meteor showers tonight! How do I operate for this

1. Much easier to work on 6m than on 2m.
2. Most effective mode is JT digital, which is an AM mode (not FM!).
3. Other effective modes are SSB and CW.
4. Can't work it on FM -- don't know if you were going to try that or not.
5. Aim towards the direction you want to work, with beam aimed towards the horizon (not elevated).
6. Most m.s. operators use 30-second sequencing, with clocks synchronized precisely to WWV.
7. Typical m.s. "burst" is only a second or two long, so it's unusual to complete a contact in less than several tries -- sometimes dozens, or even hundreds of tries for a contact.
8. DON'T ever transmit any extra information, on any mode. Your callsign and grid square is sufficient, sent repeatedly. No "hi there" or "thanks for the call," or "my name is Joe." No time for any of that, the entire QSO normally consists of a few seconds' worth of information exchange. The contact is completed when you both acknowledge you heard each other and received either a signal report, or a grid square or both.
9. No transmission for m.s. is EVER longer than 30 seconds, and most are shorter. No extra words!
10. If you're set up for digital, download the JT software (it's free), and the operating instructions -- they're very helpful.
11. If you're not set up for an AM digital mode or CW or SSB, forget it -- m.s. is nearly impossible to work on FM and stations with kilowatts and huge antennas usually cannot do it.

Good luck!

WB2WIK/6