We are group of Ham Radio enthusiasts, interested in microwave radio frequency technologies.
WB9PNU/b
Kevin AD7OI sent me this video of this morning's reception of the SLAMS WB9PNU beacon located on top of DePaul Hospital in Bridgeton, MO, EM48ss. Kevin has a dish on top of his 75 foot tower located just south of Hannibal, MO EM49hp. Kevin notes that his direct path to the beacon is obstructed by a hill in Louisiana, MO. Despite the obstruction, he regularly receives the beacon. A 78 mile path (125km).
After several months of being off the air, the WB9PNU 10 GHz beacon is once again up and operating from DePaul Hospital in Bridgeton, MO EM48ss thanks to the hard work and dedication of Mel K0PFX and John WB9PNU. The beacon was thoroughly checked out by Mel and the slot antenna mount was replaced with a stronger mount and the assembly put into a water proof container.
The beacon operates at 10.368.900 with an AFSK CW telemetry. The telemetry data is no longer accurate because of control voltage issues. That will be a future project to re-calibrate the telemetry.
Sunday, September 6th, Mel K0PFX, Harry WA0CNS, Herbert AF4JF, Armand KD0PFX, Ron KO0Z, Debbie KC9ULA convened at Creve Coeur Park at 9:00 am to test out some gear. Mike N0OBI came by, but somehow we missed each other. COVID-19 is still among us, so we met outdoors, wore masks and kept socially distant. Herbert brought along his dog, Darcy and Ron and Debbie brought Toula. Toula is wearing a "dish" to keep her from licking her stitches.
Mel brought his 10 GHz rig to let everyone hear the repaired WB9PNU beacon located on top of DePaul Hospital in Bridgeton, MO. The beacon has a very strong signal at the park location. Mel could point his dish in any direction and the signal was still loud and clear.
Herbert experimented with a patch antenna and a log periodic antenna with his PLUTO SDR transceiver. Harry WA0CNS brought his 2.3 and 3.4 GHz transverters. Herbert was testing some antennas and tuning with the PLUTO waterfall. WA0CNS has a very impressive H frame for his uW yagis.
