Category: Uncategorized

4/17/2026

Today, we installed the Weak Signal Propagation Reporter (WSPR) device to the Tennadyne T11 log periodic antenna by the reactor! This device is simply a transmitter that outputs a signal every 2 minutes, which is picked up by receivers all around the world. The received signals can then be viewed on wspr.rocks in the form of a list or map, as well as several other views.

We’ve already hit many European as well as North American spots!

Currently, the WSPR device is transmitting with 200 mW on 20, 17, 15, 12, 10 and 6 meters, which aligns with the Tennadyne antenna’s range of 13 – 55 MHz. The goal moving forward is to track propagation of the bands over time and observe the effect of the solar cycle and other factors. Also, we’ll look into rotating the antenna to test propagation in different directions.

To check real-time propagation, go to wspr.rocks and type “W4UVA” into the TX call textbox. Then click Search and click map to view the map. Clicking table will show you each contact that was made. You can sort by frequency, SNR, or distance in km (column “k”).

Open House

W4UVA will hold an open house on Sunday, 10 November 2019, from 2-4pm at the W4UVA shack (amateur radio station). (See https://w4uva.org/location/ for directions.)

We will be operating a voice station and a digital station for DX (distance) contacts around the world; a satellite antenna and radio for making contacts through amateur radio satellites; a Winlink radio email station for sending email via amateur radio; and an amateur radio mesh networking node. We’ll also be prepared to talk about amateur radio emergency communications. Licensed amateur radio operators will be available to help you make your first contact if you are not yet licensed!

These are only a few of the many, many areas of interest you can pursue through amateur radio. Amateur radio even looks good on an resume when you’re looking for that first engineering or technical job! Drop by and learn about amateur radio and the W4UVA club.

The new Tennadyne T-11 HF log periodic antenna is installed on the tower and working great!

Coverage in MHz	Boom Length	Gain dbd/dbi	Longest Element	Elements	WT.
13 – 55	24 FT	5.80/7.94	38 FT	11	73#

University of Virginia Bicentennial Commemoration
Special Event Station

Friday – Sunday, 4-6 October 2019
Daily from 1200Z-2300Z
Frequencies: On (or near) 7.242, 14.242, 7.074, and 14.074.
QSL: To receive a Special Event QSL card, please send a self-addressed stamped envelope with your QSL card to:

W4UVA Special Event
Albemarle Amateur Radio Club
P.O. Box 6833
Charlottesville, VA 22906

We placed the non-penetrating roof mount that will hold the positioner and antenna array for the secondary station.  This Google Street View (https://goo.gl/maps/TerEzwA4p5J2) will give you an idea of what the array will be able to see.  It is clearly a sub-optimal location in terms of sky view, but easily accessible for continued experimentation with antennas and new bands.