WSPR simplification & performance improvements
I first set up for WSPR a little over two months ago. At that time, I was using my main rig (FT840), the computer’s sound card with all the requisite cables for audio & keying, a RigBlaster and the latest-at-the-time WSPR software.
It was fun and surprising to see what could be accomplished with a watt, even on the low bands. But I had a ton of wires and a rig tied up to the mode. And I couldn’t use the computer’s sound card for other purposes without disconnecting wires and plugging in the speakers.
Then I saw a different type of interface mentioned on Dave AA7EE’s blog, did a little research and ordered one. Unlike RigBlasters, the SignalLink USB interface has its own built-in sound card and requires only two cables: one to the rig and a USB cable to the computer. It comes with both cables.
An additional and very real benefit to this interface is that I can control my rig’s output power as well as receive level via knobs on the front panel – none of that going into the software and using the mouse to move a slider, etc.
This set-up simplified the wiring but the WSPR software version at the time required that I tell the computer to use the interface’s sound card which again, rendered the computer useless for other audio tasks, like listening to MP3s. I couldn’t selectively use the interface for WSPR and the computer’s sound card for other audio functions – it was all or nothing as far as sound card dedication.
WSPR 2.0 was released a few weeks ago and now all that’s changed. Sound card assignment is now made from within the WSPR software, not the computer’s Control Panel. Other improvements to the software were also made such as the percentage of time desired for transmitting.
Now I can be WSPRing while the computer simultaneously allows me to enjoy the fine stereo separation and haunting melodies as Hayward and Lodge sing about Leary. If you know what I mean by that…..
Finally, I now have my old mobile rig, an FT857D, set up in the shack to use as a dedicated WSPR rig (and as a 6m rig once my antenna arrives).
I put the whole shebang on 80m last night with an output power of 1 watt. Stations in both Italy and England were able to copy me, and I them. My first impression of the new software is that I seem to be getting significantly more decodes than I did with the old software. Not sure if this is a benefit of the updated software or due to lower QRN as we move closer to winter.
Themocracy
Hi John,
One of the Wishper’s did made some improvments on the Signalink.
Check this link: http://www.frenning.dk/OZ1PIF_HOMEPAGE/SignaLinkUSB-mods.html
May be you can make it better.
’73 and happy Wishpering..
Peter , PE1DCD
Hi John,
I couldn’t agree more about WSPR 2.0. It’s a major improvement. I just re-entered WSPR (because I finally am getting set up for SO2R contesting and now can run two rigs at the same time on their own antenna). I use an FT-840 for WSPR and sometimes I use my main rig, an FT-857D to WSPR on another band, or operate as I usually do.
I’m still learning the ropes on WSPR but I’ve already had a blast with all the stations I can hear and that can hear me. I think this will go a LONG way towards helping me settle on a better antenna to try and get my DXCC count over 200.
By the way, he’s ‘outside, looking-in.’ I loved Dr Tim’s book ‘Flashbacks’.
73 and Happy Trails,
Jack, K6JEB
http://www.k6jeb.com/
PS – how much delay is there on this Signalink? The non-USB version had a noticeable delay when keying, making contesting or DXing something of a game of pre-emptive transmitting. I love the idea of such a simple setup. (I still use my Signalink SL1+ for not-so-hurried operating).
Hey Jack, I’ll check out that book. And I saw your write-up on QRZ.com about Pookie – I guess you get all your electronic parts from MOUSEr…..
Good Job. Thanks.
Letting you know I noticed the exact same problems with my two SignaLink as soon as they were installed. Now I know how to fix them.
Thanks again .. very much …. 73