WSPR

WSPR shows open paths on the HF bands

At our 16 February meeting, James ZL2ET gave us an interesting talk on WSPR (pronounced “whisper”) and its applications.

Doug ZL2AOV summarised it as:

“James ZL2ET discussed the challenges and possibilities involved in low-power, very low-speed propagation testing. WSPR (Weak Signal Propagation Reporter) is a computer-driven way to find out which bands are open, when and between what sites; it correlates this data and provides it on-screen.

“Using a presentation prepared by Steve Nichols G0KYA, James took us through the equipment needed: a computer with a sound-card to generate the slow-speed FSK used, a transceiver with accurate and stable frequency control, a source of accurate time (propagation paths are found by comparing accurate time slots of data), and an internet link to upload the data to a central repository for automatic analysis and dissemination. Viewers can see what’s going on by pointing their web browsers at www.wsprnet.org. The files can be analysed by band, time, and even by transmitter source … allowing insights into amateur radio DX prospects.

“Transmitters don’t want to be high-powered (maximum five watts is fine) and milliwatts is possible. A Raspberry Pi model B can be programmed to provide FSK on a preferred frequency at about 10 milliwatts out; an amp can push that to 100milliwatts and a tiny bandpass filter does the rest. Timing accuracy can be guaranteed using a wi-fi usb stick to synch to external clocks.

“The protocol provides for transmission of callsign, locator square, power output (in dBm) for 100 seconds, then listening for 120 seconds. Transmission is FSK, just six Hertz.

“The designer of it all? Professor Joe Taylor K1JT, well known for other innovations in digital modes. The system’s sensitivity is stated to be between 11dB and 15dB better than the human ear. That’s way better than using PSK31 and searching for the characteristic double-lines in the waterfall display!!!!”

Summer BBQ with XYLs

Out came the steaks, chops, chicken kebabs, salads, and cake at the annual summer BBQ at the QTH of club chairman, Mike ZL1AXG, on 20 January 2016.  Attendance was similar to previous years, but several XYLs came along for the first time.

Please note that the February and March meetings are on the 3rd Tuesday, NOT on the Wednesday as per usual.

Christmas Dinner

A total of 23 people were paid up to attend the 2015 Christmas Dinner (including a number of  XYLs) held on Wednesday 9 December at the Evans Bay Yacht Club. Four people were, in the event, unable to attend, but those who turned up had an enjoyable time of socialising and feasting on the traditional “ham” main course and wonderful cream puffs for dessert.  Mike ZL1AXG welcomed everybody and gave a few updates.  He provided a “soft” sell on the mesh kitset (including cabling, Wifi Access point and phones) available for purchase through John ZL2HD and himself!   John suggested that we shouldn’t make Christmas too commercial, so no profits are being made – just a small contribution from every sale goes to mesh infrastructure around the region.

The Three Morseketeers!

Morseketeer JE1CLH
Morseketeer JE1CLH

Ralph Sutton ZL2AOH, our oldest member, mentioned during his talk on CW and FISTS at the November 2015 branch meeting that he conducted regular skeds with three hams, the Three Morseketeers! (Mack JE1CLH, David G3KMG and Jonathan W0XO/7J1AWL.).

In 2009, all three of them happened to be in Mack’s shack in Kimitsu, a city just across Tokyo Bay from Yokohama. Jonathan recorded their QSO with Ralph ZL2AOH and posted it on YouTube. It’s a fine example of an enjoyable rag-chew in very good conditions.