WSPR

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Related wiki pages Repeater listings, APRS, D-Star, Echolink, IRLP, Packet, Slow-Scan Television (SSTV), Fast-Scan Television (ATV), Optical communications, Software, WSJT


WSPR Weak Signal Propagation Reporter

WSPR (usually pronounced "whisper") is a software application that uses the transmission mode MEPT-JT (Manned Experimental Propagation Transmitter - Joe Taylor).

In MEPT transmissions, the radio becomes a beacon that transmits for just under 2 minutes, transmitting callsign, locator and power information. Modulation is by narrow band FSK.

Frequencies in use for WSPR

Band Dial freq (MHz) Tx freq (MHz)
160m 1.836600 1.838000 - 1.838200
80m
3.592600 3.594000 - 3.594200
60m
5.287200 5.288600 - 5.288800
40m
7.038600 7.040000 - 7.040200
30m
10.138700 10.140100 - 10.140300
20m
14.095600 14.097000 - 14.097200
17m
18.104600 18.106000 - 18.106200
15m
21.094600 21.096000 - 21.096200
12m
24.924600
24.926000 - 24.926200
10m
28.124600
28.126000 - 28.126200
6m
50.293000
50.294400 - 50.294600
2m
144.488500
144.489900 - 144.490100

WSPR interface

The WSPR interface has three main panes:

  • Top left - the activity pane which is divided into vertical strips each representing a time of 2 minutes. In the example below, transmits are shown as green vertical lines.
  • Top Tight - the active stations pane which shows which stations have been received.
  • Bottom Right - received station details, showing the receive parameters of active stations.

VK4YEH-WSPR.jpg

One feature of this receive pane is the multiple receive tracks from the same station (VK4YEH) at the same time. Larry Weaver supplied this explanation:

"The cause of receiving stations reporting two instances of the same transmission is usually caused by local QRM at the receive location or over driving of the sound card input from the receiver, or both. I, along with others, have had our transmissions reported in doubles at various times. It is usually a new WSPR user who has not adjusted his input level properly or strong QRM during a WSPR receive cycle. "

WSPR Spots

This link goes to the WSPR spots page. WSPR receivers are linked via the internet, and information is automatically uploaded to the server by the WSPR software ( this can be turned off ). An example of the spots page is below:

VK4YEH WSPR spots.png

The fact that stations are linked means that time synchronisation is critical. Reports suggest that time differences of greater than 2 seconds will result in errors. Many operators use Dimension 4 to synchronise their Windows PC.

Time Synchronisation

Effective use of WSPR is dependent on accurate synchronisation of the computer clock to "internet time".

While this can be achieved by using the "Date and Time properties" function in windoes, some users have found [Dimension 4] to be a very useful utility.

External links


Amateur radio software
Operation Radio and Repeater Control * Moonbounce (EME) Scheduling (Sked) and tracking software * SSTV * Widgets * Yfklog * Yfktest * Misc.
Digital modes WSJT * WSPR
Platforms Linux * MacOS