Operator Reference
Solar & Propagation
A simple, self-contained guide to interpreting common HF, VHF and UHF propagation conditions. No live feed or outside service is required.
HF Quick Reference
Solar Flux Index & Kp
SFI 70–99Lower solar support
Lower HF bands may still perform well, especially at night.
SFI 100–149Good solar support
Improved opportunities on 20–10 meters depending on path and time.
SFI 150+Strong solar support
Higher HF bands can become very productive when geomagnetic conditions cooperate.
Kp 0–2Quiet field
Generally favorable for stable propagation, including many longer paths.
Kp 3–4Unsettled
Some paths may weaken or become less predictable.
Kp 5+Storm conditions
HF propagation may be disturbed, though auroral activity can increase.
Band Guide
General Propagation Notes
80 / 40 mReliable lower HF
Often strongest after sunset and overnight. Less dependent on high solar flux than upper HF.
20 mWorkhorse DX band
Often useful day and night, with changing paths as daylight moves around the globe.
17 / 15 / 12 / 10 mSolar-sensitive bands
Higher solar activity can create excellent long-distance openings, especially during daylight.
6 mThe magic band
Sporadic-E, tropospheric enhancement and other modes can produce sudden long-distance openings.
2 m · 144 MHzLocal plus enhancements
Normally line-of-sight, but temperature inversions, ducting, aurora and Sporadic-E can extend range.
70 cm · 432 MHzLine-of-sight / tropo
Antenna height and terrain matter greatly. Tropospheric enhancement can occasionally extend paths well beyond normal range.
This page is intentionally static so the website remains completely independent. For live operating decisions, use the propagation tools or space-weather source of your choice outside this site.
LOCAL RADIO CONDITIONS
Propagation Outlook — ZIP 44134
Parma, Ohio area • live space-weather and local weather inputs
Loading local propagation conditions…
10 Meters
--Waiting for current solar conditions.
6 Meters
--Waiting for current conditions.
2 Meters
--Waiting for local weather conditions.
70 Centimeters
--Waiting for local weather conditions.
The VHF/UHF outlook is a local indicator based on surface weather near ZIP 44134. It can suggest conditions favorable for tropospheric enhancement, but it is not a ducting forecast and cannot guarantee an opening.