Hannes Coetzee, ZS6BZP

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Propagation Report from Hannes Coetzee, ZS6BZP

26 October, 2008

Hannes Coetzee, ZS6BZP, reports that the expected solar activity will be very low. The geomagnetic field is expected to be mostly at quiet levels till 27 October.

It will then increase to unsettled levels till 31 October. The expected effective sun spot number for the coming week will be less than 5.

DX conditions will generally be good to the north and poor in the general northwesterly directions.

20 m will provide best opportunities for DX. There is a possibility of 15 and 20 m openings towards India from about 14:00 CAT. Contacts with New Zealand are going to be very challenging. From 06:00, 20 m contacts may be possible with Australia. From 08:00 contacts with Peru on 20 m may be possible for a few minutes.

Brazil may be worked on 15 m from 14:00. From 16:00 there may be good 15 and 20 m openings towards Europe. Contacts with the USA East Coast are possible on 15 m from 18:00.

10 MHz is looking promising late afternoon and after dark for the CW and digital enthusiasts.

Local conditions are going to 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.

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

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

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

South African Radio League

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