International WSPR Beacon Project

International WSPR Beacon Project

WSPR pronounced as “Whisper” stands for Weak Signal Propagation Reporter software for weak signal communication by radio amateurs. International WSPR Beacon Project aims at deploying 40 WSPR beacons globally which will transmit same power with same band hopping schedule 80, 40, 20, 15, 10 m continuously in a synchronized fashion. The exact transmit frequency within the allocated WSPR segment or band is picked randomly by the Firmware. Aim of the project is to identify and visualize weak signal propagation paths to study global Ham Radio HF Propagation.

WSPR Beacon does not need a computer or internet connection, but needs a vertical multi-band omnidirectional antenna. RF power transmitted is just 200 mW. There are two beacons operating from India. One is VU2OB in New Delhi, using  GEK 5 Band HF Antenna and another VU2ITI in Kerala. The WSPR Desktop Transmitter runs on 5V USB with maximum 250 mA usage. Hardware cost is just USD 139, which is refunded by the project once the beacon is up and running! Potential participants are selected very carefully to achieve best possible global coverage.