@proceedings {1044, title = {A Python data analysis and synthesis toolbox for PSWS Doppler data: A time-of flight case study}, year = {2026}, month = {03/2026}, publisher = {HamSCI}, address = {Newington, CT}, abstract = {A prototype Python toolbox is available to aid HamSCI Personal Space Weather Station (PSWS) data interpretation1. The toolbox currently has two themes. First, a set of frequency- (FFT) and time-domain (autocorrelation) scripts for estimating and plotting Doppler frequency, Doppler spread and signal level of PSWS digital_RF data. For bimodal spectra an experimental script estimates Doppler of two peaks, assigns to propagation modes and tries to track even if they cross. Second, a set of scripts invoking PyLap 2D and 3D ray tracing to obtain synthetic spectrograms of one- and two-hop E and F region, low and high ray, propagation modes. Time series of take-off angle, reflection apogee and time of flight (ToF) are derived from automated PyLap simulations. Novel ToF measurements between WWV and KD7EFG, Utah, provide an interpretation challenge case study. Apogee height simulation time series show expected propagation modes, importantly showing periods with two co-propagating modes, and, by omission, suggesting when sporadic E (Es) was present. 5 MHz Es propagation, with minimal vertical height variability, and ToF of 2.12 ms, provided the benchmark to show consistent ToF measurements within 60 us. The more dynamic F region gave rise to commensurate variations in ToF. However, ToF estimates became scattered with two co-propagating modes from WWV (e.g. 5 MHz E and F). 15 MHz Es propagation showed consistent ToF of 2.19 ms from a weak signal 50 dB below one-hop F2. Fascinatingly, an interval with ToF of 14 ms reducing to 8 ms from a weak but strengthening signal was attributed, with certainty, to two-hop sidescatter using 3D PyLap simulation. One-hop via F region only occurred briefly, with correct ToF of 2.81 ms. As the 15 MHz path from WWVH opened, with a strong signal seen in Doppler shift, ToF measurements on the path from WWV, of weak two hop sidescatter, became very scattered. This case study shows the importance of being able to use PSWS Doppler analysis to interpret new ToF measurements. In conclusion, these results herald a significant advance in the HamSCI Community{\textquoteright}s ability to characterize ionospheric propagation channels. }, author = {Gwyn Griffiths and Scott Newell and Paul Elliott and Clint Turner and Brett Anderson and Michael Hauan and Rob Robinett} } @proceedings {1036, title = {Radio Propagation Time Of Flight Measurements:}, year = {2026}, month = {03/2026}, publisher = {HamSCI}, address = {Newington, CT}, abstract = {

Time Of Flight measurements over multiple paths can be a valuable tool when validating and refining radio propagation models. This presentation will discuss current methods in use and several new projects and designs that are being developed for the HamSCI PSWS program. These will include the {\textquotedblleft}Time-Sync Injector{\textquotedblright} and associated software, which is used with an Software Defined Radio such as the RX-888 to allow accurate Time Of Arrival measurement of received signals. Also described will be the {\textquotedblleft}Time-Stamp Transmitter{\textquotedblright}, which generates flexible-format time-stamped signals, and a new receiver design, based on the RX-888, but intended to serve as a platform for future time and frequency measurement projects.

}, author = {Nathaniel Frissell and Scott Newell and Rob Robinett and Clinton Turner and Gwyn Griffiths and Paul Elliott} } @proceedings {957, title = {How Do We Put a HamSCI Personal Space Weather Station in Antarctica?}, year = {2025}, month = {03/2025}, publisher = {HamSCI}, address = {Newark, NJ}, abstract = {

We present initial ideas on how to place a HamSCI Personal Space Weather Station at United States Antarctic Research Stations.

}, author = {Rebecca Potter and Nina Tormann and Christine Zakzewski and Majid Mokhtari and Nathaniel Frissell and Ken Martin and Jermey McLynch and Hyomin Kim and Gareth Perry and David McGaw and James LaBelle and Tedi Godfrey and Michael Hartje and Gwyn Griffiths and Rob Robinett and Paul Elliott} } @proceedings {818, title = {The Wsprdaemon GRAPE reporting network}, year = {2024}, month = {03/2024}, publisher = {HamSCI}, address = {Cleveland, OH}, abstract = {

The recently released Wsprdaemon (WD) Version 3.1.5 added support for WD sites equipped with an RX888 to simultaneously record 16,000 sps IQ files on all WWV and CHU bands.\  After 00:00 UDP WD creates one 10 Hz 24 hour wav file for each of those bands and uploads them in DigitalRF (DRF) format to the HamSCI GRAPE server. This system hardware consists of a RX-888, GPSDO, and a Pi 5.

}, author = {Rob Robinett and Paul Elliott} }