WSPR Antenna Lab: a revolution in the objective comparison of the effectiveness of antenna systems

Otázka efektivity anténneho systému patrí k najstarším a zároveň najzložitejším témam v rádioamatérstve. Každý operátor , ktorý kedy natiahol drôt medzi stromy alebo postavil Vertikál na streche, si položil rovnakú otázku: „Ako v skutočnosti funguje moja antenna v porovnaní s inou?“ Teoretické modely v programoch ako EZNEC alebo 4NEC2 poskytujú cenný odhad, no v reálnom svete do hry vstupujú okolité budovy, vodivosť pôdy a lokálne prekážky, ktoré simulácia často nedokáže presne podchytiť.

Tradičné metódy porovnávania, založené na subjektívnych reportoch v rámci rádioamatérskych spojení, trpia značnou nepresnosťou. Reporty typu „päť-deväť“ sú často ovplyvnené náhodným únikom signálu (QSB ) or the different sensitivity of the receivers. a real breakthrough in this area was brought by digital traffic and protocol WSPR (Weak Signal Propagation Reporter), which collects a huge amount of data about signal propagation. It is on these data that he builds an innovative tool WSPR Antenna Lab, za ktorým stojí Ondra, OK1CDJ.

What is the WSPR Antenna Lab?

WSPR Antenna Lab is a specialized web tool designed for radio amateurs who want to turn a global network of monitoring stations into their own test field. The platform enables an exact comparison of the real performance of two antennas over time. Using data from the WSPRnet database, it provides the user with objective metrics about the antenna's gain and its radiation patterns, which are cleaned of random atmospheric effects.

Measurement methodology and technical principles

The key to accuracy https://wsprlab.ok1cdj.com je matematická normalizácia dát. Ak porovnávame dve rôzne stanice s rôznymi vysielacími výkonmi, prostý údaj o pomere signálu k šumu (SNR ) would be misleading. The tool therefore uses the concept SNR Normalization.

An even more important element of the analysis is the concept of the so-called Matches. a match occurs when both compared stations ( a and B) are picked up by the same receiver in the same two-minute time slot of the WSPR protocol. Since both stations transmit at the same time to the same receiver, the effect of current propagation conditions on the ionosphere is identical for both. These data have the highest statistical weight in determining the difference in antenna gain.

Practical analysis procedure

Používanie nástroja je intuitívne, no vyžaduje dodržanie určitej logiky, aby boli výsledky relevantné.

1. Setting the primary station (Callsign a): Here you Enter the call sign of the station whose antenna you want to test. This can be your own brand after changing the antenna configuration, or the brand you use for testing purposes.

2. Selection of reference station (Callsign B): Toto je kritický krok. Referenčná stanica by mala byť v ideálnom prípade v okruhu do 50 km From vašej pozície. Dôvodom je zabezpečenie čo najpodobnejších podmienok šírenia signálu smerom k vzdialeným prijímačom. Ideálne je, ak referenčná stanica používa známu a overenú anténu, napríklad klasický polvlnný Dipól .

3. Analysis parameters: The user selects a specific frequency band and time window. After clicking the Update button, the system processes the data and calculates Antenna Delta (Delta G ). This value represents the average profit difference. For example, if the delta is +3 dB, it means that your antenna system is twice as efficient as the reference point.

Advanced visualizations and data interpretation

The WSPR Antenna Lab doesn't just end with a stark number. It offers an in-depth look at where and how your antenna is actually beaming:

• Radiation Pattern (Radiation diagram): The tool generates a smoothed polar plot that shows gain versus azimuth. The user can adjust the smoothing sensitivity using the 'Beamwidth' parameter. This chart is invaluable when tuning directional antennas or finding 'dead spots' in a fixed wire antenna installation.

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  Propagation Map: Real-time visualization shows the geographic distribution of stations that have picked up your signal. This helps identify whether your antenna is more efficient for intracontinental links (high beam angle) or DX links (low beam angle).

Why is this tool important to the community?

In an era where the radio amateur hobby is increasingly digitized, the WSPR Antenna Lab puts into our hands an instrument with scientific precision that in the past was only available to professional institutions with expensive equipment. It allows us to experiment with the height of antenna suspension, different types of counterweights for verticals or the influence of the surrounding terrain, with the certainty that the result is not just 'feeling', but supported by thousands of reports from all over the world.

Ondru's project, OK1CDJ, is a prime example of how modern web technologies and Big Data processing can be used for the benefit of amateur radio research.

The tool is constantly being developed and the author is open to feedback at ondra@ok1cdj.com. Whether you're building a new HF antenna or just want to verify that your old dipole is still working as intended, this lab approach will give you answers you won't otherwise find on the airwaves.