Propagation
Quasi real time FoF2 map over Europe : it is a good reference provided by the Australian Space Forecast centre, to see the overall level of the FoF2 over europe. Usually a map showing zones with FoF2 > 14 is a good sign that something important will happen over Europe. Unfortunately the map shows the situation with a 1 h delay and sometime it is inaccurate. The model uses the ionosonde measurements done in 4 sites in Europe:
Athens - Greece
FoF2 predictions by Spacew : it is a global map showing the distribution of the FoF2 basically based on a model using the SSN and A-index to predict the pattern. Extremely inaccurate as it is not linked to any direct ionosphere observation.
Today Space Environment : this is my major reference to see the current status of the Sun-Earth environment with x-ray flux data, solar wind data and geomagnetic activity. Extremely good to check out the geomagnetic storms which are extremely important at our latitudes to get good openings where high solar flux is present. With low flux, I have not understood yet if and how these data may help on prediction.
Space Weather : SpaceWeather.com -- News and information about meteor showers, solar flares, auroras, and near-Earth asteroids. I find it good to see the longer term prediction, using the holographic mapping of the far side of the Sun. Also the presence of coronal holes it is shown, which can buffet the Earth magnetic field (thus giving us some extra chances). Finally, it provides some indications about the estimated impact probability and time of Sun-generated Coronal Mass Ejection (CME). Again, these are important to see if the Earth magnetosphere will be upset or not.
Propagation from QSL.net : another interesting mix of propagation data.
My 6m Links
Carrying out the 6m DX-ing, I have identified the following sites which are of some help for the activity.
UK Six Metre Group: Interesting site especially for the bullettin board which is accessed worldwide. Also some technical papers about 6m equipment are of interest in this site. The group is open for asscociation to non-UK hams. I have the personal feeling that, apart from the very lively chatroom, the rest of the site is not updated with a daily frequence.
SIX Italia: this is the site of the SIX Italia group. The group is open as well to non-italian hams. For me, interesting is the daily bullettin of the activity in Italy as well as the top Italian list. Specialised for Italy, it has also a dedicated page for South America. Can't rate further it: IK0FTA (the webmaster) is a good friend of mine... just have a look yourself.
50 MHz DX Web Cluster from JAPAN: this site is basically an interface to the local JA cluster, specialised for 6m. I use it in thore (rare) cases when there is propagation open to JA, to stimulate activity and to reference the stations.
NC7J CLX Web Cluster: another interface to a cluster located this time in the States. Today I use more the N1RZ interface, but this may be another alternative to inject a spot stright into the right place.
OZ6OM 6m DX bulletin: an important resource to get fresh information about DX-peditions which are running on 6m.
ON4KST The 6 m European Chat by ON4KST: a very nice chatroom tailored, but not limited to Europeans Radio Hams interested in 6m DXing. I am very often logged there as I feel very comfortable with the people living in there.
My Meteo Forecast Links
Meteo Italia site: this site is a very comprehensive site for the meteo forecast in Italy and Europe. It has a page for the 3 days weather overcast.
My Private Links
Family Private site: this is the link to our family web site.
Genitori Contro Autismo: portal of parents fighting against autism (in Italian)