WSPRlite Classic
Covers 630 m through to 20 m
WSPRlite users gain free access to Premium features of DXplorer.net (subject to terms below)
Michael G0POT reviews WSPRlite with DXplorer
Wondering how well your antenna works? WSPRlite with DXplorer will tell you...
The WSPRlite is a special test transmitter that sends a signal to a Worldwide network of receiving stations. When used with our web-based DXplorer system, it's a powerful new way to evaluate antenna performance. Going way beyond antenna modelling or antenna analyzers, this unique system allows you to see how your antenna is performing in its actual location and in real-time! This type of analysis has never been possible before.
- Click here for a range of handy accessories for your WSPRlite
- Click here for low pass filter options
Uses:
- antenna performance testing (great for contesters)
- compare antennas
- compare locations
- test beam antennas
- spot openings when you are out of the shack
...all in a way that has never been possible before!
Powerful simultaneous antenna comparisons with DXplorer Premium
Using a simple Windows or Android interface, you program the WSPRlite with your callsign, QTH locator. Once set up, the WSPRlite does not need the computer to operate. Just connect it to a USB power supply (e.g. mobile phone charger), press the "sync" button at the start of any even minute, and off it goes! WSPRlite will make regular transmissions that are automatically received by stations around the world. These stations send their reports to a central website where you can see where your signals are reaching within seconds. Even more fun is to leave your beacon running and monitors its performance using DXplorer on your smartphone or tablet. This is a great way to see how your station is doing when you are at work - or even on holiday!* Take a WSPRlite on your next business trip or cruise and see where it it being heard while you sit at the bar.
What makes our product unique is the ability to compare antennas and location. We use the WSPR data to generate a special metric, DX10. We recalculate your DX10 range (km) every 2 minutes. DX10 is a great system performance indicator! The best HF system will give the longest DX10 ranges. Because you can compare the DX10 ranges for two station in real-time, you can see which one is the best - and by how much. Along with real-time DX10 graphs we calculate a mean and maximum DX10 score for each station - very handy if you make changes to your antennas to see what the changes actually do!
For beam users we generate on-the-fly Great Circle maps that have colour-coded spot locations showing signal to noise ratios. If you are doing a comparison, you can easily see who got the furthest spots and who was strongest!
Specifications
40 x 50 x 10 mm
Beacon power: 200 mW (software configurable: 5 mW - 200 mW)
VSWR: better than 3:1 recommended
Maximum reverse power < 100 mW (power levels above this will damage the WSPRlite's USB chip)
Frequency range 630**-160-80-60-40-30-20m (external low-pass filter recommended below 10 MHz)
USB current: 150 mA maximum (5 Volts).
Antenna connector: SMA socket
Power connector: micro USB socket (lead supplied)
Hardware
WSPRlite is a self-contained propagation beacon transmitter. Once configured using a special Windows or Andriod app (third party LINUX and Mac support available at WSPRlite Facebook Group), WSPRlite only needs a USB power supply to operate (no need to tie up your computer). WSPRlite operates on 630**-160-80-60-40-30-20m. The unit contains filters for 30 m and 20 m operation. Operation on other bands requires band-specific lowpass filters. We can supply a kit with filters for 160-80-40m . WSPRlite has accurate digital power control over a 16 dB range to facilitate precise measurements of antenna performance differences. WSPRlite is a low power device at only 200 mW but because of the clever encoding of the WSPR signal it has the DX capability of a 1 KW SSB transmitter (80 W CW).
Software
The DXplorer website is designed to operate with WSPRlite. DXplorer provides you with antenna performance information and propagation information in a new easy-to-use format. DXplorer has been optimised for use on mobile devices. Use of DXplorer.net is free for any WSPR user but WSPRlite users access Premium facilities including detailed antenna comparisons.
Testing a beam? Let DXplorer show you how it's working
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Video - WSPRlite Flexi or Classic? How to choose?
WSPRlite Flexi and Classic compared at a glance:
Video - WSPRlite Flexi or Classic? How to choose?
Optional Extras
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Low pass filter kit - adds three extra bands to your WSPRlite 40m, 80m and 160m |
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Connect your WSPRlite to your antenna with a handy adapter. SMA-SO239 (UHF socket) |
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Connect your WSPRlite to your antenna with a handy adapter. SMA-BNC socket |
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SMA leads - various options BNC, PL259 etc. |
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Micro USB lead - has data support unlike many. Guaranteed to work with WSPRlite!
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New to WSPRlite and DXplorer? Why not join the WSPRlite Facebook Community to see what people are doing with theirs? It's a good place to get user-community support, share tips and experience. Note that SOTABEAMS does not monitor this group; always contact us direct for support. |
Credits
The WSPR propagation reporter system was conceived and devised by Professor Joe Taylor K1JT
DXplorer uses data freely provided by WSPRnet.org - our thanks to them.
We also thank the hundreds of people who operate WSPR receivers around the World - you make it all possible!
Notes
Our provision of DXplorer relies on free access to data from WSPRnet.org. DXplorer.net is provided “as is”. It is not a guaranteed service. It relies on access to third-party data over which we have no control.
*Check local regulations regarding unattended beacons.
**Check local regulations for 630m availability (not currently available in USA May-2017)
Config app tested on Windows 7, 8, 10 and Vista
US customers should operate in accordance with FCC Regulation Section 97.203
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DXplorer, WSPRlite and DX10 are Trademarks of ECS Ltd t/a SOTABEAMS. (C) ECS Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.
Instructions are available HERE!
Also available from our international agent(s):
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107 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews
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WSPRlite WOW!
This is an early Christmas present for me and I also ordered the PL259-SMA patch lead to save making one. I needed to update drivers for Win10 and then it was just plug n play. I also installed app on phone and tablet so I can check coditions wherever I am. I also like the spot map feature so you can see where your signals are received, good for checking band conditions. Bit more experimenting to do but would definitley recommend this product. Steve GM4OSS
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Amazing - a must have
I've only had the WSPRlite switched on for a couple of hours and I'm being heard 6000 Kms away in the USA as well as all over Europe. Feeding a long wire through a 9:1 unun. I was a bit worried about the WSPR timing as I read it had to be very accuirate. Didn't think the "Press at start of even minute" would be good enough but it is. This is a must have for the shack. Buy one!! Colin MM5AGM
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WSPRlite
Nice little product, setup with the drivers on Windows 7 a little confusing and slow. I think its a useful addition for a station and, providing the comparisons are carried out straight after one another, could provide useful info re antenna performance. Also band conditions for your QTH.
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unpacking
Just arrived about 45 mins ago. Post is getting later in Bristol, but since weather is terrible , I forgive him. My first problem was finding a USB cable with correct connector, got a drawer full but all wrong ends. A quick trip out to a local shop soon got it up and running and connected to my Win 10 computer. The app soon ran and it was all set up. connected to a SMA dummy load. The signal was monitored using my receiver on 10,138.700Mhz using WSJT-X. All ready for some real testing tomorrow.
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First Impressions on the WSPRLite
WSPRLite arrived this morning - sooner than expected ! Easy setup with the software - was on line and transmitting within 10 minutes of opening. This is going to be very useful tool when operating portable because I am always trying different antenna ideas for specific locations - mountain top or radials into the sea - the results will be interesting - it may show up some of those extended CQ Call sessions were not down to band conditions but inappropriate antenna selection. Thank you for a great product - I will report back after some real testing, for those that want to see what is currently happening watch my call on the WSPR site. Phil G4UDU
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An excellent aerial & propagation analysis tool
When I first received my WSPRlite I wasn’t entirely sure what this WSPR mode was all about nor why I should care…that rapidly changed in just a few days! WSPR, with its worldwide network of receiving stations gives you an amazing test bed for analysing propagation and aerial performance. What is critical, however, is the ability to change the configuration of your WSPR transmitter and to be able compare your results with other stations as a baseline as you change or modify your aerials. This is where the SOTABeams WSPRlite, configuration app and web based viewer (dxplorer.net) seems to deliver in a way other products don’t. Using the app you can quickly modify the following: - The WSPRlite can be used on 5 HF bands making it very flexible. - The power output can be set from 5 – 200mW - The repeat rate (like a duty cycle) and run time can be tweaked to suit your experiments. Dxplorer.net enables you to view tables, graphs and maps and to compare your results with another station allowing you to assess the results of aerial modifications irrespective of changing propagation conditions. The WSPRlite is tiny and runs off of most USB supplies which makes it particularly easy to use portable or at a remote location. In the few weeks of playing with the WSPRlite and dxplorer.net I’ve discovered more about my aerials and their performance than I have in the last few years of operating. Pure genius! Michael (G0POT)
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Fantastic piece of kit!
I've played with WSPR before on my transceiver, which only goes down to 5W minimum power. I've always been amazed at just how far you can get with 5W into a very modest 1/2 size G5RV in a poor location with half of running in between two houses. I received my WSPRLite yesterday and am absolutely pleased as punch with it. Dead easy to set up and have had it running overnight. Best so far is W4MO in Florida, 4,307 miles from me, which at 200mW equates to whopping 21,535 miles per Watt! What a great little device the WSPRLite is. We will be off on holidays a couple of times over the winter and it will be going with us! 73 de Gordon G8WWD
