[Lowfer] CW Beacon Now On-74.549 kHz...

[JD]

I understand, Bob.  From my perspective, QRSS and DFCW are better examples 
of "real" radio anyhow, because they require human interaction to read and 
interpret.  WSPR is basically a machine communication protocol, not really a 
transmission mode.  Nobody seems to use the real underlying JT mode itself 
for either beaconing or station-to-station contacts on LF.

Sure, I can see the benefit of a propagation reporting system, although it's 
something which ought to be done on a consistent and more or less scheduled 
basis, as on HF.  But that's really not how people use WSPR at LF.  It seems 
more like a way of collecting confirmation of half-contacts with mostly 
unattended radios and computers.  I personally can't get enthused about a 
protocol that requires users to feel they have to be connected to the 
Internet to get full benefit.  "Have your machine call my machine and we'll 
exhange a signal report some time."  Kind of defeats the point of radio, 
IMO.

None the less, since that's what folks enjoy doing, I'll try not be a 
curmudgeon and actually practice tuning in WSPR-15 myself somehow.  Given 
that I can't get Internet service where I listen, bugs in the reporting 
software are no problem for me anyway! ;>)

If anyone within daytime coverage range (or night, if it ever gets quiet 
enough again here) wants to schedule some WSPR-15 and doesn't care that 
automatic spot reporting may not work, please post a day or so in advance if 
possible.  As with Bob's Friday test, I'm sure real live people will be glad 
to post results, even if the 'net lets you down.

John D