ARE THE HF BANDS OPEN TODAY?

If So to Where??

Ace HF Pro prediction map data overview age

Propagation is your friend as an amateur, the more you understand, the better you'll enjoy radio

• K0UO utilizes Ace HF Pro and IONSUM, computer programs that employ the output from the IONCAP prediction method to identify the most appropriate frequency band and necessary antenna gain under specific averaged conditions. IONSUM stands for IONCAP Summary. Propagation predictions are crucial tools for managing HF communications with DX Stations. These predictions provide data to specify the types and operating frequency ranges needed to communicate with DX by adjusting the antenna's take-off angle to maximize signal strength in the desired direction. This approach is employed to contact DX stations using either long path or short path on the F layer or to connect with North American stations during the daytime when high D Layer absorption occurs (160, 80, 60, and 40 meters). Some reflection can occur from the D region, but the strength of radio waves is diminished, leading to a significant reduction in the range of radio transmissions on lower bands during the daytime.

• K0UO, is integrating AI-driven real-time analysis with a commercial private network of ionosonde data to enable full-spectrum HF propagation monitoring from a single fixed transmitter location and multiple receive points

• Spectrum Coverage: By combining AI-driven MUF maps with the multi-point receive data, K0UO can now analyze the entire HF spectrum in near real time, identifying optimal paths and frequencies for any propagation scenario.

• Geographic Propagation Advantage of Kansas at this rhombic station, with less than 5 to 10 degrees take off angles, K0UO is always the first to open to Europe, Asia and over the poles to western Asia & Mideast, and it is always open to South America.

  
  
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  Using HamClock and ACE Real Time Data

• K0UO uses real time ionosonde using AI (vertical HF RADAR ionospheric height-finder) data and ACE-HF Network, by Long Wave Inc which allows K0UO to analyze the entire HF spectrum using a single fixed transmitter location and multiple receive locations.  The AI package provides high-frequency (HF) radio propagation, simulation, and visualization software package formerly developed by Long Wave Inc.. It used the VOACAP engine to predict signal strength, path reliability, and real-time antenna patterns, creating animated coverage maps for HF communication systems.

• K0UOs new AI application has enhanced ACE-HF features which uses Google Earth and Google Maps to provide detailed HF Area Coverage Maps. K0UO uses, and has been part of real time GPS observables network to measure properties of the electron density such as the total electron content (TEC). The TEC is a measure of the total number of electrons that would be contained in a cylinder that extends up vertically above a given point on the earth all the way through the ionosphere.

• K0UO recent developments integrate real‑time ionosonde data into ACE‑HF Pro via a commercial or private network. Ionosondes measure the ionosphere’s electron density, which is critical for HF propagation modeling. By feeding this live data into the ACE engine, the software can dynamically update its predictions, reflecting current ionospheric conditions rather than relying solely on historical or forecasted data.

• An ionosonde is a vertical radar that transmits radio pulses upward and measures the echoes reflected by the ionosphere. By varying the frequency, it determines at what height and intensity different frequencies are reflected.

• The ACE HF Pro, by Long Wave Inc and now AI with real time commercial private network of ionosonde data, now allows K0UO to analyze the entire HF spectrum using a single fixed transmitter location and multiple receive locations. The K0UO now uses the ionosonde (vertical HF RADAR ionospheric height-finder) in real time, not data that is incomplete and hours old, like comes from GIRO, NOAA, and SWS.

• HF Propagation modeling for stationary TX with positional RX sites

• Now K0UO has the ability to create a circuit probability area coverage map

• VOACAP and IONCAP can still be used for Ionospheric Model data

• Now: Antenna Performance Analysis capability is available for all of K0UO's systems, including LPDA, Rhombic, V-Beams, Curtain Array, Four Squares, and Beverage receive antennas with preset models. The station utilizes real-time AI for array switching.

  Old amateur operators really never die.

  They just fad away (QSB)

• SEE THE CHARTS BELOW

  
  

 AI‑Enhanced Propagation Prediction Tools

Used for:

• HF band‑opening prediction

• Gray‑line optimization

• Contest strategy modeling

Tools in this category include:

• VOACAP AI‑assisted models (machine‑learning enhanced versions of VOACAP datasets)

• HamSCI ML propagation models

• Solar‑data neural predictors (e.g., models trained on SFI, Kp, MUF trends)

These tools help plan DX and contest operating windows.

           THE BIG PROJECT STARTING SPRING 2026

K0UO's Major Initiative for 2026 is collaborating with a Department of Defense group, utilizing the Flex ML-9600X/FPA-5K and FPA-10K (not affiliated with Flex Corp) for diversity in transmission and reception, utilizing an AI platform.

Also some antennas on site are currently assisting a group with a project using TDoA (Time Difference of Arrival ) Direction Finding (DF) checking integrated statistical localization algorithm which allows the localization of HF transmitters based on AoA (Angle of Arrival). 

Ace HF Pro and IONSUM, which are computer programs using the output of the IONCAP prediction

ACE‑HF Pro is a high‑fidelity HF propagation simulation and visualization tool that models the 1.8–30 MHz bands, predicting coverage, circuit quality, and best frequencies for any transmitter‑receiver pair. Traditionally, it has been used by amateur radio operators and even DOD military clients for planning DX contacts, and optimizing HF circuits.

Ace HF Pro and IONSUM, output of the IONCAP prediction

• Dynamic Path Optimization: AI can adjust transmit frequency and power in real time based on ionospheric conditions, improving DXing and contest performance.

Ace HF Pro and IONSUM, data page on HF computer programs using the output of the IONCAP prediction

Practical Impact

K0UO 's new AI Adaptive Sounder Input Prediction (ASIP) module setup transforms ACE‑HF Pro from a static planning tool, into a live, adaptive HF spectrum analyzer. For K0UO, it could mean:

• Faster DX contact planning.

• Better coordination of multiple receive sites.

• Enhanced resilience in changing propagation conditions.

• Integration with secure, mission‑critical networks for joint operations.

In short, the combination of real‑time ionosonde data, AI‑driven ASIP, and ACE‑HF Pro’s visualization capabilities allows K0UO to “analyze the entire HF spectrum” from one fixed TX location, with dynamic, network‑supported updates for all receive points.

Geographic Propagation Advantage of Kansas at this station, with less than 5 to 10 degrees take off angles, K0UO is always the first to open to Europe, Asia and over the poles to western Asia & Mideast, and it is always open to South America.

Ace HF Pro and IONSUM prediction map data from K0UO to the west coast of the USA

Ace HF Pro  prediction map data from K0UO to the west coast of the USA

https://forums.qrz.com/index.php?threads/stop-guessing-how-modern-visualization-is-changing-how-hams-read-propagation.977922/

Remember,  "The Best antenna is one that is, In the Air and On the Air"!

HamClock has Real Time Data and is used all the time at K0UO "God is always the guess operator and copilot, open hearts, open minds, open doors to anyone to join in the conversation "QSO"

Real-Time AI Assistance During Contests

Running a DX or Contest station is intense. You’re juggling logging, band changes, propagation monitoring, and more. AI can act like a co-pilot, offering real-time suggestions that keep you ahead of the game. For example, AI can analyze propagation data on the fly and recommend when to switch bands or modes to catch the best openings.

I remember one contest where my AI assistant alerted me to a sudden opening on 15 meters that I would have missed otherwise. Jumping on that band netted me a bunch of new multipliers and boosted my score significantly.

Here’s how AI helps during contests:

• Dynamic band management: Suggests optimal bands based on current conditions.

• Call sign recognition: AI can help decode callsigns faster, speeding up logging.

• Error checking: Real-time log validation to avoid costly mistakes.

• Propagation alerts: Notifies you of sudden openings or changes.

A DX or Contest operator implemented an AI system that monitored band conditions and automatically switched frequencies to avoid congestion. This increased contact rates by 15% to 20% during the event.

Private, commercial and DOD ionosonde owners include Lowell Digisonde International customers, SpacEarth AIS users, GIRO network participants, and various private research observatories worldwide. Many are in academia or government, but some are operated by private companies or independent researchers for specialized ionospheric studies.

Interactive Map of DIGISONDE® Ionosonde Network • Live Earth Monitoring & Educational Resources • ClimateViewer Maps

• K0UO has an Adaptive Sounder Input Prediction (ASIP) module for the old ACE HF Network™. ASIP:

  • Incorporates worldwide sounder inputs to continuously update the frequency tables used by ACE‑HF Pro.

  • Uses AI to refine predictions, improving accuracy and responsiveness to rapid ionospheric changes.

  • Distributes updated tables to tactical networks like the Battle Force Tactical Network (BFTN) and Resilient Command & Control (RC2) systems, enhancing network availability and mission‑critical HF communications.

  • Ionosonde Fundamentals: Ionograms provide unbiased plasma density measurements up to the F2 peak, forming the “ground truth” for HF propagation models.

In essence, K0UO’s setup merges AI analytics with global ionosonde data and multi-receive HF monitoring to create a closed-loop, real-time HF propagation system — enabling full-spectrum analysis from one fixed site, with adaptive frequency selection for optimal communication.

A view of band planning for 24 hours. Note as of late 2023, Long Wave Inc. transitioned ACE-HF to freeware status, This move preceded a discontinuation of active commercial support for the Windows-based program in June 2024

Other Projects at the RSI K0UO test range

However still in use by DOD and others like K0UO

RSI Corp https://www.rsicorp.com/dtic

RSI Corp. Customer Testimonials

Long Wave Inc. is a defense contractor based in Oklahoma City that specializes in:

• Strategic Communications: Installing and maintaining VLF, LF, and HF systems for the U.S. Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard.

• Antenna Infrastructure: Managing shore-based broadcast systems and providing tower engineering and repair services worldwide.

• Software Development: Developing simulation, training, and operational software for mission-critical command and control.

• 
  

1. The E-130J "Doomsday Plane" Program

Long Wave is a key partner in a $3.5 billion Navy contract led by Northrop Grumman to develop the E-130J, the next generation of airborne nuclear command and control aircraft.

Oklahoma City Free Press +1

• Company Impact: Long Wave’s portion of this contract is valued at $350 million, which is more than ten times its typical annual revenue of $30 million.

• Role: They are responsible for the systems engineering and training systems for the pilots and aircrew. They are developing high-tech virtual simulators—similar to advanced gaming environments—that allow crews to certify on the aircraft before they ever step foot on it.

2. High Frequency Global Communications System (HFGCS)

The company was recently awarded a $112.6 million Air Force contract for antenna program support.

U.S. Department of War (.gov) +1

• Scope: This is a seven-year project (running through 2030) that involves maintaining and installing high-power, high-frequency antenna subsystems across 13 global locations, including Guam, Japan, Italy, and Puerto Rico.

• Mission: These systems are essential for strategic military command and control, ensuring global communications remain active during wartime

3. Fixed Submarine Broadcast System (FSBS)

Long Wave holds an $84 million Navy contract to provide engineering and maintenance for the ashore Fixed Submarine Broadcast System.

Long Wave Inc

• Focus: They support VLF (Very Low Frequency) and LF (Low Frequency) antenna sites worldwide that communicate with U.S. submarines operating deep underwater.

• Status: Long Wave acts as the In-Service Engineering Agent (ISEA), meaning they are the primary technical support for the Navy’s entire high-powered submarine broadcast transmitting system

• RSI Corp

  Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC)

  Training and assessment services for the United States and other governments Us!

  The Defense Technical Information Center is RSI's central facility, see https://www.rsicorp.com/dtic

Historic Preservation: The K0UO station diligently preserves and uses components and insulators from renowned, historic radio arrays, including those from W6AM (Don Wallace), W7YRV Roy, BBC, Voice of America (VOA), and many others.

"The K0UO station is unlike any other ham station globally," making it truly unique as a Big Gun Mega Station. It is one of the few capable of constructing and utilizing very large Rhombic and V Beams, along with a variety of other antennas and AI. K0UO features the largest operational HF wire antenna in the world.

The K0UO & RSI Corp antenna test range site utilizes the 4KS Walz airport and its surrounding area as an effective learning environment for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics) antenna projects in a real-world outdoor setting. If your group is involved in a university aerospace or antenna research STEM program, please contact me.

The KØUO Rhombic Antenna Farm and Antenna Test Range: Home to the World's Largest amateur radio (ham), High Frequency (HF) Wire Arrays still in use, with miles of wire operating daily.

AI for Ham Radio: Contest Planning, DXing, & Station Design Automation

https://www.k0uo.com/post/using-ai-for-ham-radio-contest-planning-dxing-and-station-design-automation

 For all the other Blogs see https://www.k0uo.com/k0uo

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