[Oremem/Idamem] HF Propagation Predictions for June 2004

[John Jewkes- SMD OR/ID US ARMY MARS]

Voice of America software for HF Prediction indicates a high level of solar
flux over the next month. At the same time, the sunspot cycle is near the
bottom of the 11-year period. This means two things:
A) It will be difficult at best to predict the actual Field effects for
Maximum
     usable frequency on a daily basis. (EG: 4 MHz might be perfect one day
     and not the next 5 in a row).
B) It will require a number of relays to get messages through on many if not
     all nets. This suggests the need for MAXIMUM participation by the full
     membership, (as often as possible) as well as keeping one's gear
working.
     (Yes, I know there are reasons this cannot always be instantly done).

Numbers available from the software indicate that at 1701z on over 50% of
the days of June, 4.998 MHz is the Maximum Usable Frequency, so 5.208
MHz will inherently be Medium to weak on those days, while 3.350 MHz
will be loud to medium readable.

On many of those same days at 0001z 8.022 MHz is the Maximum Usable
Frequency so 7.317 should be loud to medium readable, while 4.029 MHz should
be weak to medium. In other words, keep in mind that we can use
the Region 10 frequencies in addition to our State assigned frequencies. I
encourage members to do back-up research on the HF Propagation for
Their location. the Solar index numbers are available at the VOA and ARRL
sites, on WWV during the :10 minute and :50 minute 'chat through' signals,
on WWVH during the :20 and :40 Minute 'chat through' signals. Software for
HF Propagation is available from a variety of sites, including VOA, ARRL,
QRZ, and even AOL.
    Remember that Signals can on occasion be 'one way' in nature. You may
be able to hear a station with absolute clarity, while they cannot hear you
at
all. This can be related to power output, antenna position, Surrounding
objects (Power Lines, Tall Hills behind you, etc.), and other factors, and
is
surmountable in most cases by having multiple relay stations available.

73 to all, and appreciate your participation. Remember to file No Later Than
(NLT) 10 Jun 04 your participation for May 04.
In Idaho: mailto:w7bms at aol.com and send a copy of same to
mailto:aaa0idaaa0or at ldsliving.com
In Oregon: mailto:joeka7ful at juno.com and send a copy of same to
mailto:aaa0idaaa0or at ldsliving.com

de John Jewkes SMD Oregon/Idaho US Army MARS
AAA0OR OR/AAA0ID ID/W6HNC