Ham Radio: How to measure HF DX Propagation.

Even in the depths of a solar cycle we can still work DX on HF. But how can we tell what at least the FORECAST is for the state of the HF bands each day?

[@adyg6ad73]

Those Solar data charts are very useful, but PLEASE DON'T rely on them solely. There are often contacts to be made even when the numbers suggest otherwise.

[@timg5tm941]

Totally agree Adrian

[@dxscotland5901]

I had a good idea what to look for on the charts but to have it properly explained makes it a lot better to really understand! Thanks Tim 👍

[@timg5tm941]

Glad it helps! 73

[@vimmeh]

Very handy video Tim, this makes it a lot easier to understand, time to read up on this some more. This hobby never has us sitting still for long :) 73 G7KDM

[@timg5tm941]

Very true !

[@williampeacock9473]

Thanks for explaining this chart . I have been a ham for 25+ years but have never understood all of the chart.73 AE4OY WILLIAM A. Peacock,Sr EM-81UF

[@timg5tm941]

Thank you William 73

[@stefanopassarella1334]

Hi Tim, as well as your previous video about dx in winter, thank you for your explanation. I hope to hear you on the air soon, may be on 20 meters. 73 Stefano IW2LMJ

[@michaelclarkemtp]

I was just looking at this topic the other day trying to figure it out. Cheers Tim.

[@timg5tm941]

Hope you found it useful! 73

[@PeteSnipe]

Really useful info. - I did wonder what it all meant but usually give HF a go in any case and mostly get some success. Since I am solely using digital, I look on PSK Reporter map and see where each band gets me. Can't really be that bad at the moment, whilst most of my contacts are in Europe, I do see some DX - even with my 20 watts I get QSO with a small number of US operators. Keep it up Tim. Pete 2E0WHT

[@alzeNL]

Great info ! i do enjoy looking at the maps and seeing where people have reached. I'm glad i'm enjoying the hobby now in a very low sun-spot and looking forward to when i can get more contacts when it picks up !

[@timg5tm941]

Totally agree!!!!!

[@markg6jvy135]

Nice overview Tim 👍

[@timg5tm941]

Thanks Mark 73

[@garyh8315]

Thanks for explaining it all Tim. Useful information at any time. But as posted before, it is worth trying out those CQ calls, you never know what it may bring

[@timg5tm941]

Totally agree

[@ianbardell8030]

Thank for that, it really was helpful. Propagation hasn't been too bad really for me as I've worked ZL4RMF on 40m SSB on 50w and Indonesia on 10w FT8. Ian 2E0GXX

[@timg5tm941]

Ian Bardell glad you find it helpful and above all... fantastic contacts, congratulations!

[@ianxfs]

Good overview Tim. DX Heat also has a handy 2-dial dashboard view too. I’m sure there’ll be others 👍🏻

[@timg5tm941]

Thanks Ian that’s a great suggestion

[@pd9rd]

Thank you Tim! Very well explained! 73

[@timg5tm941]

Thanks!

[@ZL1BQDRoly]

Great stuff Tim........ It is REALLY exciting though when you can buck the odds and work great DX even when the numbers say differently. So i echo what some have said already, just use the numbers as a guide but scan the bands and listen anyway, it can be amazing what is in there and nobody is around.... cheers

[@timg5tm941]

Totally concur Roly. I’m a big believer that activity on Hf can be created by calling cq as well as delivered by the conditions themselves. 73

[@ZL1BQDRoly]

@@timg5tm941 Often "grey line" propagation on the lower bands (40, 80, 160) defies the 'figures' as well. What seems like a dead band following the predictions all of a sudden jumps into life +/- 30mins or so of sunset/sunrise then simply dies again back to the predicted figures........... cheers

[@pauldarby1739]

Thanks Tim.🙏🏻😊

[@timg5tm941]

My pleasure Paul 👍

[@alanjones3873]

It will start making sense now, thanks

[@timg5tm941]

Glad it helped 👍

[@Ray_M0MXN]

Thanks Tim, very handy info indeed 👍👌

[@timg5tm941]

Cheers Ray!

[@NICKGAR7]

Thanks Tim!

[@timg5tm941]

Cheers Nick 👍

[@michaelkeller8824]

Very useful, thanks so much.

[@timg5tm941]

Thank you ! 73

[@robertpitman194]

Thanks Tim. That was a really good presentation. Did I detect a Welsh accent in there somewhere?

[@timg5tm941]

Thank you Robert! Yes indeed ... from South Wales originally.

[@robertpitman194]

Tim G5TM I live just outside Newport.

[@timg5tm941]

Robert Pitman ah right, I’m a Llanelli boy myself

[@kellypaws]

There's propagation?!!!! Hasn't been much around here recently :(

[@chrisbartlett6022]

Looking forward to when we will all be complaining "it is too busy" or "it is too easy" :-)

[@timg5tm941]

Human nature right there! 👍

[@chrisbartlett6022]

@@timg5tm941 Never so happy as when we are complaining, I am a very happy person :-)

[@timg5tm941]

That’s the way to be Chris. I do chuckle at some things I hear I must say lol

[@stuart19760191]

Do you know the saying " theres an app for that " there is actually an app I use it on the android system ..... your video explains what I didnt have a clue what the letters meant ...heres the link if anyone wishes to get the app .... play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=lt.embedded.bandconditions

[@timg5tm941]

Nice one! 👍