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Reverse Beacon Network
Oct 29 2011 06:03 PM | Brian Ward/KG4KGW 
in Frontpage
Today I was doing a little catching up on listening to some of the Ham Nation webcasts when I heard them mention the Reverse Beacon Network. This is a revolutionary idea to say the least. In their own words, " The Reverse Beacon Network is a revolutionary new idea. Instead of beacons actively transmitting signals, the RBN is a network of stations listening to the bands and reporting what stations they hear, when and how well."
I have to say this is one of the neatest ideas I've seen in amateur radio in a very long time. Live reports, live updates, and real interaction. I'm sure your saying, " If I want to see if someone can hear me then I'll just ask them for a signal report". Sure you can do that I guess. Things quickly begin to sound like CH 19 on 11 meters that way I would think. This isn't just a signal report, this is taking some of the many tools out there and using them to our advantage in amateur radio!
Here is an excerpt from the site:
Let us know what new and interesting sites you find that can help us make our hobby more fun and interesting!
I have to say this is one of the neatest ideas I've seen in amateur radio in a very long time. Live reports, live updates, and real interaction. I'm sure your saying, " If I want to see if someone can hear me then I'll just ask them for a signal report". Sure you can do that I guess. Things quickly begin to sound like CH 19 on 11 meters that way I would think. This isn't just a signal report, this is taking some of the many tools out there and using them to our advantage in amateur radio!
Here is an excerpt from the site:
Quote
So why should you care? Well, to begin with, you can see band openings in near-real time on an animated map. You can call a quick CQ, and see which reverse beacons hear you, and how strong you are. Try It!
But the real breakthrough is in the database of past "spots". You can instantly find out what stations, from a given country or zone, have been heard, at what times and on what frequencies. You can see when you've been spotted, who spotted you, and how loud you were. Try It!
"But wait," as they say on the TV ads, "there's more!" Now, for the first time, you can compare your signal with those of your friends and competitors, in near real time or historically. If you wonder how your signal stacked up during last weekend's contests, the Signal Comparison Tool will give you real, quantitative data. Tell it what stations you want to compare, based on signals heard by a given reverse beacon on a certain band at a certain time, and there you'll have it. Of course, whether you like what you see is up to you. Try It!
The Reverse Beacon Network depends on volunteer stations. Currently, we have a few dozen, some active almost 24/7, others coming up only occasionally. We have decent coverage in North America and Europe, but can always use more. It needn't cost a lot, or tie up your station equipment. Learn More!
But the real breakthrough is in the database of past "spots". You can instantly find out what stations, from a given country or zone, have been heard, at what times and on what frequencies. You can see when you've been spotted, who spotted you, and how loud you were. Try It!
"But wait," as they say on the TV ads, "there's more!" Now, for the first time, you can compare your signal with those of your friends and competitors, in near real time or historically. If you wonder how your signal stacked up during last weekend's contests, the Signal Comparison Tool will give you real, quantitative data. Tell it what stations you want to compare, based on signals heard by a given reverse beacon on a certain band at a certain time, and there you'll have it. Of course, whether you like what you see is up to you. Try It!
The Reverse Beacon Network depends on volunteer stations. Currently, we have a few dozen, some active almost 24/7, others coming up only occasionally. We have decent coverage in North America and Europe, but can always use more. It needn't cost a lot, or tie up your station equipment. Learn More!
Let us know what new and interesting sites you find that can help us make our hobby more fun and interesting!
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