WSPRSonde PSWS Transmitter
Generating WSPR Data - The WSPRSonde-8 Transmitter
WSPR and FST4w transmissions are playing an ever increasing role in HamSCI's research ( see links 1, 2, 3). In the past, generation of WSPR data was often done with single-band transmitters, with some stations having 2, 4 or even more individual WSPR transmitters running on different bands. Now, there is a product from Turn Island Systems which can transmit simultaneously on 8 bands, and do so with GPS-locked frequency precision. The product is known as the WSPRSonde-8. As of June, 2025, roughly a dozen WSPRSonde-8s (and its predecessor, the 6-band BeaconBlaster) are running 24/7, generating research-worthy data on WSPR frequencies from 160 to 6 meters.
HamSCI, as part of its Personal Space Weather Station project, plans to fund the purchase and installation of ten WSPRSondes across North America in 2025.
Each system will consist of the following:
- Turn Island Systems WSPRSonde-8
- 9 Band Filter/Combiner
- Cabling
- Power Supplies
- Leo Bodnar LBE-1420 GPS Disciplined Oscillator w/GPS Antenna
- Multi-band EFHW Antenna for 80-10 meters
Stations interested in participating should be prepared to participate on a long-term basis, for at least a year, preferably longer. The equipment will remain the property of HamSCI. We request that it be returned to HamSCI if it can no longer be deployed, so we may relocate it.
Research needs will dictate approximately where in North America WSPRSondes are needed. Please see the map below for target locations. If you are interested in hosting a WSPRSonde-8, please fill out the Google form at the bottom of this page: hamsci.org/site-search. HamSCI will be touch as our plans firm up.
Research needs will dictate approximately where in North America WSPRSondes are needed. Please see the map below for target locations.