CSV / json

[srcejon]

Hi,

It would be useful if there were a .csv (or perhaps .json) version of the data, rather than just an .xls, as it's more easily machine readable.

SDRangel was using the previous https://iaru-r1-c5-beacons.org/wp-content/uploads/beacons.csv file.

Thanks.

[sq6emm]

Hey @srcejon thanks for your Issue. Indeed I am working on it, but had no priority as I was not aware of any automated consumers. Will prio this.

[srcejon]

Great, thanks.

We display them on the maps and in a table:

[g1ogy]

Hello @srcejon
I have an interest in beaconspot.uk (registration required).
This is a dynamic database of Ham Radio beacons between 76GHz an 28MHz.
It is kept current (with a 2-year moratorium) by capturing DX Cluster spots.
I may be able to assist while IARU develop their offering. but I need to understand your methodology before I can extend any practical assistance.
How is the Beaconlist acquired by an SDRAngel user?
Is it embedded in the software or downloaded individually?
Is there an "Update Beaconlist" button in the software?
If so,
When a user executes an` Update Beaconlist`` request is the request sent to your infrastructure or to the source (hitherto, IARU-R1)?
Thanks

[srcejon]

Previously the beacon list was a .csv hosted on a webserver. It was coming directly from source (https://iaru-r1-c5-beacons.org/wp-content/uploads/beacons.csv) rather than us rehosting it. (I could if necessary, but it's preferable if it comes from directly from the source). It gets downloaded when a user presses the button in the top right corner of the beacons window above.

I guess you are suggesting I could pull it from https://www.beaconspot.uk/downloads.php instead?

[g1ogy]

You could - but it would be messy - that option is by Band.
And you'd prefer JSON and a one-shot call for all bands, I'm sure.

My concerns are based around the restricted number of concurrent users inherent in the system. I'd expect your software would not barf if faced with a failure.
Presently I provide JSON output for a Logging program covering Bands 50MHz -> 24GHz.
206K of JSON - a pretty-much instant download on my connection. The extract script is run in real-time for every external call.

ie:
{"Band": "144","Beacon": "GB3VHF","Frequency": 144.4300,"Locator": "JO01EH08","Location": "FAIRSEAT - KENT - UK","Lat": 51.329060,"Lon": 0.339223,"Antenna": "3 ELE YAGI","Heading": "288","Power": 30.000,"ERP": 100.000,"Status": "QRV","DateLastSpot": "2025-06-11" },

This dump can be massaged to fit your requirements ( I notice that I am not properly supporting multidirectional beacons - like GB3VHF).
I'd be pleased to see a credit/acknowledgement to beaconspot.uk for the beacon listing.

Finally, I will need approval from the System Supervisors to provide the service. It should be a formality...

[srcejon]

Yeah, would be great, thanks.

[sq6emm]

@srcejon was it already sorted out with Dave? Or you need sthg more here?