OpenHamClock

OpenHamClock is an open-source amateur radio dashboard designed as a modern successor to the original HamClock used by radio amateurs worldwide. It provides a real-time visual display of essential ham radio propagation data, world clocks, DX activity, and space weather information in a single, easy-to-read interface. Built with modern web technology, OpenHamClock runs in any web browser and adapts to screens ranging from small Raspberry Pi displays to large 4K shack monitors.

The project is community-driven and open source, allowing amateur radio operators to contribute features, host their own instance, or customise the display. Unlike the original HamClock, which relied on specific servers and hardware constraints, OpenHamClock is designed to be flexible, future-proof, and not dependent on a single data source. This ensures long-term reliability for hams who rely on propagation and solar data for HF operation.

OpenHamClock includes many features familiar to HamClock users, such as a world map with day/night grey line, UTC and local time zones, and real-time solar indices like solar flux, sunspot numbers, and geomagnetic activity. It also displays DX Cluster spots, satellite tracking, and propagation modelling directly on the map, helping operators quickly identify openings on the HF bands.

Because it is web-based, OpenHamClock can be used instantly in a browser or installed locally on devices such as a Raspberry Pi, desktop computer, or via Docker for advanced users. This makes it ideal as a permanent ham shack display or a portable dashboard accessible from anywhere.

OpenHamClock continues the legacy of the original HamClock created by Elwood Downey, WB0OEW, ensuring that amateur radio operators still have access to a powerful propagation monitoring tool, DX spotting map, and space weather dashboard long after the original service ends.

Don’t forget to see my video on this:


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Solar Data & Propagation

There are several website that tell you what bands are open in your area. Most people paste them on their QRZ page, but there are some examples below that update every hour.

You can see more on their webpage https://www.hamqsl.com/solar.html where all you have to do is paste the code and put on your website. There is a great option to donate also. There is a wealth of information on this website that you can spend hours on.

This data is updated every hour, which is fantastic.

But what if you are not in front of your PC and want to look it up. There is a handy little app I use called Solar Data and Propagation. It is a small app only 12.5Mb in size on the iPhone and it is free. It is also available on Android at only 6.75Mb, I will talk about further down.

Below is the app on an apple device.

While it is only a little app, and doesn’t do a lot, it is a simple app that gives you what propagation is open at your current location. While other apps have heaps of features and functions that you may or may not use often, this little app has just what you would use often.

Above are the HF conditions, but you can also see VHF conditions and terrestrial. Adds do pop up from time to time, but the app is free so I don’t see this as a problem.

You can download it from the App Store.

Android

If you have an Android device, go to the store and search for HF Propagation. It should be the first one on the list with an orange sunshine as the logo.

Once installed, you have a lot of different options available on the first screen.

Scroll down, and you will see the HF then VHF conditions as mentioned for the Apple app.

Conclusion

This little information may save you from running out to the shack and turning everything on to find nothing or trying on the wrong band. As mentioned above, it can be on an apple or android device.

Hopefully, this makes it a little easier for you. Please put in the comments below what apps you enjoy using or let me know what you think.

Happy DX-ing, hopefully we talk on the air soon.

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