WSPR

One of the most impressive QRP modes is Joe Taylor, K1JT’s WSPR (pronounced “whisper”) mode. WSPR stands for “Weak Signal Propagation Reporter.” WSPR is designed for sending and receiving low-power transmissions to test propagation paths on the LF, MF, HF, VHF and UHF bands. The process is similar to a beacon. Users with Internet access can watch results in real time at wsprnet.org.

TAPR offers one type of a WSPR “hat” to use with Raspberry Pi single-board computers, based on the Universal WSPR Board:

1. 160m, 80m, 40m, 30m, 20m, 15m/17m, 10m/12m partial kit – user has to solder low pass filter and drain inductor (supplied)

Click on the appropriate WSPR transmitter link for more information

TAPR has no connection with Raspberry Pi.

Note: Raspberry Pi, power supply, SD card and antenna not included.

Documentation and Files are available at:

WSPR Documentation and Files

We use the WsprryPi software, adapted to use the ‘shutdown’ button that we provide on the WSPR Hat board.  Unfortunately, this software is 32 bit only at this time.  But clever and persistent Lee Bussey, AA0NT, has now implemented a beta version on 64 bit Bookworm that works. We have removed providing the outdated RPi images for the RPi 2 and 3.  We have a separate image for the RPi 4 that is also outdated.

Please note that the WsprryPi software does NOT yet support the RPi 5.  It has a very different architecture for the peripherals when compared to its predecessors.  Right now, if you try (RPi 5, Bookworm 32 bit full or lite), you will find that the wspr executable writes lots of ‘unknown CPUId’ messages to the error log.  We are working with Lee Bussey, AA0NT, to see if we can port his WsprryPi branch to the RPi 5, 32 bit.  Afterwards, we will look at compiling an ‘arm64’ version for the 64 bit RPi OS editions (newer only.)  His current software supports the RPi 2, 3, 4, and zero, in 32 bit, thru Bookworm, and has a beta for 64 bit Bookworm.