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Beacon Transmission Mode

SDDC LabAbout 2 min

Beacon Transmission Mode

Beacon mode enables your Web-888 SDR to function as a transmitting beacon station, utilizing the EXT-CLK antenna port to generate signals for propagation reporting and identification purposes. This feature supports multiple digital protocols including CW and WSPR across a wide frequency range up to 200 MHz.

EXT-CLK REQUIREMENT

The EXT-CLK feature must be disabled to use beacon mode. If EXT-CLK is enabled for external clock reference, beacon mode settings will be ignored.

Technical Implementation

The beacon transmission capability leverages the Si5351 clock generator output to the EXT-CLK port. While this limits transmission to single frequency signals, it is well-suited for CW and FSK digital modes that form the foundation of most beacon operations.

Power Amplifier and Filter Integration

REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

To comply with radio regulations, a low-pass filter (LPF) must be installed between the EXT-CLK port and antenna to suppress harmonics and spurious emissions. For convenience, we offer a plug-and-play addon device that provides 5-band filtering with 5W output capability. Learn more about the PA-Addon for Web-888.

Signal Connections

  1. Connect the EXT-CLK antenna port to your power amplifier (PA) and low-pass filter (LPF) combination
  2. The EXTIO port provides control signals for PTT and band selection

Control Signal Mapping

The EXTIO port outputs control signals for external amplifier and filter control:

  • A1: PTT output (polarity configurable via UI)
  • A2: LPF Band 0 selection
  • A3: LPF Band 1 selection
  • A4: LPF Band 2 selection
  • A5: LPF Band 3 selection
  • A6: LPF Band 4 selection

General Configuration Parameters

PTT Polarity

Configure the PTT output polarity to match your amplifier requirements:

  • Positive: PTT signal is HIGH (1) when transmission is enabled
  • Negative: PTT signal is LOW (0) when transmission is enabled

LPF Band Selection

Define frequency ranges for automatic LPF switching to ensure proper harmonic suppression across your operating bands.

Transmission Scheduling

Configure the timing of beacon transmissions:

  • Start Time: Specify the minute when the first transmission occurs
  • Interval: Set the delay between successive transmissions in minutes

CW Beacon Configuration

CW beacons are ideal for basic identification and propagation reporting:

Message Content

  • Create a valid CW message for beacon identification
  • Supports standard CW characters and common abbreviations
  • System automatically adjusts WPM for long messages to maintain timing constraints

Operating Frequency

  • Specify valid amateur radio frequencies for beacon operation
  • Support for multiple frequencies separated by semicolons (😉
  • Each frequency will be transmitted sequentially

Transmission Speed

  • Configure CW speed in words per minute (WPM)
  • Adjustable range from 10-50 WPM
  • System automatically increases speed for long messages to maintain under 15-second transmission limit

MESSAGE LENGTH LIMITATION

To comply with good amateur practice and maintain consistent timing, the system will automatically increase transmission speed for messages that would exceed 15 seconds at the configured WPM.

WSPR Beacon Configuration

WSPR (Weak Signal Propagation Reporter) beacons enable automated propagation reporting:

Station Information

  • Callsign: Your amateur radio callsign
  • Grid Square: Your 4 or 6-character Maidenhead grid locator

Transmission Parameters

  • Power Level: Report transmit power in dBm for accurate propagation reporting
  • Band Selection: Choose multiple bands for sequential transmission
  • Each selected band will transmit a WSPR message in rotation

WSPR INTEGRATION

WSPR beacon configuration shares station information with the WSPR extension, ensuring consistency between monitoring and transmission functions.

Best Practices for Beacon Operation

  1. Frequency Selection: Choose frequencies in accordance with local amateur radio band plans
  2. Power Management: Set reported power levels accurately for meaningful propagation data
  3. Timing Coordination: Schedule transmissions to avoid interference with other beacons
  4. Regular Monitoring: Periodically verify beacon operation and signal quality
  5. Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all transmissions comply with local licensing requirements