HF Propagation Prediction Software

High-Frequency (HF) propagation prediction software is designed to forecast the behavior of radio waves in the HF frequency range (3 MHz to 30 MHz) as they travel through the Earth's ionosphere. This is particularly critical for amateur radio operators, maritime communication, and military applications that use HF radio communication systems.

Here are some popular HF propagation prediction software tools:

1. VOACAP (Voice of America Coverage Analysis Program):
   • Description: VOACAP is a widely used HF propagation prediction tool that takes into account various factors like solar activity, space weather, geomagnetic conditions, transmitter/receiver locations, two antennas (configuration and position), and time/date.
   • Features:
     1. Predicts Maximum Usable Frequency (MUF), Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR), and other propagation parameters.
     2. Supports point-to-point and area coverage predictions.
     3. Offers both online and offline versions.
2. HamCAP:
3. Description: HamCAP a compact freeware interface program to VOACAP, incorporating both graphical Point-to-Point and Area Coverage predictions. The program is pretty much self-contained; the only thing you probably need to get from the Internet is the smoothed International Sunspot Number.

Additional references

1. An Open-Source IRI-based Nowcasting Tool for Ionospheric Electron Density and HF Propagation ^{Andrew D Rodland (2022 Harvard Abstracts)}
   An overview of the software and the models behind prop.kc2g.com, a website using the IRI-2016 model, conditioned on near-real-time ionosonde data, to provide global maps of MUF(3000) and foF2. While primarily designed for radio amateur use, this system is useful for nowcasting of F region ionospheric density and mesoscale low elevation HF propagation characteristics.
2. The Advanced Stand Alone Prediction System (ASAPS) ^AGSWS
   Australian Space Weather Forecasting Center offer three software products to predict HF propagation:
   1. GWPS - designed for HF operators working in defence and emergency services
   2. ASAPS Kernel - The Advanced Stand Alone Prediction System designed for government, defence and emergency services
   3. Consultancies - designed for industry, defence and emergency services
   
3. Ionospheric Characterisation Analysis and Prediction tool (IOCAP) ^SANSA
4. IOCAP Application Introduction Video ^SANSA
   The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) created i/o cap Primary Work Surface, an operational HF communication solution.
   It's a modern, user-friendly HF frequency prediction tool that's simple to use and accurate. In a software program, it blends space weather research and practical HF experience.
5. DX Toolbox - Shortwave / Ham Radio / HF Radio Propagation ^{Black Cat Systems}
   This is a software application that provides a range of tools for HF radio operators, including propagation forecast based on the Solar Terrestrial Dispatch (STL) model.
   It also includes a real-time solar data display and a grayline map.
6. HF Propagation (Google Play) ^{Android Package Kit}
7. HF Propagation (Microsoft Apps) ^{Stefan Heesch, HB9TWS}
8. Proplab-Pro v3: Review ^eHam Manual ^spacew.com
   Proplab-Pro 3.2 (Build 45, March 2023) Three-dimensional ray-tracing ionosphere; can run as standalone; not free.
9. DXPROP 1.4 (2010) ^{Christian RAMADE (F6GQK)} Rated 6.10 by DxZone
   DXprop freeware (developped for US Navy) is a propagation forecast for radio amateurs that can predict propagation on 12 frequencies.
10. W6ELProp (2002) ^W6EL Rated: 7.56 by DxZone
    Predicts skywave propagation between any two locations on the earth on frequencies between 3 and 30 MHz
11. HamCAP (VOACAP interface) by Alex Shovkoplyas, VE3NEA. Rated 8.93 by DxZone
12. The Propagation Software Pages A collection of links ^AC6V
 

In conclusion, HF propagation prediction can be done with a variety of software and online applications. These tools use models and real-time data to provide accurate predictions and help radio operators make informed decisions about their communication strategies.

Remember that the accuracy of HF propagation predictions depends on various factors, including solar activity, geomagnetic conditions, and the complexity of the ionospheric layer. Users should always consider real-time conditions and monitor updates from space weather services for the most accurate predictions. Additionally, some of these tools may require an understanding of HF radio propagation principles for effective use.

Read more about HF Propagation Prediction Software. See also an index for HF Radio Propagarion.