ARE THE HF BANDS OPEN TODAY?
- skylarkcolo
- Jan 11, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
If So to Where??
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.
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.
The ACE HF Pro, by Long Wave Inc and AI, now allows K0UO to analyze the entire HF spectrum using a single fixed transmitter location and multiple receive locations. The station uses ionosonde (vertical HF RADAR ionospheric height-finder) data.
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.
SEE CHARTS BELOW
Remember, "The Best antenna is one that is, In the Air and On the Air"!
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.
However still in use by DOD and others like K0UO
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
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.
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Love this site, have always wanted to build a "Rombic" now for the first time we have a couple acres maybe I might be able to fit one in my small area. Thanks for allowing me to drop in. 73 from k0css Rick