Taking advantage of the good VHF propagation at the Tehachapi property, VHF beacon transmitters are on the air there 24/7 (except during equipment failures).  As of early 2008, beacons were operating on six meters (50.068 MHz), two meters (144.294 MHz) and 70 cm (432.294 MHz), providing a reference signal for propagation observations and for antenna and receiver adjustments.
     The beacons are powered by photovoltaic solar panels.  During winter months, the beacons deliver five watts into Yagi antennas pointed northwest (approximately 315 degrees).  During the summer months, when the solar panels work more efficiently and there is little danger of snow blocking the sunlight, the power is increased to 25 or even 50 watts.  At times during the May-July sporadic E propagation season, the antennas may be oriented to the northeast (60 degrees).
     The two-meter beacon is regularly heard from Mexico to Sacramento, and it has been heard as far north as southern Oregon and as far east as southwestern Utah.