|
|
|
www.southgatearc.org
|
Propagation Report from Hannes Coetzee, ZS6BZP29 March, 2009 The sun's failure to produce sunspots is playing havoc with some frequency prediction programs that use stored sunspot values, and of course, with our HF comms as well. The frequency prediction programs tend to give optimistic results and must be treated with caution. The imminent change of season with less energy from the sun reaching the Southern ionosphere is having an impact on propagation as well. 15 and 20 m will provide the best opportunities for DX. There is a possibility of 15-m openings towards India from about 13:00 CAT followed by 20 m at 16:00. ZS6BZP have also received reports that 17 m is very useful to the east in the afternoons. Contacts with New Zealand are going to be very challenging. Weak 20 m contacts may be possible with Australia at 08:00. Contacts with Peru are unlikely. Brazil may be worked on 15 m from 14:00 till 18:00 and on 20 m afterwards. At 15:00 there may be 15 m openings followed by short 20 m openings at 18:00 towards Europe. Short, weak contacts with the USA East Coast are possible on 15 m at 20:00. 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 daytime. 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. With winter on its way, 20 m is preparing for hibernation but may still give surprising results around lunchtime. 80 m is the frequency of choice in the evenings. The coming SARL 80 m contest should produce some good contacts. Remember that this is only a prediction and that HF has the capability to pleasantly 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. • All propagation
reports can be found at:
|
|
||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
