Anyone use resources like these for FM (or TV) DXing?

[stormy01]

There are several websites our there that predict Tropo among other modes of propagation for FM and TV. Anyone want to comment on if they have used them and well these work.
These are two websites that I know of, if there are other good ones, let us know!!!

http://dxworld.com/tvfmlog.html

http://www.dxinfocentre.com/tropo.html

 

[KR4BD]

I have used the DXinfocentre.com site (second on your list) for a couple of years. It is fairly accurate for predicting tropo conditions in my area of the country (Central KY). However, I have found numerous cases where it says there will be little or no enhancement where I will actually find conditions to be quite "good".

 

[DeadElvis]

I use 'em all the time. The Hepburn map is often correct -- and often not -- but, it sure is a useful too.

Another super-useful tool: http://www.mountainlake.k12.mn.us/ham/aprs/path.cgi?map=na

I'll spare you the explanation of how it works, but this is real-time mapping of band conditions (as seen at 144 MHz). I check it all the time.

Nice opening yesterday morning, BTW.

DE

 

[fldxer]

The TV/FM page is most important as it gives real time activity .... as long as someone is there to hear it! And their APRS map link coupled with the Hepburn page is all you need! And maybe this page too: http://www.radio-locator.com/
Been great tropo our way these past couple days' can't wait for the E season!
Regards,

Greg Myers
Holiday, FL

 

[KW4RZ]

I use both resources extensively and will swear by Mr. Hepburn's tropo forecasts maps. They are incredibly accurate from my location on the Florida gulf coast. The level of color across the area tropo is predicted compared to signal levels that result and the areas expected to be heard is often right on the money for the gulf coasts. You will see my posts regularly on the TV/FM prop logger so that others can get an idea what kind of propagation is happening.