An experimental propagation beacon on 144.385MHz laid out plans and some first test results.
This article explores a possible deployment scenario and likely paths over which it may be ‘heard’ using Spectrum Lab or the like to dig the signal out of the noise.
Path
Transmit end
Tx power is 10W with on-off keying (OOK or A1 CW).
Tx antenna system gain ~17dBi.
Receive end
Rx antenna gain is 9dBi.
Rx NF specification is 12dB (4236K).
Above are the results of an ambient noise test. In this case, the noise floor at the antenna is some 7000K, it is probably ~7dB higher than a modest weak signal station. Continue reading An experimental propagation beacon on 144.385MHz – part 2