Propagation modes?

[Mikedp]

Ok guys, I see realtime logs posted, and wondering how does one know what propagation mode brought his/her DX? Be it Central America, Europe, Australia etc., Is is E-skip, F2 or what?

 

[ecps92]

Lots of good info to read from the RR Wiki :wink:
HF Propagation - The RadioReference Wiki

DXing Above 30 Mhz - The RadioReference Wiki

Ok guys, I see realtime logs posted, and wondering how does one know what propagation mode brought his/her DX? Be it Central America, Europe, Australia etc., Is is E-skip, F2 or what?

 

[K7MEM]

You might also try the site listed below. It has lots of propagation information plus a real time banner that can show you current propagation info.

HF Propagation and Solar-Terrestrial Data Website

Martin - K7MEM

 

[ka3jjz]

Mikedp - these realtime logs you mentioned - are these on VHF and up?

The reason I ask is that HF and VHF propagation are quite different - while F2 is possible up through the FM band (it's not unheard of, on 2 meters and higher - ask any FM/TV DXer), there are different modes as you get much higher...Mike

 

[AC2OY]

Mike what I did was get a DX cluster which can be included in logging software. One that won't break the bank is N3FJP's program. His name is Scott and for a few bucks you can get a logging program which includes a DX cluster. Once you I put your location you can filter it to let's say North America,and you will see what bands are open and where. If you have any questions feel free to shoot me a PM or go on Scott's webpage.

 

[Mikedp]

Mikedp - these realtime logs you mentioned - are these on VHF and up?

The reason I ask is that HF and VHF propagation are quite different - while F2 is possible up through the FM band (it's not unheard of, on 2 meters and higher - ask any FM/TV DXer), there are different modes as you get much higher...Mike

You are correct! It is in the VHF and up section of DX Maps. QSO/SWL real time lists - NA - 21

I guess what really brought this to my attention, was when I was looking through different logging software,(don't remember which one) and one "field" you could put down the propagation mode. I have been DXing TV-FM for a few years, so I'm somewhat familar with tropo, E-skip, 2 hop Es and such, and the rare F2 catches(not that I was ever lucky enough to see that latter 2). So it just had me curious about HF frequencies.

 

[Kb2Jpd]

You are correct! It is in the VHF and up section of DX Maps. QSO/SWL real time lists - NA - 21

I guess what really brought this to my attention, was when I was looking through different logging software,(don't remember which one) and one "field" you could put down the propagation mode. I have been DXing TV-FM for a few years, so I'm somewhat familar with tropo, E-skip, 2 hop Es and such, and the rare F2 catches(not that I was ever lucky enough to see that latter 2). So it just had me curious about HF frequencies.

Aurora and some tropo effect the signal and you will hear it. Obviously it wouldn't be heard on a full quieting FM signal. But a weak FM signal you will hear some AM components alerting you that it is an unusual propagation.

 

[N0IU]

Mike what I did was get a DX cluster which can be included in logging software. One that won't break the bank is N3FJP's program. His name is Scott and for a few bucks you can get a logging program which includes a DX cluster. Once you I put your location you can filter it to let's say North America,and you will see what bands are open and where. If you have any questions feel free to shoot me a PM or go on Scott's webpage.

You don't need to spend a dime to get access to one of the best DX clusters. Try out DX Summit: DXSummit.fi. You can set the filters to include or exclude by mode (CW, phone of digital) and band.

As far as "how do you know what propagation mode" was used, propagation is what it is. There isn't necessarily a "mode" that is discoverable for each contact and frankly, most amateurs don't know (or care!) how many hops their signal took to get to where it landed or which specific layer of the ionosphere it bounced off of to make the contact.