Low Frequency Radio at Jim's Radio Barn

I just listened to the last LORAN transmitter audible here in daylight shut down (8 Feb 10 23:10 Z approx). Later the sun is setting as I type this and one more transmitter just faded up to where I can hear it. Goodbye old noisy friend.

Here is the old LF listening post for NDBs, DGPS stations, etc.

See the VHF Operating section for a look at the new LF listening post. Most of the equipment is the same but we wanted to use the IC-7800 on VHF and it and the Beverages on MF/HF also so things got moved around a bit. LF Post

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A wider view of the LF listening post.

Note the new two receiver 16 position antenna switch (not all used yet). In rebuilding the bench I brought the ANC-4, 599zx, and other units down where I can reach them better. After the antenna switch the path leads through the 75 ohm antenna protection circuit in the U.P.S. on top of the two selective level meters (and the tracking signal generator). I haven't noticed any signal loss problems. Coca-Cola

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Several of the LF & 160M Antennas

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Some of the coax connectors from some of my Beverage antennas after the lightning hit.

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Recent Intercepts:

NDB TX on 419 kHz at 1060- in Lawrenceville, Georgia.

It starts just above the end of the 'B' in GB. Caught!

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NDB DJD on 415 kHz at 1030+ in Canton, Georgia.

Its above CBC from Cayman Brac in the Cayman Islands. I waited around the frequency for a while hoping SLS would put in an appearance, but Ecuador never showed in this session. Caught!

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NDB ZEM on 338 kHz at 385+ WITH DAID from Eastman, Quebec.

With another Canadian at almost the same offset it looks a bit mushy. The receiver was tuned to 337 kHz at the time. Caught!

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NDB BV on 336 kHz at 400+ with DAID from Champlain, Quebec.

Its above the dash from another Canadian. With the 'Base' set were I usually had it I couldn't see it at all. Turning it up made most of everything else unreadable, but made this one visible if a bit noisy. BTW there is no BEA or BU on the frequency... Caught!

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NDB DR on 335 kHz at 1015+ from Del Rio, Texas.

Its under the 'C' at the left above the 1000 Hz line. You have to keep an eye out for the weak ones! Caught!

My first report for winter 2008-2009: I've been listening from home as most of my antennas at the barn are not working. Most of the damage at the barn seems to be from wind, but some animals running thru the wires may have happened also. From home so far this winter: 520 NDBs of which 77 are all time 'new from home' NDBs. The session of 02 December 2008 UTC was the best so far this season with 16 beacons heard, 8 new from home, 8 new for season becons, and NDBs in Columbia, Alaska, and Nunavut heard. In recent days I also heard Hawaii for the first time from home, and San Andres Island, which is a DXCC country but not an NDB list country separate from Columbia. The home log link below is up to date.

I'll be trying to get the antennas at the barn fixed later this week. Of the 16 beverages at the barn only 3 are working properly now.

When everything is working again this will be the LF antenna farm at the barn: 16 Beverages ( 0�, 30�, 60�, 2x90�, 110�, 130�, 150�, 2x170�, 190�, 240�, 270�, 290�, 310�, and 330�. (The 60�, one 90�, 110�, 130�, 150�, one 170�, 240�, 270� and 290� antennas are terminated and thus unidirectional, the others are unterminated and thus bidirectional, during this session. The duplicate 90� and 170� wires are used for phasing. I will be terminating the others as I work on each one.

The logs/databases below will be up to date as soon as I send a log to the reflector. It only takes a few seconds to upload them with the new faster internet connection so I will update them any time they change. My logs are also databases of beacons which can be expected to be heard across North America, which I do my best to keep up to date as to calls, frequencies, and status of all beacons which may be heard away from the coasts. Listeners on the coasts may also hear a few beacons not listed here, but can pick them up from RNA.

Here is a link to my Colorado NDB Log and database [Excel File].

Here is a link to what I have heard from my home in Colorado [Excel File].

Here is a link to my Colorado DGPS Log and database [Excel File].

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This site is owned by Jim Smith