I’ve got a question. How could I test whether my markers (inner, middle, outer) are actually working?
Of course the lamps glow upon powering the panel. And I know how to enable sound output to double-check receptance of the marker. But I asked around and found out that the markers on actual instrument approaches that I’ve flown were actually shut down, so I have yet to find an active marker to cross-check.
However, as I’m puzzling whether they are actually working or not, is there an easy way to find out whether they are working, e.g. actually able to receive a signal?
Edit: It’s included in a Garmin GMA 340 audio panel (powering the beautiful original lamps, but that should have no effect on this question)
Get a signal generator and an antenna?
https://ext.eurocontrol.int/aixm_confluence/display/ACGAIP/Marker+Beacon
https://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/marker+beacon
Arne wrote:
Get a signal generator and an antenna?
Where from? I could build one, yes, but I have other things to do 
Maybe one here in the forum has one to lend?
Any avionics company or independent technician with a ramp tester such an a IFR NAV401L, NAV402AP, NAV4000 or similar from TIC should be able to test your Marker receiver. I still use the old 401L as it’s great for autopilot testing.
Why bother, I don’t think there are any nowadays, they were replaced by dme. Last one I flew was benbecula in the 90’s IIRC.Anyone know of any still in use?
The OP is in Germany, which might have some, on ex US AF places like e.g. Ramstein.
Maybe Brize Norton? My intercom used to light up those lamps when I flew near or over Brize.
As per UdoR “ But I asked around and found out that the markers on actual instrument approaches that I’ve flown were actually shut down”. I rest my case ;-)
OK then why are the marker beacons still in the Jeppesen approach charts if they are all shut down? It’s a bit annoying.
Have they all been shut down? Then I couldn’ care less.
I know that my system had been tested in 2020 and all was working fine. I’ve got the protocol. I just wanted to recheck that, because there’s no way to fly to places and check.
Hi,yes I agree! As Peter says, I think you’ll have to look fairly hard to find any of operational value.
I haven’t used them since the 90’s, and then they were supplemented by DME. (Mainly flying UK, with some Larger European airports),
Obsolete IMHO, probably best removed and binned as weight/drag saving effort!
UdoR wrote:
OK then why are the marker beacons still in the Jeppesen approach charts if they are all shut down? It’s a bit annoying.
Here’s a screenshot (only the relevant portion for not to infringe copyright) of the approach chart of the ILS 08R in EDDP that I’ve flown recently. There’s a middle marker in the chart but it’s not working.
