Event Log

3,4 – 5,7 and 24 GHz back on air – 2023-04-15

Due to normalised energy prices and generous donations all beacons now operational.
oz7is

2,4 GHz restarted/back on the air – 2023-03-13

After another donation we can now afford to put yet another beacon back into service.
oz7is

10 GHz is now back on the air – 2023-01-14

The 10 GHz beacon is back on the air.

40 MHz back on the air and 10 GHz off the air – 2022-12-05

The 40 MHz beacon is back on the air.

The 10 GHz beacon is now of the air.

OZ7IS

40 MHz, 2,4 GHz, 3,4 GHz, 5,7 GHz and 24 GHz off air – 2022-10-17

The 40 MHz, 2,4 GHz, 3,4 GHz, 5,7 GHz and 24 GHz beacons are all off air due to the increased price of electricity. It is currently impossible to say when they will be back on the air.

OZ1FDH

40 MHz back on air – 2021-10-28

The 40 MHz beacon is back on the air after replacing a bad trimmer in the PA.

OZ5N

40 MHz off air – 2021-08-28

The 40 MHz beacon is off air and taken home for troubleshooting. The fault is in the PA.

OZ2M

Main power service interruption – 2021-06-28

The mains utility company will perform a service interruption from 2021-06-28, 06 UTC to 09 UTC during which all beacons will be off the air.

OZ2M

144 MHz and 2,4 GHz back on the – 2020-09-13

The 144 MHz and the 2,4 GHz beacons are back on the air after the EEPROMs were corrupted due to the mains power failure.

OZ2M

144 MHz and 2,4 GHz off the air – 2020-09-06

The 144 MHz and the 2,4 GHz beacons seem not to have survived the power cut. Thus both taken home for repair.

OZ2M

Mains cable cut by someone – 2020-09-04

The mains cable to the hut has been cut by someone thus all beacons off the air.

Back again but the 2 m beacon has not survived the break down. the other beacons may run at reduced power. Investigation is pending.

OZ7IS

40 MHz back on the air- 2020-07-28

For some reason the beacon had been switched off.

OZ2M

40 MHz off the air- 2020-07-23

The 40 MHz beacon is off the air. Reason is unknown.

Onsite investigation scheduled to 28 July 2020.

OZ1BNN, OZ2M and OZ7IS

24 GHz back on the air- 2020-07-21

The 24 GHz beacon is back on the air.

OZ1BNN and OZ2M

24 GHz status – 2020-07-18

The HMC943 in PA was dead. Why is unknown. But running it at the absolute maximum rated voltage is not a good idea. So the voltage has been reduced and so has the bias.

Re-installation of the ODU is pending.

OZ1BNN and OZ5N

10 GHz back on the air – 2020-06-29

Some of the filters in the multiplier was tuned for max output at the factory. So when things heated up this was to close to the slope(s). The filters have been realigned for symmetric slopes and centered too.

OZ2M and OZ5N

2,4 GHz on the air, 10 GHz and 24 GHz the off air – 2020-06-27

The new 2,4 GHz beacon is on the air on the new frequency.

The 10 GHz beacon has been taken off air for a service check. Power seems to have dropped at least 10 dB.

The 24 GHz ODU has been taken down for repair. The output device is dead. IDU works.

Relocated the IDUs to allow better airflow around them in order to minimize self-heating.

OZ2M, OZ2TG and OZ5N

24 GHz off air – 2020-06-04

Per, DK7LJ, has reported that the 24 GHz beacon is off air. Investigation is scheduled to 27 June 2020.

OZ2M

40 MHz on air and intermittent NMEA loss solved – 2019-06-04

The 40 MHz beacon is back into service.

A bad ground connection in the TOSLINK splitter caused the GPS NMEA data failure. Problem has been solved.

OZ1BNN, OZ2M and OZ7IS

Major reference unit work – 2019-05-18

Work on making the reference unit more robust to interference especially from the 40 MHz beacon. Operation very successful. However, the NMEA connection may have been damaged during the work resulting in intermittent loss of PI4. Tired after working for 14 hours. So the bad NMEA connection will be fixed another day.

OZ1FTU, OZ2M and OZ7IS

40 MHz operation suspended – 2019-03-15

The operation has been suspended due to operating and licensing costs. The future of the beacon is unknown at least for the time being.

OZ2M.

40 MHz and 2,3 GHz out of service – 2019-01-01

Awaiting licenses. The 2,3 GHz is expected to move to the new allocation on 2,4 GHz.

OZ2M.

All beacons back on the air – 2018-04-03

All beacons were down after a blown fuse in the reference unit. Most likely the cause was some mains work on the renewable energy system the day before.

OZ7IS.

All beacons down – 2018-04-02

All beacons are off air. Reason is unknown. Inspection scheduled to Wednesday 4 April.

OZ2M.

3,4 GHz back in service – 2017-12-03

Fuse holder replaced.

OZ5GQ.

3,4 GHz out of service – 2017-11-19

Beacon taken home for repair. Yet another bad fuse holder.

OZ2M and OZ3ZW.

3,4 GHz out of service – 2017-11-09

Reason unknown. A site visit will take place 2017-11-19.

OZ2M.

40 MHz back with full power – 2017-06-01

The 40 MHz beacon is back with full power, i.e. 10 W ERP.

OZ2M and OZ5GQ.

40 MHz back on the air – 2017-05-14

The 40 MHz beacon is back on the air, however, running only on the exciter, 50 mW. The 40 MHz beacon seems to impact the GPSDO.

OZ2M and OZ5N.

10 GHz back on air and 28 MHz off air – 2017-05-13

The 10 GHz IDU is back in place and the beacon is running again.

The 28 MHz beacon has been taken out of service as it interferes with all the other beacons. Troubleshooting is ongoing. It becomes even worse when both the 28 MHz and 40 MHz beacons are running.

OZ2M and OZ5N.

40 MHz off air – 2017-03-28

Sorry but the new 40 MHz beacon is already off air due to interfering with all the other beacons. Troubleshooting is ongoing.

OZ2M.

40 MHz beacon back on air and 10 GHz off air – 2017-03-25

The 40 MHz beacon has been upgraded to transmit PI4 + CW + carrier.

The 10 GHz is out of service due to RFI issues from the 40 MHz beacon.

OZ5GQ, OZ5N and OZ7IS.

OZ7IGY’s 60th anniversary

The 60th anniversary of OZ7IGY is being marked by running the NACs of March from the OZ7IGY QTH, Slettebjerg, JO55WM, with the call sign OZ7IGY.

Date UTC Band Frequencies
2 March 18 – 22 28 MHz 28,021 MHz, 28,471 MHz and 29,6 MHz
7 March 18 – 22 144 MHz 144,221 MHz
9 March 18 – 22 50 MHz 50,171 MHz
14 March 18 – 22 432 MHz 432,171 MHz
16 March 18 – 22 70 MHz 70,200 MHz and 70,450 MHz FM
21 March 18 – 22 1296 MHz 1296,171 MHz

The specific frequencies indicate the approximate operating frequencies +/- QRM.

Do you want to be one of the operators?

OZ2PBS, Palle, coordinates the operator teams: 2 – 3 operators per contest. Only the beacon antenna for the specific band will be used with standard equipment and  between 25 and 100 W output. We can make a transceiver available – or you can bring your own. A PC with TACLog will be available – or you can bring your own. The operator(s) shall forward the logs themselves to www.vushf.dk/contest. Please also forward a copy of the log to OZ7IS for eQSL service – preferably in ADIF format. The beacon for the activated band, and possibly a few more, will be off air during the contest hours!

We are also having an open house party!

On Saturday 25 March,  11 – 15 CET on location: Slettebjergvej, DK-4174 Jystrup, JO55WM, DD Lat.: 55.516939 / Long.: 11.882063.

We serve beer, soft drinks, sausages, coffee and cocoa. Refreshments are free, especially if you are wearing the red OZ7IGY anniversary T-shirt! The treasurer accept contingent payments to support the DAVUS/OZ7IGY association.  And will be selling the new red OZ7IGY T-shirt as well. According to the plan the new the 40.071 MHz beacon will be officially started up as well.

CU de OZ7IS, Ivan.

1,3 GHz beacon back on air – 2016-12-11

The 1,3 GHz beacon is back on the air. The reason for fault is suspected to be a bad fuse holder but it is not entirely sure. Thus please keep an eye on the signal.

OZ5GQ.

1,3 GHz beacon off air – 2016-12-10

The 1,3 GHz beacon is off air. When arriving at the site the beacon was completely off due to a blown fuse. On site inspection revealed that the positive wire had been very hot. Replacing the fuse made the beacon come alive again but with only 5 W output. Thus, beacon taken home for troubleshooting and repair.

OZ2M and OZ5GQ.

Reference box, 10 GHz and 24 GHz – 2016-10-26

The GPS valid LED in the reference box fixed. Added clip-on ferrites on the GPS data cables to the TOSLINK splitters.

The 10 GHz beacon may have a bad on/off switch causing the beacon to switch off unintentionally.

The 24 GHz TX modulation LED connected to the right MCU pin.

OZ1BNN, OZ2M and OZ7IS.

10 GHz beacon upgraded – 2016-10-20

The 10 GHz beacon has been upgraded to transmit PI4 + CW + carrier.

OZ5N and OZ7IS.

Major overhaul – 2016-10-16

Major antennas and equipment overhaul:

  • Reference box expanded with another TOSLINK splitter, 10 MHz splitter removed and 1 GHz splitter installed instead
  • New GPS antenna because the old one lacked selectivity in the harsh RF environment
  • 50 MHz antenna checked
  • 70 MHz antenna checked and turned 60 degrees to allow easier access to the antennas above
  • 144 MHz antenna changed from one big wheel to two big wheels
  • 432 MHz antenna changed from one faulty big wheel to three big wheels
  • 1,3 GHz antenna changed from a big wheel to a 9 dB slotted wave guide
  • 2,3 GHz antenna height increased by 1 m
  • 24 GHz indoor unit and outdoor upgraded

OZ1AHV, OZ1BNN, OZ1FTU, OZ1LEX, OZ5GQ, OZ5N, OZ7IS, OZ9GE and OZ9ZZ.

GPS antenna relocated – 2016-08-20

Due to interference from the new 2,3 GHz antenna the location of the GPS antenna has been changed to avoid blocking in the GPS receiver that caused loss of a valid GPS signal for some days.

OZ2M.

432 MHz, 1,3 GHz, 2,3 GHz, 10 GHz and 24 GHz upgrades – 2016-07-26

The date(s) is not yet decided.

  • 432 MHz: Solve SWR problem, e.g. new antenna(s), connectors or feeder
  • 1,3 GHz: Installation of a new antenna, 9 dB slotted wave guide
  • 2,3 GHz: Installation of a new antenna, 9 dB slotted wave guide
  • 10 GHz: Installation of a new indoor unit using the Next Generation Beacons platform
  • 24 GHz: Installation of new outdoor unit with 2 W PA and new indoor unit

OZ7IS.

10 GHz beacon back on air – 2016-06-15

The 10 GHz PA has been repaired and the outdoor unit re-installed. ERP is around 140 W from an omni-directional WG slot antenna at 96 meter above sea level. The indoor unit is still the old crystal controlled version. Within the next few months we expect to install the new frequency locked Next Generation Beacons indoor unit with PI4.

OZ7IS.

432 MHz beacon power reduced – 2016-04-22

The 432 MHz antenna shows a very bad SWR thus the beacon is running at reduced power, ~10 W. Unfortunately the 432 MHz antenna is the most difficult one to inspect and perhaps replace thus it is hard to tell when the beacon will back into normal operation.

OZ2M and OZ5GQ.

5,7 GHz beacon upgraded – 2015-05-15

The 5,7 GHz beacon has been upgraded to transmit PI4 + CW + carrier.

OZ2M and OZ5GQ.

Major re-arrangement of equipment rack, and 5,7 GHz antenna only omni – 2015-05-14

The locations of the beacons in the rack have been re-arranged and new tailor-made clock cables have been manufactured onsite.

The 5,7 GHz antenna pointing at 35° has been dismantled. Thus, the 5,7 GHz beacon is now only omni directional.

OZ2M and OZ5GQ.

2,3 GHz and 3,4 GHz beacons upgraded – 2015-01-24

The 2,3 GHz and 3,4 GHz beacons have been upgraded to the Next Generation Beacons platform transmitting PI4 + CW + carrier.

OZ2M.

Change of power supply and no 3,4 GHz – 2014-10-06

The power supply has been changed due to poor ripple suppression.

The 3,4 GHz beacon is out of service and it will take some time before it is back on the air.

OZ2M, OZ5GQ and OZ8NM.

24 GHz back in service – 2014-07-18

The 24 GHz beacon is back in service after maintenance of the indoor unit.

OZ2M.

Intermittent PI4 – 2014-07-07

The problem was caused by an oscillating optical receiver. Decoupling changed.

OZ2M.

Intermittent PI4 and 24 GHz out of service – 2014-07-06

Due to a fault in the optical NMEA transmission from the GPSDO to the DDS units the PI4 is sometimes missing from the sequence. This applies to all “new” bands.

There seems to be an issue with the 24 GHz indoor unit. Steen, OZ2TG, is investigating.

OZ2M and OZ5GQ.

24 GHz back in service – 2014-06-12

The 24 GHz beacon is back in service after maintenance of the outdoor unit.

OZ1BNN and OZ2M.

3,4 GHz and 24 GHz out of service – 2014-04-27

The 3,4 GHz and 24 GHz beacons are out of service due to reconstruction of the 19″ boxes. The 3,4 GHz beacon is expected to be back in July 2014.

OZ2M.

GPS BPF installed – 2014-04-08

After the new 1,3 GHz beacon has been installed the increased power and antenna efficiency have caused some interference in the GPS receiver. This has now been cured by installing a bandpass filter between the antenna preamp and the GPS receiver.

OZ2M.

1,3 GHz upgraded with PI4 – 2014-03-30

The 1,3 GHz beacon has been upgraded to transmit PI4 + CW + carrier.

OZ2M and OZ7IS.

24 GHz S/W upgraded – 2014-01-25

A new S/W package was loaded into the 24 GHz beacon.

OZ1CKG, OZ2M and OZ2TG.

New homepage – 2014-01-13

The homepage has been moved to a new webhotel and a new CMS and contents are being implemented.

OZ2M.

24 GHz upgraded with PI4 – 2013-12-20

The 24 GHz beacon has been upgraded to transmit PI4 + CW + carrier.

OZ2M and OZ7IS.

Installation of new rack and mains work – 2013-09-25

Installation of a new lamp, a light switch and a new 19″ rack in the “shower cabin” and relocation of all the Next Generation Beacons and the old 1,3 GHz and 3,4 GHz beacons too.

During installation the mains protection relay tripped.

OZ2ELA, OZ2M, OZ5GQ and OZ7IS.

28 MHz upgraded with PI4 – 2013-04-18

The 28 MHz beacon has been upgraded to transmit PI4 + CW + carrier and use the Next Generation Beacons platform.

OZ2M.

50 MHz, 70 MHz, 144 MHz and 432 MHz upgraded with PI4 – 2013-03-30

The 50 MHz,  70 MHz, 144 MHz and 432 MHz beacons have been upgraded to transmit PI4 + CW + carrier and use the 432 MHz beacon now also uses the Next Generation Beacons platform.

OZ2M.

70 MHz upgraded to Next Generation Beacons platform – 2013-01-26

The 70 MHz beacon was upgraded to the Next Generation Beacons platform and is transmitting JT65C2 + CW + carrier.

OZ1CKG and OZ2M.

50 MHz and 144 MHz upgraded to Next Generation Beacons platform – 2012-10-30

The 50 MHz and 144 MHz beacons were upgraded to the Next Generation Beacons platform and are transmitting JT65C2 + CW + carrier.

OZ2ELA, OZ2M, OZ7IS and OZ9GE.

Next Generation Beacons – PI4