(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.
More information about the Meteorobs
mailing list