Kanga Whisper Mite : Dual Band 60/40m WSPR Beacon Transmitter
The Kanga Whisper mite is a low cost, compact standalone Dual Band WSPR beacon transmitter. No computer needed so can be popped in a shed, holiday home, caravan etc Time sync is done by one pushbutton on the front to set the very accurate RTC internal to the KWM which is stored and the beacon will transmit once every 10 minutes. time keeping is kept during power cycles by a small on-board 3v button cell.
Designed for low power operation giving out 200-250mW RF which is a ideal figure for this low power beaconing mode. Works on either 60m or 40m or if you wish both bands alternate every 10min cycle so you can run it Dual band.
Users need to configure the Callsign, location and power level reporting via a terminal emulator plugged into the USB port on the front of the unit. The KWM runs from just 5v and a simple phone PSU or the like will support this. Standby mode current is 40-50mA and transmit is less than 150mA.
In order to setup the Kanga Whisper Mite (KWM) you will need to connect it to a computer once to enter your own information (Callsign and 4 fig Locator). a simple terminal emulator is all that's needed and we have links for a great Free one below (or you can use any other you wish). you MAY need a USB driver (CH340) for the computer to see the Com port on the KWM so we have a download for that below too!
The KWM is designed to run from a USB 5v supply or the low cost USB power blocks that are normally used to charge phones etc. the average current consumption of this works out to 70mA over the typical 10min cycle so a 1000mA battery pack will run the KWM for over 12 hrs on one charge, This is simple beacon transmitter and gets you up and running for a very low price and doesn't tie up a computer and your base station radio costing over >£1000 just to send out a low power WSPR beacon on a couple of bands. Its is advisable to read the full instructions BEFORE you purchase the kit. Its not ideal for a first time builder but a good second project.