In the past I’ve used WSPR (Weak Signal Propagation) to test HF propagation on various HF bands. It’s a great way to confirm a band is open, even though you may hear little to no activity or receive any response to a CQ call. You could also say it’s another way of demonstrating the bands are not dead. Another way to check the band is to go to the FT8 or data modes section of the band and listen but that’s digressing from this topic.

I recently learned about the Reverse Beacon Network. This is a network of stations that are listening to the bands and publishing online whatever they hear. Similar to WSPRnet you can go to the RBN landing page and see in real time which stations are being heard and where, helpful information such as the SNR, distance, and frequency is also displayed. The data is logged for a lengthy period of time so you’re able to search back your callsign from literally years ago and view historical spots.

How do you use it? Simply go to the CW part of the band and transmit the following in CW;

TEST TEST DE 2M0NZB 2M0NZB TEST TEST DE 2M0NZB 2M0NZB

If you wait a few minutes after transmitting this, check for spots on the RBN you’ll hopefully see some spots and where you’ve been heard. Oh, and use your own callsign!

But Chris, I don’t know CW?!

Neither do I! My enabler here is my radio, the Icom IC-7300 has a built in CW Keyer.

Photo of Icom IC-7300

I’ve tested this successfully with my IC-7300 and IC-705, I’m sure it’ll work with other rigs also. I’m not going into the full instructions on how to user the keyer functionality but the points below should get you going;

  • Change your mode to CW then press Menu to access the Keyer.
  • Customise the message templates.
  • Before transmitting, enable BKIN using the VOX/BK-IN button.
  • Adjust the WPM using the Multi button/knob.
  • Reduce your power!

Ok, what next?

The key benefit for me here will be testing propagation during POTA & SOTA activations when I have no laptop with me for WSPR. There is a little fun to be had here though - try propagation on different bands, adjust your power levels and see how low you can go and still be heard, adjust your antenna and assess the impact. It gives you some data to play with!