21-11-2021, 08:30 AM
(20-11-2021, 02:58 PM)VK2AZ Wrote: How does the challenge work Leigh?
Hilary,
Thats a good question, and one which I dont know has ever been really explained, perhaps because all we really do is gather data from WSPR usage and pressume that people are already using WSPR in any case. But there is a surge in operators over Dec Jan for sure with people taking part in the WSPR Challenge.
Its quite informal and straight forward really. All you have to do to take part is operate on either or both 6m & 2m WSPR during December and January, thats about it. Then the data is gathered from the WSPRnet database and I sort it out into relevant tables and updates usually on a weekly basis.
If you look back in this digital modes topic on AHRDF you will find many posts on the results etc.
Basically there are three tables of data that are maintained for each band 6m and 2m. Those tables are for -
-The greatest number of Two-Way Reports
-Furthest TX distances
-Furthest RX distances
All the results are posted here on AHRDF and also to the relevant group on Facebook which is either 144 MHz WSPR or 50 MHz WSPR Group.
Its called a 'Challenge', because I think if its called a 'Contest' people get too serious about it all, and it goes for a long time, 2 months. Having said that, there are some people that do take it relatively seriously, but its up to the individual, you can be as serious or as laid back as you wish.
I like it to be a laid back gathering of like minded people who enjoy observing and utilising long distance radio propagation phenomina at 6m and 2m (and above), across the two summer months surrounding the Summer Solstice and our festive season.
The WSPR software and database does most of the work for you and the results are automatically sent.
The other thing that does the work for you is the propagation conditions, you really just have to let the propagation work for you. You dont really need any flash antenna or big power, the propagation when in your favour will do what ever it wants to and your just along for the ride. And when it comes to Sporadic E you only really need a good vertical antenna on 6m and 2m, particularly when using WSPR due to the sensitivity. I've been using a 5/8 vertical on 6m WSPR for the past 2 seasons with good success, quite a few others do also. I also have a vertical omni ready to go on 2m if required for high MUF-Es.
I guess there are three serious issues that can prevent just anyone from joining in, that is radio Accuracy, radio Stability and PC clock timing.
Where for WSPR to work you radio needs to be on frequency with a good degree of accuracy as the band in which WSPR operates is only 200 Hz wide.
Radio must be very stable when transmitting, if there is more than about 3 Hz drift over 2 min period, transmissions wont decode.
The WSPR software for every user must be in sync within about 2 seconds clock error.
Having said this, if someone doesnt have a stable radio on transmit, they are often OK on receive, and some stations can just RX only and upload any decoded signals they see. This can also apply to SWL's (Short Wave Listeners), meaning even unlicenced radio enthusiasts with a good receiver can also take part and provide reception reports to the WSPR database, the same way as licenced ham would. A good way to help others become involved in the hobby.
We try to make it more of a social thing too with interaction on the social media groups 144 MHz WSPR and 50 MHz WSPR. We're maybe also looking at starting up an online video conference or discussion about the Challenge and propagation events etc, possibly to be held as a Zoom meeting or something similar once a week. If that happens will post about it here.