144 MHz Meteorscatter Sprint contest 2026

meteor scatter is one of the most interesting connection techniques on VHF bands. Unlike
tropospheric propagation or sporadic Es layer uses short-term ionized traces,
which are created when meteorites enter the atmosphere at altitudes of approximately 80 to 120 km.
During the peak of major meteor showers, the number of these reflecting surfaces increases significantly.
increases, which allows more reliable connections to be made at distances of around 800 to
2,200 kilometers.

Jedným z najznámejších podujatí zameraných výhradne na meteor scatter prevádzku je
144 MHz Meteorscatter Sprint contest, which takes place annually during the peak
meteor shower Perseids. In 2026, its nineteenth year will take place and again
will offer the opportunity to compare the technical readiness of stations and operator skills at work
na pásme 144MHz. Súťaž je určená pre všetkých priaznivcov meteor scatter prevádzky bez
regardless of whether they use a simple home station or a powerful contest workstation.
The rules emphasize the sporting nature of the competition, correct operation and strict adherence to
international procedures for MS connections.

Competition organizers

Hlavným organizátorom je skupina MMMonVHF (Make More Miles on VHF), ktorá sa dlhodobo venuje podpore diaľkových spojení na VKV pásmach. Na organizácii sa podieľajú aj renomované rádioamatérske časopisy DUBUS a Funk-Telegramm, which has been bringing professional articles in the field of VHF/UHF technology, antennas, contesting and experimental operating modes for decades. Together
cieľom organizátorov je podporovať meteor scatter prevádzku, motivovať rádioamatérov
to technical experimentation and create an international comparison of results during one
of the most active meteor showers of the year.

Competition date 2026

The competition date is adjusted to the expected peak of the Perseid meteor shower. According to
The International Meteorological Organization (IMO) forecasts that the maximum activity will be in 2026.
expected on August 13th between 02:00 and 04:00 UTC. Samotný contest však prebieha počas dvoch
whole days so that participants can take advantage of not only the main maximum, but also increased activity
before him and after him.

The two-day duration of the competition allows operators to effectively plan operations according to current
propagation conditions. The activity of the meteor shower changes only gradually during this period,
therefore, high-quality MS connections can be made even outside the maximum itself.

The principle of competition

contest je určený výhradne pre spojenia uskutočnené prostredníctvom meteor scatter odrazov
on the 144 MHz band. There is no division into individuals and multi-operator stations, nor according to
The only thing that matters is whether the system is in one of the two power modes.
kategórií podľa efektívneho vyžiareného výkonu (ERP). The station can only start in one
category.

For stations classified as QRP, it is important to correctly indicate the transmit power used.
and antenna system gain. If these data are missing from the log, the organizer will place the station
to the QRO category. ERP is calculated from the power at the transmitter output or power
amplifier along with the parameters of the antenna used.

Basic rules of the competition

Each valid connection consists of the exchange of complete call signs, reports
(for example 26 or R26) and the final confirmation YYYY. For each successfully completed QSO
The competitor will receive a number of points corresponding to the distance between the two stations in kilometers.
Each station can only be counted once, duplicates are not included in the result. Total score
represents the sum of points for all valid connections throughout the competition. 

Sending logs

The organizers accept diaries in both electronic and paper form, while clearly stating
electronic submission by e-mail is recommended. The diary must be delivered no later than
15. septembra 2026For paper shipments, the date of mailing is decisive.
pečiatky. Denníky doručené po tomto termíne budú zaradené iba ako kontrolné logy (Check Log)
and will not be ranked in the official order.

Electronic diaries are sent to the address
mssprint@mmmonvhf.deThe organizers recommend including the text in the subject line of the message.
MSSprint „volacia značka“, which facilitates automatic log processing.
Papierové denníky je možné zaslať poštou na adresu contest manažéra PA4EME uvedenú
in the competition rules.

The format of the diary is not strictly prescribed. The organizers accept outputs from most
commonly used logging programs, as long as they contain all the required data.
Each log must contain at least:

Stations starting in the QRP category must additionally state the transmit power and gain used.
antenna system required to verify the effective radiated power (ERP). If these
If the data is missing, the organizer will classify the station as QRO. By simply sending the log
the participant also confirms that he/she has complied with the rules of his/her category throughout the competition,
amateur license conditions and applicable national regulations.

Conditions during the competition

The competition rules support the use of modern information tools, but at the same time
protect the sporting nature of the contest. The use of DX Clusters or internet chats is
permitted only to the extent that it does not allow the exchange of data crucial for the completion
connections. For example, frequency information or general announcements about
vyvolávaní CQ, however, reports or data from which it would be possible to derive
status of a specific QSO.

The organizers give as an example of a permissible entry into the DX Cluster a message of the type:

12:00 DK5EW PA4EME JN48MBJO20WX

It is also considered acceptable to announce a CQ call on a certain frequency, for example:

12:00 PA2DW 144.355 CQ for MS Sprint

Conversely, repeated self-spotting more than once every 15 minutes is
considered by the organizers to be unsportsmanlike conduct. It may also be grounds for
disqualification for intentional violation of the rules or other actions contrary to the spirit of fair play
play.

Results and awards

The winner is the station that achieves the highest total points in its category.
If two stations receive the same number of points, the organizers award a joint placement.
The QRP and QRO categories are evaluated separately, while for stations outside Europe it is
a special ranking has been compiled.

All participants will receive an electronic diploma indicating the category achieved and
The organizers plan to publish the official results
1. októbra 2026 on the MMMonVHF website. They will subsequently be published in
professional amateur radio magazines DUBUS and Funk-Telegramm.

Practical recommendations for MS operators

Úspech v meteor scatter súťaži závisí nielen od anténového systému and vysielacieho výkonu,
but above all from thorough preparation. Before the start of the contest it is advisable to verify the accuracy
computer system time, correct configuration of the logging program, functionality of the digital
mode and setting of transmission sequences. During the Perseid maximum, the 144 MHz band is very
active, so it pays to have a list of planned schedules and a sufficient reserve ready
for spontaneous connections.

Since each counterstation is counted only once, it is advantageous to focus on searching
new correspondents instead of repeated connections. Correct
keeping a diary, because the distance between stations directly represents the point gain for
every successful QSO.

Conclusion

144 MHz Meteorscatter Sprint contest patrí medzi najvýznamnejšie medzinárodné podujatia
venované meteor scatter prevádzke na pásme 144MHz. Termín počas maxima Perzeíd, jednoduchý
The scoring system and international participation create ideal conditions for comparing technical
station capabilities and operator skills.

Ak sa meteor scatter prevádzke venujete pravidelne alebo ju chcete prvýkrát vyskúšať počas
jedného z najsilnejších meteorických rojov roka, 144 MHz Meteorscatter Sprint contest 2026
presents a great opportunity. Plan your operation, prepare your station and take advantage of
Perseids to establish new long-distance connections on the 2 m band.