Light characteristic

As the identifier of a beacon is defined as the features that enable the identification of the night.

Properties

One of the identifying characteristics include the color of fire, their timing, the characteristic sequence of light and dark intervals, and their recurrence, the period between the beginning of a timing pattern and the beginning of the next identical. In a broader sense, fire height and nominal significance to belong.

The main timings (with the abbreviations used in cards ):

In addition, color and return are given.

Examples

For Holy harbor you will find charts of " Oc ( 2) WRG 9s ". This is a 2 time interrupted sector fire with the colors White / Red / Green with a return of 9 seconds and a clock ( dark) Light: (1s ) 2s (1s ) 5s = 9s The identifier Marienleuchte on charts with " Fl ( 4) WR.15s " represents a sector of fire in the colors White / Red with 4 flashes with a return of 15 seconds.

Identification of beacons

Also NDB beacon have an identifier. It usually consists of a maximum of three letters, which transmits the beacon in morse code. For this purpose, the carrier of the radio beacon is modulated with an audio frequency of 400 Hz or 1020 Hz either by the method of amplitude modulation or single-sideband normally. In all cases, always a carrier must also be sent, as the bearing turns out otherwise be difficult.

There are also radio beacons that send the code by keying of the carrier.

Between the individual repeats the identifier only, the carrier or the carrier is broadcast with a continuous tone.

Seefunkfeuer who work in chains, usually emit a six-minute cycle in each case the identity of the beacon involved in the chain, the cycle usually starts at the beginning of the hour. The type of radiation is the same as in NDB beacons.

Loran, Decca, Omega and RSDN -20 transmitters do not ID. This also applies to the satellite of the GPS system.