TT1            VHF Meteor Scatter : adapted from a QST article by Randy Tipton WA5UFH

 Meteor-scatter is no longer an elite mode for a few high power stations. The voices of the past calling CQ MS on the call frequencies have been replaced with high speed meteor scatter. No longer are only the high power stations making routine contacts via propagation mode meteor scatter, but many stations running power levels around 100 W complete contacts daily. There are two new modes: FSK441 and JT6M. The place to make meteor scatter contacts has moved
up the band away from the SSB calling frequencies. Could you be missing out on something?

Forward or Back ?
The number of VHF operators using meteor scatter continues to soar. When I speak of meteor scatter, I am referring to both forward scatter and back scatter. On 2 metres this operator has worked over 100 grids on 2 metre scatter with four countries worked and confirmed. Now I have 117 grids on 6 meters, all using meteor scatter. On 6 metres I have logged 188 initial stations worked. The grand total? Almost a thousand (826, to be exact) meteor scatter contacts on both 144 and 50 MHz.

This reflects a huge change from the past, when only a few stations were dedicated to working meteor scatter. Those interested should have no concerns about whether there will be any stations ready to work a WSJT -ready station. Activity is already there! In days gone by, meteor scatter stations spent many hours listening on the call frequencies for a meteor burst.

Today, the most popular method of making contacts is via the Internet in real time. Schedules made in real time, being posted on a web page, are viewed by others monitoring their screens. They often monitor a schedule while it is taking place after first seeing the schedule made on the Internet. If they copy the contact as it occurs, they have the opportunity to "tail-end."- to call a station that is just completing a contact. This is exciting for both stations because it is random, not scheduled. (Ed note:- in Europe, ON4KST chat-room is often used, as well as the DX Cluster)

The most common mode for meteor scatter today is FSK441A. This mode is found in the WSJT application by Joe Taylor, K1JT. WSJT has two meteor scatter modes that are widely used world-wide. The JT6M mode is used exclusively on 6 metres, while FSK44lA is used for both 2 and 6 metres. Time will not be spent here explaining how to set up WSJT, as that information is readily available elsewhere. If your 2 or 6 metre rig is "PSK READY," chances are you need only the software.