The graphical display of WSPR shows the short path from stations in Europe to Australia in the morning (at 7 a.m. UTC) for the 30 m band. However, I am convinced that these contacts were transmitted via the long path. The error in the graphical display and the distance error of the data base of WSPR should be corrected.

Best dx 73 Mike DL1MMK

WSPRnet opens up the possibility to measure the efficiency of my magnetic loop antenna (I3VHF, Baby, 1m diameter), which stands on a balcony. Radiation in west direction (up to the zenith) is unobstructed in contrast to the east, south and north direction, where the antenna is near (1-2m) iron concrete walls with a hight of 10m. I compared the reception reports of my station (DL1MMK) with DG7RJ (distance 20 km), who uses a homemade Dipole 2*9m at 7.5m heights in SW/NE direction.

For the 30 m band:
Transmitting efficiency: In west direction (long path) the report by VK7ZL (23457 km) is 6,5db better for DG7RJ as compared to DL1MMK.
In west direction the report by W3HH (7930 km) is 5 db better for DG7RJ as compared to DL1MMK. Theoretical efficiency is -2,5 db.
In south east direction (4Z4TJ) DL1MMK is received with -18 db as compared to DG7RJ.
In north east east direction (RK3IK) this difference is - 15 db.
Receiving efficiency: Interestingly DL1MMK receives W3HH with the same signal to noise ratio as DG7RJ.

For the 40 m band:

I just started with the WSPR technique. My computer input was connected with the output of my FT- 450 Yaesu transceiver, using an audio cable. I did´t have the microphone socket for the transceiver, for that reason I simply connected the output of the computer to my station loudspeaker and brought it near to the microphone. After turning on the Vox, the set up worked perfectly and surprisingly I got down to a reception SNR of 28 db at a distance of 8821 km. Not more than 20 min work! The antenna was a magnetic loop on my balcony. I find the new technique very fascinating. The objective SNR parameter allows now to optimize my antenna set up.