Beacon for the New MF Band

[VK2ZRH]

On the relatively new 630 Metre band, just below the AM broadcast allocation, is a beacon at Mildura in northwestern Victoria, and the operator is seeking reception reports.

The 473 kHz beacon at Mildura is on the cross-roads of Melbourne, Adelaide and Sydney. Apart from providing a much needed reliable signal for propagation tests, it may also stimulate activity on the band.

The band 472-479 kHz, which is a 7 kHz wide secondary allocation, was approved at the World Radiocommunication Conference 2012 and now available in many countries.

Built by Noel Ferguson VK3FI, the beacon transmitter is based on a circuit designed by fellow homebrewer Drew Diamond VK3XU, with changes made mainly for available components. It identifies with a series of the letter 'V', then 'VK3FI Mildura', followed by 20 seconds of carrier. The beacon radiates from an L-antenna, plus seven radials.

Currently activated at 1100 UTC, the beacon only takes to air when VK3FI is present. Reports are most welcome to vk3fi@wia.org.au

- thanks to Jim Linton VK3PC.