Erik, TI2NA, now a silent key, was an amateur radio pioneer in Costa Rica and in Latinamerica. One of the first experimenters in the satellite modes and in many other VHF/UHF activities, he put in operation, the first Central America 6M radio beacon on 50.080, in the 1960's. Homebrewing most of his equipment, he went through two different designs for the beacon which he kept and maintained on his family farm in Eastern San Jose.

Some years ago, a new bulletproof beacon was designed and built by George, W1XE and pressed into service soon after. Since Erik's death, the beacon has been maintained by myself, Keko, TI5KD. I have relocated it to our 440 Group repeater site on the top of IRAZU volcano at 3432 meters (11,200ft) in grid EJ89bx. It transmits a CW message once every 20 seconds or so and puts out 30 W into a vertical dipole. Being in the best location it has ever been, it will be heard earlier than stations located in the Central Valley where we are surrounded by mountains.

Erik's callsign has now been permanently assigned to the beacon through the Costa Rica Radio Club

If you hear the beacon, please report it on the internet clusters so others can be alerted of the opening.

Best 6M DX,

Keko, TI5KD