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
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