Band Conditions

Space weather can have a significant impact on operating conditions.  The Maximum Usable Frequency (MUF) where the ionosphere is used to reflect signals is generally 'above' the 80m band.  This makes 80m an ideal band for regional net operation.   Conditions still play a factor, so it can be useful to refer to the information below.   When band conditions are good less power is required and a modest antenna may be used.  When conditions are poor, using a KiwiSDR for reception, along with using a better antenna and/or higher power may be useful.

Today's Band Conditions

Space Weather Canada (Canadian Space Weather Forecast Centre)
National Resources Canada - Government of Canada

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Space Weather Services - Bureau of Meterology
Australian Government

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N0NBH / QST Magazine

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Estimated international sunspot number (EISN)
SILSO Data - Royal Observatory of Belgium Brussels

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iNTEGRATED SPACE WEATHER ANALYSIS SYSTEM (iSWA)

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WSA-ENLIL Solar Wind Prediction
(Click image to view full time-lapse)

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Space Weather Prediction Centre - NOAA - National Weather Service - USA.gov

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Edmonton Alberta Auroral Forecast - AuroraWatch.ca

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A Index:  A measure of the level of geomagnetic activity over the globe for a given day.   A mean 3-hourly “equivalent amplitude” of magnetic activity is based on K index data from 11 Northern and 2 Southern Hemisphere magnetic observatories between the geomagnetic latitudes of 46 and 63 degrees. 

Ap Index: A daily index determined from eight A index values.

Geomagnetic Activity: Natural variations in the geomagnetic field classified into quiet, unsettled, active and geomagnetic storm levels.

Geomagnetic Storm: A worldwide disturbance of the Earth’s magnetic field, distinct from regular diurnal variations.  A storm occurs when:

• Ap = 29 to 50 (minor storm)
• Ap = 50 to 100 (major storm)
• Ap >= 100 (severe storm)

K Index: A quasi-logarithmic local index of the 3-hourly range in magnetic activity relative to an assumed quiet-day curve for a single geomagnetic observatory site. First introduced by J. Bartels in 1938, it consists of a single-digit 0 through 9 for each 3-hour interval of the universal time day (UT).

Kp Index: The planetary 3-hour-range index Kp is the mean standardized K index from 13 geomagnetic observatories between 44 degrees and 60 degrees northern or southern geomagnetic latitude. The scale is 0 to 9 expressed in thirds of a unit; e.g., 5– is 42/3, 5 is 5 and 5+ is 51/3. This planetary index is designed to measure solar particle radiation by its magnetic effects. The 3-hourly ap (equivalent range) index is derived from the Kp index. ​