In the era of "big science" it's refreshing to see amateur researchers playing a role in a project like WSPR. It's a win-win. The Pi gets loads of data and hams get an outstanding tool for antenna design.

Anne Prather, KA9EHV

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The beauty of WSPR

WSPR stands for Weak Signal Propagation Reporting. It's a system that consists of a special communications mode, the software to generate this mode, and a database of signal reports, times, station callsigns and locations. WSPR is the brainchild of Joseph Taylor, K1JT, a Nobel laureate whose major research is in radio astronomy. His interest in radio astronomy dovetails neatly with his interest in variations in weak-signal propagation.

WSPR is an antenna designer's dream. When used in conjunction with the EasyNec modeling program, WSPR provides a wonderful tool for the validation of antenna design performance. As an urban dweller, I face substantial challenges in the antenna area, and the use of these tools has improved my contest results and the overall performance of my station.