This page contains information on how to purchase and/or download HF propagation models for use on your own computers. There are also links to programs that provide online HF model information. We do not provide details about each of the models. If you are interested or have a need, we suggest that you get more information about the models using the references provided here.
These are models that you install on your computer. You provide the needed inputs such as time of day, transmission and receiver locations, antenna characteristics, transmission power and other system parameters and ionospheric conditions, if known. The advantage of these models is that all the input information can be taylored to your particular situation and needs. The disadvantages are that it takes time to learn how to run the model and to initialize it before runs. Note: The mention of any commercial product on this web page does not constitute an endorsement (official or otherwise) from the instructor, the Naval Postgraduate School, the US Navy, the US Government or any other entity.
The Advanced Refractive Effects Predictions System (AREPS) now has an HF prediction capability, in addition to the previous UHF-SHF models. This model was developed by the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Atmospherice Propagation branch. This program is free for all users. You must register to obtain the program.
AREPS Contact Info
Web site: http://areps.spawar.navy.mil/
Com phone: 619-553-1424
DSN: 553-1424
E-mail: areps@spawar.navy.mil
Address:
Commanding Officer
Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center
53560 Hull Street
San Diego, CA 92152-5001
USA
An unclassified model called "Prophet" is available for US military users. This model was developed by the SIGINT Systems Engineering Branch, SPAWAR Systems Center San Diego. It is a fairly old model, but it is still useful and is available at no cost (for the US military only.)
Prophet Contact Info
Com phone: 619-553-5271
DSN: 553-5271
E-mail: satterle@spawar.navy.mil
Address:
Attn D7213
53560 Hull Street
San Diego, CA 92152-7512
USA
The US Department of Commerce has several HF propagation products that are
available to anyone for free. Links to information about these tools is at http://elbert.its.bldrdoc.gov/hf.html.
The primary HF model at this site is VOACAP, developed by the Voice of America.
VOACAP Contact Info (Gregory R. Hand)
Web site:http://elbert.its.bldrdoc.gov/voa_source.html
Phone: 303-497-3375
E-mail: gh@its.bldrdoc.gov
Address:
U.S. Department of Commerce
National Telecommunications and Information Administration
Institute for Telecommunication Sciences
NTIA/ITS.E
325 Broadway
Boulder, Colorado 80305
USA
A commericial HF model that is available to anyone is "Proplab Pro 2.0" developed by Solar Terrestrial Dispatch. The cost for single computer use is $150 (US dollars). This is a recent model that has many features.
Proplab Pro 2.0 Contact Info
Web site: http://www.spacew.com/www/proplab.html
Secure FAX Line: 403-756-2380
Address:
Solar Terrestrial Dispatch
P.O. Box 357
Stirling, Alberta
T0K 2E0
Canada
Another commercial HF model is PROPMAN 2000 developed by Rockwell Collins. The cost is $99 (US dollars). We have not tested this model.
PropMan 2000 Contact Info
Web site:
http://www.propman2000.com
Phone: 800-321-2223 or (319)-295-5100
Fax: (319)-295-4777
Email: collins@rockwellcollins.com
Address:
Rockwell Collins
PropMan Dept. 120-110
400 Collins Rd NE
Cedar Rapids, IA 54498
USA
Here are two internet sites that provide current HF information based on model
results and observations. More prediction sites are on the "Space Weather"
page that follows this one.
http://www.spacew.com/ Solar Terrestrial
Dispatch
Click on "Ham Radio" to get current global charts of various ionospheric
parameters including critical frequences and MUFs. These are based on PropLab
2.0 model runs.
http://www.k1ttt.net/mofjava/mofjava.html
K1TTT MOF/LOF Propagation Program
An online applet that allows inputs on screen. A nice "shell"
for this program that guides you through the required steps is at http://www.stroobandt.com/propagation/
from SALSAwaves.com.
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Last Update: 9/11/.2008