My WSPRlite arrived pretty quickly for OS mail. Setting up was easy. I chose 10 MHz to start with. The antenna is a 40/80 m dipole and is not very high. An ATU was pressed into service to get the SWR down to 1.5:1. That's as good as I could make it, but it'swell within acceptable limits. The next step was to be able to connect to te antenna. A length of RG174 with an appropriate small cox connector was dragged out of the junk box along with a small plastic case and a SO230 connector. Add a USB power supply and wait for the next 2 m time pip from WWV. press the button and we were away. Best report so far (just under 24 hours) on a dead band is from just over 1,200 km. Listening on another rx the signal is clean and did not drift as much as 1 Hz overnight. No computer tied up, the main rig is free to use on other bands. You have a real winner Richard for propagation and antenna testing. Thanks.

Full, original review with many photos/screenshots available at http://www.ripon.org.uk/content/sotabeams-wsprlite-wspr-beacon-review Introduction K1JT’s superb WSPR protocol has kept me busy/addicted for months, but until recently I was RX only, relying on the global network of other Ham’s WSPR transmitters so that I could spot and report them to the central WSPR database using my station to get an idea of propagation conditions, my antenna performance and just for fun! I’ve been wanting to TX for a while but didn’t quite got round to configuring a PC and rig for that. What I really wanted was a simple & cheap standalone unit, negating the need for a PC and rig being tied up 24x7. Then Sotabeams came along and produced a USB powered WSPR beacon for small money and simple operation which sounded perfect. Evaluation In addition to the small beacon unit (a tiny 55x50x20mm), Sotabeams also provides access to their bespoke website www.dxplorer.net which takes a data feed from the main www.wsprnet.org site allowing you to see performance on a map, table or graph, or against another WSPRlite user on the same band in these formats. This is really useful and adds value to the existing WSPR proposition. Let’s say a station only a few miles away is doing better or worse than your station over time for example, then why might that be and what might you choose to do about it? Naturally you still have access to the main WSPR website for their standard features. How much DX does 200mW using the WSPR protocol get you? Lots is the answer – with my modest OCFD wire antenna in IO93fx I’ve already got round most of Europe on 40m, Australia (albeit only once) and reached USA on 20m. All praise to K1JT’s efficient protocol where less really is more! Setup & Support Setup is easy – you do need to “RTFM” of course but this represents only a few simple steps: install the user-friendly Windows software, connect a USB lead which provides the power and data connection, add a few configuration details (call sign, band, TX power etc) and then you’re ready to connect an antenna (SMA adaptor/lead required!), power (eg USB charger or USB power bank) and set the timing which just involves pressing the button on an even minute using a synchronized clock as a reference. Summary If you already use WSPR or just want to get started then I’d highly recommend the Sotabeams WSPRlite beacon for QRPp WSPR TX – small, good value and simple! Full, original review with many photos/screenshots available at http://www.ripon.org.uk/content/sotabeams-wsprlite-wspr-beacon-review

I never realised how well my old 120ft Doublet could perform. The first, not quite straight out of the box, analysis revealed spots where, previously, QSO's were the exception. Under normal circumstances it would have required an inordinate amount of real time to duplicate this overall view of antenna performance presented effortlessly by the WSPRlite SB. I have not had time to explore the many other available features embodied in the software --- that is a pleasure to come I'm sure. A great Product Indeed. Unlike other users I did have difficulty programming the device. The instructions are very clear, however, I had to appeal to Richard Newstead for assistance. The ensuing after sales service was super and after much toing and froing, and a great deal of patience on Richard's part, I eventually got there. Those few simple lines above do not adequately explain the amount of time this exercise involved. This included much soul searching and many eMails between Richard and myself, too boring to relate. The return of the Device to SOTA for programming , its return to me at no cost and even a small present to enable my pilot error easier to take! All this whilst Richard was running the business. I can not find praise enough. Thank you SOTABEAMS and all involved.

What a joy to have such a simple device to set up and operate and yet be so productive. It took me about an hour get going. On 20m, my half-size G5RV was above recommended SWR at 3:1 so I had to use my MFJ 901B ATU. The larger of 2 power banks shut down when the WSPRlite was on standby but the smaller one lasted all day. Of 2 radio-controlled clocks, the first was out and wouldn't start the manual TX on the WSPRlite but the second was accurate and worked. We've been following the release of this tool at meetings of Bolton Wireless Club and members have been inspired by the concept.

Over the years it has always been test gear and accessories that have topped my league table of favourite equipment. Until now this has been items such as multi-meters, z-matches, electronic keys and auto tuners. Mainly because these helped me to enjoy the hobby more than transceivers alone. Then I read Richards email, and ordered a WSPrlite. Set up and on the air in less than 15 minutes I was soon receiving reports on 20m. What a game changer for aerial tests. So much easier than trying to judge performance through regular contacts over a short period (usually during contests), especially given the predominance of 599 reporting. The only indication being the ease or otherwise of actually making a contact. As a result this purchase the WSPRlite and DXplorer is now number 1. Now planning to get into WSPR rx reporting to help other ops. 73 de Steve

Six days into using WSPRlite + DXplorer has rekindled my interest in WSPR. Previously I’d only taken a cursory look at interfacing older versions of WSJT to radios and soon lost interest with the set up and tying up radios for long periods. WSPRlite has been a game changer with its simple standalone approach. Along the way I’ve also learnt a lot more about WSPRnet and using WSJT-X (for Rx reports and other bands currently not supported by WSPRlite) With my increased confidence using WSPR the results generated with WSPRlite have been fascinating and revealing – I particularly like the DX10 graphical comparisons provided by DXplorer to follow propagation over extended time periods and the ability to compare anatennas… perhaps some interesting possibilities for a club station? Overall very impressed with WSPRlite and Richard’s support - Thanks

I have been active on WSPR for a couple of years and long-term running has always been a problem, tying up Tcvr, PSU and PC which is expensive and limiting. With WSPRlite powered by either a 12v 7A SLA battery with a 5v USB adaptor or a mobile "phone bank" (depending on which is charged ) it can be set and left to its own devices. The interface is easy to setup and use and the unit itself is neat and well made. I have DXplorer on my mobile so I can check things out whilst out of the shack Wish-List? A multi-band version and for me, both sockets on the same side of the case would be useful. In summary, an extremely useful tool and thoroughly recommended. Roger G0IUW

Recently received the new wsprlite. Within 30 minutes of receiving it was up and running. Easy to set up and had no problems. Was a little concerned about setting the timing but set it to an atomic clock and all worked fine. With only 200mW into a home brew cobweb, despite poor band conditions on 20m, soon had spots in usa and fair anount of europe. Well done for a great of kit. Just need a matching receiver now.

Its been a couple of days since I unpacked the WSPRLITE. I built a very quick magnetic loop tuned it up on 10.138.7 Mhz and ran 100mW into it. Furthest contact so far was 1500km. Most of my other antenna are for VHF/UHF so will be playing with some wire antenna over the next week. What a very useful and interesting tool this WSPRLITE is.

To be honest, I ordered one more than anything just to have a play with it. I've only had it for a few days and have quickly realised what an incredibly useful bit of kit this is! Any new antenna, or changes to an old one, used to be a case of tune around the bands - maybe put a few calls out, and try to get a feel for what the performance was like. Now I simply put the WSPRlite onto the antenna and within minutes I have signal reports from Europe, North America etc. which I can compare with previous results or other antennae. When it's not being used to see what the antenna is doing, just leave it ticking over to check on band conditions. I do not think many amateurs would regret buying one. Just wondering whether I could justify one or two more!!