WSPR, also known as Weak Signal Propagation Reporter, is a digital communication protocol and software designed for low-power radio communication. It is primarily used by amateur radio operators to monitor and study radio propagation conditions on various frequencies and bands.
The acronym WSPR stands for "Weak Signal Propagation Reporter," highlighting its core purpose of enabling the detection and reporting of weak radio signals. With WSPR, operators can transmit short, highly encoded messages containing information about their station and signal strength, which are received and decoded by other stations. These reports provide valuable data on propagation conditions and help operators analyze and understand the behavior of radio waves at different times and frequencies.
WSPR uses a sophisticated modulation scheme and forward error correction techniques to ensure reliable transmission and reception of signals even under challenging conditions. The software allows for the adjustment of various parameters, such as transmit power, frequency, and transmission duration, to optimize the performance and adapt to specific operating environments.
Being an open-source software, WSPR is widely supported and used worldwide. It has become an important tool for amateur radio enthusiasts, experimental researchers, and radio amateurs interested in studying and exploring long-distance radio communication.
In summary, WSPR is a digital communication protocol and software used in low-power radio communication to measure and understand radio propagation conditions. It enables the exchange of highly encoded messages to report signal strength and provides valuable insights into the behavior of radio waves across different frequencies and bands.
