[600MRG] WSPRlite Time Sync (John Andrews)

[Hans Summers]

Hi Frank


> An interesting device!  I definitely find it appealing that one does not
> have to tie up a PC to run WSPR!  Can anyone comment on the ability of the
> transmitter's clock to maintain adequate time accuracy over a period of
> hours / days to meet the time synchronization requirements of WSPR?
>

I'm sorry in advance for the blatant self-advertising but I am going to
post this anyway, because I believe if you are not aware of the QRP Labs
Ultimate3S WSPR transmitter, it would be worthwhile to mention it so you
can make a comparison.

The Ultimate3S (a.k.a. U3S) is described here
http://qrp-labs.com/ultimate3/u3s

Advantages of the U3S relative to the WSPRlite are:

1) At $33 it is less than half the price of WSPRlite
2) Has an optional GPS input, which will sync the time and calibrate the
frequency, correct for any frequency drift, automatically set the locator.
3) No PC required, completely standalone. Not even a PC to configure it.
4) Does loads of other things too, not just WSPR... JT9, JT65, PI4, Opera,
ISCAT, CW, Hellshreiber, custom FSK patterns, etc.
5) Lots of flexibility and extension options e.g. 6-band relay switch,
Receiver module, 5W PA module.
6) Can operate on any amateur band from 2200m to 222MHz! And Low Pass
Filters are available for all those bands. Including 600m.
7) Mature product, with huge support base (check the QRP Labs forum, and
google the Ultimate3S)
8) It's a kit!

Disadvantages of the U3S relative to WSPRLite are:

1) It's a kit! (I put this in advantages too! Whether being a kit is an
advantage or a disadvantage is going to depend on your view!).
2) WSPRlite has some tie in to some antenna comparison software and
includes a 1 year license to use that software. Depending on your
requirement, that may be an advantage.

73 Hans G0UPL
http://qrp-labs.com