I was heard in Australia using 200mW and a Gutter, utilizing the ZachTek WSPR Transmitter. Today I would like to give you a 15 minute overview of this device as I have been utilizing it. What is WSPR? - Weak Signal Propagation Reporter - WSPR (pronounced "whisper") is an acronym for Weak Signal Propagation Reporter. It is a protocol, implemented in a computer program, used for weak-signal radio communication between amateur radio operators. The protocol was designed, and a program written initially, by Joe Taylor, K1JT. The software code is now open source and is developed by a small team. The program is designed for sending and receiving low-power transmissions to test propagation paths on the MF and HF bands. (Information from Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WSPR_(amateur_radio_software). From ZachTek website (https://www.zachtek.com/) : WSPR Desktop transmitter The WSPR Desktop transmitter is a standalone multi-band WSPR transmitter with built in GPS for the radio amateur/experimenter. Some quick features: Standalone operation, PC required for configuration but not for operation. For transmission on a variety of HF Bands (2-5), based on model and user-choice. Is powered from USB. Comes with built-in GPS module and includes external GPS antenna with a 3m (10feet) long cable for easy installation. Use the PC configuration software to set up your call-sign and band-choice and after that it can operate in standalone mode. Timing and Maidenhead position is automatic from the GPS network. Take it camping, move it to another QTH, use it mobile. Needs only 5V 250mA so can be powered from a phone charger or USB power pack. Contains an Arduino with open source software. Software and Schematic is published on documentation page. Available in four models. Model Low for bands 2190m and 630m (136kHz and 474kHz) Model MidPlus for bands 160m, 80m, 40m, 30m, and 20m (1.8MHz, 3.5MHz, 7MHz, 10MHz and 14MHz) Model HighPlus for bands 17m,15m, 12m, 10m and 6m (18MHz, 21MHz, 24MHz, 28MHz and 50MHz) Model 80To10 for bands 80m, 40m, 30m, 20m, 17m, 15m, 12m and 10m (3.5MHz, 7MHz, 10MHz, 14MHz, 18MHz, 21MHz, 24MHz and 28MHz) Once you have set up your call-sign it will operate independently indoors or outdoors with minimal requirement of interaction from the user. The GPS provides the timing necessary to ensure that the WSPR transmission is occurring at the correct time. The GPS also provide the position information needed to calculate the Maidenhead code that is transmitted. This is a great feature as it means the users don’t have to know the Maidenhead grid before getting on the air. This can be very convenient if you take the transmitter to a new location or use it in a mobile application. The output power around 200 mW is just perfect for WSPR operation. With a dipole antenna it will give you continent coverage most of the time but when the conditions are favorable it will give you trans-continent contacts. So at this power level it easy to see how the daily conditions change. The input power requirements are 5V 100mA at idle and 250mA when transmitting. This makes it possible to use a laptop computer, phone charger or a USB Power pack to power it in mobile or stationary operation mode. What better way to test out your portable antennas than to stick this in your backpack with a USB power pack and try out different antennas or mobile QTHs? The product comes with an external GPS antenna and a USB cable but without a power adapter. The PC configuration software is available for download form this web or GitHub. _____________ I really like the ZachTek forums, everyone there seems pretty welcoming and eager to share information - https://www.zachtek.com/forum (registration is required) Affiliate Links - If you like these episodes, consider at least clicking the link - https://amzn.to/3ZnJEnq - Comet CTC50M Window Feed-Thru Jumper. I will attempt to get a review on this in the future but I can no longer make promises. Cheap 9:1 unun for lower power / QRP - https://amzn.to/3JgG4Wk Can WSPR Solve Flight MH370 Mystery? I don't have an opinion and think it was worth at least considering,but here's some more qualified information - https://www.mh370search.com/category/wspr/ @DavidCasler made a video on MH370 with WSPR - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zN6-qRS24AM as did @HamRadioDX https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KefDzzDAeew ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8Y84zix1vU

Check out this New Carbon Fiber Mast from GigaDude! This mast was sent to me by myself for the purpose of an overview. Tell your favorite Content Creators you want them to review the GIGADUDE now! As of 5/172023, the rest of the masts have arrived. Once feedback is acquired from other masts, this product will be available at https://shop.73qrz.com/products/preorder-25-foot-gigadude-carbon-fiber-mast-for-ham-radio the normal price will be increased from the Beta cost currently seen on the website. at the moment, I'm working out to determine the cost. Didn't see this was available on time to be a Beta Tester? Subscribe to the channel and turn on notifications to be alerted of future products which may need Beta testers. Affiliate links, which means I make a commission off of some sales: Guy Wire Clamp (this would be ideal for Aluminum masts) https://amzn.to/3Ik5VMe South Bend Kwikstik (if you're looking for a small crappie rod) - https://amzn.to/41P5yA9 From the website: What is it: a 25 foot carbon fiber mast which is collapsible to appx 70 inches. Each of the five sections clamps in to secure your mast at different heights. Weight - Under 3 pounds (Appx 2.8lbs) Clamps: Clamps allow you to adjust the amount of pressure each clamp provides to the mast. A word of caution, there is such thing as TOO much pressure, which may cause the plastic clamp to break. Diameter: Top OD (Outer Diameter) is approximately 22mm and the bottom OD is approximately 34mm. The very bottom of the Bottom section has a screw on/off cover, which does increase the OD Size (size coming later). The cover is glued on and could most likely be removed if needed (but not recommended) USE Perfect for Home use, portable/Parks on the Air use, Ham Radio Field Day events, JOTA (Jamboree on The Air), and other RACES/ARES type events. This mast is probably not hiking portable, although possible, it could be bulky. Why so expensive? I Can get xxxx Carbon fiber mast for less than 100 bucks!?!!?: Most likely you are looking at a Carbon fiber crappie pole that does have multiple sections, no clamps, and a very flexible top section. These were designed for fishing and could work for simple wire operation. The GIGADude 25 has way less flexibility at the top of the mast, it's stronger, and more durable than a crappie rod. This product has already been in a small BETA testing, and now is moving up to a larger BETA Market. What comes with this mast, do you have a 34 foot version, a 50 foot version?, Why don't you sell xxxxxxx?: Thanks for supporting Ham Radio Dude. I currently am only offering a 25 foot mast, called the GIGADude. I invested what I could into the one size carbon fiber mast. This was a size I felt would be good for a vast variety of people. In all transparency, I didn't want to invest minimum orders in 25ft, 34ft, 50ft, 17 ft masts if there's no interest in them. It's a large investment and what happens here will help determine where the sales channel goes next. Future models/versions I've considered: 12 ft (Kilo Dude) 17ft (MegaDude) , 34ft (TeraDude), 50ft (ZetaDude), 75ft (YottaDude), ???? What comes with this mast? Okay this is where it gets exciting, if you're still following. I've created Mast Toppers. These allow the mast operator to quickly install Hamsticks, Dipoles, EFHW's and more. The mast toppers being sent will be 3D printed. Max weight will most likely only support up to hamsticks. HOWEVER, you don't have to use the toppers. Additionally, there will be an update package available in the future to utilize these masts with a topper made with HEAVY DUTY nylon Myself and a few other licensed hams have been testing these toppers for over a year. The Heavy duty nylon toppers have withstood 60mph winds, 1/2 telescoping dipoles for 20 meters, multiple falls and much more. I MISSED the BETA Deal, can you please give me a discount!?! Do you offer bulk discounts?!: I cannot currently offer any additional deals, discounts, or giveaways for this product. Please understand, I have a lot invested in a concept which I don't know will work or not. As it is, I am attempting to keep the price on this product as low as possible. ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMcnnkj5ck0

Introducing the Ham Space MA-01 Portable Coil Antenna - This versatile antenna can be used on four different bands by changing small threaded coils - 40m, 20m, 15m, and 10m - allowing you to make contacts with ease. The MA-01 features a single matching coil and a sensing coil for each wave band, making it easy to switch between frequencies. With this compact and portable design, you can take your antenna with you on the go and set it up in minutes. The MA-01 is perfect for both experienced and novice ham radio operators, provided it's understood this compact antenna is a compromise and will not give peak performance as other, more efficient antennas will. $62.00, it's a great value for the performance it delivers, minus the semi flimsy feeling telscopic antena. AliExpress (non Affiliate link) - shorturl.at/aLQ58 Ham Space MA-01 Portable Coil Antenna. This video is showing my use case, opinions and overall feeling for this antenna. Pros of using any small portable coil antenna for ham radio include: Portability: A small portable coil antenna can be easily transported and set up, making it convenient for mobile or temporary operations. Low profile: A small portable coil antenna can be less conspicuous than a larger antenna, which can be an advantage in certain situations, such as in urban areas or for stealth operations. Easy to deploy: A small portable coil antenna can be quickly deployed and taken down, making it convenient for emergency or field operations. Cons of using a small portable coil antenna for ham radio include: Limited range: A small portable coil antenna typically has a shorter range than a larger antenna, which can be a disadvantage for long-distance communications. Lower efficiency: A small portable coil antenna may be less efficient than a larger antenna, which can result in weaker signals. Limited bandwidth: A small portable coil antenna may be limited to a specific band or frequency range, which can be a disadvantage if you want to operate on multiple bands. Websites shown in this video: http://wspr.rocks (Check it out!) ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1YUP5Ve-oU

Sometimes it's nice to know you don't have to do anything to fix a noise issue, because it isn't your issue. In this video I discuss how to do nothing. Resources discussed in the video http://www.websdr.org/ ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBJVx3WEMes