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UPDATE 19 April 2026: The ZS1I WSPR Beacon frequency was changed back to 40 Meters. The standard 40-meter WSPR (Weak Signal Propagation Reporter) beacon dial frequency is 7.0386 MHz (USB/dial) or 7.0401 MHz (dial).
The actual WSPR signals are transmitted in a 200 Hz window, typically
placing the center of the transmissions around 7.0401 MHz, using USB
mode.
The current WSPR (Weak Signal Propagation Reporter) beacon is set up to transmit
low-power signals to monitor global radio wave propagation paths over
extended periods, providing data to visualize which radio bands are open
and how they are performing
. It's used by amateur radio operators
to study atmospheric conditions, test antennas, identify optimal bands
for communication, and contribute to a global database of propagation
information without requiring manual operation.I have decided to change the Band / Frequency of the WSPR Beacon currently in operation from Mossel Bay in the Southern Cape. It was running on the 40 Meter band from 7 October 2025 @ 10h00 SAST to the 15 April 2026 @ 08h00 SAST. From the 15 April 2026 09h00 SAST it will be transmitting on the 10 Meter band until further notice.
Particulars of the ZS1I Ultimate 3S Beacon active on 10 Meters:
- Call: ZS1I
- Freq. Band: 28.126 000 Mhz
- Dial Freq. : 28.124.600
- Band: 10 Meters (28 Mhz)
- Grid: KF15BT
- Power: 250 mW
- Mode: W-2 (WSPR2)
- Antenna: EFHW (49:1 Balun)
- TX Period: Every 10 Minutes
- Beacon on the air from: 15 April 2026 @ 09h00 SAST
- First Spotter:?????? (Who will it be?)
Spotting reports are welcome for 10-meter WSPR beacons, as this band is frequently active and highly dependent on daily propagation changes. WSPR (Weak Signal Propagation Reporter) is frequently used to test HF antenna performance at low power (e.g., 200mW to 5W), with reports uploaded globally.
How to Spot and Report 10m WSPR
- WSPRnet.org: The primary database for all WSPR spots. Data can be analyzed in real-time.
- WSPR.rocks: A fast, interactive site for searching WSPR data.
- WSPR Watch (iOS App): Useful for monitoring where 10m beacons are being heard in real-time.
- PSK Reporter: An excellent tool to visualize real-time propagation maps and see who is hearing your beacon.
- 10m Frequency: WSPR 10m activity is usually found around 28.1246 MHz (USB dial frequency).
Key Considerations for 10m WSPR
- Propagation: Even when the 10m band seems quiet for voice (SSB), WSPR can show open paths, particularly as the sun moves toward solar maximum.
- Timing: An accurate clock (GPS-synced) is essential, as transmissions start 1 second into an even UTC minute.
- Reporting Frequency: Even very low power (10mW - 20mW) can yield significant DX on 10m.
Finally: I am looking forward to receive spotting reports of the ZS1I 10m WSPR Beacon active from Mossel Bay, South Africa.
