Working meteor scatter on 2 metres

Back in the Eighties I was active on meteor scatter using high speed course with a keyer at 1000 letters a minute (200 lpm), a modified cassette recorder to copy and slow down signals received, and my trusty FT221R. It is a different world now with the new digital technology, so this is an up-to-date summary of current practice.

Working meteor scatter (MS) on 144 MHz (2 meters) is a fascinating part of VHF amateur radio that uses ionized trails left by meteors in the upper atmosphere to reflect radio signals over distances typically between 500 to 2,300 km. Here’s a detailed guide to getting started:

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Essential Equipment

1. Transceiver
   • A VHF rig capable of operating on 144–148 MHz SSB (preferably with USB).
   • Minimum 50 watts output; 100+ watts is better.
2. Antenna
   • High-gain Yagi (e.g., 10–13 elements).
   • Horizontally polarized.
   • Elevated on a rotator is ideal for aiming toward target stations.
3. Computer and Software
   • Windows PC or Linux/Mac with emulation.
   • WSJT-X software (by Joe Taylor, K1JT).
   • Audio interface (e.g., SignaLink or rig’s built-in soundcard support).
4. Time Sync
   • Accurate clock (use software like Dimension 4 or Meinberg NTP to keep your PC within 1 second of UTC).

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Basic Meteor Scatter Operating Principles

• Meteor scatter works best in early mornings (peak meteor activity around local sunrise).
• Most meteors are small but frequent—so-called “sporadic meteors”.
• Larger showers (like Perseids, Quadrantids, Geminids) offer longer bursts and better conditions.

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⚙️ Digital Mode: MSK144 (Preferred Mode)

MSK144 is designed for fast meteor scatter on 6 and 2 meters.

Operating Cycle

• Transmissions are synchronized in 15-second intervals.
• Example: You transmit on even minutes (:00, :15, :30, :45), the other station on odd.
• Ensure UTC clock sync!

Calling Procedure

1. Set frequency:
   • 144.360 MHz USB is common in Europe.
   • 50.260 MHz for 6m (if you move to 50 MHz later).
2. Call CQ using WSJT-X (MSK144 mode):
   • Select “Tx Even” or “Tx Odd” appropriately.
   • Set the correct audio levels (watch ALC on radio).
   • Watch for decoded bursts in WSJT-X waterfall and text pane.
3. Exchange Format:
   • Call signs → Reports (e.g., R26) → RRR → 73.

When to Operate?

Best Meteor Showers for MS:

Shower	Peak Date	Comment
Quadrantids	Jan 3–4	Short, intense
Perseids	Aug 12–13	Long peak, very active
Geminids	Dec 13–14	Reliable, strong signals

1. Equipment Setup

Core Station Checklist

Item	Recommended Spec	Notes
Radio	All-mode VHF (e.g., IC-9700, FT-847, TS-2000)	Must support USB
Power	≥ 100 watts (brick amp like RM Italy LA250 ok)	Higher power = stronger pings
Antenna	10–13 element Yagi, horizontally polarized	e.g., M2 2M9SSB or LFA Yagi
Feedline	Low-loss coax (LMR-400, Ecoflex 10, or better)	Keep runs short
Preamp	Mast-mounted LNA (optional but helps)	Use RX coax bypass if TX power is high
PC Interface	Rig soundcard or external USB interface (e.g., Signalink)	Must support VOX or CAT control
Time Sync	Meinberg NTP, Dimension 4, or GPS time source	Critical! Clock must be within ±1 sec UTC
Software	WSJT-X (latest stable), MSK144 mode	Also install JTAlert if you want assistance

I hope you found the above useful, and will give MS a go.