VOR/DME stations not transmitting the code?

[virgo47]

I was confused why some VORs don't transmit their callsign - they are simply silent all the time. I investigated and the conclusion is:

• Pure VORs (BEACON_TYPE_VOR) transmit just fine.
• VOR/DME stations (BEACON_TYPE_VOR_DME) do not transmit the code.

I checked this with UH-1H both VHF AM and NAV-COMM radios and also with C-101EB with its VOR radio. I could clearly hear the signal from various VORs, but never from VOR DMEs. For example, sitting at Mezzeh (Syria), Damaskus 116 MHz VOR is totally silent (navigation still works). I checked the same on Persion Gulf map and found the same.

Video demonstration:

My position: Mezzeh
113.90 MHz is Baysur VOR (no DME), close to Beirut, 70 km away with mountains in between, code BAR - clearly audible.
116.00 MHz is Damaskus VOR/DME station, 25 km away more or less plain, code DAM, never received.

Edited June 2, 2024 by virgo47