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.
Please be aware that none of these can take into account unpredicted ionospheric and geomagnetic events.

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.

Other software:

"Proppy"
2. Proppy Online - HF Propagation Prediction ^{James Watson, M0DNS}
3. Proppy HF Circuit Prediction: NCDXF/IARU Beacons ^{James Watson, M0DNS}
4. Proppy HF Circuit Prediction: RadCom's monthly propagation predictions ^{James Watson, M0DNS}

"DR2W"
5. DR2W - Predict Propagation Conditions ^{DK9IP (Winfried), DH3WO (Wolfgang), DJ2BQ (Ewald), ZS1AO/DJ2HD (Mathew)}

"IOCAP"
6. Ionospheric Characterisation Analysis and Prediction tool (IOCAP) ^SANSA
7. 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.

Additional references

1. Ionospheric Characterisation Analysis and Prediction tool (IOCAP) ^SANSA
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. HF Propagation (Microsoft Apps) ^{Stefan Heesch, HB9TWS}
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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
8. HamCAP (VOACAP interface) by Alex Shovkoplyas, VE3NEA. Rated 8.93 by DxZone
9. 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 ionosphere. 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 propagation.