[Ham-Mac] Black Cat Systems Releases DX Toolbox 2.4.0

[Chris Smolinski]

Black Cat Systems Releases  DX Toolbox 2.4.0

WESTMINSTER, MD (November 18, 2004) - Black Cat Systems announces the 
release of DX Toolbox version 2.4.0, a radio propagation / conditions 
analysis and forecasting tool for amateur radio operators, shortwave 
listeners, and other radio enthusiasts. DX Toolbox is just $24.99.

This version adds:

- An audio alert to notify the user that sudden poor conditions due 
to a solar flare or auroral conditions are likely.

- A new window to display alerts from the Space Environment Center

- Metal Windows for Mac OS X.

- DX ToolBox will no longer try to use the internet to gather real 
time data if an active connection is not already available.

Complete information about DX Toolbox as well as downloads may be 
obtained from http://www.blackcatsystems.com/software/dxtoolbox.html

DX Toolbox helps amateur radio operators and shortwave listeners 
estimate radio propagation conditions.

Several propagation forecasting charts are available to estimate 
signal levels and path conditons between any two points on the Earth.

A propagation forecast map shows the estimated signal level for a 
given frequency from all parts of the world, for given solar 
conditions, and the time of day and day of year. A plot of the 
expected signal levels between two points on the Earth for all 24 
hours of a day may also be graphed.

A grayline map of the world is also available. Propagation between 
locations within the grayline region of the world is often greatly 
enhanced. DX Toolbox's grayline map makes it easy for you to 
determine where those locations are.

In addition to several propagation forecasting tools, it also gathers 
a variety of solar and geomagnetic information from real-time online 
sources, and presents them in charts and tables, including:

	* A - Index
	* K - Index
	* Solar Flux
	* Sun Spot Number
	* X-Ray Flux levels
	* X-Ray flares
	* Solar Wind
	* Geomagnetic Field
	* Radio Blackout conditions
	* Geomagnetic Storm conditions
	* Solar Radiation Storm conditions

A grid square calculator determines grid squares from longitude and 
latitude, and a world map shows grid squares and time zone 
information.

The following reports are available:

	* WWV Geophysical Alert
	* 27 Day Space Outlook
	* 45 Day AP Forecast
	* Geomagnetic Data
	* Daily Geomagnetic Data
	* Daily Particle Data
	* Daily Solar Data
	* GEOALERT
	* Daily Magnetometer Analysis Reports
	* Hourly Magnetometer Analysis Reports
	* Predicted Sunspot Numbers and Radio Flux
	* Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity
	* Solar and Geophysical Activity Summary
	* Solar Region Summary
	* Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
	* Current Space Weather Indices
	* Space Weather Event Reports
	* Daily Space Weather Indices
	* Summary of Space Weather Observations
	* 3-day Space Weather Predictions
	* SEC Space Weather Alerts

Audio alerts can be generated when the K index, Solar X-Ray Flux, or 
Earth's Magnetic Field exceed user-set values.

DX Toolbox is available native for Mac OS X, Mac OS 8/9, and Windows. 
It requires an active internet connection to run.

Black Cat Systems creates and distributes Macintosh software, with a 
specific emphasis on programs for the scientific, amateur radio, and 
health markets.

Information about Black Cat Systems entire line of products can be 
found at http://www.blackcatsystems.com



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Chris Smolinski
Black Cat Systems
http://www.blackcatsystems.com