guys:
follow the SFI Solar flux index numbers on wm7d.net.
if the A index is above 5 or so, band conditions won't be great, if the K 
index goes above 4, again, conditions won't be all that favorable.
If the SFI number is 100 or better, typically conditions are not too bad as 
long as the A and K index are both below 5.
Yesterday, the SFI was 147, A was 76 and K was 6...today things are a bit 
better with the SFI at 149 and the A at 20 and the K at 3.
these numbers will give a good indications of propigation and you won't have 
to worry about antennas and equipment if those numbers are too high.
think of it like checking the weather and temperature before you head out so 
you know what to wear and what to expect.

73
Colin, V A6BS
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "John Vernaleken" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Saturday, March 10, 2012 11:51 AM
Subject: Re: Band Conditions Today


> Tom,
> I thought my antenna had come down when  nothing was heard on 40 and 20.
>
> John  KC2QJB
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> On Behalf Of Tom Behler
> Sent: Saturday, March 10, 2012 1:21 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Band Conditions Today
>
> Hi, folks.
>
> I just checked 20 and 40 meter band conditions today, and all I can say is
> there may not be much of a round table this afternoon, and 20 may be
> questionable for tomorrow.
>
> On 40 meters right now, I just checked, and I think I found two signals
> throughout the band, and that was it.  Those sigs were not very strong
> either.
>
> As far as I can tell, 20 was completely dead, except for one RTTY signal.
>
> Just to be sure, I had the XYL check, and all antennas here at the home 
> QTH
> appear to be up with no problems despite the wind we had the other day.
>
> SWR's also are right where I would expect them with my current antennas.
>
> I'll be available for the round table later this afternoon, but I'm not
> optimistic.
>
> If someone else wants to check  the bands, please let us know what you 
> find.
>
> In the meantime here, I'll check my set-up to be sure nothing else has 
> gone
> wrong.
>
> It's just very strange.
>
> 73 from Tom Behler: KB8TYJ, Big Rapids, MI