In 1911 Meissner designed the first rotary radio beacon to aid in the navigation of the Zeppelin airships. In 1913 he was the first to amplify high-frequency radio signals by using feedback in a vacuum triode; this principle made it possible to build radio receivers more sensitive than any earlier type.

What were beacons used for?

Beacons, or fire beacons, were fires which were lit to give warning to local people of the approach of an enemy. They were sited on high hills, usually as part of a defensive signal system, or chain, stretching back from the coast to inland areas. The signal was given by smoke during the day and light by night.

Who invented beacon?

It was based on a combination of fire signals, invented by Kleoxenos and Dimokleitos, in the 3rd century B.C. This system may be described as digital (quinary of 2bits) a precursor of today's technology and the only registered attempt of this kind in the world until the 16th century A.D.