Alfred F. Barghausen, James W. Finney, L. Lee Proctor, and Larry D. Schultz

Abstract: This report describes the latest methods and computer program developed by the Institute for Telecommunication Sciences, ESSA, for predicting the expected long-term performance of high-frequency telecommunication systems. Emphasis is placed on solution by computer methods of the circuit operational parameters (MUF, FOT, LUF) and on recent improvements in the basic ionospheric and geophysical data. Propagation via the sporadic-E mode is considered as supplementing the regular E-layer mode. Improved techniques for calculating the theoretical patterns and gains of 10 most commonly used HF antennas are included. A method is described that provides short-term estimates of the F2-layer MUF from measured values of the local magnetic index. Application to communication problems is illustrated, based on concepts of circuit reliability and service probability as measures of the expected system performance, including consideration of multipath interference. An annotated listing of the program and descriptions of input data and output are given in the appendices.

Keywords: computer program; HF predictions; ionospheric propagation; system performance; antennas

Disclaimer: Certain commercial equipment, components, and software may be identified in this report to specify adequately the technical aspects of the reported results. In no case does such identification imply recommendation or endorsement by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, nor does it imply that the equipment or software identified is necessarily the best available for the particular application or uses.

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