[OKDXA] Reverse Beacon Network

[Kim Elmore]

Want to do antenna comparisons using the Reverse Beacon Network? Here 
are some tricks to know to make sure your signal gets aggregated: All of 
this is contained (along with a fair bit more) at 
https://reversebeacon.blogspot.com/.

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  For users or beacon operators who want to make sure their 
transmissions result in spots, there are several cautions:

       For non-beacons, be sure you send one of the keywords – TEST or 
CQ (FD, SS, NA and UP also work in appropriate settings) – at least once 
in each transmission.  Send your callsign at least twice.  When in 
doubt, send it 4 times.  It doesn’t necessarily have to be all in the 
same transmission, because of the length of the decoding buffer.

       Make sure the CW is good – letter formation and spacing, and 3:1 
dot/dash ratio.  Any errors here may manifest themselves as copying 
errors.  Use a memory keyer or software, if feasible, to be sure of 
this.  Skimsrv is pretty forgiving, but there are limits. Above all, 
avoid using half-spaces right before or right after your callsign.

       If you want to repeat a transmission right away and have the same 
station spot you again – in antenna comparisons, for example – you must 
QSY a half-KHz or so before making the next transmission.  Skimsrv will 
not spot you on or close to the same frequency more than once every 10 
minutes.

·        When operating remotely, check to be sure your CW is clean as 
transmitted – Internet latency can garble your CW.

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73 & CU in the Pileups,

Kim N5OP

-- 
Kim Elmore, Ph

Kim Elmore, Ph.D. (Adj. Assoc. Prof., OU School of Meteorology, CCM, PP 
SEL/MEL/Glider, UAS, N5OP, 2nd Class Radiotelegraph, GROL)

/“I occasionally play works by contemporary composers and for two 
reasons. First to discourage the composer from writing any more and 
secondly to remind myself how much I appreciate Beethoven." – Jascha 
Heifetz/