[GCARC] Meteor scatter QSOs this AM

Tue Aug 15 16:36:38 EDT 2023

We could tell from the display on the SDR screen (we were using the Flex 3000 and the panadaptor was pretty important in separating meteor scatter transmissions from others). Generally the meteor scatter transmissions were a pretty brief burst while others were longer. It looks like the protocol repeats the packet about 6 times during the transmission so a burst any time during that 15 seconds (I think) might contain all of the data.  I don’t know if it would assemble partial packets from the same transmission – it would be nice to know that about the protocol.

One other issue that was obvious on Saturday night was that if there was a strong local station on one timeslot we had to transmit on that same timeslot, otherwise we’d never hear anything because the other signal would trample it. The protocol suggests that stations beaming west transmit on the even slots and those beaming east transmit on the odd slots but it seems that avoiding strong local stations is pretty imperative. And if there are two local stations on different timeslots you might as well shut down because you’ll never hear anything.

We were looking for info on the best operating techniques for meteor scatter, specifically the direction to aim the antennas based on where in the sky the transmissions were originating. After we had shut down the station I found another program that seemed to help with that but I’ll need to do more research to understand it better.

Although we did get several true meteor scatter contacts the main takeaway was the knowledge of how to get set up for these events. Running the Elecraft amp with the Flex worked well but we’ll need about 75 feet of coax to connect to the antenna in the VHF room (we borrowed 50 feet last weekend). We also know that morning is a better time for QSOs – we did much better on Saturday AM than PM and the chatrooms made the same point.

I’m pulling together a Crosstalk article on the whole experience that will hopefully give us some guidance for the next event. If anyone is interested in this mode please check out that article and let me know of additions or corrections that we can make to have better success next time. We can also discuss it at the September General Membership meeting. There are several such events throughout the year and we’ll probably set up for several of them now that we know how to do it.

Jon

From: Mike <g0ggleblind at gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, August 15, 2023 3:30 PM
To: Jon Pearce <jonathanwpearce at outlook.com>
Cc: GCARC Mail List <gcarc at mailman.qth.net>
Subject: Re: [GCARC] Meteor scatter QSOs this AM

Heh that would explain why the signal was R+24 . :D

While I was monitoring activity I had a few questions that I wanted to partition the expertise of the group.

I see that from time to time the band (6m) opens up for a spell then closes. I suppose it's that time of the year. My main question here is how can an operator be certain that they are logging a true meteor scatter contact instead of say a brief Sporadic-E event? Would there be a difference in the way the signal sounds? I know that generally Sporadic-E can last minutes instead of seconds but is it not possible that it does indeed only last a few seconds?

Just wondering what everyone's thoughts are on this.
73
Mike Thompson
KG4JYA
Mikeasphere<http://mikeasphere.blogspot.com/>

On Sun, Aug 13, 2023 at 2:32 PM Jon Pearce <jonathanwpearce at outlook.com<mailto:jonathanwpearce at outlook.com>> wrote:
Yes, and we were running about 900 watts so I expect that we could also have lit up your kitchen lights.

We made about 8 legit meteor scatter contacts but also figured out how to do it right. We’ll be better prepared for the next event.

Jon

From: Mike <g0ggleblind at gmail.com<mailto:g0ggleblind at gmail.com>>
Sent: Saturday, August 12, 2023 7:28 PM
To: Jon Pearce <jonathanwpearce at outlook.com<mailto:jonathanwpearce at outlook.com>>
Cc: GCARC Mail List <gcarc at mailman.qth.net<mailto:gcarc at mailman.qth.net>>
Subject: Re: [GCARC] Meteor scatter QSOs this AM

Amazing 5 miles contact ;)

232615 0 0.8 1531 & KG4JYA W2MMD R+00

232630 Tx 1500 & W2MMD KG4JYA RR73

Mike Thompson
KG4JYA
Mikeasphere<http://mikeasphere.blogspot.com/>

On Sat, Aug 12, 2023 at 2:00 PM Jon Pearce <jonathanwpearce at outlook.com<mailto:jonathanwpearce at outlook.com>> wrote:
We got the meteor scatter station set up this AM using the Flex 3000 and the Elecraft amplifier, along with the 6 meter beam and made several contacts before activity dropped off. Hopefully it will pick up later in the day. We'll be back by 7 PM tonight to resume operations.

Viewing of meteors should be good by sunset (about 8:30) but unfortunately there a rodeo at the 4H fairgrounds that may create light pollution in an otherwise dark area. Also, it rained this afternoon so the ground may still be wet. Nonetheless we hope to have a good turnout for QSO and meteor watching later today.

73 de Jon WB2MNF

-----Original Message-----
From: gcarc-bounces at mailman.qth.net<mailto:gcarc-bounces at mailman.qth.net> <gcarc-bounces at mailman.qth.net<mailto:gcarc-bounces at mailman.qth.net>> On Behalf Of Jon Pearce
Sent: Tuesday, August 8, 2023 9:18 AM
To: GCARC Mail List <gcarc at mailman.qth.net<mailto:gcarc at mailman.qth.net>>
Subject: [GCARC] Meteor Scatter and Viewing - Saturday August 12 at the Clubhouse

The Perseids meteor shower will peak this weekend and we'll be trying to work some meteor scatter QSOs throughout Saturday from the Clubhouse station on 6 meters. Also - the Clubhouse provides a wide-open relatively dark area that's good for sky viewing, so if your family members are interested in looking for meteors plan to bring them down on Saturday night.

Meteor concentrations for scatter QSOs are said to be higher in early morning so I'm planning to get to the clubhouse by 8 AM. How long the Clubhouse will be staffed throughout the day will depend on individual schedules and availability, but we'll definitely be back by 7 PM to resume radio activity.

Sunset is around 8:30, which would be a good time to show up for viewing. Cameras on tripods may yield some good shots and binoculars may be helpful. Bring blankets or lawn chairs and flashlights (ideally with red light) - the clubhouse floodlights will be disabled to maximize viewing.

Check the weather beforehand - clouds don't interfere with radio signals but will impede viewing. Thunderstorms will obviously cancel both events.

The clubhouse is on the Gloucester County 4H fairgrounds<https://www.google.com/maps/place/235+Bridgeton+Pike+%2377,+Mullica+Hill,+NJ+08062/@39.7201291,-75.2238081,14z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x89c6d8fb188080c1:0x45ea3bd38cd7cb2c!8m2!3d39.7166975!4d-75.211421?entry=ttu> at 235 Bridgeton Pike (Rt 77) Mullica Hill, NJ, 08062.

73 de Jon WB2MNF
GCARC President
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