# BeaconAid-HF > Deciphers HF beacon networks for real-time band openings and propagation conditions. (iPhone/iPad app by Danny Goodman.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/beaconaid-hf/id307460004 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Danny Goodman](https://appshunter.io/developer/302079883) - Category: Utilities, Reference - Price: $0.99 - Rating: 3.00/5 from 5 App Store ratings · 11 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 8.0 · 4 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2009-03-27 - Data updated: 2026-06-10 - Monetization: paid - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/beaconaid-hf/id307460004/reviews.md ## What is BeaconAid? Calling All Radio Amateurs and Shortwave Listeners! Use BeaconAid-HF -- while listening to your receiver -- to decipher the global NCDXF/IARU HF beacon network and determine actual, real-time band openings. Even if you don't understand Morse code identifiers of the 18 beacon stations, with the help of your receiver, BeaconAid-HF will show you where in the world the 20, 17, 15, 12, or 10 meter bands are really -- not theoretically -- open within three minutes. Or, use the "By Beacon" view while listening to your receiver to find out if one or more bands are open to a desired DX destination. BeaconAid-HF also gives you ready access to reports from automated official monitor stations around the world. You'll see which monitor is closest to your current location, and then observe its reports without leaving the program. Current solar-terrestrial conditions (solar flux, A-index, and K-index) are retrieved from NOAA and displayed on several screens. Additional propagation conditions for the beacon bands are displayed on the main screens. BeaconAid-HF updates its data sources -- beacon operational status and monitor station lineup -- automatically behind the scenes. No need to download an upgraded version to get the latest beacon and monitor network data. You can also use BeaconAid-HF offline or out of reach of Location Services. Choose manual entry of your current grid square. If you currently use the beacon network in your ham radio or SWL activities, BeaconAid-HF will make the job a lot easier. If you are new to the network, BeaconAid-HF will unlock the world of HF propagation to you. You'll discover that just because a band sounds dead doesn't mean that it is. ## Key features - Deciphers HF beacon network - Real-time band opening determination - Access to monitor station reports - Displays solar-terrestrial conditions - Automatic data source updates - Offline use with manual grid entry ## Recent user reviews (10 of 11) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/beaconaid-hf/id307460004/reviews.md ### 3/5 — The app haven’t been updated for 6 years *2024-03-03* The app is till running but now more news update and the screen size is lower than new iPhones. ### 5/5 — Great software. *2015-09-19* I always struggled to listen to the HF beacons. This app makes it so easy. ### 5/5 — Best of show! *2015-06-03* This is definitely the one to get! It's especially handy in the mobile. Danny has devised a super way to get around the iPhone clock error so that the program has good time. I've tried them all and this is by far the best and the only one left on my iPhone. Richard W5SXD ### 5/5 — Great iPhone App *2013-09-12* Just what I wanted to have when listening to beacons. All info one needs to know professionally presented. 10 out of 10 from me. ### 5/5 — Works for me! *2013-02-05* Nice interface and works as advertised. The other beacon app in the App Store seems to be abandonware. Go with this one. ### 5/5 — BeaconAid-HF *2012-11-24* Great, professionally done, low cost App. Brings together the right data in a very useful, intuitive way! I agree with another reviewer who feels an az-eq map would be a fabulous touch, but the beam heading is a very nice capability, and more than good enough for such a low cost app! -Joe ### 5/5 — Thank you! *2010-04-19* This is a great app. ### 5/5 — outstanding! *2010-04-19* Simple and intuitive. I love it! ### 4/5 — BeaconAid-HF *2009-06-15* A very useful and well written program. Excellent value for money.... ### 5/5 — Just What I Needed *2009-04-05* Danny: Thanks for creating this app! It compares very well with the much more expensive ($100) beacon clock that MFJ makes, and the price is certainly right! This is especially useful for me because I spend more time operating HF mobile than at home. Having this is my pocket is especially convenient then. Dave - K7DAA ## Frequently asked questions about BeaconAid ### What is BeaconAid-HF used for? BeaconAid-HF helps radio amateurs and shortwave listeners decipher the global NCDXF/IARU HF beacon network to determine actual, real-time band openings on various meter bands. It also provides access to reports from automated monitor stations and displays current solar-terrestrial conditions. ### Does BeaconAid-HF require an internet connection? While BeaconAid-HF automatically updates its data sources when connected, it can be used offline. For offline use, you can choose manual entry of your current grid square. ### How often is BeaconAid-HF updated? BeaconAid-HF automatically updates its data sources, including beacon operational status and monitor station lineup, behind the scenes. The app itself was last updated on May 4, 2017, to version 2.0.4. ### What devices does BeaconAid-HF support? BeaconAid-HF is supported on iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices. It is rated for ages 4 and up. ### What is the price of BeaconAid-HF? BeaconAid-HF is a paid application, available for $0.99. There are no in-app purchases or advertisements. ### How does BeaconAid-HF help with Morse code? Even if you don't understand Morse code identifiers of the beacon stations, BeaconAid-HF will help you decipher the global NCDXF/IARU HF beacon network. It translates the beacon information to show you where bands are open. ### What are the current solar-terrestrial conditions displayed by BeaconAid-HF? BeaconAid-HF retrieves and displays current solar flux, A-index, and K-index from NOAA. It also shows additional propagation conditions for the beacon bands on its main screens. ### What is the user rating for BeaconAid-HF? BeaconAid-HF has a user rating of 3.0 stars based on 5 ratings. This indicates a mixed reception from its user base. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 2.0.4 — 2017-05-04 This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon. iOS 10.3 compatibility improvements ### 2.0.3 — 2015-10-06 Changes to Hawaiian beacon callsign and location. ### 2.0.2 — 2015-07-29 Requires iOS 7.1 or later. ### 2.0.1 — 2015-06-30 Improved Help subsystem layout behavior for iPads running iOS 7. ### 2.0.0 — 2015-06-02 User interface updated for iOS 7 and later. Universal support for iPhone and iPad. Miscellaneous fixes. ## More apps by Danny Goodman - [iFeltThat Earthquake](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ifeltthat-earthquake/id302079880) All apps by Danny Goodman: https://appshunter.io/developer/302079883 --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*