Some of the mailing list servers shown above corrupted the URL for
the Rules. This rendition should not get corrupted:

-----------------------

One final heads-up --

The contest formerly known as the North American High-Speed Meteor
Scatter Contest has been reinvented using distance scoring (as
well as other appropriate rules modifications) and will be held on
December 12 through December 16. This contest, going forward, will
be known as the North American VHF WSJT Geminids Test. As always,
it is sponsored by the WSJT Group
(http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WSJTgroup).

Rules are posted at
http://www.sportscliche.com/wb2fko/w09/rules_w09.pdf . Please read
the Rules carefully, as there quite a few changes this year,
including distance scoring and the allowance of non-MS contacts
(as long as they are made by WSJT). It will be really fun!

See you all there,
Bill
W5WVO

One final heads-up --

The contest formerly known as the North American High-Speed Meteor
Scatter Contest has been reinvented using distance scoring (as
well as other appropriate rules modifications) and will be held on
December 12 through December 16. This contest, going forward, will
be known as the North American VHF WSJT Geminids Test. As always,
it is sponsored by the WSJT Group
(http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WSJTgroup).

Rules are posted at
http://www.sportscliche.com/wb2fko/w09/rules_w09.pdf. Please read
the Rules carefully, as there quite a few changes this year,
including distance scoring and the allowance of non-MS contacts
(as long as they are made by WSJT). It will be really fun!

See you all there,
Bill
W5WVO

Here's hoping all had a happy and safe Thanksgiving

Ping Jockey scheduling page is:
http://www.pingjockey.net/cgi-bin/pingtalk
Backup page for Ping Jockey is:
http://vhftalk.aa1yn.com/index.html

Codes:
WRK - Worked station
CNR - Called but not worked
HRD - Heard
(R) = Random contact
(S) = Scheduled contact

11/28/2009 session

Contacts:
6M
K4YMQ WRK WA5WVO(R),WA5UFH(R), KC0HLN(R), WB3BEL(R), W3RGA(R), K4XTT(R),
N1NMU(R NOT COMPLETE), CNR W8NJR

WA5UFH WRK N3LL(R), K4YMQ(R), KS7S(R), N4QV(S) HRD W8NJR

W6OUU WRK KS7S(JT65B), W5WVO, WA7BBJ(JT6M), KS7DX(JT6M AND FSK441)

WB3BEL/P(EM71) WRK K4YMQ, N9MU/P, CNR N1NMU, HRD NZ3M

2M
K4YMQ W1IPL(S, NOT COMPLETE)

W5UWB WRK K9DRO

WA5UFH WRK N3LL(R), N4QV(S), CNR W8NJR

KI7JA WRK K7JIZ

Soapbox
W6OUU: I have been on for both random hours every week for the past 3
years unless out of town and the activity level is at an all time low in
my opinion particularly in the western states. I wish I knew what it
takes to get people excited about meteor scatter.


UPCOMING EVENTS:
NORTH AMERICAN VHF WSJT 2009 GEMINIDS CONTEST
OOOOZ DECEMBER 12 TO 0200Z DECEMBER 16, 2009

Dave, WA5DJJ had a mishap and is out of commission as far as keyboarding
is concerned for several weeks.  I agreed to do the RH reports in his
absence.  He expects a full recovery and will be back in the saddle in a
few weeks.  To keep the confusion down, please keep sending the reports
to Dave. He can forward to me OK to summarize.  We all wish Dave a
speedy recovery.

Ping Jockey scheduling page is:
http://www.pingjockey.net/cgi-bin/pingtalk
Backup page for Ping Jockey is:
http://vhftalk.aa1yn.com/index.html

Codes:
WRK - Worked station
CNR - Called but not worked
HRD - Heard
(R) = Random contact
(S) = Scheduled contact

11/21/2009 session

Contacts:
6M

WA5UFH - WRK: KS7S/P(R), N3LL(R), HRD AA5AM

AA5AM WRK KS7S/P(S), K8MD(R), KC0HLN(R), CNR K4DXA(S),
   W9BLI(R), HRD K9SLQ, K0RDF

W5KI HRD K8MD,AA5AM

W9SE WRK AA5AM, AE5B, K5TTT, HRD W4AVY

K4YMQ WRK K8WW(R JT6M), HRD N4AU

W3ZUP WRK: KC0HLN(R), WA3QPX(R)

2M
WA5UFH WRK K0RI(S), KN4OK(S)

N1QLM WRK W1RZF(R - local)

Soapbox
N1QLM: It was my first FSK441 contact!  Thanks to W1RZF for putting up
with a local via ground wave (not meteor scatter) while I went through a
shake down and made sure everything was hooked up and working properly.
   Welcome John

UPCOMING EVENTS:
NORTH AMERICAN VHF WSJT 2009 GEMINIDS CONTEST
OOOOZ DECEMBER 12 TO 0200Z DECEMBER 16, 2009

Bob KD7YZ wrote:

> So, what about the Tx offset freq? I'm currently on 18.104600 for
> Receive and the Tx text-box shows 18.106100 for transmit. .. This BTW is
> what the FT-950 is xmiting on as I write... I can see  it and the Scope
> presentation of the output at 5 watts.

Sorry, I meant to also mention how some radios display a CW (Morse)
transmission as well...

If you dial in, say, 18.105000MHz and then key down the Morse key in CW
mode, many radios will change the display to 18.105600MHz (600Hz up, or
CW-U) and some radios will allow you to key 600Hz 'down' at
18.104400MHz, often terming this CW-L.  Just to make things more
complicated, many modern radios also allow you to alter the CW offset
for receiving, in the same way as WSPR allows you to change the
frequency that you want to transmit on.  So, you can send and/or receive
CW on a variety of offsets.  Which is the same for modes that are
audio-frequency derived like WSPR.

You can think of this like Upper and Lower side band.  If you select
Upper side band, your transmitter generates frequencies above the dial
frequency and, if you select Lower side band then your transmitter
generates frequencies below the dial frequency.

To try and make this a bit more understandable, set your receiver to USB
and then to the 'nominated' dial frequency.  You will now see other
stations who are transmitting within the passband of your receiver.

If you want to transmit, then set a frequency within the 1.5kHz range
(WSPR will show a pink display if you get it a bit wrong) but keep an
eye on the band you are using (This is an attended system mode, you
should be watching what you are doing)  to avoid clashing with other
transmitters.

Dave (G0DJA)

Bob KD7YZ wrote:

> So, what about the Tx offset freq? I'm currently on 18.104600 for
> Receive and the Tx text-box shows 18.106100 for transmit. .. This BTW is
> what the FT-950 is xmiting on as I write... I can see  it and the Scope
> presentation of the output at 5 watts.
>

This is a different issue.

The Dial setting on your radio is not the transmitted frequency.

Again, going back to voice SSB, if you set the radio to 18.104MHz and
use Upper Sideband (USB) then the transmitted frequencies from your
voice input will be up to about 1.5kHz above that frequency.  Your voice
is rich in frequencies, so the transmitted sideband includes many of
these frequencies in just one 'channel'.

If you use a mode like PSK31, you can fit a number of individual
transmissions into that 1.5kHz because they are much smaller than a
single voice transmission.

On systems like WSPR the basic transmitted frequency is at about the
+1.5kHz region.  So, taking your example, if you set the dial on your
radio to 18.104600 and apply an audio tone at about 1.5kHz then the dial
reading of 18.104600MHz plus 1.5kHz equals 18.106100MHz transmitted
frequency.  You can, however, vary your transmitted frequency, which is
actually only about 4Hz wide, within the 1.5KHz area.  So some people
set their transmitter to a point up near to the top of the passband, and
others in the middle, whilst others are near the bottom.  This means
that a number of stations can operate in a small range of frequencies.
If you then vary the time of transmitting (by varying when each station
transmits and receives) you can also have a number of stations on the
same segment of the single 'SSB' frequency but transmitting and
receiving at different times, so (in theory) they don't end up
transmitting on top of each other.

Dave (G0DJA)

Dave Ackrill said the following, On 12/4/09 5:14 PM:

> The transmit power with digital modes is set by the amount of audio
> drive that you apply, not the power setting on the radio.

perfect explanation!  Thanks to you guys, too, who answered.

I was worried that, from what I'd read in the official pdf
documentation, that this was quite structured and the power and
frequencies were set by WSPR strictly.

So I can see here that I am way over power and I can see that I must
pre-set the TX offset (clarifier) prior to starting up WSPR.  For when
it transmits, it would just transmit on the rx freq if I didn't set up
the offset.


While that seems intuitive to the regular users,  it is not so to me who
  was totally unaware of the WSPR/WSJT stuff until I read the docs ...
thus my weak/feeble questions.

So, what about the Tx offset freq? I'm currently on 18.104600 for
Receive and the Tx text-box shows 18.106100 for transmit. .. This BTW is
what the FT-950 is xmiting on as I write... I can see  it and the Scope
presentation of the output at 5 watts.

again, thanks for taking the time,

de KD7YZ em88ii

Bob KD7YZ wrote:
> I am hoping that this is the correct place to ask a WSPR question
>
> I run an FT-950; Keyspan-USB; SignaLink-USB
>
> If I set my WSPR output to 37/5W I still get 200 watts out of the
> FT-950. If I rotate the "Tx" knob on the SignaLink,  then I can estimate
> about 5W out of the transceiver by judging some bars.
>
> The settings I use are "CAT" and other programs work with the rig.
> Is this normal, that WSPR will not actually set the power level of the
> Yaesu FT-950?

Hi Bob,

The transmit power with digital modes is set by the amount of audio
drive that you apply, not the power setting on the radio.  Think of it
like this, if you set the power output to 200W but whisper at the
microphone the power put out is low.  If you set the power output on the
radio settings to 5 watts and shout you get the full 5 Watts (PEP) output.

So, you need to adjust the amount of audio delivered to the radio to set
the power output.

Most people just leave the radio set at full output and regulate the RF
(PEP) by adjusting the audio drive input to the radio.

Dave (G0DJA)

I am hoping that this is the correct place to ask a WSPR question

I run an FT-950; Keyspan-USB; SignaLink-USB

If I set my WSPR output to 37/5W I still get 200 watts out of the
FT-950. If I rotate the "Tx" knob on the SignaLink,  then I can estimate
about 5W out of the transceiver by judging some bars.

The settings I use are "CAT" and other programs work with the rig.
Is this normal, that WSPR will not actually set the power level of the
Yaesu FT-950?

thanks

--
Bob KD7YZ

Hi All:

I would normally not want to post a hardware related question here, but have
gotten nowhere on the icom pages.

I am trying to set up my Icom 551 for 6M MS ops via WSJT.  I use an interface
for all my other radios that operates the PTT lines via an opto-isolator
directly in the PTT line to ground.  My small Kenwood FM rigs, Drake twins on
HF, the TS-700s  all work fine this way.  It requires no external power to be
applied to the interface box.

The IC551 will not go into transmit this way.  It appears that the opto won't
actuate the relays in the ic551 directly.  So I added a Darlington-connected
output transistor after the opto.  It too works fine with all the other radios
but not the 551.  THe only difference with the Darlington set-up was the
transmit light would actually turn on in the radio but the relays still wont
switch.

Before I go to the trouble of adding a powered relay in the interface box to get
contact closure, is someone using anything similar with an IC-551 they can share
the method that works?

THanks

Curt
KU8L

All four (4) WSPR  help files by WA4EWV have been loaded into this Groups
Files.
(Actually two were already there)

FYI I downloaded the newest version the other day, after reading the
operating
instructions plus Al's helpful files I was on the air in less than an hour
with my call in the database being heard on 40 & 80 meters. I see where the
beacon mode can be a very useful tool.

I don't do much HF but found this to be fun. Now I just need the time to
play with it in more detail.

Tip
WA5UFH

Bob KD7YZ said the following, On 12/3/09 5:30 PM:
> I successfully posted a few "spots" on 17 meters today ,


um, I forgot to say WSPR ... I am a newbie at these two pgms.

I successfully posted a few "spots" on 17 meters today , but never got
the FT-(%) to transmit during its allotted time.

Reading the manual, I added a line in the handshake drop down but that
did not help.

If I use HRD ,then the CAT method works on the FT-950.

I am running WSJT in Parallels from my Mac OS/X system. Using a
SignaLink-USD and also a Keyspan USB device. In OS/X, FlDigi works fine
and CocoModem works ,as well as MLDX.

Thus I figure I have made an improper setting in the WSPR 2.0_r1714 program


Also, please tell me when I get stuck in "Waiting to start" what that
means and how do I get out of it?
--
tnx
KD7YZ

Many thanks to Rafael Haag, PY3FF, for translating the WSPR
2.0 User's Guide into Brazilian Portuguese!

The following link has been placed on the WSJT/WSPR web site:

http://www.physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/K1JT/WSPR_2.0_User_Portuguese.pdf

      -- 73, Joe, K1JT

During vhf openings, if the QSO/conversation permits, I'll sometimes try
to make a comment dealing with MS/WSJT. Sort of trying to advertise a
little. Something like .... "Earlier today I worked so-n-so grid here on
so-n-so band, by using meteor scatter". If the Op is interested, they
may ask a question. Sometimes it is an Old Op that use to work SSB/CW
MS. Though it has been a couple of years, one such QSO ended up as a ssb
MS sked. I still enjoy hearing a voice come out of the noise.

Hopefully it might spur an interest, or plant a seed. And you never know
who may be listening.

73
   Matt W3UUM


Randy Tipton wrote:
>
>
> Bill I believe those two questions are good brainstorming points.
> Bill wrote ... Snip:
> I would like to suggest that we brainstorm a little on the list here
> and post some ideas on:
> (1) why VHF MS using WSJT seems difficult to promote and popularize, and
> (2) new strategic and/or tactical directions that might be tried to
> remedy this.
> I believe more that a few stations never get started because of
> "mis-information". What I call the "Myths of Meteor Scatter". For
> example some believe that only high power stations with huge antennas
> can be successful or outside of major meteor showers few contacts are
> made. Another one is, the internet is absolutely necessary for contacts.
> What are some other myths people have heard?
> If anyone believes it would help, we can post these "Myths" on the
> webpage.
> In times past, many old timers worked ssb meteor scatter almost daily.
> Maybe a tactical direction would be to create more interest in ssb ms
> on 50.125 with the plan to mix the ssb / hsms stations. When is the
> last time someone on PJ asked you for a ssb ms attempt. Ok, I am
> trying to think outside the box.
> comments...
> Tip
> WA5UFH
>
> -

Aloha Joe,

Did you send me beta ware without shorthands? I don't see it here.

A reminder, please a version with ability to completely ignore shorthands,
without
having to operate in Tx1 field for entire qso...

Hope you can produce this befor you depart. I will be portable NV immediately
after
contest this weekend and expect the common pile ups....

Travel safe brother, Jeremy
www.w7eme.org

Thanks to Michel, F1ERG, a French translation of the WSPR
2.0 User's Guide is now available.  The following link has
been placed on the WSJT/WSPR web site:

http://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/K1JT/wspr.html

Now is a good time to mention that translations into other
languages will be very welcome, and I will be happy to post
them on the web site as well.  If you are interested and
would like a copy of the original MS Word file in English,
please let me know.

	 -- 73, Joe, K1JT

----- Original Message -----

From: Jerry Siegmund

To: Randy Tipton

Cc: wsjtgroup@yahoogroups.com ; Bill W5WVO

Sent: Sunday, November 29, 2009 2:54 PM

Subject: Re: [wsjtgroup] New WSJT/MS ops [was: RH Comments]

 

I guess if you want to refer to it as "Myths of Meteor Scatter".. I would have to admit.."I am Guilty as Well" !  When I first got started with WSJT.. I made the comment.. "Can we refer to them as 'Contacts'.. rather than 'QSO's..?  Wow ! Did I take 'a Lot of Heat over that comment' !  But.. later on.. I see Most Op's saying.. 'Thanks for the Contact', New Grid, etc..   I personally thought.. 'The PC and Radio are doing 'All the Work'.. How can this be considered a 'QSO' ? We could be 'out in the kitchen, grabbing another 'cup O' Joe.. We are not doing anything personally..the PC is looking after it all..!  Well.. Now with maybe a couple years under my belt.. and 'By No Means' anywhere near a 'Seasoned Op'..  This is not the case !  Sure.. the PC and Rig are the 'Main Set Up'.. but it takes 'a whole lot of experience to 'Grab that Weak Signal' outta the noise, etc..!
It was 'Many a WSJT Op' that not only helped me.. but explained 'Many Aspects' of the 'Fine Art' of Decoding MS Signals.. (EME was even 'Tougher'.. but thats another time..!)
As to getting 'More Op's Involved.. I think the word is spreading.. starting to see many Grids coming up on the Logger.. that were 'Never seen before'..!  I for one.. could do 'Without the Competition in my Grid'.. but would 'Thoroughly Enjoy' spending a Day or Two with a Local.. in helping Him or Her make their 'First MS Contact' with WSJT !
Nice to see so many Op's still not only using WSJT.. but trying to make it known.. 'We are Not Just Appliance Op's !  Takes a Lil More than what it seems on the surface..(but were only thinking 'Above the Surface'.. Right ?
73 Gang..
Jerry VE6CPP
DN39or  

 

Bill I believe those two questions are good brainstorming points.

 

Bill wrote ... Snip:

I would like to suggest that we brainstorm a little on the list here and post some ideas on:

 

(1) why VHF MS using WSJT seems difficult to promote and popularize, and

(2) new strategic and/or tactical directions that might be tried to remedy this.

 

I believe more that a few stations never get started because of "mis-information". What I call the "Myths of Meteor Scatter".  For example some believe that only high power stations with huge antennas can be successful or outside of major meteor showers few contacts are made. Another one is, the internet is absolutely necessary for contacts.

 

What are some other myths people have heard?

 

If anyone believes it would help, we can post these "Myths" on the webpage.

 

In times past, many old timers worked ssb meteor scatter almost daily. Maybe a tactical direction would be to create more interest in ssb ms on 50.125 with the plan to mix the ssb / hsms stations. When is the last time someone on PJ asked you for a ssb ms attempt. Ok, I am trying to think outside the box.

 

comments...

 

Tip

WA5UFH

----- Original Message -----

From: Bill W5WVO

To: wsjtgroup@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Saturday, November 28, 2009 2:33 PM

Subject: Re: [wsjtgroup] New WSJT/MS ops [was: RH Comments]

In response to Tip's plea, let me opine that the real key to more weekend RH operation is, at the end of the day, more people getting interested in and using the WSJT/MS mode. We need a continuing influx of new WSJT/MS operators, and lately this has been happening at a glacial pace.

 

I don't have hard numbers to back this up, but I have the sense that WSJT is increasing in popularity as a terrestrial mode on HF, and as an EME mode on VHF. However, despite the increasing availability of hardware support for digital modes both in transceivers and outboard interface devices, WSJT continues to languish as a meteor-scatter medium when it should be seeing growth. The number of active MS operators using FSK441 is significantly less now than it was some five, six, seven years ago, according to many who have been around that long. (I haven't.)

 

Why? That is the question.

 

I would like to suggest that we brainstorm a little on the list here and post some ideas on:

 

(1) why VHF MS using WSJT seems difficult to promote and popularize, and

(2) new strategic and/or tactical directions that might be tried to remedy this.

 

Bill W5WVO

 

 

 

----- Original Message -----

From: Randy Tipton

To: wsjtgroup@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Saturday, November 28, 2009 11:25 AM

Subject: [wsjtgroup] RH Comments

 

If you're not interested in NA Random Hour, you may choose to stop reading
here.

Random Hour in NA has been around a few years now and a few are still taking
advantage of this activity period to make random contacts on both two and
six meters. Though a few are still using Random Hour many who 'used to be
active' are no longer as active and some have seemed to disappear. Activity
is and will be dependent on the meteor scatter community.

The RH sessions are on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Does that mean those
are the only times random contacts are made, certainly not. Daily stations
can be heard calling CQ and dedicated operators looking for HSMS contacts
monitor the call frequencies when not attempting schedules.

What is special then about Random Hour? North America RH was copied after
the ZL / VK operators. It was designed for operators to all share the call
frequency attempting to make hsms contacts. The probability of hearing
meteor pings, decoding distant stations and making random contacts greatly
increases during the activity period.

What about QRM? It is not uncommon to see around sixty stations logged onto
PJ during a Saturday morning. QRM can be a problem but operators can prevent
most occurrences. First always listen for any local stations before you
transmit, that includes listening both time sequences. If you hear a local,
operate using the same tx sequence. It also is important that both stations
have accurate pc time.

Another way to prevent QRM is to use the "Off-Set" method of calling CQ.
Operators using the "Off-Set" method should still listen before calling CQ.
The "Off-Set" method of calling does not guarantee a clear frequency since
someone could be running a schedule on that frequency. I have noticed many
stations like to run schedules a few KHz plus / minus the call frequency.
The "Off-Set" method of calling CQ does remove activity from the call
frequency plus the station calling CQ will miss the RH pings on the call
frequency.

What about posting CQ off the call frequency during Random Hour? Several
stations do this however they omit the operators who want to work random
contacts and are monitoring the set calling frequencies. This method does
not take into account all the benefits of having an established calling
frequency.

What if I have a birdie on the call frequency? This is not a problem if you
call using the "Off-Set" method. You pick the frequency where you want to
make the contact.

What is the difference between Saturday and Sunday Random Hour. The Saturday
session has two main focus areas. The focus areas are groupings of time
zones and by band. (eastern/central & mountain/pacific) The Sunday Random
Hour starts at 5AM in all time zones and the user picks the band. Two meter
operators will find it easier to make contacts maybe by moving contacts from
50 MHz to 144 MHz.

What is the purpose of the "Reports"? Operators may use these reports to see
who heard them and to compare activity from area to area. These reports are
published and only take a few minutes to write and submit. Operators should
take time to submit both random contacts and schedules completed, stations
decoded and stations answered but not completed.

What are Random Hour Messages? The use of R26, RRR or 73 on shared
frequencies can cause confusion. This is because there is no way to know,
nothing doubting, whom it was intended for. Thus we use use appended
messages. Most station use a part of the other stations call or the complete
call. Thus if I receive UFH R26 or WA5UFH R26 I know it was intended for me.
If another station decodes it they simply ignore the message.

New stations should review the "Random Hour Pages"on the wsjtgroup webpage
for more information.

Because RH activity has been off, especially on two meters, I have written
this note to encourage old timer and newbies to be more active. We all
understand that making random contacts is not everyone's focus. Individual
focus often time changes with new stations arriving causing some to be
looking for new grids or initials. I suppose my entire point is Random Hour
needs a shot in the arm, especially on two meters. During the last year,
two meter random hour reports averaged less than 5 and some Sundays no two
meter contacts were even reported. Will two meter random activity die? I
seriously doubt it but we are at the bottom. hi

These comments are just my thoughts; how do you feel about Random Hour?

My RH Report for today (11/28/09):

Two Meters: Worked N3LL (R) and N4QV (S). CNR W8NJR

Six Meters: Worked N3LL (R), K4YMQ (R) ,KS7S (R) and N4QV (S). Heard W8NJR

Tip
WA5UFH

From: Bill W5WVO

To: wsjtgroup@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Saturday, November 28, 2009 2:33 PM

Subject: Re: [wsjtgroup] New WSJT/MS ops [was: RH Comments]

In response to Tip's plea, let me opine that the real key to more weekend RH operation is, at the end of the day, more people getting interested in and using the WSJT/MS mode. We need a continuing influx of new WSJT/MS operators, and lately this has been happening at a glacial pace.

 

I don't have hard numbers to back this up, but I have the sense that WSJT is increasing in popularity as a terrestrial mode on HF, and as an EME mode on VHF. However, despite the increasing availability of hardware support for digital modes both in transceivers and outboard interface devices, WSJT continues to languish as a meteor-scatter medium when it should be seeing growth. The number of active MS operators using FSK441 is significantly less now than it was some five, six, seven years ago, according to many who have been around that long. (I haven't.)

 

Why? That is the question.

 

I would like to suggest that we brainstorm a little on the list here and post some ideas on:

 

(1) why VHF MS using WSJT seems difficult to promote and popularize, and

(2) new strategic and/or tactical directions that might be tried to remedy this.

 

Bill W5WVO

 

 

 

----- Original Message -----

From: Randy Tipton

To: wsjtgroup@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Saturday, November 28, 2009 11:25 AM

Subject: [wsjtgroup] RH Comments

 

If you're not interested in NA Random Hour, you may choose to stop reading
here.

Random Hour in NA has been around a few years now and a few are still taking
advantage of this activity period to make random contacts on both two and
six meters. Though a few are still using Random Hour many who 'used to be
active' are no longer as active and some have seemed to disappear. Activity
is and will be dependent on the meteor scatter community.

The RH sessions are on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Does that mean those
are the only times random contacts are made, certainly not. Daily stations
can be heard calling CQ and dedicated operators looking for HSMS contacts
monitor the call frequencies when not attempting schedules.

What is special then about Random Hour? North America RH was copied after
the ZL / VK operators. It was designed for operators to all share the call
frequency attempting to make hsms contacts. The probability of hearing
meteor pings, decoding distant stations and making random contacts greatly
increases during the activity period.

What about QRM? It is not uncommon to see around sixty stations logged onto
PJ during a Saturday morning. QRM can be a problem but operators can prevent
most occurrences. First always listen for any local stations before you
transmit, that includes listening both time sequences. If you hear a local,
operate using the same tx sequence. It also is important that both stations
have accurate pc time.

Another way to prevent QRM is to use the "Off-Set" method of calling CQ.
Operators using the "Off-Set" method should still listen before calling CQ.
The "Off-Set" method of calling does not guarantee a clear frequency since
someone could be running a schedule on that frequency. I have noticed many
stations like to run schedules a few KHz plus / minus the call frequency.
The "Off-Set" method of calling CQ does remove activity from the call
frequency plus the station calling CQ will miss the RH pings on the call
frequency.

What about posting CQ off the call frequency during Random Hour? Several
stations do this however they omit the operators who want to work random
contacts and are monitoring the set calling frequencies. This method does
not take into account all the benefits of having an established calling
frequency.

What if I have a birdie on the call frequency? This is not a problem if you
call using the "Off-Set" method. You pick the frequency where you want to
make the contact.

What is the difference between Saturday and Sunday Random Hour. The Saturday
session has two main focus areas. The focus areas are groupings of time
zones and by band. (eastern/central & mountain/pacific) The Sunday Random
Hour starts at 5AM in all time zones and the user picks the band. Two meter
operators will find it easier to make contacts maybe by moving contacts from
50 MHz to 144 MHz.

What is the purpose of the "Reports"? Operators may use these reports to see
who heard them and to compare activity from area to area. These reports are
published and only take a few minutes to write and submit. Operators should
take time to submit both random contacts and schedules completed, stations
decoded and stations answered but not completed.

What are Random Hour Messages? The use of R26, RRR or 73 on shared
frequencies can cause confusion. This is because there is no way to know,
nothing doubting, whom it was intended for. Thus we use use appended
messages. Most station use a part of the other stations call or the complete
call. Thus if I receive UFH R26 or WA5UFH R26 I know it was intended for me.
If another station decodes it they simply ignore the message.

New stations should review the "Random Hour Pages"on the wsjtgroup webpage
for more information.

Because RH activity has been off, especially on two meters, I have written
this note to encourage old timer and newbies to be more active. We all
understand that making random contacts is not everyone's focus. Individual
focus often time changes with new stations arriving causing some to be
looking for new grids or initials. I suppose my entire point is Random Hour
needs a shot in the arm, especially on two meters. During the last year,
two meter random hour reports averaged less than 5 and some Sundays no two
meter contacts were even reported. Will two meter random activity die? I
seriously doubt it but we are at the bottom. hi

These comments are just my thoughts; how do you feel about Random Hour?

My RH Report for today (11/28/09):

Two Meters: Worked N3LL (R) and N4QV (S). CNR W8NJR

Six Meters: Worked N3LL (R), K4YMQ (R) ,KS7S (R) and N4QV (S). Heard W8NJR

Tip
WA5UFH

Just thought I would add something. I was very interested in MS and JT6M modes
and spent a lot of time during the summer E season. Most of us can not afford
the antennas or the high power required in the off season. I guess we are the
fair weather operators. I still use JT65A on the HF bands. Nearly impossible to
find any JT65A on 6 meters. With the lack of meteors to bounce off it takes a
long time for low power op's to make a QSO. It makes it discouaging as I know
Olivia would pass more info on 6 meters than JT65A and be dependable for more
than just passing a signal report. Maybe the problem is seeing the same
operators and very few new ones. I will be back when conditions are better.But
right now I can't justify the time in listening.
Good luck to all hope morw can participate.
73 Fred  N9GUE

----- Original Message -----

From: Bill W5WVO

To: [WSJTGROUP] ; AE5B

Sent: Saturday, November 28, 2009 6:43 PM

Subject: Re: [wsjtgroup] New WSJT/MS ops [was: RH Comments]

 

Check out http://www.ykc.com/wa5ufh/DOS/index.html, John,
especially "Tool Box" and "W5WVO Tool Box". It's not ALL here, but
this is a pretty good start. One of these days I plan to write a
COMPLETE FSK441/MS handbook based on a lot of this data and more.
When I can get a round tuit. Danged things are tough to find,
though. ;-)

Bill W5WVO

----- Original Message -----
From: "AE5B" <ae5b@...>
To: "Bill W5WVO" <w5wvo@cybermesa.net>
Sent: Saturday, November 28, 2009 6:34 PM
Subject: Re: [wsjtgroup] New WSJT/MS ops [was: RH Comments]

I wrote a short piece promoting 6 meter MS last week and noticed
something.
There is a wealth of info on the web concerning WSJT and MS but it
is scattered
across a multitude of web sites. Most users acknowledge that MS
and WSJT has a
pretty steep learning curve. A single site consolidating the
needed information
would be beneficial.

That site may already exist but I just may not have run across it
yet. Such is
the internet !

John
AE5B

On Sat, 28 Nov 2009 13:33:04 -0700, you wrote:

>In response to Tip's plea, let me opine that the real key to more
weekend RH
>operation is, at the end of the day, more people getting
interested in and
>using the WSJT/MS mode. We need a continuing influx of new
WSJT/MS
>operators, and lately this has been happening at a glacial pace.
>
>I don't have hard numbers to back this up, but I have the sense
that WSJT is
>increasing in popularity as a terrestrial mode on HF, and as an
EME mode on
>VHF. However, despite the increasing availability of hardware
support for
>digital modes both in transceivers and outboard interface
devices, WSJT
>continues to languish as a meteor-scatter medium when it should
be seeing
>growth. The number of active MS operators using FSK441 is
significantly less
>now than it was some five, six, seven years ago, according to
many who have
>been around that long. (I haven't.)
>
>Why? That is the question.
>
>I would like to suggest that we brainstorm a little on the list
here and
>post some ideas on:
>
>(1) why VHF MS using WSJT seems difficult to promote and
popularize, and
>(2) new strategic and/or tactical directions that might be tried
to remedy
>this.
>
>Bill W5WVO
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Randy Tipton
> To: wsjtgroup@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Saturday, November 28, 2009 11:25 AM
> Subject: [wsjtgroup] RH Comments
>
>
>
> If you're not interested in NA Random Hour, you may choose to
stop reading
> here.
>
> Random Hour in NA has been around a few years now and a few are
still
>taking
> advantage of this activity period to make random contacts on
both two and
> six meters. Though a few are still using Random Hour many who
'used to be
> active' are no longer as active and some have seemed to
disappear.
>Activity
> is and will be dependent on the meteor scatter community.
>
> The RH sessions are on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Does that
mean those
> are the only times random contacts are made, certainly not.
Daily stations
> can be heard calling CQ and dedicated operators looking for
HSMS contacts
> monitor the call frequencies when not attempting schedules.
>
> What is special then about Random Hour? North America RH was
copied after
> the ZL / VK operators. It was designed for operators to all
share the call
> frequency attempting to make hsms contacts. The probability of
hearing
> meteor pings, decoding distant stations and making random
contacts greatly
> increases during the activity period.
>
> What about QRM? It is not uncommon to see around sixty stations
logged
>onto
> PJ during a Saturday morning. QRM can be a problem but
operators can
>prevent
> most occurrences. First always listen for any local stations
before you
> transmit, that includes listening both time sequences. If you
hear a
>local,
> operate using the same tx sequence. It also is important that
both
>stations
> have accurate pc time.
>
> Another way to prevent QRM is to use the "Off-Set" method of
calling CQ.
> Operators using the "Off-Set" method should still listen before
calling
>CQ.
> The "Off-Set" method of calling does not guarantee a clear
frequency since
> someone could be running a schedule on that frequency. I have
noticed many
> stations like to run schedules a few KHz plus / minus the call
frequency.
> The "Off-Set" method of calling CQ does remove activity from
the call
> frequency plus the station calling CQ will miss the RH pings on
the call
> frequency.
>
> What about posting CQ off the call frequency during Random
Hour? Several
> stations do this however they omit the operators who want to
work random
> contacts and are monitoring the set calling frequencies. This
method does
> not take into account all the benefits of having an established
calling
> frequency.
>
> What if I have a birdie on the call frequency? This is not a
problem if
>you
> call using the "Off-Set" method. You pick the frequency where
you want to
> make the contact.
>
> What is the difference between Saturday and Sunday Random Hour.
The
>Saturday
> session has two main focus areas. The focus areas are groupings
of time
> zones and by band. (eastern/central & mountain/pacific) The
Sunday Random
> Hour starts at 5AM in all time zones and the user picks the
band. Two
>meter
> operators will find it easier to make contacts maybe by moving
contacts
>from
> 50 MHz to 144 MHz.
>
> What is the purpose of the "Reports"? Operators may use these
reports to
>see
> who heard them and to compare activity from area to area. These
reports
>are
> published and only take a few minutes to write and submit.
Operators
>should
> take time to submit both random contacts and schedules
completed, stations
> decoded and stations answered but not completed.
>
> What are Random Hour Messages? The use of R26, RRR or 73 on
shared
> frequencies can cause confusion. This is because there is no
way to know,
> nothing doubting, whom it was intended for. Thus we use use
appended
> messages. Most station use a part of the other stations call or
the
>complete
> call. Thus if I receive UFH R26 or WA5UFH R26 I know it was
intended for
>me.
> If another station decodes it they simply ignore the message.
>
> New stations should review the "Random Hour Pages"on the
wsjtgroup webpage
> for more information.
>
> Because RH activity has been off, especially on two meters, I
have written
> this note to encourage old timer and newbies to be more active.
We all
> understand that making random contacts is not everyone's focus.
Individual
> focus often time changes with new stations arriving causing
some to be
> looking for new grids or initials. I suppose my entire point is
Random
>Hour
> needs a shot in the arm, especially on two meters. During the
last year,
> two meter random hour reports averaged less than 5 and some
Sundays no two
> meter contacts were even reported. Will two meter random
activity die? I
> seriously doubt it but we are at the bottom. hi
>
> These comments are just my thoughts; how do you feel about
Random Hour?
>
> My RH Report for today (11/28/09):
>
> Two Meters: Worked N3LL (R) and N4QV (S). CNR W8NJR
>
> Six Meters: Worked N3LL (R), K4YMQ (R) ,KS7S (R) and N4QV (S).
Heard W8NJR
>
> Tip
> WA5UFH
>
>
>
>

Check out http://www.ykc.com/wa5ufh/DOS/index.html, John,
especially "Tool Box" and "W5WVO Tool Box". It's not ALL here, but
this is a pretty good start. One of these days I plan to write a
COMPLETE FSK441/MS handbook based on a lot of this data and more.
When I can get a round tuit. Danged things are tough to find,
though. ;-)

Bill W5WVO


----- Original Message -----
From: "AE5B" <ae5b@...>
To: "Bill W5WVO" <w5wvo@...>
Sent: Saturday, November 28, 2009 6:34 PM
Subject: Re: [wsjtgroup] New WSJT/MS ops [was: RH Comments]


I wrote a short piece promoting 6 meter MS last week and noticed
something.
There is a wealth of info on the web concerning WSJT and MS but it
is scattered
across a multitude of web sites.  Most users acknowledge that MS
and WSJT has a
pretty steep learning curve. A single site consolidating the
needed information
would be beneficial.

That site may already exist but I just may not have run across it
yet. Such is
the internet !

John
AE5B



On Sat, 28 Nov 2009 13:33:04 -0700, you wrote:

>In response to Tip's plea, let me opine that the real key to more
weekend RH
>operation is, at the end of the day, more people getting
interested in and
>using the WSJT/MS mode. We need a continuing influx of new
WSJT/MS
>operators, and lately this has been happening at a glacial pace.
>
>I don't have hard numbers to back this up, but I have the sense
that WSJT is
>increasing in popularity as a terrestrial mode on HF, and as an
EME mode on
>VHF. However, despite the increasing availability of hardware
support for
>digital modes both in transceivers and outboard interface
devices, WSJT
>continues to languish as a meteor-scatter medium when it should
be seeing
>growth. The number of active MS operators using FSK441 is
significantly less
>now than it was some five, six, seven years ago, according to
many who have
>been around that long. (I haven't.)
>
>Why? That is the question.
>
>I would like to suggest that we brainstorm a little on the list
here and
>post some ideas on:
>
>(1) why VHF MS using WSJT seems difficult to promote and
popularize, and
>(2) new strategic and/or tactical directions that might be tried
to remedy
>this.
>
>Bill W5WVO
>
>
>
>  ----- Original Message -----
>  From: Randy Tipton
>  To: wsjtgroup@yahoogroups.com
>  Sent: Saturday, November 28, 2009 11:25 AM
>  Subject: [wsjtgroup] RH Comments
>
>
>
>  If you're not interested in NA Random Hour, you may choose to
stop reading
>  here.
>
>  Random Hour in NA has been around a few years now and a few are
still
>taking
>  advantage of this activity period to make random contacts on
both two and
>  six meters. Though a few are still using Random Hour many who
'used to be
>  active' are no longer as active and some have seemed to
disappear.
>Activity
>  is and will be dependent on the meteor scatter community.
>
>  The RH sessions are on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Does that
mean those
>  are the only times random contacts are made, certainly not.
Daily stations
>  can be heard calling CQ and dedicated operators looking for
HSMS contacts
>  monitor the call frequencies when not attempting schedules.
>
>  What is special then about Random Hour? North America RH was
copied after
>  the ZL / VK operators. It was designed for operators to all
share the call
>  frequency attempting to make hsms contacts. The probability of
hearing
>  meteor pings, decoding distant stations and making random
contacts greatly
>  increases during the activity period.
>
>  What about QRM? It is not uncommon to see around sixty stations
logged
>onto
>  PJ during a Saturday morning. QRM can be a problem but
operators can
>prevent
>  most occurrences. First always listen for any local stations
before you
>  transmit, that includes listening both time sequences. If you
hear a
>local,
>  operate using the same tx sequence. It also is important that
both
>stations
>  have accurate pc time.
>
>  Another way to prevent QRM is to use the "Off-Set" method of
calling CQ.
>  Operators using the "Off-Set" method should still listen before
calling
>CQ.
>  The "Off-Set" method of calling does not guarantee a clear
frequency since
>  someone could be running a schedule on that frequency. I have
noticed many
>  stations like to run schedules a few KHz plus / minus the call
frequency.
>  The "Off-Set" method of calling CQ does remove activity from
the call
>  frequency plus the station calling CQ will miss the RH pings on
the call
>  frequency.
>
>  What about posting CQ off the call frequency during Random
Hour? Several
>  stations do this however they omit the operators who want to
work random
>  contacts and are monitoring the set calling frequencies. This
method does
>  not take into account all the benefits of having an established
calling
>  frequency.
>
>  What if I have a birdie on the call frequency? This is not a
problem if
>you
>  call using the "Off-Set" method. You pick the frequency where
you want to
>  make the contact.
>
>  What is the difference between Saturday and Sunday Random Hour.
The
>Saturday
>  session has two main focus areas. The focus areas are groupings
of time
>  zones and by band. (eastern/central & mountain/pacific) The
Sunday Random
>  Hour starts at 5AM in all time zones and the user picks the
band. Two
>meter
>  operators will find it easier to make contacts maybe by moving
contacts
>from
>  50 MHz to 144 MHz.
>
>  What is the purpose of the "Reports"? Operators may use these
reports to
>see
>  who heard them and to compare activity from area to area. These
reports
>are
>  published and only take a few minutes to write and submit.
Operators
>should
>  take time to submit both random contacts and schedules
completed, stations
>  decoded and stations answered but not completed.
>
>  What are Random Hour Messages? The use of R26, RRR or 73 on
shared
>  frequencies can cause confusion. This is because there is no
way to know,
>  nothing doubting, whom it was intended for. Thus we use use
appended
>  messages. Most station use a part of the other stations call or
the
>complete
>  call. Thus if I receive UFH R26 or WA5UFH R26 I know it was
intended for
>me.
>  If another station decodes it they simply ignore the message.
>
>  New stations should review the "Random Hour Pages"on the
wsjtgroup webpage
>  for more information.
>
>  Because RH activity has been off, especially on two meters, I
have written
>  this note to encourage old timer and newbies to be more active.
We all
>  understand that making random contacts is not everyone's focus.
Individual
>  focus often time changes with new stations arriving causing
some to be
>  looking for new grids or initials. I suppose my entire point is
Random
>Hour
>  needs a shot in the arm, especially on two meters. During the
last year,
>  two meter random hour reports averaged less than 5 and some
Sundays no two
>  meter contacts were even reported. Will two meter random
activity die? I
>  seriously doubt it but we are at the bottom. hi
>
>  These comments are just my thoughts; how do you feel about
Random Hour?
>
>  My RH Report for today (11/28/09):
>
>  Two Meters: Worked N3LL (R) and N4QV (S). CNR W8NJR
>
>  Six Meters: Worked N3LL (R), K4YMQ (R) ,KS7S (R) and N4QV (S).
Heard W8NJR
>
>  Tip
>  WA5UFH
>
>
>
>