An idea came to mind during the 2020 lock-down period of Covid 19 to have two RX WSPR Challenges, one taking place during the first lock-down and the other during the second lock-down periods .
I post the following challenge to those who do not want to swallow an egg, sugar or a drink. The first challenge is hereby launched and anybody is welcome to participate. I challenge all radio amateurs in South Africa to render proof of the longest Rx distance "contact" using WSPR Firmware on any amateur radio band. It will be required to show a map and screen print (including date, time and band) of the distance received. (RX only) The FT8, FT8CALL and other digital radio amateurs were requested to let WSPR run when they are not working DX. That way they can also participate when not calling DX.
Proof: Screenprint of your WSPR program reflecting the station received and screenprint of Spot Map - http://wspr.aprsinfo.com/
Installation packages for WSJT-X: Here is the link: https://wsjt.sourceforge.io/wsjtx.html Just go down 3/4 of the page and you will see the above downloads. Choose what applicable to you computer.
We had some great fun during the challenges with quite a few participants taking part in the events!!
17 April 2020: Keverne ZS1ABU won the first challenge and holds the record with a RX distance of 16 855km on 40 meters receiving WSPR Station K7FUR
8 July 2020: The second challenge took place in July 2020. Once again the competition was fierce and several radio amateurs participated. Christi ZS4CGR won the second challenge and holds the record with a RX distance of 19 464 km on 20 meters receiving WSPR Station OC2MUY. Christi also holds the record for the overall longest distance winner of the challenge.
Apart from all the Covid 19 hardships, a few radio amateurs in South Africa decided to participate in the WSPR RX Covid 19 Lock-down Challenge. Thank you to all those radio amateurs who participated!
PS ED. Our thoughts go out to the family and friends of so many radio amateurs that lost their lives during the 2020 Covid 19 Pandemic.
“Lest We Forget”
Remembering all those "silent keys" with Respect and Honor. We will remember them!
