1
HF Beacons / Re: New beacons on the way!
« on: August 20, 2022, 1210 UTC »
Yeah 8mhz would do pretty well at hitting the east coast from the mid west region. I will double check that I have a crystal.
Shortwave Pirate Radio In North America And Around The World, And Other Signals That Go Bump In The Night
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2
HF Beacons / New beacons on the way!
« on: August 19, 2022, 1555 UTC »
Good day everyone!
Life/moving/other shenanigans have sadly prevented any “beaconeering” for a while and the QRT of Archer.
Everything has now settled down and I now have some precious free time back!
Everyone can expect a couple feral beacons to come online in the near future.
I’m looking for some input on design features/frequencies for new beacons that aren’t as chirpy as Archer
Possible modes-
FSK QRSS
Simple “ditter” or “dasher”
Periodic CW Id (like Archer)
Maybe WSPR?
Antenna options-
49:1 EFHW
1/2 wave Dipole
1/4 wave vertical
Are there any specific frequencies y’all would like to see?
I’m leaning toward 4096kHz or 6999kHz
I also have a couple hifer 13560 xtals laying around and a boatload of random xtals that are just itching to be put to use.
Any other feature requests/ideas?
At least one beacon will probably be based on the original Marin ditter since I love the simplicity of no battery/no ICs. Old school, simple and cheap
I may also add a thermistor to vary the dit rate.
I’m looking for input on names for these little guys as well.
May the best name win!!
Anticipated QTH will be somewhere in the Ozarks.
I’ll open it to the group now
73
Life/moving/other shenanigans have sadly prevented any “beaconeering” for a while and the QRT of Archer.
Everything has now settled down and I now have some precious free time back!
Everyone can expect a couple feral beacons to come online in the near future.
I’m looking for some input on design features/frequencies for new beacons that aren’t as chirpy as Archer
Possible modes-
FSK QRSS
Simple “ditter” or “dasher”
Periodic CW Id (like Archer)
Maybe WSPR?
Antenna options-
49:1 EFHW
1/2 wave Dipole
1/4 wave vertical
Are there any specific frequencies y’all would like to see?
I’m leaning toward 4096kHz or 6999kHz
I also have a couple hifer 13560 xtals laying around and a boatload of random xtals that are just itching to be put to use.
Any other feature requests/ideas?
At least one beacon will probably be based on the original Marin ditter since I love the simplicity of no battery/no ICs. Old school, simple and cheap
I may also add a thermistor to vary the dit rate.
I’m looking for input on names for these little guys as well.
May the best name win!!
Anticipated QTH will be somewhere in the Ozarks.
I’ll open it to the group now
73
3
HF Beacons / Re: Archer Beacon ON THE AIR!
« on: June 26, 2021, 0320 UTC »
I love those little boards, they allow you to use random salvaged lithium batteries for projects and allow fore USB and/or solar charging. One thing to note is that they don't provide low voltage protection. Not a big deal but I added a separate board to prevent low voltage damage to my beacons battery.
Good idea on the pelican cases. I have a couple on hand but don't want to put holes in them at the moment haha.
Dang it... now I have to go order some more cases and bulkheads!
Just curious, what model pelican case did you use?
Good idea on the pelican cases. I have a couple on hand but don't want to put holes in them at the moment haha.
Dang it... now I have to go order some more cases and bulkheads!
Just curious, what model pelican case did you use?
4
HF Beacons / Re: Archer Beacon ON THE AIR!
« on: June 25, 2021, 0254 UTC »
Teotwaki-
Thank you for the suggestions! Now that I think about it I actually have some grounding cable on hand that should be sufficient. I wish I would have thought of that before emplacement hahaha.
Part of my initial design requirements were to keep cost as low as possible and reduce complexity (i.e. possible failure points). The prototype of the design used waterproof BNC bulkheads but I eliminated them because I only had a couple on hand and didn't want to order more. I also didn't like the idea of adding a friction connector into the mix with the inevitability of corrosion and increased resistance. I figured soldering the coax directly to the output of the lowpass filter was the simplest and most foolproof way of getting the RF where it needs to be. To be fair though, transporting a beacon with the 64' antenna and 49:1 unun "hard attached" is a pain.
The next iteration of Archer V2 will more than likely use sealed bulkheads for all connectors. Silicone caulk is great but is hard to work with (messy) and looks ugly. I like my projects to look neat even if they are intended to be abandoned and never be seen by human eyes hahaha.
For power, I used off the shelf (Amazon) parts. The solar panels are waterproof epoxy encapsulated with convenient solder points. It's advertised specs are actually pretty darn close to reality. I've used them in several projects and I'd recommend them as a cheap option.
https://www.amazon.com/ALLPOWERS-Battery-Charger-Encapsulated-130x150mm/dp/B074TYH68Z/ref=pd_bxgy_img_1/142-1809823-9436651?pd_rd_w=fKdMy&pf_rd_p=fd3ebcd0-c1a2-44cf-aba2-bbf4810b3732&pf_rd_r=2T00CBMNVVKVMEM51B4B&pd_rd_r=1c580608-9c63-48f4-96d1-6d0298f9fc7f&pd_rd_wg=fhi76&pd_rd_i=B074TYH68Z&psc=1
For solar control, battery management , and to step up the voltage to 12v I used this module based off TC4056. Simple, easy, replaceable, and comes in a pack of 6 for 13$. The output voltage is variable up to 27v but I wouldn't go much past 12v. Cant beat it for the price though.
https://www.amazon.com/AITRIP-Lithium-Battery-Charger-Adjustable/dp/B08GWTBD3T/ref=psdc_10967761_t2_B091F5PTY2
Your eQSL card will be in your email shortly. I very much appreciate the tips and I will probably use some of them in my next design.
One more thing, what do think the best option is for desiccant and moisture elimination inside your outdoor electronics projects? I had the thought of putting rice or DryZair desiccant in the free spaces of the beacon but ended up just using a small packet. Should I have done something different?
Thanks
Thank you for the suggestions! Now that I think about it I actually have some grounding cable on hand that should be sufficient. I wish I would have thought of that before emplacement hahaha.
Part of my initial design requirements were to keep cost as low as possible and reduce complexity (i.e. possible failure points). The prototype of the design used waterproof BNC bulkheads but I eliminated them because I only had a couple on hand and didn't want to order more. I also didn't like the idea of adding a friction connector into the mix with the inevitability of corrosion and increased resistance. I figured soldering the coax directly to the output of the lowpass filter was the simplest and most foolproof way of getting the RF where it needs to be. To be fair though, transporting a beacon with the 64' antenna and 49:1 unun "hard attached" is a pain.
The next iteration of Archer V2 will more than likely use sealed bulkheads for all connectors. Silicone caulk is great but is hard to work with (messy) and looks ugly. I like my projects to look neat even if they are intended to be abandoned and never be seen by human eyes hahaha.
For power, I used off the shelf (Amazon) parts. The solar panels are waterproof epoxy encapsulated with convenient solder points. It's advertised specs are actually pretty darn close to reality. I've used them in several projects and I'd recommend them as a cheap option.
https://www.amazon.com/ALLPOWERS-Battery-Charger-Encapsulated-130x150mm/dp/B074TYH68Z/ref=pd_bxgy_img_1/142-1809823-9436651?pd_rd_w=fKdMy&pf_rd_p=fd3ebcd0-c1a2-44cf-aba2-bbf4810b3732&pf_rd_r=2T00CBMNVVKVMEM51B4B&pd_rd_r=1c580608-9c63-48f4-96d1-6d0298f9fc7f&pd_rd_wg=fhi76&pd_rd_i=B074TYH68Z&psc=1
For solar control, battery management , and to step up the voltage to 12v I used this module based off TC4056. Simple, easy, replaceable, and comes in a pack of 6 for 13$. The output voltage is variable up to 27v but I wouldn't go much past 12v. Cant beat it for the price though.
https://www.amazon.com/AITRIP-Lithium-Battery-Charger-Adjustable/dp/B08GWTBD3T/ref=psdc_10967761_t2_B091F5PTY2
Your eQSL card will be in your email shortly. I very much appreciate the tips and I will probably use some of them in my next design.
One more thing, what do think the best option is for desiccant and moisture elimination inside your outdoor electronics projects? I had the thought of putting rice or DryZair desiccant in the free spaces of the beacon but ended up just using a small packet. Should I have done something different?
Thanks
5
HF Beacons / Re: Archer Beacon ON THE AIR!
« on: June 24, 2021, 0631 UTC »
I will give that a try on my next beacon build. I may just be pushing it a bit too hard.
Thanks for the advice.
73
Thanks for the advice.
73
6
HF Beacons / Re: Archer Beacon ON THE AIR!
« on: June 23, 2021, 2104 UTC »
Heathkit-
You should be receiving my eQSL card in your email shortly. I sent the email before reading your post so I got your QTH now for my logs.
It definitely is chirpy! I'm not sure how to fix it... I think it is probably a heat problem causing frequency drift. I have a heatsink on the IRF-510 because it gets warm and I tried heatsinking the BD-139 but it made no difference. Maybe ill just leave it alone since the chirp gives it some unique character.
Any thoughts?
Also thank you for the recording. Much appreciated and ill add it to my log.
You should be receiving my eQSL card in your email shortly. I sent the email before reading your post so I got your QTH now for my logs.
It definitely is chirpy! I'm not sure how to fix it... I think it is probably a heat problem causing frequency drift. I have a heatsink on the IRF-510 because it gets warm and I tried heatsinking the BD-139 but it made no difference. Maybe ill just leave it alone since the chirp gives it some unique character.
Any thoughts?
Also thank you for the recording. Much appreciated and ill add it to my log.
7
HF Beacons / Re: Archer Beacon ON THE AIR!
« on: June 23, 2021, 0655 UTC »
Zeak-
Thanks for the report! If you PM me an email address, I will send you my eQSL card.
Good piece of advice on the external solar power wiring. I can confirm the presence of multiple types of wire eating critters in the emplacement area and now it has me worried. My next trip out I will have to reinforce it with something. The enclosure alone took several days of planning/building and even went through the trouble of a 24hr submersion test to ensure no leaks. I also made sure to consider weather, temporary lack of sun, and high winds into planning but never thought about dang critters chewing up the wire hahaha.
A quick internet search led me to a product amazon carries called "Electriduct 1/4" Rodent Resistant Braided Sleeving" that I think would solve the problem perfectly. If I decide to buy a roll, I will drop a review here for any future beacon builders that may encounter rodent problems. Seems like it would be a cheap solution to prevent unintended and premature QSTs.
Thanks for the report! If you PM me an email address, I will send you my eQSL card.
Good piece of advice on the external solar power wiring. I can confirm the presence of multiple types of wire eating critters in the emplacement area and now it has me worried. My next trip out I will have to reinforce it with something. The enclosure alone took several days of planning/building and even went through the trouble of a 24hr submersion test to ensure no leaks. I also made sure to consider weather, temporary lack of sun, and high winds into planning but never thought about dang critters chewing up the wire hahaha.
A quick internet search led me to a product amazon carries called "Electriduct 1/4" Rodent Resistant Braided Sleeving" that I think would solve the problem perfectly. If I decide to buy a roll, I will drop a review here for any future beacon builders that may encounter rodent problems. Seems like it would be a cheap solution to prevent unintended and premature QSTs.
8
HF Beacons / Re: Archer Beacon ON THE AIR!
« on: June 23, 2021, 0059 UTC »
Awesome! Thanks for the recording as well and my eQSL card will be in your inbox shortly.
9
HF Beacons / Re: Archer Beacon ON THE AIR!
« on: June 22, 2021, 0144 UTC »
Mark and Treehouse SWL-
Thank you very much for your reports! I've sent you my numbered QSL cards.
Any screenshots or audio recording are very helpful and appreciated.
So far the furthest report is from Ukraine!! That blew my mind when I received that report as I never expected it to go international!
Keep the reports coming!!
Thank you very much for your reports! I've sent you my numbered QSL cards.
Any screenshots or audio recording are very helpful and appreciated.
So far the furthest report is from Ukraine!! That blew my mind when I received that report as I never expected it to go international!
Keep the reports coming!!
10
HF Beacons / Re: Archer Beacon ON THE AIR!
« on: June 21, 2021, 0505 UTC »
Yeah it is pretty noisy tonight so I'm not too worried.
I checked out some web SDRs earlier and I could hear it in AZ about 1000mi away so I know it at least works.
I checked out some web SDRs earlier and I could hear it in AZ about 1000mi away so I know it at least works.
11
HF Beacons / Archer Beacon ON THE AIR!
« on: June 21, 2021, 0246 UTC »
Hello everyone-
I've been a lurker here on HFU for a while now and I finally have something to post about. I'm proud to announce that after a month of prototyping I have finally come up with simple little beacon design that works. Listed below are the specs of the Archer Beacon.
Run Time- 24/7
Circuit design- Simple BD-139 crystal oscillator with an IRF-510 amplifier and 7th order Chebyshev low pass filter.
Battery- Lithium 2 cell pack totaling 8400mah that's charged by 2 small 2.5W solar panels.
Charge Control- I'm using an off the shelf TC4056 charge controller and voltage step up to bring it to 12v for the transmitter.
IC controller- ATtiny85 keys the crystal oscillator.
Power output- About 2 Watts.
Enclosure- Gasket sealed waterproof project box with all connectors sealed with silicone. Added some desiccant packs just to be safe.
Antenna- 64' end fed half wave in a sloper configuration matched with a mini 49:1 impedance transformer.
Beacon Info- Sends "ABK" once every ~55 seconds in slow CW on 6998.73Khz just under the 40m band.
Beacon QTH- North western part of the US.
When the beacon is transmitting the frequency tends to be a bit drifty so it sounds kinda whoopy.
I plan on making a few improvements like a better solar panel and improving the frequency stability.
I would love some feedback on the design good or bad. Just so everyone knows, I'm very much an electronics amateur. The first time I picked up a soldering iron in any serious capacity was the toward the end of 2020 when I went down the rabbit hole homebrewing simple CW radios. I started out building small kit radios and became fascinated with the idea of building a pirate beacon after discovering HFU. The first beacon I actually heard while scanning around was the "Desert Whooper" and I was hooked. After countless hours of research, designing, prototyping, failing miserably, then finally succeeding, I'm proud to present the Archer Beacon.
Please send QSLs to
ARCHERBEACON at GMAIL dot COM
and I will send you a brand new shiny E-QSL card.
If you are interested in the design or would like a copy of the schematic just let me know.
Images attached below.
Enjoy!
I've been a lurker here on HFU for a while now and I finally have something to post about. I'm proud to announce that after a month of prototyping I have finally come up with simple little beacon design that works. Listed below are the specs of the Archer Beacon.
Run Time- 24/7
Circuit design- Simple BD-139 crystal oscillator with an IRF-510 amplifier and 7th order Chebyshev low pass filter.
Battery- Lithium 2 cell pack totaling 8400mah that's charged by 2 small 2.5W solar panels.
Charge Control- I'm using an off the shelf TC4056 charge controller and voltage step up to bring it to 12v for the transmitter.
IC controller- ATtiny85 keys the crystal oscillator.
Power output- About 2 Watts.
Enclosure- Gasket sealed waterproof project box with all connectors sealed with silicone. Added some desiccant packs just to be safe.
Antenna- 64' end fed half wave in a sloper configuration matched with a mini 49:1 impedance transformer.
Beacon Info- Sends "ABK" once every ~55 seconds in slow CW on 6998.73Khz just under the 40m band.
Beacon QTH- North western part of the US.
When the beacon is transmitting the frequency tends to be a bit drifty so it sounds kinda whoopy.
I plan on making a few improvements like a better solar panel and improving the frequency stability.
I would love some feedback on the design good or bad. Just so everyone knows, I'm very much an electronics amateur. The first time I picked up a soldering iron in any serious capacity was the toward the end of 2020 when I went down the rabbit hole homebrewing simple CW radios. I started out building small kit radios and became fascinated with the idea of building a pirate beacon after discovering HFU. The first beacon I actually heard while scanning around was the "Desert Whooper" and I was hooked. After countless hours of research, designing, prototyping, failing miserably, then finally succeeding, I'm proud to present the Archer Beacon.
Please send QSLs to
ARCHERBEACON at GMAIL dot COM
and I will send you a brand new shiny E-QSL card.
If you are interested in the design or would like a copy of the schematic just let me know.
Images attached below.
Enjoy!
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