ARLA/CLUSTER: VK6RIO chirp beacon project to VHF (planned across the Indian Ocean between Perth and Port Elizabeth)

[João Costa > CT1FBF]

VK6RIO chirp beacon project

The recent Canadian Transatlantic VHF DXpedition, V1CT, has once again
focused the attention on the proposed *VK6RIO* chirp beacon project,
currently being planned across the Indian Ocean between Perth and Port
Elizabeth.

The purpose of this beacon in Perth is to detect possible openings on 144
MHz via Tropo Ducting across the Indian Ocean, which has never been
accomplished before. It is currently the greatest terrestrial challenge for
VHF radio amateurs, and is even more difficult than EME.

The beacon will be chirp modulated, and its signal can be detected at - 50
dB below the noise floor with suitable chirp receiving equipment and a high
gain Yagi array. The receiver will be linked to a computer network that can
be accessed by subscribers in Australia and South Africa who would like to
monitor results. The receiving station will be located in Port Elizabeth
and co-ordinated by *Mike Bosch ZS2FM*.

The cost of the chirp equipment entails AU$1000 (R10 000) plus shipment to
South Africa. On our side we have to provide the antenna Yagi array and the
PC with server connection. Fortunately the antenna mast, with stainless
steel guy cables, is already available.

Several years ago a Port Elizabeth team, comprising Andre Botes ZS2ACP, Jim
Francis ZS2JF and Mike Bosch ZS2FM ran a series of CW tests on 144 MHz with
Bill Hosie VK6ACY, now ZS6CCY, at Perth but unfortunately not even a trace
of a CW signal was received over this 8000 km sea path.

Fonte: The South African Radio League <http://www.sarl.org.za/Default.asp>
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