RBN: The Reverse Beacon Network
The RBN is a network of stations listening to the bands and reporting what stations they hear, when and how well. This is a cool idea, the "reverse" of beacons that traditionally send automated calls for operators to check for band openings. I use the RBN to see how my signal propagates via CW on any given day. Its pointless to call CQ if others can't hear you, or copy your signal. The RBN gives you a pretty good idea if you're sending properly (especially important since I use a Cootie Straight Key), the distance and the signal strength from spotter stations. Its also a good tool to see if any other stations have been spotted on the frequency you want to you if you don't hear anything on the air after checking QRL. It was nice to see my call spotted this morning in Hawaii, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, Cayman Islands, and over most of the US. When RBN doesn't pick up my call, its normally because I'm not sen...