(Ver 4.0  11/21/2008)

 Credits for the NA Random Hour Manual: Thanks to (John N6ENU; Mike WB2FKO; Bruce N5SIX; Terry WA3LTB , Bob K1SIX and David WA5DJJ who all helped create this RH manual for the WSJTGROUP.

For more information on Meteor Scatter Activity Periods see
QST Magazine  April 2007 Page 45  
Digital Meteor Scatter Equals Maximum Fun

INDEX                                                                                        

General Information

         What is Random Hour                                                                

         Who Sponsors Random Hour?

          Random Hour Manual Purpose.

          When is Random Hour?

          Who should participate in Random Hours?                              

How to call CQ                                               

          The Simplex Method Explained                                               

          The Off Set Method Explained

          Which Method of CQ Should I Use?                                   

          Where Do I call CQ?

          Where Do I Listen?

          Self Spotting CQ.

 Special Messages are a MUST.                                                         

          Random Hour / Appended / Tagged Messages                         

          How to Create Modified Messages.                              

Tail-Ending Contacts:                                                                       

          How to Tail-End a contact                                                    

 Reporting Procedures:                                                                     

          The Summary Report                                                           

 Is QRM Possible?                                                                              

          QRM / Solutions                                                                       

          Random Hour Etiquette                                                           

The Random QSO Award:                                                               

 Special Sessions:                                                                                

 Operating Hints:                                                                                

 General Information  

What is Random Hour?

Random Hour is a process for North American Meteor Scatter Operators where the goal is to maximize the number of pings that can simultaneously be heard while operators complete random contacts.

Who Sponsors Random Hour?

The WSJTGROUP. This is the name of the Yahoo Group that has about 1000 members who share an interest in WSJT and propagation mode Meteor Scatter. This group is on the “cutting edge” and the group is full of the “Elmering Spirit” which makes amateur radio so special.

It is our hope that the majority will take advantage of the “Random Hours” and support the contests.

Moderators ...
Bruce N5SIX; Terry WA3LTB; Tip WA5UFH; Joe K1JT; John N6ENU; Russ K2TXB; Mike WB2FKO; Jim W6OUU; Barry VE3CDX

Random Hour Manual Purpose?

To familiarize operators with the concept of "Random Hour" and to publish the proper message formats for "Random Hour". This manual also contains useful information relating to the process of calling CQ outside Random Hour times.

Note: This manual is the property of the WSJTGROUP. Questions / comments about the contents of this document should be addressed to the WSJTGROUP. The Manual does not change the NA Standard Operating Procedures, which govern all High Speed Meteor Scatter Operations in North America. are to be used for meteor scatter schedules. This manual applies ONLY to Activity Periods like (Random Hour) and for

When is Random Hour?
Random Hour is weekly, on each Saturdays and Sunday of the year!

Saturday RH Schedule is:

Eastern / Central Time Zones
2m hour from 0800-0900 Eastern / 0700-0800 Central
6m hour from 0900-1000 Eastern / 0800-0900 Central
Mountain / Pacific Time Zones
2m hour from 0800-0900 Mountain / 0700-0800 Pacific
6m hour from 0900-1000 Mountain / 0800-0900 Pacific

Sunday RH Schedule is:

Operation from 5 AM to 9 AM Local time and you choose which band you wish to operate.

All stations are encouraged to complete QSO's in progress even if it requires running outside the scheduled times.
"Single band stations" are encouraged to operate the entire 2 hour session with their primary focus on the appropriate hour.

NOTE: Announcements or often times posted on the Ping Jockey for the start of each activity period.

Who Should Participate In Random Hours?

The Activity Periods are for all North American meteor scatter operators who operate High Speed Meteor Scatter using WSJT on six or two meters. The Activity Period format provides both the experienced and new operators the opportunity to make non-assisted Meteor Scatter completions. This is also an excellent time to test your stations ability to receive Meteor pings and learn the software processes of decoding the FSK441 code.

How to call CQ:

Most random QSO's during RH are a result of calling or answering a CQ using one of two methods. Both methods use the Calling Frequency. i.e. the caller / listener both use 50.260 or 144.140 MHz for the CQing process.

Simplex Frequency Method eExplained:

The first method called the Simplex Frequency Method fits in with the goal of creating the maximum number of pings by calling CQ or answering a CQ on the calling frequencies of 50.260 and 144.140 MHz. Stations that desire to hear the maximum number of pings and have a higher tolerance for operating shared frequencies should use this method on 50.260 and 144.140 MHz.



1. CQ W1AW (No Offset Rx Freq Given) W1AW expects to complete the contact on the call frequency.

This method is simple and is the "Preferred Method" for Random Hour. At other times you should use the second method called the Offset Method of calling CQ.

The Offset Method Explained:

The second method is the Offset Method used on 50.260 or 144.140 MHz. The Offset method will be more effective for stations in highly populated areas that are unable to participate using the Simplex Frequency Method.  Some Locations with activity that is too intense because of other RH local stations will also use the Offset Method. The Offset Method is sometimes referred to as operating in the Split Frequency mode.   You call on one frequency (usually 50.260 or 144.140) and listen on another frequency up or down from the calling frequency. To identify this type of operation, the use of CQ U (amount designator letter or number) or CQ D (amount designator letter or number) is used.  When the other station sees the U/D in your CQ message, he will know what to do to his station operation to contact you.  If you are setting up Offset mode operation, first find a clear spot free of birdies and local activity, then call CQ  (Up or Down) on 50.260 or 144.140 using the Offset Method.

Assuming W1AW is calling CQ on six meters 50.260MHz during Random Hour…

1. CQ U7 W1AW (Up 7KHz from calling frequency) W1AW will listen on 50.267 MHz and swap their TX Frequency from 50.260 MHz to 50.267 MHz after receiving a call.

2. CQ D7 W1AW (Down 7KHz from calling frequency) W1AW will listen on 50.253 and swap their TX Frequency from 50.260 MHz to 50.253 MHz upon receiving a call)

3. CQ F W1AW (Up 6 KHz from calling frequency) W1AW will listen on 50.266 and swap their TX Frequency from 50.260 MHz to 50.266 MHz upon receiving a call)

Note: For method #3 above, the letter indicates the number of kHz higher than the CQ frequency the calling station is listening.  There are 26 letters in the alphabet and this method uses the number of the letter to designate the number of KHz offset to use.  This method always assumes the offset frequency to be UP. 
CQC - Up 3 kHz
CQE - Up 5 kHz
CQZ - Up 26 kHz
CQAA - Up 27 kHz. Etc

4. CQ 267 W1AW (Listening on 50.277) W1AW will switch from 50.260 MHz to 50.267MHz after receiving a call.

Assuming W1AW is calling using the Offset Method during Random Hour on 144.140MHz

1. CQ U7 W1AW (Up 7KHz from calling frequency) W1AW will listen on 144.147 MHz and swap their TX Frequency from 144.140 MHz to 144.147 MHz after receiving a call.

2. CQ D10 W1AW (Down10KHz from calling frequency) W1AW will listen on 144.130 and swap their TX Frequency from 144.140 MHz to 144.130 MHz upon receiving a call.

3. CQ F W1AW (Up 6 KHz from calling frequency) W1AW will listen on 144.146 and swap
their TX Frequency from 144.140 MHz to 144.146 MHz upon receiving a call.

4. CQ 147 W1AW (Listening on 144.147MHz) W1AW will switch from 144.140 MHz to 144.147 MHz after receiving a call.

Which method of CQ should I use?

The choice of Simplex or Offset Method is simply common sense or personal preference.

1. Simplex Frequency Method is recommended for those who have no problems with QRM or can work around stations.
2. Simplex Frequency Method is recommended for those who prefer the experience of shared frequency meteor scatter QSO's.

3. Offset Method is recommended for those who have local QRM during Random Hour on both 30 second sequences.
4. Offset Method is recommended for those who prefer to reduce the probability of shared frequency use during Random Hour
5. Offset Method is recommended (The best thing to do) for calling CQ outside of Random Hours

Considerations:
1. Is simplex operating causing lost contacts in high population areas.
2. Think about how your operating may impact others.
3. Operate in a manner that gives others a chance too join in also
4. Share your experiences for the benefit of all.

Some stations are unable to use the Simplex Frequency Method because of local conditions. Thus, it is recommended that stations using the Simplex Frequency Method also listen for and answer those stations using the Offset Method.

Note: The above guidelines are a good compromise providing two methods of calling during Random Hour. The Meteor Scatter Community is mixed and to be completely fair no method is instituted as mandatory. Those who enjoy the original method and those who wanted the offset method are being heard. Please accept each method and respect the stations that choose to operate their method by adhering to the Random Hour Format.

Where do I call CQ?
Call CQ’s on the designated call frequencies of:
Six meters: 50.260 MHz (Simplex Frequency Method or Offset Methods)
Two meters: 144.140 MHz (Simplex Frequency Method or Offset Methods)

Where do I Listen for a CQ?
The High Speed Meteor Scatter North American Calling Frequencies.
(50.260 and 144.140 MHz)

Self Spotting While Calling CQ:
Stations may Self-Spot their CQ's on the Ping Jockey Page during Random Hour. Many stations find it helpful to self spot their " CQ's" on the Ping Jockey Page. Stations monitoring PJ can them turn their attention to that CQ if they are inclined to do so. Information that can be posted on the Ping Jockey page is listed below:

Station calling...
Direction antenna is pointed...
Listening Frequency; i.e. listening Up/Dn from the Calling Frequency...
Length of Time they will be calling CQ...

EXAMPLE: WA5UFH calling CQ U5 on 50.260 / .265 looking West to North on 2nd Seq. for 15 minutes

Special Messages are a MUST:
The message formats described in this manual are for “Random Hour” and are recommended for all other times when calling CQ on the Calling Frequency. The Standard Operating Procedures are for schedules. They will not work for shared frequencies. These "Special Messages" are sometimes referred to as "RH Messages", "Appended Messages" or "Tagged Messages" and are accomplished by editing on the fly Messages #1, #3, #4, and #5.

Note: SHort Messages should be avoided on the Calling Frequencies.

The following messages only cause confusion when used on shared frequencies.

                        RRR
                        R26 or R27
                        73

Note: If you are using a Calling Frequency and the person you are in contact with starts sending SHort messages, do not change to match him.   Keep using the Modified Random Hour messages and he will probably swap to the correct format. (Be a good Elmer and email him the correct procedures)

How to Create Modified Messages:
Example of WA5UFH who is Working N5SIX on a designated call frequency:

Message 1: N5SIX DE WA5UFH
Message 2: N5SIX 27 WA5UFH 2727
Message 3: SIX R27
Message 4: SIX RRR
Message 5: SIX 73

Note:
Message #1: The WSJTGROUP recommends adding the “DE” between both calls on six meters. (The " DE" is optional for two meters because of almost always shorter ping widths) The use of "DE" helps others who receive Both Calls to determine who the transmitting station is.

Message #2, no change is necessary.

Messages #3, #4 and #5 are appended with the suffix of the station you are working by inserting that suffix ahead of the text.

All messages are appended “On The Fly” as the contact progresses. If the call is a short one like (AF4O) you might choose to use the entire call.

Note: To append the message text click in front of the SHort message using the mouse and insert the text to be added. Separate with a single space the text added and the SHort Message text.

Examples:
AA9MY …  MY R26
K1SIX … SIX RRR
WA3LTB … LTB 73
KC0HLN … HLN R27

Tail Ending contacts:
This methods allows you to call stations you are hearing while they attempt contacts via meteor scatter with other stations. The best times to start calling are when you observe the stations completing their other contact. This might be while they exchange "Rogers" or "73's".

These are still Random Contacts and they qualify for the Random QSO Award. Tail Ending contacts adds to the excitement of the activity period.

Reporting Procedures:
Activity Periods are documented. Participants want to know who heard them. Others want to know who worked whom during the session. The report is a good way to stimulate interest in Meteor Scatter operations. The report is compiled by a designated reporter weekly and posted on the WSJTGROUP reflector for all to read. Immediately following the “Random Hour” an announcement goes out on the Ping Jockey page to remind participants to send in their reports.

Note: It is best to do it right away than to procrastinate.

The report should include:
1. Your call
2. By band the stations you worked
3. Stations you called but didn’t complete with
4. And calls of stations you heard

Note: For # 4 it might be hard to tell which station was heard; some report all calls decoded which is also acceptable.

Those just “Earwigging” (listening), please submit your reports also as this will help us all have a better understanding of the Random Hour usage.

Reporting is not mandatory but recommended since it will always help attract newbie’s to this mode and the report validates HSMS Random QSO’s. 

Is QRM Possible?

 Like any other mode, yes QRM is a possibility. See "What About QRM" and Random Hour
Etiquette on the website. If six meters opens with E' Skip beware the E cloud will not
be over all areas. Meteor Scatter Mode FSK441 is not intended for these conditions and will have trouble decoding the messages. Consider using PSK or RTTY on 50.290 MHz or focus your antenna away from the opening. Use discretion and common sense to prevent interference.

Try these solutions…

A)  I hear a local / tropo station.
Use the same TX Period to call using the Simplex or Offset Method or listen for calls on his RX period.

B) I hear pings from other stations on my "Offset Frequency".
This is not QRM, search for your partners pings right-click on green line using the mouse and use Random Hour Messages. The offset frequency is probably occupied with an ongoing scheduled QSO.

C) I hear pings from other stations while in QSO with my contact using the simplex method. This is not QRM; search for your contacts pings by right clicking on the pings received on the green line. During RH you will hear many simultaneous pings from other QSO's

D) I called CQ UP or DN XX only to find it occupied.
There is no guarantee you will find unoccupied frequencies. This is not QRM use your partner's pings and complete your contact using Random Hour Messages ignoring all SHort messages from the other QSO.

E) I hear Short messages on the Call Frequency.
If you think it is your contact using SHort messages; post on PJ what you are expecting to hear. (Tom I was expecting UFH RRR, please no SHort messages) Post to PJ what your hearing and explain proper procedures. Elmering ... helps Newbies learn the process

F) All I hear is my neighbor & LOUD.
Use the same TX Sequence as your neighbor (coordination) using simplex or offset methods.

G) I hear a local on one sequence.
Listen for calls on the opposite sequence or call CQ on the same sequence as the local station being heard.

H) I hear locals or tropo strong on both receive periods.
When this happens, the stations not in QSO should stop and change his TX sequence to match that of the other station. If he does not swap your only alternative is to call using the offset method or wait till the frequency becomes clear / open for normal Meteor Scatter activity

I) I have a few seconds of QRM using the same TX sequence as my neighbor.
All stations should have the accurate time and you could consider using Dsec. If only a few seconds off, you still should be able to make contacts. (He will hear your overlap also; one of you has the wrong time)

J) My receiver is desensitized because of High Powered Stations in my area.
Stations operating Activity Periods should give consideration to turning off the High Power, 100 to150 watts is adequate for most contacts. You could point your antenna away from the strong station or use the Offset Frequency Method and choose a "clean frequency".

K) This just doesn’t work with my neighbor.
Communicate with them via email or SSB and set-up some guidelines you can both follow.

L) Someone is using “Single Tones” or “SHort-cut” messages on my Offset Frequency.
This could be a scheduled QSO on your offset frequency and is not considered QRM. i.e. continue your contact using Random Hour Messages

M) The band opened.
QSY to appropriate mode / frequency or wait for band to close FSK441 is a Meteor Scatter mode not intended for E’s or tropo. If six meters, change frequency to 50.290 MHz and use PSK or MFSK or RTTY or Hell

N) I hear two locals using the same TX frequency at the same time.
This is not QRM and these two stations can work Meteor Scatter contacts simultaneously.

O) I have a birdie on the call frequency.
Use WSJT Zap or call using the Offset Method

Random Hour Etiquette:

Using Single Tones or SHort Hand Messages is not considerate behavior on the calling frequency or Offset frequencies where pings from other QSO's are possible. Stations completing contacts can acknowledge it on PJ so the other stations can move on to the next QSO quickly. When calling a station and them "moving on for whatever the reason"; it is considerate to post a message on PJ to that station so he can stop calling you and move on also. Listen before you call, use the same sequence as any locals you hear.

The Random QSO Award (RQA)

This is an awarded for contact with 15 Initial Meteor Scatter stations on two and six meters completed during a Random Hour Session or Approved Special Activity Session. The RQA and endorsements are available to all NA amateurs.

Click Here to view the award

Special Sessions:
The VHF contests in January, September and the Sweepstakes during June do not allow real time scheduling via the Internet. January and September are opportunities for the meteor scatter operators to generate contacts using meteor scatter. View the Special Session Link:

Operating Hints:
When listening to a calling frequency you will likely hear pings from several different stations. Before answering a CQ, make sure you know which time sequence he was transmitting on and what frequency he is listening on.

When calling CQ, call for at least 10 to 15 minutes each time. Focus different directions from week to week.

When terminating a CQ listen for at least 3 sequences to make sure your not being called.

When completing a contact, listen a few sequences to make sure you have no Tail Enders.

A balanced approach is probably best. Listen as much as you call.

Working two stations at once has been done but requires some time and requires that all stations you are answering figures out what is going on. It will help when working two at once to note the DF of each station as it might be needed to determine who sent the last three messages.  Sometimes editing your messages number #3, #4 and #5 to include both call suffixes and reports will make it easier. i.e. UFH R26 SIX R27 or UFH R26 SIX RRR. Operating two stations at once can be very exciting but you really must stay on your toes so that both of the other stations don't become confused and know where you are in the process.

If the band opens during Random Hour consider a swap to 50.290 MHz and use other modes such as PSK, MFSK, RTTY or Hell. WSJT FSK441 is not usable during enhancements or strong tropo openings.

Expect to work fewer stations during the two meter session and expect for pings to be shorter but generally stronger in strength.

Consider starting off on six meters with the Tol set to 200 Hz. Use default setting for two meters.

The default mode for Six Meters is FSK441 however using JT6M is acceptable and fun. Just be aware that JT6M may not be the best mode for longer contacts if the ping width is short.
JT6M is also very useful for Tropo contacts.