More Questions and Answers

Install questions are discussed in the QSL-ware section.

Q: Would you please explain to me what a propagation program does?

In general a propagation program takes the geographic coordinates for two points on the earth's surface, the month of the year and "Solar" data like smoothed-sunspot number and gives you an educated guess as to the best time and frequency for successful HF communications between the two locations.

There are many prediction programs around, most simple use some sort of math equation to make the predictions. Needless to say they aren't all equal.

The VOACAP "engine" used by WinCAP Wizard uses actual “sample data” collected over a period of years during a "sunspot cycle" as a basis for building predictions. A team originally developed IonCAP for the Voice of America. It ran on large mainframe computers. Since then it has been proven time and again to be the best available. As a result, every other such program is benchmarked against IonCAP or VOACAP.

Other data used by WinCAP Wizard is month, system parameters - such as transmit power, noise at the receiving site, antenna specs and also the quality of the desired "communications circuit".

Q: I barely understand what propagation is so I really don't know what this type of program could do.

WinCAP Wizard can help you discover the best change of "working" or hearing another station. No matter if you need to select a time and band for a schedule, plan for a contest, find the best chance to work a de-expedition or simply find a preferred time and band to get on HF and play -WinCAP Wizard can help get the most out of HF and your available time.

Further, WinCAP Wizard - utilizing the powerful VOACAP engine - helps you perform "system analysis". This will save you time, money and even frustration. How? WinCAP Wizard allows you to "play what-if".

What if I use more power?

What if I use CW instead of SSB?

What if I raise my antenna?

What if I install some other particular type of antenna?

This may sound very complex, and the fact is - it is complex by necessity. HF propagation prediction is a complex task and the VOACAP is a “heavy duty number math engine”. However, WinCAP Wizard can make the process as simple as your selecting a location of interest somewhere in the world and clicking your mouse. You have as much or as little control over the process as you wish.

WinCAP Wizard - the Communications Analysis Prediction Wizard - was designed to serve two types of users – users that want full control – and users that wish the best output available but don't want to mess with lots of complexity or don't want to know much about propagation. The user may start out slow and learn more about HF propagation at his/her own pace. WinCAP Wizard has the power, features and functions to grow along with your knowledge. If you have any ideas or suggestions on ways to improve the software or needed enhancements we will be delighted to hear them.

Also see these topics

QSL-ware

History of WinCAP Wizard