What is MSK144 for Meteor Scatter Contacts?

Meteor Scatter is a special mode of propagation in which the ionization of atmosphere produced by the meteor trail refracts 10m, 6m, 2m and sometimes UHF signals so that long distance communication is possible without repeaters. MSK144 Protocol is a special mode available in WSJT-X for meteor scatter communication. MSK144 is a Minimum Shift Keying Frequency-Shift Keying which transmits 144 bit long packets at a baud rate of 2000 bps using frequencies 1000 and 2000 Hz. WSJT stands for Weak Signal communication by K1JT, a computer program for amateur radio communication released in 2001. WSJT-X is an extended version with contribution from others. We can see the reports in this novel mode of ham radio communication on PSK Reporter by selecting the relevant band and MSK144 mode.

HamSCI (Ham Radio Science Citizen Investigation), the Google Groups of which I am also participating in, is preparing for a series of meteor scatter experiments later this year. The planned operations are during Perseids meteor storm in August and Geminids meteor storm in December. They will collect meteor scatter contact data from 10m and 6m amateur radio bands. Offline analysis will include both data from PSK reporter and operator contact logs from WSJT-X. Operators can either call CQ on MSK144 or just report received stations through PSK Reporter as monitors. Best times are early morning hours prior to 10m opening to F2 layer propagation. Meteor scatter propagation occurs in or near the E layer where the ionization tracks due to meteors occur.

Before the main events in August and December, it is possible to setup equipment and test out during the April Lyrids meteor shower. Best time for the Lyrid meteor shower is around midnight and early morning hours. Though peak activity is expected at April 21-22, there could be activity for several days before and after the peak dates. HamSCI is looking for both active and passive reports during the Lyrid event. Currently PSK Reporter has scarce number of 10m MSK144 monitors. So there is a need to increase those numbers during early morning hours.