The term "good" is rather subjective.  I would rather consider the length of 
skip on a particular band for a given A, K, or SFI number.  There is a lot 
for me to learn about this solar activity.
73,
The Other Howard, WA9RYF
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "colin McDonald" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 15, 2012 12:57 PM
Subject: Re: assessing HF propagation?


>I use a few tools:
> WWV is one of them, though WWV still comes in full signal even when band
> conditions are terrible up here.
> I generally look at:
> HTTP://www.wm7d.net
> and look at the solar flux numbers.
> the SFI index, and the A and K index.
> The higher the SFI index, the better.  The lower the A and K, the better
> conditions will be.
> If K is below 8,  good, and if the A is below 4, good.
> If the SFI is above 110, good.
> I find the best way to check propigation is to turn the radio on and check
> the bands.
> Check 20 meters between 14.198 and 14.220 for dx...if you don't hear any
> pile ups, or dx stations, then conditions probably aren't great.
> Check 10 meters between 28.3 and 28.55, check 15 meters between 21.2 and
> 21.4...like I said, the best way to determine propigation is to check the
> bands yourself and see what you can hear.
> I also check 27.185 and 27.025 to determine if higher band conditions are
> favorable.  If I can hear something on either one of those two 
> frequencies,
> I know 10 meters will probably be open as well.
>
> 73
> Colin, V A6BKX
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Jim Gammon" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Tuesday, May 15, 2012 11:47 AM
> Subject: assessing HF propagation?
>
>
>>A question for HF'r's on the list.  Just wondering how you get
>> information about propagation conditions on the various HF bands?
>> Do you use a website or sites like space weather, that give text
>> based information on band conditions or just check the status of
>> the various WWV frequencies? Jim WA6EKS