The SARL 2 metre beacon plan, which will see two new beacons, is taking shape.

This week the project was completed, two beacons will be erected, one in the Bethlehem area and the other one in the Karoo.

Multiple Yagi antenna are being considered to get the widest possible coverage. The project will be discussed at the next joint SARL AMSAT SA VHF workshop on Saturday 25 May 2019 at the National Amateur Radio Centre.

Another major discussion is the debate "Horizontal versus Vertical antenna polarisation for long distance VHF communication." The subject has for several years been surrounded by arguments that Vertical polarisation surpasses Horizontal Polarisation in achieving long distance communication on VHF with equal opposite arguments. Dick Coates ZS6BUN has carried out extensive technical paper research and reviewed experiential data from world-wide resources and will present his findings and share his own experiences at the workshop.

The workshop will be held at the SARL National Amateur Radio Centre from 08:30 and ends at 13:00. Midmorning light refreshments will be served. The registration fee is R50 for SARL and AMSAT SA Members and R100 for non-members.

SARL - http://www.sarl.org.za/