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Re: (meteorobs) meteor detection in AM SW band
Yes, I think it is good to encourage experimentation and recruit new radio observers. The purpose of my message was just to alert new observers to the potential for getting "bad data", if not fully aware of other factors that affect reception of radio signals.
Ionospheric propagation must always be monitored (preferably by real-time MUF plots) while collecting radio meteor data, especially the lower the frequency employed. Even FM band (100Mhz) is subject to random Es (sporadic E) and F layer propagation must be considered around the 11-year sunspot maximum if using frequencies around 50-60 Mhz. Tropospheric ducting is another phenomena in this frequency range, which could play a role, and is quite difficult to predict.
I suspect that the existing radio meteor database is "polluted" to some degree by other propagation modes. With Es being the major culprit. Therefore, the radio meteor counts do represent some degree of overestimation of meteor activity.
Mike Linnolt
--- drobnock2 <drobnock@penn.com> wrote:
> Hi:
> You are correct about the complexity of
> electromagnetic propagation,
> and there are may many texts and papers written
> about the propagation
> of radio signatures and computer programs to
> determine MUF.
>
> But I believe in the "keep it simple." If an
> individual is interested
> in experimenting, start with the simplist of tools
> and basic of
> readings.
>
> Who was it that said.... "to enjoy meteors, all you
> need are your
> eyes ?"
>
> George John Drobnock
>
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