Rob - your favorable and thorough (without being overly technical) review drew my attention to Harry's very fine work designing the WSPR-TX Desktop unit. Operating QRP with a digital mode like WSPR is something I've always wanted to try. Thank you for placing this video review on UA-cam for others to benefit from.
very nice demo, enjoyed the upload - have ordered one myself as I use WSPR at home but I think I will take this with me on my POTA activations as well.
Very nice presentation style, and a thorough review of an unit that gives us portable WSPR users everything we need. No more forgetting the phone and not having a clue when to start a WSPRlite off, no more trying to remember what the Maidenhead locator is! Thanks a lot!
Thanks, Rob. I have the same device without the case and am very happy with it. Harry builds high quality electronic equipment and his service is unparalleled. This little WSPR transmitter is fun to play with and works well when comparing different antennas, etc. I did some interesting tests of my f/b ratio and side rejections of my Force 12 tribander.
Donald - Great to hear that you are enjoying the little rig. In one Facebook group, I got lampooned by one ham who said that listening for mW signals wasn't his idea of amateur radio. I laughed because he made this comment in a QRP facebook group! :-) If using WSPR to study prop and test antennas isn't part of ham radio, then what is? There are some strange people around.....but we both know that! hihi. All the best, mate. Rob VK3BVW
@@RobVK3BVW Ah, the technical part of ham radio is what is interesting to me. Although I appreciate the ability to talk to someone in Beijing over DMR or Echolink I still like to send a 25 watt signal into the either and have a fellow in Sri Lanka hear it and respond to me. The bottom line is that ham radio is big enough for all of us whatever the section we choose to be in.
I received mine in EG (3C land) in two months, but it arrived. I have the "all inklusive" one . Very good product. Thank you for the lovely presentation.
I have the mid-band model and it works really well. I find I get longer range from it when it's connected to a dipole. I live in California, and I've received signal reports from Antarctica in the south, Ellesmere Island in the north; and China to the west and Europe to the east. So, that's pretty good range for only 300 mW. I'm pretty impressed with it.
Thanks for the video Rob, it was very informative. My ZachTek WSPR transmitter arrived from Sweden yesterday. I am using a portable antenna called a Bantenna and, so far I have had excellent results. I have the same model as you. 73, Bob M0BOB.
Hi Randy. Great to hear that you have been experimenting with these txers. Since I made this video back in 2019, Harry has changed the frequency ranges on the different models. Good luck with it. 73 de Rob VK3BVW
Rob... If I may... another question. I cannot find any references to antenna tuning and how that may effect the WSPR Desktop Transmitter. I am currently using a 20 meter end fed antenna, with an SWR of 1.2. I would like to switch to the 40 meter band to check my directional output. To do that, I will need to switch to a CHAMELEON CHA HYBRID BROADBAND 6 to 160 wire antenna. That antenna requires a tuner. Do you have any thoughts on how swr effects the transmitter? Thank you again.
Jim, I have no idea on this issue. Not knowing the tolerance of the transmitter to high SWR has made me cautious, so I only operate on one band at a time where I know that the SWR is low (or I have an ATU in the circuit with the antenna already tuned up). You might need to take this up with Harry. It's a good question though!
Hello Rob. Thank you for your time and effort to produce a very informative review of the WSPR Desktop Transmitter. I do have a question if I may. If a ham operator purchases the unit, properly configures it with the Zach software, then connects it to antenna and transmits.... is it also required that the operator install and use the WSPR program, such as provided with WSJT-X... OR, can they simply transmit and then view their reported propagation on one of the several internet sites such as WSPR.VK7JJ.COM.? Thank you.
Hi and thanks for the question. The transmitter runs independently from and does not require the WSJTX application. I often run the transmitter for days at a time and monitor its spots on the WSPRNet site or the VK7JJ map (which draws its data from the WSPRNet site) or on the WSPR Watch iPhone app without turning on WSJTX. So no problem there and you can run it that way if you wish. However, remember the reciprocal benefit of the WSPR system is the feedback we give by also spotting others. If everyone using WSPR only ever transmitted and did not receive or monitor the bands, no-one would know how their own signals were being received by others! So, when I am not on air, I like to have my transceiver and computer running WSJTX and idling away in the background on the WSPR frequencies to listen out for and report back what is heard from my location to the wider WSPR community. 73, Rob VK3BVW
Hello Rob, I had planned on purchasing a Zachtek wspr receiver, but Harry said his workload prevents the construction and sale of any WSPR receivers for the foreseeable future. I would like to establish a WSPR reporting station, but what are my alternatives without a Zachtek receiver? Thank you
Hi Jim. Oh, that's a bit sad! I hope Harry can see his way clear to get into production again soon! There are several other options but I have not tried them myself, so I cannot vouch for them. But they are worth looking into. 1) QRP Labs has the Ultimate 3S WSPR Kit - www.qrp-labs.com/ultimate3/u3s.html or 2) the WSPRLite Antenna Tester from SOTA Beams - www.sotabeams.co.uk/wsprlite-antenna-tester/. Of course, if you are an amateur radio operator, you can configure your transceiver and computer to run WSJT-X, which has the WSPR mode as an option in the application. But that's a whole other bag of tricks to deal with. I hope that helps, Jim. Let me know how it goes! 73, Rob VK3BVW
@@RobVK3BVW - I looked at all the options and don't see anything that would allow me to move forward with a kit... I'm a fulltime turkey raiser and lack the technical skills to build from kit. My radio shack is in an outbuilding, with no internet access anyway... that's why I was so enthused about the standalone receiver. Oh well.
First Result: I connected the ZachTek Desktop Transmitter to a PAR 20 meter ENDFEDZ antenna, configured in a north/south plane and was immediately received in Hawaii, Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina (2,500 to 5,000 k). Right now, it is connected via USB to my computer located in the house. Tomorrow, I will try running it standalone out in the shack, where I have no Internet,
@@Htfhjooffhgghwwwwdf Haha....I fear that my video may have raised the profile of Harry's product! He builds them himself and it's a side interest from his main job. So perhaps the Xmas period has slowed him down. I have noticed that stock availability varies considerably on occasions, so keep visiting the website every now and again to see when the product might be available again. Good luck.
I am hoping us F-Calls can access WSJT soon so we can take advantage of the digital modes! Can this device (and wspr in general) accept f call signs yet or are we also waiting there too?
Ohh...good question! Don't know. When I next configure it for another band, I'll see if I can input a 7-letter call sign. Don't you guys already have privileges for WSJT modes, as of a few weeks ago? Don't forget to put your details in QRZ.COM, my friend. Cheers, Rob
Oh I will very soon re: QRZ. I will look into WSJT a bit further because I haven’t researched it fully but it will be fantastic if 7 letter calls are possible. It will mean I’ll be on HF very soon! I do know that we are now allowed on the digital modes so hopefully the software allows us too. Thanks Rob for your videos! Regards, Brian VK2FBAJ @ Engadine
@@clashrocker Brian, I think you can input your 7-letter call into WSJT-X and it works OK on FT8 with regular length call signs (I've worked a few already). But apparently, the problem occurs when you try to work other longer call signs longer than 6 letters/numbers. Worth investigating though. Cheers, mate.
Rob - your favorable and thorough (without being overly technical) review drew my attention to Harry's very fine work designing the WSPR-TX Desktop unit. Operating QRP with a digital mode like WSPR is something I've always wanted to try. Thank you for placing this video review on UA-cam for others to benefit from.
Thanks Samuel for watching the video. Good luck with your radio activities. Rob
Great presentation Rob !
my best 73 !
very nice demo, enjoyed the upload - have ordered one myself as I use WSPR at home but I think I will take this with me on my POTA activations as well.
Very nice presentation style, and a thorough review of an unit that gives us portable WSPR users everything we need. No more forgetting the phone and not having a clue when to start a WSPRlite off, no more trying to remember what the Maidenhead locator is! Thanks a lot!
Thanks for watching, Freddy! Good luck! Rob
Great video. Thanks for sharing! I have mine on order and I am looking forward to receiving it.
Good luck with it, Chris!
Thanks, Rob. I have the same device without the case and am very happy with it. Harry builds high quality electronic equipment and his service is unparalleled. This little WSPR transmitter is fun to play with and works well when comparing different antennas, etc. I did some interesting tests of my f/b ratio and side rejections of my Force 12 tribander.
Donald - Great to hear that you are enjoying the little rig. In one Facebook group, I got lampooned by one ham who said that listening for mW signals wasn't his idea of amateur radio. I laughed because he made this comment in a QRP facebook group! :-) If using WSPR to study prop and test antennas isn't part of ham radio, then what is? There are some strange people around.....but we both know that! hihi. All the best, mate. Rob VK3BVW
@@RobVK3BVW Ah, the technical part of ham radio is what is interesting to me. Although I appreciate the ability to talk to someone in Beijing over DMR or Echolink I still like to send a 25 watt signal into the either and have a fellow in Sri Lanka hear it and respond to me. The bottom line is that ham radio is big enough for all of us whatever the section we choose to be in.
I just bought one. Can't wait to get it.
I received mine in EG (3C land) in two months, but it arrived. I have the "all inklusive" one . Very good product. Thank you for the lovely presentation.
You're welcome. Thanks for taking the time to watch the video. Good luck with the WSPR!
@@RobVK3BVW My pleasure. I use WSJT but it changes some other settings on 3C3CA. Meet you on the air (FT8).
I have the mid-band model and it works really well. I find I get longer range from it when it's connected to a dipole. I live in California, and I've received signal reports from Antarctica in the south, Ellesmere Island in the north; and China to the west and Europe to the east. So, that's pretty good range for only 300 mW. I'm pretty impressed with it.
Best presenation. simple and straight.
Thanks for the video Rob, it was very informative.
My ZachTek WSPR transmitter arrived from Sweden yesterday. I am using a portable antenna called a Bantenna and, so far I have had excellent results. I have the same model as you.
73,
Bob M0BOB.
Cool! Good luck with it, Bob. I'll be watching out for your callsign on PSKReporter!! 73 de Rob VK3BVW
nice information tnx Rob
Purchased a used high band model but wanted 20 & 30 meters. I was impressed so I purchased a new 10-80 as the mid band unit is not available.
Hi Randy. Great to hear that you have been experimenting with these txers. Since I made this video back in 2019, Harry has changed the frequency ranges on the different models. Good luck with it. 73 de Rob VK3BVW
Great, easy to listen and folow the Details
When you are holding something for your audience to view, it helps to not shake it. Put it down then shake your hands at it or at the camera.
:-) If that's your biggest criticism of the video, Thomas, I'll take it! :-)
@@RobVK3BVW Well, not really meant as a criticism. The device looks fascinating.
@@thomasmaughan4798 Since doing the video, I now have three of them. Great for testing multiple antennas at the same time. 73, Thomas. Rob VK3BVW
Nice review!! I have the new, revised version of the desktop transmitter on order...Ivan VE7IVN
Great! Good luck with it, Ivan!
Rob... If I may... another question. I cannot find any references to antenna tuning and how that may effect the WSPR Desktop Transmitter. I am currently using a 20 meter end fed antenna, with an SWR of 1.2. I would like to switch to the 40 meter band to check my directional output. To do that, I will need to switch to a CHAMELEON CHA HYBRID BROADBAND 6 to 160 wire antenna. That antenna requires a tuner. Do you have any thoughts on how swr effects the transmitter? Thank you again.
Jim, I have no idea on this issue. Not knowing the tolerance of the transmitter to high SWR has made me cautious, so I only operate on one band at a time where I know that the SWR is low (or I have an ATU in the circuit with the antenna already tuned up). You might need to take this up with Harry. It's a good question though!
Hello Rob. Thank you for your time and effort to produce a very informative review of the WSPR Desktop Transmitter. I do have a question if I may. If a ham operator purchases the unit, properly configures it with the Zach software, then connects it to antenna and transmits.... is it also required that the operator install and use the WSPR program, such as provided with WSJT-X... OR, can they simply transmit and then view their reported propagation on one of the several internet sites such as WSPR.VK7JJ.COM.? Thank you.
Hi and thanks for the question. The transmitter runs independently from and does not require the WSJTX application. I often run the transmitter for days at a time and monitor its spots on the WSPRNet site or the VK7JJ map (which draws its data from the WSPRNet site) or on the WSPR Watch iPhone app without turning on WSJTX. So no problem there and you can run it that way if you wish. However, remember the reciprocal benefit of the WSPR system is the feedback we give by also spotting others. If everyone using WSPR only ever transmitted and did not receive or monitor the bands, no-one would know how their own signals were being received by others! So, when I am not on air, I like to have my transceiver and computer running WSJTX and idling away in the background on the WSPR frequencies to listen out for and report back what is heard from my location to the wider WSPR community. 73, Rob VK3BVW
@@RobVK3BVW Thank you, Sir.
Hello Rob,
I had planned on purchasing a Zachtek wspr receiver, but Harry said his workload prevents the construction and sale of any WSPR receivers for the foreseeable future. I would like to establish a WSPR reporting station, but what are my alternatives without a Zachtek receiver?
Thank you
Hi Jim. Oh, that's a bit sad! I hope Harry can see his way clear to get into production again soon! There are several other options but I have not tried them myself, so I cannot vouch for them. But they are worth looking into. 1) QRP Labs has the Ultimate 3S WSPR Kit - www.qrp-labs.com/ultimate3/u3s.html or 2) the WSPRLite Antenna Tester from SOTA Beams - www.sotabeams.co.uk/wsprlite-antenna-tester/. Of course, if you are an amateur radio operator, you can configure your transceiver and computer to run WSJT-X, which has the WSPR mode as an option in the application. But that's a whole other bag of tricks to deal with. I hope that helps, Jim. Let me know how it goes! 73, Rob VK3BVW
@@RobVK3BVW - I looked at all the options and don't see anything that would allow me to move forward with a kit... I'm a fulltime turkey raiser and lack the technical skills to build from kit. My radio shack is in an outbuilding, with no internet access anyway... that's why I was so enthused about the standalone receiver. Oh well.
First Result: I connected the ZachTek Desktop Transmitter to a PAR 20 meter ENDFEDZ antenna, configured in a north/south plane and was immediately received in Hawaii, Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina (2,500 to 5,000 k). Right now, it is connected via USB to my computer located in the house. Tomorrow, I will try running it standalone out in the shack, where I have no Internet,
Great! Nothing wrong with that, Jim! :-)
Informative video THANKS Rob. VK3AWA
Cheers, Daryl. I like the "AWA" in your callsign. Very historic in VK!! 73, Rob
@@RobVK3BVW THANKS Rob. I went on line to order a transmitter form ZachTek…….nil stock.....bugger.
@@Htfhjooffhgghwwwwdf Haha....I fear that my video may have raised the profile of Harry's product! He builds them himself and it's a side interest from his main job. So perhaps the Xmas period has slowed him down. I have noticed that stock availability varies considerably on occasions, so keep visiting the website every now and again to see when the product might be available again. Good luck.
Rob Wagner Thanks Rob. Yes I contacted Harry and he is about to get stuck in again after the Christmas break. 👍
I am hoping us F-Calls can access WSJT soon so we can take advantage of the digital modes!
Can this device (and wspr in general) accept f call signs yet or are we also waiting there too?
Ohh...good question! Don't know. When I next configure it for another band, I'll see if I can input a 7-letter call sign. Don't you guys already have privileges for WSJT modes, as of a few weeks ago? Don't forget to put your details in QRZ.COM, my friend. Cheers, Rob
Oh I will very soon re: QRZ. I will look into WSJT a bit further because I haven’t researched it fully but it will be fantastic if 7 letter calls are possible. It will mean I’ll be on HF very soon! I do know that we are now allowed on the digital modes so hopefully the software allows us too.
Thanks Rob for your videos!
Regards, Brian VK2FBAJ @ Engadine
@@clashrocker Brian, I think you can input your 7-letter call into WSJT-X and it works OK on FT8 with regular length call signs (I've worked a few already). But apparently, the problem occurs when you try to work other longer call signs longer than 6 letters/numbers. Worth investigating though. Cheers, mate.
I need one