Hannes Coetzee, ZS6BZP

Propagation Report from Hannes Coetzee, ZS6BZP

21 December, 2008

Hannes Coetzee, ZS6BZP, reports that the expected solar activity will be very low. The geomagnetic field is expected to increase to unsettled levels. The expected Effective Sun Spot number for the coming week will be less than 5.

15 and 20 m will provide the best opportunities for DX. There is a possibility of 15 and 20 m openings towards India from about 14:00 and 18:00 CAT respectively. Short contacts with New Zealand will be possible on 15 m at 08:00. At 8:00 and at 14:00 weak 20 m contacts may be possible with Australia. From 14:00 weak contacts with Peru may be possible on 15 m followed by possible weak 20 m openings. Brazil can be worked on 15 m from 12:00 and on 20 m from 19:00.

At 18:00 there may be short, weak 20 m openings towards Europe. Contacts with the USA East Coast are possible on 15 m from 18:00 and with the West Coast after midnight on 20 m.

10 MHz looks promising in the late afternoon and after dark for the CW and digital enthusiasts.

Local conditions will be good on 40 m during the day time. 80 m may perform well during the early mornings and late afternoons over the shorter distances, e.g. between ZS5 and ZS6. 30 m may perform well during the middle of the day between ZS6 and ZS1. Even 20 m may perform well over the longer distances before morning tea time.

80 m is the frequency of choice in the evenings. With summer here the thunderstorms and static may be challenging.

Remember that this is only a prediction and that HF always has the ability to surprise you, but you will never know unless you switch your rig on, listen and also call CQ

Please visit www.spaceweather.co.za for further information.

South African Radio League

• All propagation reports can be found at:
http://www.southgatearc.org/propagation