Beacons

Reverse Beacon Network

The Reverse Beacon Network (RBN) is a global system of receiving stations (“skimmers”) that continuously monitor the HF bands and automatically decode CW, RTTY, and digital mode signals. When a station calls CQ or is otherwise heard, the RBN reports the callsign, frequency, signal strength, and time of reception to a central database. This gives operators near-instant feedback on where and how well their signal is being heard around the world, and is widely used by contesters, DXers, and anyone wanting to check their station’s performance.

RAM is partnering with RadioSport Manitoba to establish an RBN skimmer node in Winnipeg. Once this node is on the air, further details on its configuration and coverage will be posted here.

Beacons Heard in Manitoba

Beacons are low-power transmitters that send an automated, repeating identification signal (often in CW) so operators can gauge propagation conditions on a given band. Manitoba is home to a number of independently operated beacons across the amateur bands, along with several ultra-low-power WSPR (Weak Signal Propagation Reporter) stations. This page lists beacons and WSPR stations known to be operating in the province.

If you operate a beacon or WSPR station in Manitoba and would like it listed here, please email us.

10 Metres

VE4TEN - 28.189 MHz

An independently operated beacon made available to hams, kept on the air by Dan, VE4DRK on behalf of the original operator, Ron, VE4PL, who is now a Silent Key.

VE4TEN transmits CW on 28.189 MHz from atop a tall building in downtown Winnipeg (grid square EN19kv), running 5 watts into a long beacon whip antenna.

VE4ARM/B - 28.1935 MHz

Manitoba Amateur Radio Museum beacons page

Operated by the Manitoba Amateur Radio Museum in Austin, MB (grid EN09), maintained by Bruce, VE4KQ. The antenna is mounted on a 40-foot self-supporting tower, with equipment housed in the Museum’s storage building. The beacon sends the following CW identification message:

VVV DE VE4ARM/B AMATEUR RADIO MUSEUM AUSTIN MB GRID EN09

This 10m beacon runs 7 watts from a modified GE MVP transmitter into a 5/8-wave vertical antenna via RG-8U coax.

6 Metres

VE4ARM/B - 50.018 MHz

Manitoba Amateur Radio Museum beacons page

Operated by the Manitoba Amateur Radio Museum in Austin, MB (grid EN09), maintained by Bruce, VE4KQ. Runs 50 watts from a GE Master II transmitter into a homebrew 3-element beam antenna via RG-8U coax.

VE4VHF/B - 50.037 MHz

Located in Headingley, MB, just west of Winnipeg (grid square EN19gv), at an elevation of 780 feet ASL. Established in 1992 and privately maintained by Bruce, VE4KQ.

Runs 50 watts from a modified GE Mastr II mobile transmitter into a vertical dipole at 330 feet on the north leg of the tower, fed via 1-5/8” Heliax shared with a VHF/UHF repeater.

2 Metres

VE4ARM/B - 144.281 MHz

Manitoba Amateur Radio Museum beacons page

Operated by the Manitoba Amateur Radio Museum in Austin, MB (grid EN09), maintained by Bruce, VE4KQ. Runs 10 watts from a GE Exec transmitter into a Cushcraft A270-6S antenna via 1/2” Heliax. Shares its antenna boom and feedline with the 70cm beacon below, combined through a Larsen dual-band diplexer.

70 Centimetres

VE4ARM/B - 432.300 MHz

Manitoba Amateur Radio Museum beacons page

Operated by the Manitoba Amateur Radio Museum in Austin, MB (grid EN09), maintained by Bruce, VE4KQ. Runs 25 watts from a GE Exec transmitter into a Cushcraft A270-6S antenna via 1/2” Heliax, sharing its antenna boom and feedline with the 2m beacon above through a Larsen dual-band diplexer.

3 Centimetres

VE4MA/B - 10368.274 MHz

A microwave beacon on the 10 GHz band, maintained by well-known microwave experimenter Barry, VE4MA. Runs 8 watts into a 16x2 omni slot array antenna from grid square EN19id.