A convenient technique for the analysis of meteor-burst communication systems is presented, and it is shown how the probability densities of burst duration and burst interval can be predicted from the system parameters. The technique is based on an extension of generally accepted theory combined with experimental results, and a set of simple equations is obtained. The theoretical derivations are closely related to the physical phenomena involved. An experimental verification programme was undertaken in September 1982. The measurements made showed good agreement with the predicated values.