If you’re a professional or amateur radio operator you’ve probably spent time scouring the Internet looking for information on conditions that will affect the transmission of your broadcasts. Black Cat Systems provides some guidance with DX Toolbox, a US$19.99 software package for Mac or PC that provides real-time data on a variety of conditions.
DX Toolbox displays live data on conditions such as solar flux, A-Index, K-Index, X-Ray flares, geomagnetic storm conditions, and more. Twelve radio-influencing conditions in all are available, as is a monthly overview of several key factors.
The software also generates maps depicting auroral levels, as well as the maximum F layer frequency, over various parts of the world.
Black Cat Software is a cross-platform developer with more than a dozen titles, nine of which are aimed at the amateur radio user. Demo versions of the company’s titles are available on their Web site.