[K3PZN-List] WSPR QRPP QRV

[Curt Milton]

Update - ran it on 40m a couple days ago, and 30m also at dusk yesterday.  getting spots nearly 7000 km across the Atlantic from Germany, Denmark, etc.  dozens of hits every transmission seemed to be added as the sun is setting.  amazing what 150 milliwatts can do.  

the hardware is very nice, and once set up the 'programming' works well enough - even with only 2 push buttons for input.  

the WSPR passband is only 200 Hz wide -- so careful calibration is essential.  the integrated GPS, plus the user putting in the proper settings - results in nice operation.  turns out the developer Hans works in software - no surprise here.  

at the moment I have to swap filters to change bands.  but once I assemble the relay board, this will become automatic.  one can even program the thing for separate transmissions on different bands - if your antenna supports them, that is !  I could do two or three, but for right now experiencing propagation one band at a time is nice enough.  this thing will be even more interesting as we get into fall and winter.  

I am not that much of a digital more enthusiast - I do mostly CW in my sparse operating hours -- but nifty to experience WSPR.  I will get receive setup to contribute to the network one of these days.  

CUL curt 

    On Tuesday, July 11, 2017 7:40 PM, Curt Milton via K3PZN-List <k3pzn-list at mailman.qth.net> wrote:
 

 okay a few acronyms.  curiosity and a little adventure led me to ordering a nifty transmitter oriented to this mode (it does some other things to).  a box with several small PC boards and some parts arrived from Japan.  a second box with a very nice enclosure arrived from China a few days later.  I had placed my order with QRP Labs operated by a gentleman in the UK.  this thing is very cool.  it transmits without a PC - a stand alone unit.  I ordered the optional GPS, and it stays 'on time' which is required for WSPR.  I have not yet built a six band relay board, so I merely operating on 40m now.  

the build was not that bad - just careful assembly with a magnifier.  I had one solder bridge, which prevented GPS from working.  and I smoked a final transistor in alignment - no worry these BS170 devices cost about 20 cents each, and I have some spares.  reading the manual is a bit more challenging, particularly when I am motivated only to get this working !  maybe I spent more time learning the settings than I did building it !  

no I will not admit my other stumbles getting this thing working!  all small .... 

anyway how far will 150 to 200 milliwatts go ?  well with this waveform that transmits for a couple minutes at a time - we will see.  (and there are provisions to add more power --  I will get there some day - but very QRO isn't needed here).  

the idea is to let this thing function when I can't be doing ham radio -- and visit the web to see my my signal has gone.  eventually I will set up receive capability to contribute to the network.  

the proprietor isn't making huge profits based upon what he sells these for - but some of the profits fund expendable payloads that they have launched around the world.   

I have no plans to give up other modes -- but this thing is rather cool!  Ultimate 3S.  

73 Curt
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73 de K3PZN Westminster, MD
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