The best time for MSK144meteor scatter on 6 meters (50.260 MHz) or 10 meters (28.145 MHz) is generally in the early morning hours, typically between 01:00 and 06:00 local time.
During meteor showers, the peak activity usually extends from late evening (around 10 PM) through dawn.
Optimal times for MSK144 tonight:
Best Window: Midnight to dawn is prime time for meteor pings.
Alternative Window:Early evening (after dusk) can also be productive, particularly if a meteor shower is active.
Signal Direction: If you are in the US/Canada, 50.260 MHz is the primary calling frequency.
Pro Tip: Use PSK Reporter to check for active signals in your region, and leverage Ping Jockey Central to arrange schedules with other operators.
With a directional yagi, your strategy for the Lyridstonight should focus on maximizing "pings" by lead-trailing the shower's radiant point.
Recommended Beam Headings (EDT)
Since you are on the East Coast, the radiant (in the constellation Lyra) will rise in the Northeast and move toward the South by dawn.
11:00 PM – 1:00 AM:Point your yagi Northeast (approx. 30°–60°). This catches the radiant as it climbs. You’ll likely see fewer but very long "bursts" or trails.
2:00 AM – 5:00 AM (The Sweet Spot): The radiant is high in the sky. Point East or Southeast (90°–130°) to catch stations in the Midwest or South. This is when the Lyrid activity is highest, and you’ll get the most frequent decodes.
At Dawn: Beam South/Southwest.
Pro Tips for Your Yagi Setup:
Sequence: Ensure you are using the correct 15-second sequence (East Coast usually transmits on 1st/Even sequences, but check Ping Jockey Central to see what your target station is doing).
Elevation: Keep your yagi at a low angle (5°–15°). Most meteor scatter reflections occur 60–100 miles up, roughly halfway between you and the other station. A low take-off angle gives you the most distance (typically 500–1,200 miles).
Check PSK Reporter:Filter for 6m/MSK144 and look for "blooms" of signal reports. If you see a cluster of activity in a specific state, swing your yagi directly toward them.