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![Previous (earlier) Story](/images/sty-down.gif "W1AW Now "Weather-Ready""){kind=small} Previous: W1AW Now "Weather-Ready" |  Next: Kid's Day 2001--a Pathway for Tomorrow's Hams |
By Ev Tupis, W2EV
Who said that true experimentation was a thing of the past? The pioneering spirit is certainly alive and kicking as part of this ongoing experiment, and you are being asked to join in!
The November 1999 issue of QST included an article that dealt with refracting signals from meteor trails using traditional packet radio-based equipment and software. A year later--with two more major events under their belts (the 1999 Leonids and 2000 Perseids)--these die-hard digital denizens are back to try it again and would be pleased to have you join them.
While the concept of long-range propagation of packet signals via meteor trail hasn't changed, two very important configuration issues have been addressed. While the 1999 experiment used WinAPRS1 software in a uniquely configured way, the 2000 event will use a new graphical software package titled UI-View2. While the 1999 experiment encouraged participants to manually configure their TNCs to transmit once a minute and allow WinAPRS to decode and display receptions, UI-View will take control of the TNC and have it transmit continuously for 15 seconds of each minute during the Leonids 2000 event.
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The results from last year--Leonids '99. This is a graphical recap of all of the successes that were publicly noted--a collage of all reported successes. A TAPR listserv provided a communication backbone during meteor events. The vectors depicting the direction of propagation has have been added for clarity. In all cases, success was one-way. Note the paths of more than 1000 km. Because there is more equipment for 2 meters than there is for 6 meters the 2 meter map shows more participants and successes, but this is one event where there is no such thing as "too many" participants. Join us on either 53.53 MHz or 147.585 MHz. |
This year, we build on what we learned from past experience in order to form an even more efficient meteor scatter system. Roger Barker, G4IDE, has developed software that exploits a system that was originally proposed by Bob Bruninga, WB4APR, wherein the North American continent is divided into four virtual quadrants. During a meteor event, each quadrant transmits for a given 15-second period and listens for 45-seconds. The cycle then starts over again. While in "meteor mode," a station turns-off its carrier-sense function, allowing everyone within a given quadrant to transmit at the same time.
Leonids 1999 stations reporting successful FM packet reception on 53.53 MHz. AA2AC to W2AAA is a meteor backscatter contact. |
So...what does it take to participate? An FM transceiver, an antenna capable of generating an ERP3 of 400 W (but more is always better), a KISS-capable terminal node controller (TNC) and a Windows-based computer with UI-View software4. Lack of RF output at this level shouldn't keep you from participating, however. If you can't generate the needed RF, join us anyway. This is an ongoing experiment. The suggested minimum power level is simply what was found to be minimally successful during the last meteor event. Even if you aren't heard by others, you may still "catch" another stations' transmissions. We still have much to learn.
System Setup
It is assumed that you are able to get your KISS-capable TNC communicating with your computer and FM transceiver. If you're having problems or you've lost your manual (a lot of our TNCs are gathering dust on the shelf, after all), a quick trip to your TNC manufacturer's Web site or to Buck Rogers' Web site will get you taken care of. Don't be intimidated by the term "KISS-capable TNC." You don't need to know anything about the KISS mode--just that your TNC is capable of running in that mode. UI-View will take control of everything for you.
A graphical representation of the WB4APR quadrant-based meteor scatter timing system. Time slot assignment is in seconds after the top of the minute: Northeast, 0-14; Southeast, 15-29; Southwest, 30-44; Northwest, 45-59. Coordinate times with WWV. |
There are seven very straightforward steps one must take to get things ready. After download of the software, you are about a half hour away from participating.
Where to Tune and Times to Try
The BEACONet Project exists on both 6 and 2 meters--on 53.530- and 147.585-MHz respectively. Why there? For the very simple reason that meteor scatter communication has, until now, been the exclusive domain of SSB and CW enthusiasts. By locating the BEACONet Project in the "upper" part of the band, it's hoped that some of those SSB/CW folks will set up for concurrent BEACONet operation. Because of the separation in frequency, there ought to be little, if any, self-interference. Operators may simply let their BEACONet stations run continuously while "chasing rocks" on SSB or CW.
The Leonids meteors are expected to peak on the evening of November 17 this year. Meteor mavens will be participating from November 14 through 19. Most success will be had from midnight to noon, local time. If you are in an area in which you experience TVI, then consider participating only during the post-prime time hours through 9 AM or so. Otherwise, there is nothing wrong with setting up on November 14 and letting things run 24/7 through November 19. Be sure to check your computer screen from time to time, just to see what you've caught.
Wrap-up
While the 6-meter frequency is coordinated for such use over a significant part of the US and Canada, the 2-meter frequency is actually a simplex FM voice frequency. Operators should use the good amateur practice of listening for a while before participating to make sure that you have a clear frequency in your area.
While you are on the BEACONet Web site, be sure to sign up for the BEACONet/PropNET listserver. It is quite low in volume, but high in "quality." This will let you rub elbows with other BEACONet pioneers. Here is your chance to be part of a growing, experimenting amateur community.
Power up and participate! We'd love to see your station's icon on our screens.
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2 UI-View is fully meteor-functional Windows-based honorware that is copyright Roger Barker, G4IDE. While it too, may be used for APRS, the author has included a special "meteor mode" at our request. This mode (and software) has proven to be quite exceptional. 3 Effective Radiated Power is calculated by starting with your transmit power and multiplying it by your antennas gain figure. Example: 100 W to an antenna with 6 dB of gain produces 400 W ERP. 4 Visit the BEACONet Web site to download the latest version from the "Quick Links" hyperlink. |
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