

Listening as usaul on 5157.8 on narrow CW filter
though I can copy with a wide open ssb mode easily.

UTC 2003

Did someone remember to keep the AC power switch
in the ON position today? Get er dun Blinky!!

[weaksigs]

I made a MP3 recording of Mr. Blinkys signal today.
The recording has a little hum along with it but its good for comparison sakes.
Email me if you'd like it!

[syfr]

It's always had a bit of chirp visible on Argo...glad to know it's still peepin' away.

I heard ECHO the other day , but don't know what kind of power its running these days.