NDB-400-FN Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

W0AIR: Sadly, the FAA his decommissioned this Non Directional Beacon after about 50 years of service. The unusual tower is still there for those who wish to drive by and see it before it is taken down. I am archiving this cache because it is no longer safe to park on the side of the road anywhere near the location because of eroded road shoulders and increasing use by heavy trucks going to nearby oil and gas wells. I had a very close call on my last maintenance visit and no longer feel that this is a safe location for a cache. Thanks to all who visited.

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Hidden : 9/22/2007
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size: small (small)

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Geocache Description:

Near site of former Nondirectional Beacon (NDB) "FN" on 400KHz.

A half-century before GPS, aircraft instrument navigation depended on Nondirectional Beacons (NDBs). High-power NDBs were used for transcontinental navigation, while lower power NDBs guided pilots to within sight of an airport's rotating beacon. NDBs transmit signals in slow Morse Code on channels just below the commercial AM broadcast band. Loran, VOR, TACAN and GPS have all but eliminated long range NDBs in North America and Europe, but over 1,600 lower power NDBs remain in service in the U.S. to aid automatic direction finders aboard aircraft. In the face of advancing technology, it is questionable how much longer these historical transmitter sites will remain open. We are definitely seeing the last days of these "radio lighthouses." Worldwide, NDBs still perform efficient and reliable service, but advanced navigation systems such as GPS are quickly making NDBs obsolete. Monitoring NDB signals from great distances is a fascinating challenge for many radio enthusiasts. A history of the NDB system can be found at http://www.navfltsm.addr.com/ndb-nav-history.htm with more early cross-country aviation background at: http://www.navfltsm.addr.com/howitbegan.htm The purpose of this cache is to commemorate the long service of NDB station "FN" which transmitted on 400KHz. DO NOT CROSS THE FENCE INTO THE TRANSMITTER SITE and do not trespass on the oil pumping field near the site. Cache is on public right-of-way, but parking along the shoulder of the road is dangerous. Magnetic container with log book & pencil.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Lryybj cnqqyr znexre.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)

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