HF • VHF • UHF • GMRS
Ham radio propagation.
Know where to listen.
Band conditions are not one green or red light. Solar WAVE combines the daily ionospheric rhythm with live solar and geomagnetic inputs, then gives operators a visual starting point for the band and path.
CHECK LIVE BAND CONDITIONS →Use local solar time first.
During daylight the D layer absorbs more lower-frequency HF energy while stronger F-layer ionization can support higher bands. After sunset the D layer fades, often helping 160, 80, 60, and 40 meters as the highest bands close.
Use solar flux as capacity.
The F10.7 index is a useful proxy for solar EUV output. Sustained higher flux generally supports a higher maximum usable frequency, improving opportunities on 20 through 10 meters when geomagnetic conditions cooperate.
Use Kp, Bz, and flare alerts as friction.
Elevated geomagnetic activity can add absorption, flutter, and polar-path degradation. An M- or X-class flare can produce an immediate radio blackout across the sunlit hemisphere even when the previous band outlook looked favorable.
Keep VHF, UHF, and GMRS honest.
Six meters can respond to sporadic-E, aurora, and other ionospheric modes. Two meters, 70 centimeters, and GMRS usually depend more on terrain, repeaters, antennas, and tropospheric enhancement, so they belong in a separate local-path monitor.
PLAIN-ENGLISH ANSWERS
What people ask next.
Which HF band is best right now?
The answer depends on location, path, time of day, solar flux, geomagnetic conditions, season, and antennas. Solar WAVE suggests a starting band from current conditions; confirm it by listening for beacons, signals, or waterfall activity.
What solar flux is good for 10 meters?
Higher F10.7 solar flux generally raises the maximum usable frequency and improves the chance of 10-meter openings, but flux alone cannot guarantee a path. Geomagnetic disturbance and local solar time still matter.
Does space weather control GMRS coverage?
Usually not. GMRS and most UHF paths are dominated by terrain, antennas, repeaters, buildings, and tropospheric conditions. Solar WAVE keeps them visible while labeling them separately from HF ionospheric propagation.