To assist in the study of transatlantic VHF propagation a test beacon began operation from the South West coast of Ireland in early June. It will be on the air for a period of approximately 3 months under the call sign EI3DP/P on the frequency of 144.48 MHz. The beacon runs 25 watts out into a eight element Quagi antenna beaming toward North America. Any station in USA or Canada that hears the transmission and wants to attempt a two way QSO is invited to telephone a paging receiver number by using international access plus 353 1 2032371. This will contact a bureau service with Alphanumeric message service.
Paging receivers will be carried during the test period by EI4DQ and EI4HT. They will be available on a 24 hr basis and in normal circumstances will be ready within 30 minutes of alert. Reports from stations who may monitor the transmission are also appreciated. All QSN reports go by e-mail only to Larry Murphy, EI3FJ at: lmurphy@iol.ie
(Source: Amateur Radio Newsline)