[Wswss] Possible Beacon Project in SoCal: Comments Requested

[n6ze at aol.com]

Because other VHFers Around North America have been down thepath of designing, obtaining equipment, siting, and fiscal needs of beacons, Isolicit info on a possible beacon system because my local radio club isseriously considering a club project to place beacon(s) on a ridgeline inVentura Co., CA (DM04li). QTH = South Mountain between Santa Paula & Camarillo, CA)

The site is currently available with shelter and power. Modestantennas are permitted. Elevation is 2262 Ft MSL.
In my mind, beacons on one or more of the 2m, 135 Cm, 70 Cm,23 Cm bands are the most practical to consider. I am not aware of any currentSoCal operational beacons except for a 10 GHz beacon at 8200 Ft MSL on FraiserPeak.  
6m is unneeded these days due to an overpopulation ofbeacons, much greater activity than in decades past, and utilization of variousinternet based propagation loggers.
Casual users of multi-band/multi-mode radios in SoCal  (as well as MidCal) will be able to hearnon-repeater signals on 2m/70cm at all times of the day/night and perhapsstimulate more activity in the ‘weak signal’ band areas. In addition, moreutilization of the ‘weak signal’ portion of 135 Cm. should occur. 
Do you have any comments in regards to usefulness of theproject, transmitting/control equipment, antennas, source of supply ofboards/kits, etc.
 Bt73, Pete Heins, N6ZE, Member of Ventura Co. (CA) Amateur Radio Society
 


The site is currently available with shelter and power. Modestantennas are permitted. Elevation is 2262 Ft MSL.
In my mind, beacons on one or more of the 2m, 135 Cm, 70 Cm,23 Cm bands are the most practical to consider. I am not aware of any currentSoCal operational beacons except for a 10 GHz beacon at 8200 Ft MSL on FraiserPeak.  
6m is unneeded these days due to an overpopulation ofbeacons, much greater activity than in decades past, and utilization of variousinternet based propagation loggers.
Casual users of multi-band/multi-mode radios in SoCal  (as well as MidCal) will be able to hearnon-repeater signals on 2m/70cm at all times of the day/night and perhapsstimulate more activity in the ‘weak signal’ band areas. In addition, moreutilization of the ‘weak signal’ portion of 135 Cm. should occur. 
Do you have any comments in regards to usefulness of theproject, transmitting/control equipment, antennas, source of supply ofboards/kits, etc.
 Bt73, Pete Heins, N6ZE, Member of Ventura Co. (CA) Amateur Radio Society