STEWART NELSON, KK7KA RECEIVES XM(GR) AT 1874 MILES! Just has Lowfers had begun to embrace QRSS and even QRSS(S) has the weak signal modes of choice, a new challenger to this throne may have been born. Stewart Nelson, KK7KA has developed a new form of BPSK called WOLF that has proven to have quite a bite... Lyle Koehler, K0LR [LEK] recently conducted a test comparing QRSS(S) signals at 60 second dot length versus the new mode, WOLF. In this test, Lyle used a loop of the character "L" and introduced a random sampling of typical LF noise to test the modes. In the photograph, QRSS(S) is being tested at -40db, and has you can see the copy is ragged and difficult to separate from two other nearby carriers, which are not Lowfer signals. At the same level, the new WOLF mode resulted in solid copy of a complete ID sequence consisting of "DE LEK ATKIN". The main complaint with QRSS(S) are the low data rate of throughput. For instance at the 90 second dot length, the character "L" may take up to 12 minutes to transmit. Band openings sometimes occur in less time than this, so it is not unusual to begin to copy an ID on QRSS and have it fade out before completing. The problem is even greater if you are attempting to have a full fledged QSO. The recent LF Atlantic QSO took place over a period of weeks, causing some to compare it to a mutual reception of beacons, rather than a true QSO. However, the delays are to be expected using QRSS(S) on LF. WOLF may help to eliminate this in the future...it's performance in a weak signal environment compares well to that of QRSS(S), even at the 90 second dot length and it has the advantage of greater data rates.     WOLF Mode Resources WOLF Software The newest weak signal mode shows great promise, and may possibly replace QRSS mode! Download the software and start experimenting now! Version 3.0 just released! (03/02/01) Lyle Koehler, K0LR has a web site to help us all get started. It's aptly called WOLF For Dummies. Bill de Carle added a WOLF mode to his KEYER program, allowing any BPSK transmitter to be used as a WOLF transmitter. Download the newest version of KEYER now. A complete list of all control options available in WOLF and tips are located on our WOLF Operations page. Loop Recorder This application allows you to automate your overnight recording of sound files, which should make it very useful for WOLF loggings. It requires the registered version to perform this task, but the software is only $12.50. RecAll Overnight Recording Program Easy to use software allows for overnight recordings. Highly recommended! WOLF Mode News 03/26/01Lyle Koehler, K0LR has been conducting WOLF transmission tests on 160 Meters. His 1 watt signal was received by Dexter McIntyre, W4DEX, and John Andrews, W1TAG. On the very next night, Dexter was also able to copy the LEK lowfer beacon on WOLF. This amazing season continues! 03/19/01WOLF has successfully crossed the Atlantic! John Andrews, W1TAG copied two lines of clean copy at about 03:19 GMT from Jim Moritz, M0BMU. Jim runs a Recal-Decca 5501 Class D PA, with 1200W PEP output. The transmit antenna was an inverted "V", 16 Meters high in the center, 9 Meters high at the ends. ERP is estimated at 1 watt. While QRSS(S) signals have crossed the Atlantic several times this season, and Trans-Atlantic propagation has been quite good in recent days, it is hard to dispute that WOLF seems likely to be the dominant mode for serious weak signal work this coming season. Tests are expected to continue for the next several days. Hats off to all involved! 03/13/01Stewart Nelson, KK7KA received Larry Kayser, VA3LK in WOLF mode, at 06:00 UTC. At a distance of about 2236 miles. The transmit frequency for this high powered beacon was at 137.78967 kHz. VA3LK was one of the two amateur stations involved in the first Trans-Atlantic LF QSO earlier this season in QRSS(S) mode. This represents the longest WOLF reception to date. Unfortunately, Larry's antenna was destroyed a few days later, and he is currently off the air. Look for more amateur tests of WOLF in both Canada and Europe in the near future. 03/11/01John Andrews and Lyle Koehler both received the XM(GR) beacon in WOLF mode. John's reception was at a distance of 1,029 miles, and Lyle's measured 960 miles! Congratulations to both! 03/07/01The Mighty TEXAS beacon was received by John Andrew in MA (1,534 miles) and Lyle in MN (~950 miles). It is becoming clear that Bill's frequency stability and ERP both contribute his success. Bill has concluded testing on that frequency, and today has QSY'ed to 189.700khz for additional WOLF transmissions. Lyle was also able to copy beacon BRO in WOLF mode, a fairly easy feat...but still worth mentioning. Also, the first MEDFER WOLF beacon is on the air. Dexter McIntyre, W4DEX has switched over beacon, NC on 510.500khz to WOLF transmissions, 24/7. This provides the first opportunity for a nearly coast to coast reception. Anyone out West have good ears for this frequency? 03/06/01 John Andrews received beacon BRO in New England today, at a distance of 1,052 miles! This is Bryce's best DX ever for the BRO beacon, more than doubling his past record. This seems to almost always be the case with WOLF, beacons seem to be able to easily double their past accomplishments! Congratulations to both John and Bryce! 03/04/01Lowfer beacon, BRO operated by Bryce Ofstie, KI0LE, in Minnesota has joined the ranks of the howling! BRO switched his beacon over to full time WOLF mode operation on March 4, 2001 and is seeking reception reports. Also, Bryce copied his second WOLF beacon, when he pulled in the mighty TEXAS beacon at 990 miles! It took only 96 seconds for Bryce to acquire solid copy. What a signal Bill has! 03/02/01Stewart Nelson, KK7KA used the newest version of his software to receive the XM(GR) beacon at a distance of 1874 miles! This amazing reception exceeds the "over land" distance record for a Lowfer beacon and is perhaps the 2nd most distant reception ever. Who knows what things are possible using this mode during the quiet months of the upcoming Winter... © 2000 Les Rayburn, N1LF & Others.