WELCOME TO THE NEW STATIONS ON HSCW.

Welcome to the VHF DX opportunities of HSCW Meteor Scatter Operation!

This is a short note that we are trying to send out to all new operators on HSCW, to make sure that everyone is aware of the resources and helps that are available. So if you receive more than one of these, it's simply because everyone wants your operation to be as effective as possible!

We suggest that you read this quickly and make a note of the HSCW Web URLs listed here. We would also ask that you save this in a suitable directory of your hard drive so that when you know of another new operator, you will have this available to send to him.

This is basically just a reminder that HSCW operation is somewhat different from other MS operation, and very different from other VHF DX work. For example, you probably already are aware that there are two completely different methods of stating the frequency to be used for a sked. Yes, it's confusing, and we can't take the space to explain it here. But if you are NOT aware of this, you will probably be on the wrong frequency for half of your skeds! Also, most stations use the European-style "two-number" report, while a large number use the older burst-length "S" report on HSCW.

And most stations now use the "Request for Repeat" letters whenever necessary so as not to completely lose a QSO. While the Sequencing for HSCW follows the same procedure as for North American slow-speed CW or SSB MS, the method of stating it is slightly different because of the length of the transmit period.

Since you are now on HSCW or about ready to give it a try, we figure that you already have the above information, since it is basic to HSCW operation. However, it's possible that someone has simply given you a copy of one of the computer programs and you are not aware of the Web sites, HSCW Reflector, Procedures, etc. We don't want anyone getting frustrated simply because they didn't know that help is only a few key strokes away! If this is old hat to you, please forgive us. Simply put this into your files and send a copy to the next fellow that you are trying to help. But if some of this seems new, try connecting with the W6/PA0ZN Web Site listed below and look at all of the helps available.

The Hub HSCW Web Site for North America is run by Rein, W6/PA0ZN. Its URL is http://nitehawk.com/rasmit/ws1_15.html. There are several VERY important things concerning HSCW to be found on this Web site:

1. The HSCW "Procedures" paper. This covers the HSCW operating notes and questions mentioned above, plus others.
2. The general "FAQ" or "All you never wanted to know about HSCW". A list of the questions most commonly asked about HSCW.
3. A "Semi-Technical FAQ", listing the most common technical questions and problems, plus a brief overview of most of the commonly-used HSCW programs and equipment.
4. Links to other necessary pages and sites. The W6/PA0ZN Web Site has a number of other files concerning certain programs, pieces of equipment, and other things relating to MS and/or HSCW operating. In addition, there are links to other Web sites that have very important but more specialized HSCW files. After you know what you need, use these links to find the information.

Please note that HSCW is new over here and things are changing rapidly. If the date at the bottom of this page is more than two or three months old, some of the things in it may be out of date. The best way to find out what is current is to get into the main Web site, to join the HSCW Reflector, or to send an E-mail message to one of the other HSCW operators. And if for some reason you can't get into the W6/PA0ZN Web site (after all, computers, servers, phone lines, etc. do fail occasionally), try the K0SM site (http://www.qsl.net/k0sm/index.html), or one of the others.

They all will have a link back to the W6/PA0ZN site or to its mirror site.  If you are not yet on the HSCW Reflector, that's where most of the discussion, schedules, etc. take place. Send a message to <majordomo@tree.net> with the following command in the body of your E-mail message: subscribe hsms w8wn@ne.infi.net (obviously replace my E-mail address with your own). This is where most of the schedule requests are made.

Please also go to the N1BUG Web site and sign up under the HSCW Directory (also available there). This way we can know who and where you are, what you are running, etc. See also the slightly different listing in the W6/PA0ZN Web site and put your information on this one, also. If we don't know you're there, we can't request a sked!

Remember, obviously, that it is necessary to have a basic understanding of meteor scatter operating in general. For this, the best is still the article by W4LTU. This, and other necessary articles, can be found in the book, "Beyond Line of Sight", available from the ARRL.

Good luck on the pings! 73,