HF Beacons app for iPhone and iPad
Developer: Scott Gottfried
First release : 07 May 2009
App size: 825.86 Kb
Beautiful, graphical display of where in the world the currently transmitting NCDXF/IARU beacon is located. The 18 beacons, at various locations around the world, transmit for 10 seconds on each of 5 radio bands. Once synchronized, the main display will highlight the beacon transmitting on the currently set band.
Tune your shortwave or amateur radio receiver to the beacon frequency. When you hear a beacon, HF Beacons will display the location and callsign of the beacon you are hearing. No need to know Morse code at 22 words per minute to decipher the callsign.
Press the frequency (Mhz) button to cycle through each of 5 bands.
Flip the display with the "i" button to "sync" the beacon clock to an internet "atomic clock" time source.
Press the "beacon status" button to check the operational status of the beacons (requires a network connection).
Beacons are used as real-time indicators for radio wave propagation around the world. For more information about the NCDXF/IARU beacons, please see this website: http://www.ncdxf.org/Beacon/intro.html
*** Special thanks to John E. (the Python Programming Master) for the super efficient beacon selection algorithm.
Latest reviews of HF Beacons app for iPhone and iPad
As a QRP op, the first thing in any ham session is to determine which bands are open, and to where; the IARU beacons are my first stop. This app is a nifty animated map that replaces a chronometer & printed schedule. MFJ sells a $120 gadget that does the same thing as this program (and Ive wanted one for years.). Now I have one that fits in my pocket! 5-9-9 for this helpful tool, which just confirmed that a low power path is open from here in 6-land to New Zealand on 17 meters. A welcome addition to the shack.
Today I tried it and it works. The beacons heard reflected existing conditions. The timing was in sync with the software. This is a very handy tool that meets my lifestyle. AF5U
This app works well and is very affordable. My only request is to correct the abbreviation of "MHz" ("Mhz" is incorrect). I cant wait until sunspots pick up and more beacons can be heard!
Does not work on iOS 6.1. No updates in 3 years. Deleted it.
Please tell me how app works and how do I use it efficiently?