VK2RSY Beacons at Dural
                                            
                                    

 Updated 26-07-2010
Current configuration of the beacons operated from the VK2WI site at Dural.

      BEACONS operating from the VK2WI Dural site under the callsign VK2RSY with the
transmission of  "VK2RSY QF56MH" sent in CW, at approximately 40 second intervals.

 
Band Frequency Mode/Power Antenna Notes Status
10m 28.2615 MHz CW / 25W Vertical (1) On Air
6 m 50.289 MHz CW / 20W Half Wave Dipole (2) On Air
2 m 144.420 MHz CW / 20W 2 bay Horizontally Polarized Crossed Dipoles (1) On Air
70 cm 432.420 MHz CW / 20W 2 bay omni directional Crossed Dipole array (1&3B) On Air
23 cm 1296.420 MHz CW / 20W Alford Slot. Horz Polarized (2&3A) On Air

 NOTES:-

1. Turned off during the morning and evening Sunday news bulletins to enable call back reception on that band.
2. Remains on air during the news bulletins.
3A. New TX installed 2008, replacing former transmitter.
3B. New TX installed 2009, replacing former transmitter.
4. To be replaced with a new transmitter.

There are no beacons at Dural on frequencies higher than 23 cm. We do have the licenses and we would be interested in hearing from anybody who would like to work on a project for one or more of these microwave bands. If there is an interest please contact us.

    Beacons serve a couple of major functions. One is the propagation coverage to see if there is a path between an observer and the location or region of the transmitter. The other major function is in the local service area where the constant signal of a beacon can be used as a reference for antenna or equipment performance and comparison.

The Morse Practice Transmissions Under the call sign VK2WI on 80 metres 3.699 MHz (note 1) also provides a band condition indicator. 35 watts into a half wave dipole,10 metres high.
     
Information provided by Tim VK2ZTM
 

Beacon Reports

If you would like to send us a reception report (on your QSL Card or in writing) to our postal address at :
            ARNSW,
            P.O. Box 6044,
            Dural Delivery Centre, NSW, 2158.
Please endorse the envelope with "BEACON REPORT". Email reports can be submitted via callbacks@arnsw.org.au with "Beacon Report" in the address header.

        A QSL card is available to exchange for written reports [cards] received for VK2RSY/VK2WI beacons. Mail to our Dural PO Box address.
 
Volunteers, Equipment and Antennas Needed

      The operation of and improvement of the Dural based facilities is carried out by the volunteer engineering personal. They would welcome assistance from those who would like to construct / provide equipment for the beacon network. Dural is a busy RF site and equipment and construction has to conform with commercial practice. Offers of assistance to the "Technical Committee" via any of the ARNSW contact methods. HERE