[600MRG] Propagation predictions.

[Kenneth G. Gordon]

Ladies and Gents:

I am experimenting with a propagation prediction package of software 
which was originally developed by Greg Hand when he worked for, first, 
VOA, then NOAA. 

The original name of the package was VOACAP, and included several 
adjuncts which were very helpful.

Greg has allowed the entire package to be included in the Airmail package 
of digital communications, primarily PACTOR in its various iterations, 
for handling traffic via NTSD (NTS Digital) means.

I have been using it for the past couple of years to predict the best 
paths for me to make reliable contact with my various TCC 
(TransContinentalCorps) schedules for NTS traffic handling, and have come 
to rely on its accuracy.

I only today discovered that it also works for 479 KHz.

FYI, one must update the SFI (Solar Flux Index) or sun spot numbers for 
the day each day. Furthermore, one CAN input your particular antenna 
parameters, which increases the program's accuracy. The default 
calculations of path quality and reliability are built on a dipole and 
100 watts output from the transmitter.

I have and have used W6ELPROP, but find this package to be more accurate, 
and far easier to use.

The program calculates the most likely path between your own station and 
any other SINGLE station. You must input the grid-square or lat/long of 
the target station, and your own parameters. Doing that is very easy to 
do.

So...what I am asking from you all is your amateur radio call, OR your 
own grid square or lat/long and your QTH.

I will then build a list of stations which will be only those of our 
group.

I can then predict most likely paths to particular stations.

I can also, with a little more work, provide path predictions from any 
station to any station, if you would be interested in that information.

One thing I have noticed here that is very interesting to me is that 
propagation on 479 KHz is often slightly better than that on 160 meters 
at the same times between the same stations. 

However, much of this MAY be because the program is using a 1/4 wave 
vertical at 600 meters for its calculations. I have to check on this 
before arriving at any definitive conclusions.

So, the ball is in your court now, folks. Let me know if this would be 
helpful.

vy 73,

Ken W7EKB