Rockwell Collins
Product Catalog - Government

PropMan-2000
Propagation Resource Manager



KEY FEATURES/USER BENEFITS
24-Hour Propagation Plot


  • Ideal for any HF radio operation: communications management, mission planning, maritime shipping, amateur radio.
  • Simplifies complex HF propagation predictions.
  • Utilizes the accuracy of Voice of America Communication Analysis and Prediction (VOACAP).
  • Displays current frequency summaries and recommendations.
  • Runs on standard Microsoft Windows 2000® and Windows XP®.
  • Real-time plot update to user changed HF link parameters.
  • Printable data plots and raw data tables.
  • Link degradation warnings.
  • 4500 and user alterable main station database.
  • Track, analyze, and store HF propagation for multiple user radio site pairs.

OVERVIEW

Originally developed for military and government use, PropMan™ has been modified to be more user-friendly and is now available to professional and amateur HF operators of all kinds. A Windows 2000® /Windows XP® interface, online help, and the implementation of VOACAP are just a few of the improvements.

Channel Ranking Plot



DESCRIPTION

Current version of PropMan™ includes numerous enhancements over the previous versions:

  • A modern Windows 2000® / Windows XP® package written using MS .NET.
  • Printing from the Menu using standard Microsoft printer support software (integrated within PropMan).
  • Automatic Internet access replaces the previous Space Environmental Center sponsored satellite dish for real-time parameters transmissions (requires Internet Explorer version 6.0 or later installed on PC). Indicates disturbed propagation events and impact on predictions and drives Ionospheric Storm model.
  • Ionospheric Storm Updated (based on Ken Davies model) with two summers of research conducted at the University of Iowa Van Allen Physics Department (see Radio Science Volume 33, Number 5, pages 1413-1428, September-October 1998).
  • Internal Clock based on Windows Desktop settings with automatic Local/Zulu time conversion within PropMan.
  • Multi-Tasking (multiple simultaneous runs with different station pairs running in the background). Multiple station pair scenarios can be viewed simultaneously allowing comparisons of varying station parameters.
  • Sliding time bar allows user to view instantaneous prediction data anywhere during the next 24 hours (in all three default presentation windows).
  • Six presentation views/windows of propagation predictions from a communicator's perspective.
  • Presentation Windows can be resized for customization by dragging the mouse.
  • Variable input parameters (e.g., path usage, noise environment, bandwidth, and grade of service/path usage).
  • PropMan runs can be stored for past and future review or analysis.
  • Raw Prediction data text is accessible for technical detailed analysis (includes all of the hourly VOACAP text output used in the PropMan™ resource presentation).
  • Constant gain antenna patterns used for real-world effectiveness (possible by setting critical parameters associated with propagation modes allowable).
  • Validated with real HF propagation links between Cedar Rapids and Dallas, Andrews AFB, Thule Greenland, Croughton AFB UK, Ascension Island Georgetown, Hickam AFB Hawaii, Elmendorf AK, McClellan AFB CA, Puerto Rico, Lajes Azores, Diego Garcia, Yokota Japan, Offut Nebraska, Guam, and the HAARP site. Tested on many actual on-the-air demonstrations with ALE (Automatic Link Establishment). Used in US Customs' Over-the-Horizon Network, FEMA, and the USAF.
  • Real-time prediction updates during the developing diurnal cycle.

Reduces the Complexities of HF Propagation Predictions
PropMan™ identifies and displays the best channels for a high-frequency (HF) communications link between any two selected locations in the world. The software takes into account various parameters pertaining to the day of year, time of day, station equipment, and ionospheric and solar indices. PropMan™ makes HF easier to use overall, and provides outputs in graph and table formats with multiple user-selectable screens.

The Accuracy of VOACAP
The PropMan™ Software provides quick and comprehensive HF analysis capability for frequency management, allocation and usage.

It enhances the HF user's ability to easily and accurately utilize complex skyway propagation models through its use of the integrated VOACAP.


SELECTION GUIDE

Type Number
 
Description
 
Part Number
 
NTN
 
PropMan™ Software
 
 984-0605-003
 

Support Offerings

Product Information Material is normally available at no charge and can be obtained by contacting GS Customer Relations:

Phone: 800-321-2223 or (319)-295-5100
Fax: (319)-295-4777
Email: <response@rockwellcollins.com>
Website: http://www.rockwellcollins.com/gs