GB3UHF - a
beacon for 70cms
The 70cms beacon GB3UHF located at the same site as GB3VHF, is in service
and is installed in an 18U rack that it shares with GB3VHF. The two GB3UHF yagi
antennas are installed between the existing two GB3VHF yagi antennas.
The hardware is similar in principle to that used for GB3VHF in that the
frequency accuracy and timings are GPS referenced and the keying format is the
same as that used for GB3VHF except that no phase reversals at the odd minute
+30 secs will be sent.
The antennas use similar types of 3 element yagis (Amphenol Jaybeam 7040420 for GB3UHF) and
point in the same directions ( 288 & 348 degrees) as those used at 144MHz
and with a similar E.R.P.
The beacon operating on 432.430 MHz provides a very useful tool together
with GB3VHF for determining propagation at both VHF and UHF over long distances
from the same site with time co-ordinated JT65B and CW identification using
FSK. It will be very interesting to observe the propagation conditions with
direct comparson of signals received from the two beacons, and the RSGB PSC
will be interested in anyone conducting long term measurements of both beacons
simultaneously.
It is very much appreciated by all beacon users, of the work and time that
BT Radio engineering staff and BT Wholesale staff have put into this project to
ensure that the beacon became a reality - thanks to you all.