LORAN

LORAN

Frequencies	100 kHz
Frequency Range	100 kHz - 100 kHz
Mode	USB
Modulation	PPM
ACF	—
Emission Designator	—
Bandwidth	20 kHz
Location	Worldwide
Short Description	LORAN (short for LOng RAnge Navigation) is a hyperbolic radio navigation system.
I/Q Raw Recording	—
Audio Sample

LORAN (short for LOng RAnge Navigation) is a hyperbolic radio navigation system. LORAN-C was the predominant LORAN system in use but in recent years eLORAN, or E-LORAN (Enhanced LORAN) has been replacing obsolete LORAN-C systems. However, eLORAN has not been able to catch on as well as GPS systems become cheaper and more accessible to users, so eLORAN systems have begun to shut down.

eLORAN is, to radio listeners, virtually identical to LORAN-C, but the primary difference is the addition of a Data Channel to send DGPS info, Differential eLORAN corrections, UTC Time of day, eLORAN Integrity info, as well as other data. The data is transmitted at about 20-50 bpsBits per second (bps) using Pulse Position Modulation (Also known as Eurofix), or by using 9th Pulse Modulation.

Alert: At the end of 2015, the entire European Loran system was discontinued. This INCLUDES the UK eLORAN Implementation. Analysis of Shutdown by PA3FWM

Note: The 100 kHzKiloHertz (kHz) 10^3 Hz signal recorded is a combination of LORAN and CHAYKA systems, as they all operate on the same frequency. To distinguish between them you have to analyse the GRI (Group Repetition Interval) to determine the chain and match it to documented GRI numbers for LORAN and CHAYKA systems.

Samples

LORAN-C Pulse Chain Diagram

LORAN Captured in USBUpper Side Band Modulation (Radio, referring to reception and modulation mode)Universal Serial Bus (Computer, referring to USB Ports and cables) mode:

LORAN Captured in AMAmplitude Modulation mode:

LORAN single pulse chain with master pulse (AMAmplitude Modulation):

LORAN transmission from a single transmitter (AMAmplitude Modulation):

• Listen to LORAN Live at WebSDR Univ. of Twente

Additional Links

• Shutdown of LORAN in Faroe Islands
• Shutdown of experimental eLORAN system in UK
• European Loran 2015 Shutdown Analysis by PA3FWM
• LORAN-C Wikipedia
• LORAN-C Powerpoint
• eLoran System Definition by UrsaNav
• DF6NM's Loran-C Live Grabber
• Loran-C Signal Characteristics
• LO-RAN Report

Additional Images

Snapshot of DF6NM's Live LORAN-C Grabber showing when the European LORAN system shut down at the beginning of January 1st, 2016. This is the WebSDR waterfall of the 100 kHzKiloHertz (kHz) 10^3 Hz LORAN after the European Shutdown. close up of a single burst of LORAN-C with the master pulse clearly visible to the right.