XMGR COPIED IN MINNESOTA ON QRSS DISTANCE IS 971 MILES Slow Speed CW or QRSS mode was pioneered by the European LF amateur crowd, and did not find favor among lowfers until the 2000-2001 season. Some initial tests indicate that it might be superior to BPSK mode which had dominated the weak signal experiments here for years. QRSS uses the simplest form of binary code widely used in radio communication, namely Morse Code or CW. The only difference is that the code is transmitted very slowly. Typical speeds are 0.4WPM or even slower for DX tests. At this speed, a personal computer can be used to look at the audio spectrum output of the receiver and signals can be detected as long "traces" in the otherwise random noise. Using these simple techniques, signals that are 27 db below the noise floor can still be detected. Many amateurs have been frustrated in the past by their attempts to use their personal computer for ham work. Often the programs require complicated connectors to interface the rig with the computer, or the software is expensive. In the case of QRSS mode, it could not be simpler. You simpy connect your receivers audio output to the computer soundcard. In my case, I have a headphone jack plugged into my computer's "mic" input using a cord from Radio Shack! The software is free and set up is a breeze! What could be easier? Below is a screen capture of Lowfer beacon, TX in Texas. Bill has one of the best signals on the band. This image was taken on December 18, 2000 while Bill was transmitting on 189.100khz. The signal faded in and out for over an hour, yielding lots of screen captures like this one! This beacon is 608 miles away, and was copied using an active tuned whip. Transmitting QRSS signals is easy as well. Any CW lowfer transmitter can be pressed into service. You simply need to program your keyer to send code at 1WPM or slower. If your keyer will not go that slow, you can download a simple program below to use your computer as the keyer! You gain an almost instant 9db of apparent signal strength by simply reducing your code speed! Of course, it becomes impossible to copy your beacon by ear, but most serious listeners are equipped to copy QRSS, and more are joining us everyday. QRSS is also finding use among Medfers to extend the range of their signals. Links to software and additional information are included below: Spectran is my favorite software for QRSS reception. Version 4 does not play well with all soundcards. Spectran 3 Beta Spectran 4 Beta Argo is a new piece of software designed just for QRSS reception. It has built in screen capture, and is easy to use. Argo Version 1.128 EasyGram is a spectrum analyzer that allows you to monitor overnight with ease. EzGram 2.0 Spectrum Lab is a more advanced spectrum analyzer. Setup is also more complex, however, it appears to be very well suited for QRSS work. SpecLab V1.62 Spectogram is another fine program that can be used for QRSS reception. A previous version, 5.1 is freeware and available for download here. Spectogram V5.1 The lastest, much improved version 6, is now shareware and can be dowloaded here. Spectogram V6.0 $6 Keyer Chip for QRSS and QRSS(S) The K-ID chip is made just for beacon operation and has recently been modified for the special needs of Lowfers. At $6 each, they are hard to beat! An introduction to QRSS QRSS Intro Lyle Koehler, K0LR has software and a simple circuit to allow you to use your PC to key your beacon. It also has a two speed option that lets you send QRSS and normal speed CW.PC Beacon Rick Strobbe, ON7YD has written software to make it easy for your computer to send QRSS mode.QRSS Software Snagit Software allows easy screen captures with any spectrum analyzer. Snagit Screen Capture © 2000 Les Rayburn, N1LF & Others.