Signal guide

MSK144 (meteor scatter)

A mode for bouncing signals off the trails of meteors, using very short bursts that ride brief reflections.

What does it sound like?

Plate 37Weak-signal digital

Mostly silence with sudden short 'pings' when a meteor trail reflects the signal.

0 Hz1,0002,0003,000 Hz

12.0-second example. Recording: AF8A / HamSCI Meteor Scatter QSO Party, Zenodo 21939712 (CC BY 4.0).

Field marksShort pings when meteor trails reflect the signal15-second turns50 and 144 MHz

Who uses it?

Amateur radio operators on VHF.

Where and when can I hear it?

For example 50.260 or 50.280 MHz (6 meters) and 144.150 MHz (2 meters).

Easily confused with

• FT8: FT8 is continuous for 13 seconds, not short pings