(meteorobs) Radio meter observation after analog TV operation stops

Jack Meyer jrmeyer at erols.com
Thu May 8 12:48:26 EDT 2008


In February of 2008, the conventional high power analog TV stations 
will stop operation as part of the switch to digital TV.  This will 
eliminate one of the most convenient sources of transmitter signals 
for radio meteor observation.  As mentioned in previous postings, 
those in much of the Western part of the country can probably use the 
SNOTEL system at 40.53 MHz.

A nationwide system called SCAN (Soil Climate Analysis Network), is 
similar to SNOTEL, and operates on 44.2 MHz.  According to one 
source, the SCAN base stations put out an Effective Radiated Power 
(ERP) of 20,000 Watts.  This is considerably less than the high 
powered TV stations, but is still adequate of reasonable 
monitoring.  I am located Fairmont, WV, about 680 miles East of the 
Tipton, MO SCAN base station, which is at N 38-36-21.1, W 
092-48-48.7.  With a 3 element Yagi antenna, I am receiving about 
1000 useable reflections per day, under less that ideal local 
conditions (inside a small city, close to overhead power lines and 
tall trees).

Web sites with more information on the SCAN network are at 
http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/scan/ and 
ftp://ftp.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/downloads/factpub/soils/SNOTEL-SCAN.pdf.

Those who have been using TV video carrier of radio meteor 
observations will note that the SCAN reflections will provide a 
"buzzing" sound from their receiver, not the familiar whistle.

One complication with using SCAN is that there are a few other users 
of 44.2 MHz for 2-way communications.  A search for Information on 
these other users in your area can be made at 
http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/General_Menu_Reports/engineering_search.cfm?accessible=NO 
.  One thing to keep in mind while searching the FCC data base is 
that the Federal Government users are not in that data base.

I would be interested in knowing if any one else has used the SCAN 
system for radio meteor observations, and what results they have obtained.




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