Driftnet Beacons | The mysterious Radio Beacons transmitting in the middle of the worlds oceans...

If you listen carefully when scanning the HF Bands, you may come across a faint Morse Code signal transmitting a call sign none stop over and over. These are Driftnet Beacons, and are located in the vast expanse of the worlds oceans. Radio Oddities explains all....

[@billa1870]

Can you list some of the frequencies where you have heard these driftnet beacons? Also, I read the CW code as T S I H. What does that mean?

[@RadioOddities]

Sure there is a complete list here: www.hfunderground.com/wiki/Fishnet_beacon

[@franktillman295]

You can hear a lot of these tones on long wave

[@RadioOddities]

Long wave can be a nightmare to rx but thanks for the heads up!

[@janetwinslow2039]

The longwave beacons are aviation navigation beacons and are very definitely located on land .

[@RadioOddities]

@@janetwinslow2039 yes, the driftnet beacons operate on the 160 and 10 meter bands.

[@Ploggy.]

Interesting video thanks for making and posting 👍

[@RadioOddities]

@@Ploggy. not a problem glad you enjoyed it

[@michaelwalker718]

I wouldn't really call it interference. It isn't like they are jamming any communications. And, as they are very weak, they don't impact any actual amateur communications. A large number of amateur radio frequencies are shared frequencies.

[@RadioOddities]

No they are not jamming comms but more of an annoyance as they shouldn’t be on the Han radio bands

[@branchcovidian754]

It is by definition, interference because they are off authorized bands.

[@user-co8uy5rb2s]

I love this stuff.

[@RadioOddities]

Me too 😃

[@user-co8uy5rb2s]

In 2024, I plan to save some money and buy a good portable shortwave radio with the entire spectrum and single side band.

[@RadioOddities]

@@user-co8uy5rb2s a great idea, good luck and I hope you find lots of interesting transmissions on the airwaves!

[@johntiggleman4686]

You need a "pop" filter on the end of your mike.

[@RadioOddities]

Indeed thank you for your feedback

[@lesterawilson3]

Back off the microphone and get a pop filter.

[@RadioOddities]

Audio recording for my videos is an issue at the moment which I am working on.