Getting Started With NDB Questions, Please ?

[BOBRR]

Hi,

Would like to try and receive some NDB in my general area.

Never played with this aspect of sw radio before, but it
does seem interesting.

What do I need to set as the mode on my sw receiver ? CW, or...?

Do I need any particular software ?

Is it usually just a continuous "tone," or is there voice intermingled ?

Any hints for someone starting out with this would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Bob

 

[jwt873]

DB listening is fun. You can pick them up from hundreds of miles away.

The signals are AM modulated with Morse code tones, so AM will work, but I usually SSB because it's a little more selective.

No software is needed.. If you don't know CW, then a CW decoding program might come in handy, but the code is slow enough that you can draw out the dashes and dots and then look them up later on a chart that shows the CW alphabet.

In the US, the signal is just Morse code sent at regular intervals. In Canada there is a continuous tone with the CW sent during regular breaks. I've been listening for a long time and have 133 stations logged. I've never heard voice on any NDB beacon.

It's good to have a list of the beacons out there so you can properly identify what you're hearing. I use this one LW Radio Beacons

At these lower frequencies, antennas are important if you're trying to pick up stuff that isn't very close by.. I use a Wellbrook Loop, but if you can get a hundred or so feet of wire up and use it end-fed, that will help too.

Note that this is an ancient technology. They are currently in the process of decommissioning the beacons in favor of GPS and more modern navigation techniques.

 

[AK9R]

If you don't know CW, then a CW decoding program might come in handy, but the code is slow enough that you can draw out the dashes and dots and then look them up later on a chart that shows the CW alphabet.

Another method is to record the audio with a program that shows the audio waveform, like Audacity. It's very easy to see the CW dits and dahs in the waveform.

 

[BinaryMode]

It's good to have a list of the beacons out there so you can properly identify what you're hearing. I use this one LW Radio Beacons

I wouldn't call this list definitive as it's missing an NDB near me...

RNA | Signals This website seems a lot better, but I still don't see my local NDB. I'm assuming it's still online. I'd have to fire up the shortwave radio to be sure. Unfortunately, I have to fix the stuck knob first.

CW Studio: Fun Morse Code - Apps on Google Play

Practice morse code on your mobile device using the simulator of CW Studio.

play.google.com

GGMorse - Apps on Google Play

Morse Code Audio Decoder

play.google.com

‎GGMorse

‎With this application you can easily decode Morse code audio back into text using your phone or tablet. The application automatically detects the frequency and speed of the input signal and displays the decoded text in real-time. Frequency range: 200 - 1900 Hz Speed range: 5 - 55 WPM Usage: -...

apps.apple.com

 

[jwt873]

I wouldn't call this list definitive as it's missing an NDB near me...

It might not be online.. They've begun to decommission them. The plan is to get rid of all or most of them by 2030. NAVAID Decommissioning I guess with the dependability and accuracy of GPS they're no longer needed.

There's one near me that's no longer active. The shack and antenna are still up. I guess there's no rush to spend the cash required to take it down.

I've got one more online search link that lets you search by frequency --> AirNav: Navaid Information

 

[AK9R]

They've begun to decommission them. The plan is to get rid of all or most of them by 2030.

Your comment caught my eye. Look at the Brickyard VORTAC "VHP" on an online mapping site that has satellite views. It makes me chuckle a little every time I drive by. Those houses are less than 5 years old.
39.814726, -86.367455

 

[VK3RX]

Those houses look like someone has done a copy & paste ....