Amateur Radio is seen by many as the hobby of gray haired old men listening to scratchy noises. There is so much more to the hobby.
WSPR is one of the more exotic combinations of PC and HF radio. Low power signals containing a radio callsign and location are transmitted at random on known frequencies around the world. Other stations with PC connected to their radio receivers monitor these frequencies and the results are plotted on the screen. Results are also automatically uploaded to the Internet for others to view and study.
This is real STEM activity. How far have the signals traveled? Why do they change? How can we hear more stations? Lots of activities and thoughts can spin off!
You can be part of this experiment with a moderate cost Short Wave Receiver, a PC, some free software and a simple home made interface. You can leave it running in silence over night or when doing other things. You will be amazed at the signals that you can decode.
Could this be an interesting JOTA related activity? Yes, signals can be received with out having to hold a radio licence. All can be done with out any gray hairs or scratchy noises in the house to annoy others too.
Contact the Radio and Electronics team for more. information.
Enjoy – Philip VK3JNI.
