I've been working on some software over the last few months for visualizing
*your* HF propagation using spots from the RBN, individual CW Skimmers, and
cluster servers.
The software is called ViewProp. Basically, the way it works is this: You
enter your call and lat/lon and the connection details for several Skimmers
or clusters. ViewProp then determines which spots are coming *to or from*
the area near you, plots them in real-time on a map provided by DxAtlas, and
puts them in a sortable table. It also creates real-time charts that show
which bands are open *for you* and how active they are. Would you like to
know when each band is at its peak? Or when certain beam headings are most
active? ViewProp can tell you. It also lets you view and optimize antenna
pointing directions.
To run ViewProp, you will need DxAtlas (you can download a full-featured
30-day trial, if you don't already have it). If you have a qrz.com XML
subscription, you can use it to enhance the accuracy with which ViewProp
locates both spotters and spotted stations, but it is not absolutely
necessary, particularly for a trial.
I use ViewProp every day myself, and have found it to be a useful planning
tool for both DX and contesting. There's something very empowering about
being able to instantly visualize current propagation that's based on
measurements rather than simulations.
I've set up a simple 1-page Wiki with more details and a few screenshots:
http://zl2ham.wikispaces.com/
The software (freeware) has been going through a limited beta for the last
few months, and is now available for an open, public, beta. You can download
it from the files section of the Yahoo discussion group, after joining at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/viewprop/
73, Rick ZL2HAM
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