Specifications
Short/Long (Path) buttons are activated,
by clicking the DX Map you may obtain prediction for the corresponding zone,
predictions are calculated for the current day of the current month.
Principle
TRX-Manager is inspired from R. Fricker's algorithm written in 1985. The program cuts the path
into Hops of about 4000 Km. For each control point, the program calculates the maximum
usable frequency (MUF) for a reflection through F2 Layer. Also, the program calculates the
maximum frequency for a reflection through E Layer : this frequency is called minimum usable
frequency (LUF) because the signal must go across E Layer before reaching F2 Layer.
Please note the result is only a prediction : MUF is currently exceeded (50 % of the time). In
addition, the prediction is limited since only propagation through F2 is considered.
More powerful algorithms now exist but require a large number of parameters. The algorithm
used by TRX-Manager seems to give representative results but is pessimistic. It is, however,
useful to calculate the best hour for a specific contact.
For sunrise and sunset times and twilight, TRX-Manager uses an algorithm from Montenbruck
and Pfleger (Astronomy on the Personal Computer).
Integration with HAM Cap
TRX-Manager provides an interface with HAM Cap. HAM Cap is an HF propagation prediction
tool for Amateur Radio by Alex VE3NEA. For more information please go to the Alex VE3NEA
web site.
If HAM Cap is properly installed and running on your computer, the Externalmenu shows the
HAM Cap icon which opens the HAM Cap Window. You may also display propagation
predictions for a given callsign from the Web Cluster's or DX Cluster's context menus.
Installing HAM Cap
Installing HAM Cap is not a totally straightforward process:
Install HAM Cap
Install VOACAP using the latest itshfbc_yymmdd exe file to download from
http://www.greg-hand.com/hfwin32.html. Use the default directory c:\itshfbc only!
Run HAM Cap. Use the same UAC settings for HAM Cap and TRX-Manager (usually UAC ON is
fine for both).
HAM Cap is a freeware. However, the best way to use HAM Cap is in integration with IonoProbe
distributed as a shareware for a very moderate fee.
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