WSPR is amazing!  A tiny and inexpensive transmitter sends low speed morse code that can be heard around the world.

$29 WSPR transmitter kit from http://www.qrp-labs.com/

What is WSPR?

WSPR stands for Weak Signal Propagation Reporter, but it’s pronounced “Whisper” – quite an appropriate name as it is all about sending and receiving signals that are barely audible.

WSPR is a software application written by Joe Taylor, K1JT, a Nobel Prize-winning Princeton physicist. It was first released in April 2008. It uses a transmission mode called MEPT-JT. The “JT” stands for Joe Taylor, while MEPT stands for Manned Experimental Propagation Transmitter.

MEPT is not something specific to WSPR. MEPTs are very often simple home-built QRP transmitters that send beacon messages using very low-speed Morse (QRSS). Their very weak signals are copied visually using software called a “grabber” – a horizontal waterfall display capable of detecting and highlighting signals well below the noise threshold. The content of a transmission is determined – as with many other weak-signal QRSS modes such as EME (moonbounce) – by literally reading the dots and dashes as they are displayed on the waterfall.

The “manned” aspect of MEPT simply relates to the operator’s license conditions. It is not necessary to obtain a special dispensation to operate a MEPT station because you are present while it is in use, just as you would be when using CW, SSB or another data mode. In fact, some MEPT enthusiasts discourage the use of the term “beacon” because beacon operation without a special permit is prohibited by some licensing authorities.

http://www.g4ilo.com/wspr.html

Pi and Ham – Yes you can!

https://github.com/threeme3/WsprryPi

by Paul M. Segal, W9EEA (1928)

Rain, hail, and good times at the 2014 Hamvention. I was able to attend Friday and Saturday and enjoyed both days. The big purchase was a buddipole and a few antenna accessories.

Favorite bit of gear from Hamvention 2014

I’m going to tackle this project as soon as the autotuner is available!

Based on Jim Veatch’s winning ARRL Home Brew Challenge II amplifier design, it’s been improved and functionality has been expanded to include a new aluminum enclosure with built in pre-drilled and tapped heat sink, an LCD display, pre-soldered SMT components, computer control options, software upgradeable, easier to use connectors, and MORE. All software is open source and the unit hackable. The HARDROCK-50 is FCC Type accepted under device ID RHAHR50

Kit includes 3 PCBs with all surface mount components professionally installed using a reflow process. Builder only needs to install through hole components; toroidal inductors, relays, transistors, connectors, etc. Also includes professionally machined case with integral heat-sink, all chassis mount components, interconnects and instruction/assembly manual. Supports auto band select (depending on transceiver) via accessory port.

Bill, Rob, Ron, and Vondra. Check out what your missing at Hamvention.

http://w5kub.com/

http://www.hamvention.org/

http://www.icomamerica.com/en/amateur/dayton2014/default.aspx

What a difference an analyzer makes! I received my You Kits FG-01A today from TenTec and immediately plugged in my home-brew buddipole.  The FG-01A is incredibly easy to operate.  I was adjusting dipole segments in about 5 minutes.  and  I was down to a swr of 1.4 within a half hour. I spent some time surfing 20 meters but had no luck calling cq on 14.285. It was still a great evening on the deck.