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What is Random Hour?

Random Hour is a process for NA Meteor Scatter Operators where the goal is to maximum the numbers of pings that can simultaneously be heard while operators complete random contacts.

What is the Purpose of the Random Hour Manual?

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 are to be used for meteor scatter schedules. This manual applies ONLY to Activity Periods like (Random Hour) and for accepted procedures when calling CQ using HSMS modes.

When is Random Hour?

Random Hour is weekly, on each Saturday of the year!

View RH Schedule <click here>

All stations are encouraged to complete qso's in progress 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 HSMS using WSJT on six or two meters. The Activity Period format provides both the experienced and new operator 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.

Random Hour Etiquette:

Using Single Tones or Short Hand Messages is not considerate behavior' on the call 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.

What is 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

What Are 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 : <Click Here>

QST April 2007 Page 45
Digital Meteor Scatter Equals Maximum Fun

Article about activity periods, HSMS contesting and Awards.

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

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.


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 144.140 & 50.260
MHz. Stations that desire to hear the maximun number of pings and have a higher tolerance for
operating shared frequencies should use this method on 144.140 and 50.260 MHz. .


The second method is the OffSet Method used on 144.140 or 50.260 MHz . The OffSet method will
be more effective for stations in highly populated areas who are unable to participate using the
Simplex Frequency Method. Some eastern states have activity that is too intense or more difficult to
work on the calling frequencies. Some of these stations use the Offset method thus to maximize the
efficiency of Random Hour for them. Users of the Offset Method first find a clear spot free of
birdies and local activity then calls CQ (Up | Down) on 144.140 or 50.260 using this OffSet Method. More help on which method I should use...

When is Random Hour:
View RH Schedule <click here>

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

Where do I Listen for a CQ:
The HSMS NA Calling Frequencies. (50.260 & 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". Stations monitoring PJ can them turn their attention to that
CQ if they are inclined to do so. Information which could be posted is listed below:
Station calling...
Direction antenna is pointed...
Listening Frequency; i.e listening Up|Dn from the call 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

Tailending contacts in progress:
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 station (s)
completing their contact. This might be while they exchange "Rogers" or "73's".These are still
Random Contacts and they qualify for the Random QSO Award. Tailending contacts adds to the
excitement of the activity period.

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 call frequency . The Standard Operating Procedures are for
schedules. They will not work for shared frequencies. These "Special Messages" are sometimes
refered to as "RH Messages", "Appended Messages" or "Tagged Messages".

Note:
SH Messages should be avoded on the Call Frequencies.
The following messages only cause confusion when used
on shared frequencies.
                        RRR
                        R26 or R27
                        73
Note: If you are using a call frequency and the person you
are in contact with starts sending Sh messages, don't change
to match him! Keep using the Modified Random Hour messages
and he will probably swap to the correct format. (be a good
elmer, email him the correct procedures)

Modified Messages and How to Create:
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 & 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 Sh message using the mouse and insert the
text to be added. Separate with a single space the text added and the Sh Message text.

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

Is QRM Possible: Like any other mode, yes QRM is a possibility. See "What About QRM" and Random
Hour Etiquette in the left hand column. 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. Consider using
PSK or RTTY on 50.290 MHz or focus your antenna away fromt the opening. Use discreation.

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 indication of the interest meteor scatter
operators have in making and completing random qso’s. The report is compiled by Bruce (N5SIX)
weekly and posted on the WSJTGROUP reflector for all to read. Immediately following the
“Random Hour” an announcement goes out on the Ping Jockey to remind participants to send in
their reports. Note: It is best to do it right then rather than 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.

Email your data to N5SIX bbrackin@bellsouth.net

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


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 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


Random Hour operating hints:

When listening to a call frequncy 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 – 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 tailenders.

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 DNA the last three messages.

If the band opens during Random Hour consider a swap to 50.290 MHz and 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.