Brew & Activate – One-Page Propagation Checklist

“What to Check Before You Throw the Radio in the Car”

1. Solar Flux (SFI)

• * 150+ → higher bands might shine (15m / 10m)
• * 100–149 → normal conditions
• * <100 → stick to reliable bands

K Index

• 0–2 → good day
• 3 → usable, expect some noise
• 4+ → grumpy bands, go lower

Activator mindset: You’re just asking “happy or angry sky?”

MUF & LUF Reality Check (ELI5 Version)

MUF (too high = goes to space)

• Daytime = higher MUF
• Night = lower MUF

LUF (too low = eaten by noise)

• Daytime = higher LUF
• Night = lower LUF

Your goal: operate between them

VOACAP / Prop Tool Check (3 min)

Set:

• Location = your park
• Time = activation window
• Mode = SSB or CW/Digital

Note:

• Best primary band
• One backup band
• One save-the-activation band (usually 40m)

Reality Check – Are Bands Alive? (3 min)

DX Heat / RBN

• Unordered List ItemSeeing spots on your target bands?

POTA Spots

• What bands are activators using right now?

Rule: Trust what’s happening now, not yesterday

Make a Simple Band Plan (2 min)

• Start on: * Backup band:
• If nothing works, go to: 40m

Field Rule of Thumb

• No contacts in 10–15 minutes?
• Change bands, not volume