NCDXF/IARU Beacons
The International Beacon Project (IBP) is a network of 18 beacons transmitting 24/7 on 5 HF bands, allowing instant verification of propagation conditions to any part of the world.
How the System Works
The 18 beacons transmit in sequence on 5 frequencies:
- 14.100 MHz (20m)
- 18.110 MHz (17m)
- 21.150 MHz (15m)
- 24.930 MHz (12m)
- 28.200 MHz (10m)
Each beacon transmits for 10 seconds on each band. The complete cycle lasts 3 minutes, then repeats.
Transmission Format
Each 10-second transmission includes:
- Seconds 0-0.5: Callsign at 22 WPM (100W)
- Seconds 0.5-1: Long dash (100W)
- Seconds 1-4: Four dashes at decreasing power (100W, 10W, 1W, 0.1W)
If you only hear the first dashes, the path is open but with weak signal.
Using Beacons for DX
Practical strategies:
- Before a DX session: check which beacons you hear on your target band
- Plan direction: if you hear a beacon, that direction is open
- Monitor over time: observe how conditions change during the day
- Compare bands: listen to the same region on different bands to find the optimal one
Beacon List
The 18 IBP beacons cover the entire world:
| Callsign | Location | Direction from EU |
|---|---|---|
| 4U1UN | New York, USA | West |
| VE3TEN | Canada | Northwest |
| W6WX | California, USA | West |
| KH6RS | Hawaii | West |
| ZL6B | New Zealand | Southeast |
| VK6RBP | Australia | East |
| JA2IGY | Japan | East |
| RR9O | Russia | East |
| VR2B | Hong Kong | East |
| 4S7B | Sri Lanka | Southeast |
| ZS6DN | South Africa | South |
| 5Z4B | Kenya | South |
| 4X6TU | Israel | Southeast |
| OH2B | Finland | Northeast |
| CS3B | Madeira | Southwest |
| LU4AA | Argentina | Southwest |
| OA4B | Peru | West |
| YV5B | Venezuela | West |