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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Very nice and usefull
First of all I will tell you I’m very pleased with the WSPRlite. Works great! DXplorer give a good impression about my antenna performance with the compare possibility, a very helpful addition to the WSPR functionality. Also funny to take it with you on a business trip, for testing the balcony (as antenna) performance :-).
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WSPRlite Propagation and Antenna Tester
I have been using this product for a couple of days and it has already exceeded my expectations. It's straightforward to program and easy use. Power supply to the unit has to be checked out in use by monitoring on a receiver. Beware of the 'plug in' mobile phone and tablet 5v supplies, they can add ripple to the WSPRlite signal. Some may be ok but mine are not! A short term solution for me is a 'power bank' type charger. Unfortunately, this sometimes switches itself off during between transmission periods. To overcome this, I have just ordered a '5v power conditioner' and LPF kit from Richard which should arrive tomorrow. An excellent product which I highly recommend for anyone who wishes to check or experiment with their antennas. Dave, G0DEB
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Love this little device
Never used WSPR before as it seemed a lot of messing around. This device appeared to be the ideal solution so I took the plunge. Sooooo simple to set up in less than 5 mins everything done, connected it to my gwhip long wire fired it up and less than another 5 mins there were those magic lines and stations on the map where my signal had been heard. I use a cheap 1800ma power bank which lasts a couple of days & does the job well. The dxsoftware supplied by Richard is very easy to use and very informative, or just look at WSPR net. I love this tiny device and cannot recommend it enough. Chris 2E0NCL
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List of Compatible Power Banks?
WSPRlite is the best WSPR transmitter on the Internet. I've spent hours surveying what's out there and I have no doubts. Still, my USB power bank (Jackery Giant+ at 12,000mAh) shuts off during WSPRlite's idle cycle. I would love to see a list of power banks that work. [Admin: there is a "WSPRlite for DXplorer" Facebook group that is a great place to find such information]
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Very nice piece of equipment
Very easy setup, great quality as expected from Sotabeams. It works right away. I ordered the extra lowpass filter for 40 and 80 meters. Thanks Richard for the afford.
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Does exactly what it should
Great bit of gear, very very easy to set up and use. Great quality from a great company, well done Richard and the SOTA Beams team.
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Great for testing antenna propogation and efficiency
I'm using this to test various antennas. After a test period of 3 days (default setting), I store a CSV file offline and begin testing another antenna. I then run a scatter plot, in a spreadsheet, of snr vs. distance overlaying each antenna run for comparison. Very helpful!!
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Great Quick Results for Novice WSPR User
I was pleased to receive the 20m WSPRLite, just before Christmas. Being a Linux user, I wasn't going to be able to use a Windoze box to do the initial WSPRLite configuration, and Richard from SOTABEAMS said that he would enter the information free of charge, before despatching. I'd read different views of the best type of antenna to use, as I didn't have anything. Whilst looking on eBay, I came across a chap from Scotland, who builds good quality antennas. I contacted him, and told him what I needed. Robert 'Rab' Mcdonald <mcdonaldr55@yahoo.co.uk> quickly came back to me, and being a GQRP enthusiast, he quickly understood my requirement, and made me a high quality antenna, at a surprisingly good price. I realised I needed to get an SMA adapter, because I didn't tell Rab the gender.. my fault. Having set up the WSPRLite, I immediately got a 'spot' on eastern Sweden, and eastern Austria, which I was very pleased with. Thanks to Richard for a great product, and Rab, who I would recommend wholeheartedly, for the great indoor antenna. Cheers, Chris chris_debian M6BSN
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WSPR for dummies
I bought one of the first batch units but due antenna problems only recently I had time to use it. I also had a hard time to find a suitable power supply. All the mobile phone chargers I tried (about a dozen) were noisy, so I end up using an Alinco power supply with a lighter to USB socket. I know it's overkill, but does the job. The configuration is a 5 minute job. Once the antenna is connected and the time synchronized, all you need to do is wait for reports. Well, after 10 hours working, the result is not exceptional (nor is the antenna, a simple 10m end fed), but it's very good and I am pleased with the >1500 km report (I am running 200mW). Great little gadget in did. By the way, this was my very first experience using WSPR. 73 FCosta, M0HOJ/CT1EAT PS Wish list: time to be synchronized via GPS :o)
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WSPR quick and easy
My first foray into WSPR. I love to homebrew antennae and had constructed a magloop which I hadn't tested. This little device is perfect for real world testing of a new antenna to see if the math and the construction have added up to a product that actually 'works'. DXplorer is the icing on the cake allowing you to quickly compare your antenna with those nearby in real time. Thank you de 2W0MWM
