[DogParkList] Product Idea

[Don Agro]

Hi Joe,

On Jun 4, 2004, at 5:00 PM, J.T. Travis, K5AD wrote:

> Hi guys,
>  I know Don sure is busy - I can hardly keep up with the updates! but 
> I have an idea for a new program.  I was looking at the MFJ "DX Beacon 
> Monitor" http://www.mfjenterprises.com/products.php?prodid=MFJ-890
>
>  It is a small box with a map of the world.  There is a LED at each 
> spot where propagation beacons are located.  It syncs with universal 
> time and blinks the LED at the appropriate time for each beacon.  You 
> tune your receiver to the appropriate frequency.  If you can hear the 
> signal, then you know which beacon it is from by the LED.  The beacons 
> send out their call at 20 wpm, so for those of us that can't copy that 
> fast, it is an easy visual guide to the beacon that you are hearing.  
> The beacons transmit on a schedule so the device is not receiving any 
> radio waves except WWL to set it's clock.
>
>  It would seem that this would be a natural for a program.  You can 
> get the time from the system or a time server for accuracy, probably 
> only need to do it when the program starts up, then light up a spot on 
> the map in sync with the schedule for each beacon.  The beacons 
> transmit at decreasing outputs, so you can determine the power needed 
> to reach you, the program could also tell you what power the current 
> signal was being sent.
>
>  Anyone besides me interested in purchasing such a program?  The MFJ 
> device is $100, can't be updated for beacon changes, and is another 
> piece of hardware with wires congesting the shack.
>
> -- 
> 73
> Joe Travis, K5AD
> ARRL Life member / Diamond Club Member / VE
> W5YI VE

Darn good idea Joe !

The above has been implemented in MacLoggerDX v3.9.6b1 and can be 
downloaded from:

<http://dogparksoftware.com/MacLoggerDX.html>

Just enable the "Follow the NCDXF/IARU Beacons" check box and choose 
your band.
When you hear a beacon - MLDX will show you on the map which one it is 
- as well as setting up the "Beam" control to swing the rotor if you 
choose.

The automatic Macintosh time server settings are accurate enough to 
keep this in sync with the beacon system.

Thanks for the idea Joe.


73 Don Agro VE3VRW

D o g   P a r k   S o f t w a r e   L t d .

email: dagro@dogparksoftware.com
   www: http://www.dogparksoftware.com
     iChat AV:dogpark@mac.com