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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