HamSphere® 5.0

5B4AIT Not hearing any stations on HF? 2023-08-30 16:41	Admin Registered: 14 years ago Posts: 1,248

Dear operators, If you cannot find any activity on HamSphere's HF bands, it means that you will need an understanding of HF radio propagation. HF Propagation is the behavior of radio waves when they are transmitted, or propagated, from one point on the Earth to another, or into various parts of the atmosphere. Several factors influence HF propagation, such as solar activity, time of day, and atmospheric conditions. Solar Activity: High levels of solar activity can result in improved signal strength and range. Conversely, low solar activity can degrade the propagation of HF signals. Time of Day: HF bands often experience better propagation during the night, especially on the lower frequencies. This is due to the ionospheric layers being more stable and less absorptive. Atmospheric Conditions: Weather conditions like thunderstorms can cause interference and degrade signal quality. On the flip side, stable high-pressure systems can enhance it. Check the DX-Cluster: Always make sure to check the DX-Cluster by clicking on "Log-Book." This will give you real-time updates on which stations are active. Start with VHF/UHF: Initially focus on the 6m, 2m, and 70cm bands to get acquainted with how HamSphere works before you venture into HF propagation. Use DX-Mon Switch: This feature activates a number of listening stations around the world. Key up on any band, and you can check the signal level at which you can be heard from different locations. HF Propagation Prediction: Use the VOACAP https://voacap.com/hf to make an HF propagation prediction for all bands from your QTH (location). This will help you understand which bands are most likely to be open at what times. Join HamSphere Facebook Groups: These groups can provide additional tips, tricks, and community support to help you get the most out of HamSphere. We hope these tips will assist you in resolving your issues with receiving signals. Please give them a try and let us know how it goes.
Please login to comment