Propagation Charts
ZK1XXP
The propagation prediction charts were generated using ICEPAC,
an IONCAP-based propagation program, developed by the National
Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), an
agency of the US government.
The following conditions were used for all of the predictions:
Date: 21 September, 1997
Smoothed sunspot number: 20
Minimum antenna takeoff angle: 0.1 degree
Transmitter power output: 500W
Transmitter antenna: Vertical monopole with excellent ground plane
Receiver antenna: Vertical monopole with excellent ground plane
System noise: -150dbW (a quiet rural QTH)
After comparing the ICEPAC predictions to actual propagation
on the recent VK0IR Heard Island DXpedition, it appears that
the LUF predictions are somewhat pessimistic. In real life,
you should expect better propagation on 80m and 160m, and
lower LUF, that the predictions show. The MUF predictions,
on the other hand, seem to be quite accurate.
If you would like to explore ICEPAC on your own, it is available
from NTIA free of charge (although you cannot receive technical
support unless you pay the $500 registration fee). N6MZ has been
using the 32-bit version of ICEPAC under Windows NT v4.0 for
many months, and the program is very stable and extremely useful.
For more information on ICEPAC, see http://elbert.its.bldrdoc.gov/hf.html.
KEY TO THE PROPAGATION CHARTS:
The following example shows you how to read the ICEPAC propagation charts.
SHORT PATH CHARTS:
Click on your QTH to see when the bands are expected to be open. Seven locations had some very unexpected Long Paths. When the Long Path S/N ratio was predicted greater than 10db we included them in the list as signified by the second listing and a -LP.
This page designed and maintained by N1DG.
Last updated 24 August 1997
