NEW!
VOACAP ONLINE TOOLS FOR SWL

For many years now, I have been using the VOACAP propagation tools for both my amateur radio and shortwave listening activities. These fabulous resources help me understand the signal paths from transmitter sites anywhere in the world to my home QTH.

They also allow forward predictions of likely propagation given frequencies, antenna types, time of year, time of day, sunspot numbers, short- and long-path conditions, local noise levels, and many other qualifiers.

These tools have recently undergone an upgrade to their user interface, starting with the amateur radio propagation charts. Now, the tools designed explicitly for shortwave listeners are available for you to enjoy. I have had access to the new SWL features for a while and have watched them being refined over recent months. Now, these tools are available to all listeners.

But, rather than me banging on about the features of VOACAP, below is the official announcement from my good friend, Jari Perkiömäki, OH6BG.

Rob Wagner VK3BVW

* * * *

Announcing the Launch of VOACAP Online for SWL
A New Era for Shortwave Listening!
By Jari Perkiömäki OH6BG

I am thrilled to introduce VOACAP Online for SWL – a free-of-charge dedicated shortwave propagation prediction service designed specifically for shortwave listeners (SWL). Accessible at https://www.voacap.com/swl/, this powerful online tool brings professional-grade propagation analysis to your fingertips.

This service empowers shortwave enthusiasts with professional-grade tools previously reserved for broadcasters and engineers. Whether you’re planning your listening schedule or exploring propagation science, VOACAP Online for SWL delivers clarity, precision, and flexibility.

What is VOACAP Online for SWL?

VOACAP Online for SWL leverages the renowned Voice of America Coverage Analysis Program (VOACAP) as its primary prediction engine, ensuring accurate and reliable HF propagation forecasts. For point-to-point predictions without HFCC antennas, the service also integrates ITU’s ITURHFProp engine.

Key Features at a Glance

User-Friendly Point-to-Point Tools:

Propagation Wheel (Prop Wheel): The fastest way to visualize 24-hour reliability across all bands. This displays the probability of hearing the station based on user-set BC Quality.
Propagation Charts (Prop Charts): For in-depth, detailed band-by-band analysis.
Advanced Prediction Tools:
Coverage Maps: Generate three map types from the transmit site to the world:

SNR50 (Signal-to-noise ratio for 15 days/month)
SNR90 (Signal-to-noise ratio for 27 days/month)
Signal Strength (S-meter reading for 15 days/month)

Band-by-Band Analysis: Explore propagation for all major HF broadcast bands.
Quick Frequency Recommendations: Identify the best three broadcast bands for any hour of the day.
All-Year Overview: See propagation trends on any band for any hour of the day for all 12 months.
Sun Times Analysis: Calculate sunrise, sunset, dawn, dusk, and celestial midnight for both sites and the circuit midpoint.
Extensive Antenna Options: Choose from nearly 500 HFCC and tailor-made transmit antenna models and 50 receive antenna models for precise simulations.
Comprehensive Site Database: Access a curated list of current and historical HF broadcasting transmit sites and representative receive sites – all predefined for convenience.
Customizable Parameters: Define transmit and receive coordinates manually or via Maidenhead Grid locators, select transmit power from 1 watt to 800 kilowatts, and adjust antenna beam directions.
Solar Activity Awareness: The system automatically uses the latest monthly smoothed sunspot numbers, but you can experiment with your own values.

For detailed guidance, refer to the https://www.voacap.com/2023/documents/VOACAP_Manual.pdf . While written for the Ham Radio version, the principles remain the same.

73, Jari OH6BG