ZB2VHF Beacon Page

In 1975, I constructed the first 2 metre beacon for ZB2VHF. Until that time, the ZB2VHF beacons were only operating on the 6 and 4 metre bands.

Gibraltar had a 6 metre allocation long before the rest of Europe.

At that time, the beacons were installed in ZB2BL's shack, and were in unattended operatation while he was out of the shack. They could be switched over to a mode where they only sent their callsign and then reverted to receive, so that ZB2BL could listen on the frequency for any calls.

The 2 metre beacon was heard regularly in the UK during the summer months, and was instrumental in a number of QSOs with the "Rock".

I can't recall too many details about the beacon, the main unit only ran a few watts, the keyer was a 74 series TTL and diode matrix.

The beacon with top cover removed.

Internal view of the beacon with external amplifier.

I don't know how long this beacon was in service, but I am certain it has been replaced by now. It was operating in a non airconditioned environment which due to the heat in summer and the salt laden air due to the close proximity of the sea, did tend to result in a shortened operating life. This and the other beacons were eventually relocated to the top of the Rock.

 

After installing the 2 metre beacon, the following year, 1976, ZB2BL asked me if I could construct a new keyer for either the 6 or 4 metre beacon.

Rather than using the diode matrix of the 2 metre beacon, I used one of the new field programmable PROMS which had just come onto the market - I can't recall if it was either a 74S128 or a 74S256, these sophisticated devices had a huge memories of 128 and 256 bits respectively, and at the time the 74S256 was the largest field programmable PROM ever made. They used internal metallic fuses which had to be physically blown.

In fact the PROM I used was one of the very first devices in the UK, and in 1976 terms, it was probably the equivalent of a GBP 100 at today's prices (2001). I actually had to get it direct from the USA!

 

An internal view of the keyer.

 

ZB2BL in his shack with the 2 metre ZB2VHF beacon installed on the shelf.

 

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Last update 3/5/01