The reception reports of MEPT Beacons come in from around the world. The first thought that goes through the mind is, what would the signal have been like using a different antenna. The comparison between a Vertical or Horizontal antenna is particularly interesting in Propagation Study.

This Diversity MEPT is the result of a long train of thoughts on the ways to achieve identifiable dual polarisation from a transmitter.

I used some of the existing techniques I have used in other Beacons and circuits I have tried before. Building identical channels for each transmitter.

I had problems with the Red LED's as regularly used as Varicap diodes, When I switched off my Bench Lamp the frequency shifted intolerably. This gave the excuse to try the Black LED's which are not effected at all. Yes of course they are second hand, TV InfraRed remote devices, they work fine as varicaps.

Another free, second hand component is the PIC timing Crystal a 4.43Mhz TV item from the Philips Video 2000 Recorder. The ident is selected by a push switch, yes Video 2000 front panel switch.