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:
Essential Equipment
- Transceiver
- A VHF rig capable of operating on 144–148 MHz SSB (preferably with USB).
- Minimum 50 watts output; 100+ watts is better.
- Antenna
- High-gain Yagi (e.g., 10–13 elements).
- Horizontally polarized.
- Elevated on a rotator is ideal for aiming toward target stations.
- 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).
- Time Sync
- Accurate clock (use software like Dimension 4 or Meinberg NTP to keep your PC within 1 second of UTC).
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.
⚙️ 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
- Set frequency:
- 144.360 MHz USB is common in Europe.
- 50.260 MHz for 6m (if you move to 50 MHz later).
- 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.
- 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.
Amateur Radio News from Jon Stow, G4MCU 