Radio Propagation Prediction Software
- an overview, article, tutorial about the basics of radio propagation
prediction software for use on the HF bands for predicting broadcast coverage,
as well as the possibility of establishing two way radio communications,
maritime mobile radio communications, and for many more applications.
While it is possible to gain an idea of what HF radio
propagation conditions may be like, and what the likelihood of establishing a
particular radio communications link may be, purely from a general knowledge of
HF radio propagation and a knowledge of the solar indices. However for a more
exact analysis of the possibility of establishing two way radio communications,
mobile communications, or for assessing broadcast coverage it is necessary to
undertake a more rigorous and mathematical approach. This lends itself very well
to a computer and software orientated approach.
There are very many radio propagation prediction software
packages that are available. Many of these radio propagation prediction software
packages have been developed over many years. Some were developed for
broadcasters, while others were developed for military applications. With the
reduction in the use of the HF bands for military and broadcast applications
many of these software packages have been released for free use or for purchase
at a minimal cost. This has considerably widened the use of these packages which
are now within the reach of many radio communications users.
This radio propagation prediction software can now be freely
used by all manner of radio users including two way radio communications
applications, maritime mobile radio communications, radio broadcasters (small
and large), point to point radio applications, radio amateurs, etc. In this way
all these users are able to choose the optimum frequencies and times of day to
establish their radio communications link, or to broadcast to a particular area
with a far greater degree of certainty of being able to successfully achieve
their goal.
Radio propagation prediction software
Radio propagation prediction software uses many factors to
determine the statistical probability of a particular path being open. Built in
to the programme there is always a considerable amount of data that has been
gained over many years of research. Items such as the time of day, the
variations of HF propagation that are experienced over different areas of the
globe. The season and time of day also have significant impacts of the radio
propagation prediction as well..
In addition to these various other inputs are required to
enable the radio propagation predictions to be made. The indicators of the level
of solar radiation and geomagnetic activity are also needed. These may be
required in various forms but they can generally be obtained from a variety of
sources on the Internet. These need to be entered along with the required path
or coverage area needed and obviously the location of the transmitter.
Radio propagation prediction software packages
There is a large variety of radio propagation software
packages that have been developed. Many are very sophisticated and have been
developed over many years. These radio propagation software packages are used by
all users of the HF radio communications from broadcasters who need to know the
likely coverage areas for their radio transmissions and other professionals
radio communications users who need to be able to know which frequencies to use
to establish a link to a given area to radio amateurs.
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