# DX Toolbox

> Ham radio propagation forecasting and solar conditions tool. (iPhone/iPad app by Black Cat Systems.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dx-toolbox/id492113368 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Black Cat Systems](https://appshunter.io/developer/301047032)
- Category: Lifestyle, Productivity
- Price: $3.99
- Rating: 4.40/5 from 68 App Store ratings · 55 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 6.0 · 2 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2012-01-06
- Data updated: 2026-09-14
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dx-toolbox/id492113368/reviews.md

## What is DX Toolbox?

Are you a ham radio operator or shortwave listener, in need of up to date propagation information and solar conditions? DX Toolbox features several propagation forecasting tools, allowing you to quickly and easily estimate current HF (Shortwave) propagation conditions between any two locations in the world, and is ideal for the ham radio operator, shortwave listener, or other radio enthusiast. 

Radio propagation conditions can also be estimated between any two points on the Earth. Graphs of these conditions can be generated for a given frequency or time, and MUF/LUF graphs can also be displayed. 

A grayline map of the world is also available. Radio propagation between locations within the grayline region of the world is often greatly enhanced. DX Toolbox's grayline map makes it easy for you to determine where those locations are. Grayline propagation has been used by expert radio operators and DXers for years to catch elusive stations. A plot the great circle (both short and long) path between your location and another station is also displayed, as well as the beam heading and distance. The location of the currently transmitting NCDXF/IARU beacon can be displayed on the map as well. 

The propagation map displays the areas of the world where your signal can be heard (or a signal can be heard from), based on the frequency, transmitter power, and current solar flux, date, and time.

Maps showing ionosonde plots of foF2, foEs, and hmF2 data from various locations around the world are available. The MUF and skip zone can be calculated based on foF2 and hmF2 values.

Aurora prediction maps for the northern and southern hemisphere are available. 

DX Toolbox displays the following important solar and geomagnetic readings: 

Solar Flux 
A-Index 
K-Index 
Sun Spot Number 
X-Ray Flux levels 
X-Ray flares 
Solar Wind 
Earth's Magnetic Field 
Proton and Electron Flux levels 
Radio Blackout conditions 
Geomagnetic Storm conditions 
Solar Radiation Storm conditions 

Graphs of x-ray flux readings from the GOES satellites may also be displayed. 

The following radio propagation reports and forecasts are available: 

WWV Geophysical Alert 
27 Day Space Outlook 
45 Day AP Forecast 
Geomagnetic Data 
Daily Geomagnetic Data 
Daily Particle Data 
Daily Solar Data 
GEOALERT 
Daily Magnetometer Analysis Reports 
Hourly Magnetometer Analysis Reports 
Predicted Sunspot Numbers and Radio Flux 
Report of Solar-Geophysical Activity 
Solar and Geophysical Activity Summary 
Solar Region Summary 
Weekly Highlights and Forecasts 
Current Space Weather Indices 
Space Weather Event Reports 
Daily Space Weather Indices 
Summary of Space Weather Observations 
3-day Space Weather Predictions 
SEC Space Weather Alerts 

In addition, 21 maps of current D Layer Absorption levels are available for display.

Full documentation on how to use the app is available here: http://www.blackcatsystems.com/iphone/dx_toolbox_faq.html

Get your copy of DX Toolbox now, and you’ll always be up to date on current radio propagation conditions.

## Key features

- Propagation forecasting tools
- Grayline map
- Great circle path plotting
- Solar and geomagnetic readings
- Aurora prediction maps
- Ionosonde plot maps

## Recent user reviews (10 of 55)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dx-toolbox/id492113368/reviews.md

### 1/5 — Could be usefull if it would work

*2025-10-08*

Nice idea but neglected. Most of the functions dont work any more: missing calculations, no images where they are supposed to be, dead links or missing information behind the menue. Not the money worth in this state.

### 2/5 — Handy DX APP

*2024-11-20, version 1.5*

Using a new IPhone 16… The app has a lot of links to solar data. Half of the info links don’t download.  If the data does download, it takes a long time. ( cell network connection)

The graphs and pictures are small and hard to see    on my IPhone.

The link labels could be little more informative as to the data origin.

Some of the downloaded data pages display about half of the document and will not scroll down to see the remainder of the document.

Some graphs’ X and Y axis are not labeled.

Some of the data, of course is useful. But, you have to hunt and peck through the copious menu items to determine which menu item will download or provide the common ham operator useful displayed data.

Overall, I use it occasionally. However, it’s just as convenient to go to the NASA’s Space Weather website.

### 2/5 — Doesn’t work anymore

*2023-09-21, version 1.5*

I can’t get most of it to work anymore. None of the maps work. Only the home page. What gives?

### 1/5 — So much broken!

*2022-07-27, version 1.5*

I used this app a lot when I got it, but then everything worked.

So many areas now no longer work due to broken links.

I tried contacting the developer, but they appear to have no interest in supporting this app any longer, they did not even reply. 

Once recommended but not now. Give this one a pass.

### 5/5 — Great for someone learning

*2022-04-26, version 1.5*

I started keying when I was 13 years old I will be 51 this year but I never gotten this serious about amateur radio, my past experiences enabled me to pickup very quickly on this app and I find the propagation map to be extremely accurate for all frequencies,
I tested the map trajectory on frequency 27.385 LSB and I got skip from those areas the map predicted, your transmission wattage is also taken to determine proper propagation prediction from app.
Get a good SWR Meter to ensure your getting out !!!
Call Sign: 1771AF ( self appointed not official yet ) ch 38 LSB 27.385

### 5/5 — A Must-have...

*2021-12-29, version 1.5*

The iPad version is extremely useful, especially when mobile Dxing. Love it.

### 4/5 — It works

*2021-10-29, version 1.5*

It works good, supplies all the data it says with an online connection. Gray line map is useful. Read the help section in the upper right corner before using and you will have no problems. A more detailed tutorial would be nice though. Geared toward hams, but swl's like myself find it interesting and helpful.

NEEDS TO BE UPDATED, Doesn’t all work with ios15.1.

### 2/5 — Needs work

*2021-10-18, version 1.5*

The graphs do not show values in the x axis. Location entry for stations do not support a grid square.  Did this app make it through testing for iphone 12? I am requesting a refund.

### 4/5 — Solar image support

*2021-06-14, version 1.5*

With latest IOS update solar images no longer work or are coincidentally no longer a available. Great app other wise.

### 3/5 — 2021. Woefully outdated.

*2021-04-09, version 1.5*

Needs an updated. Wonky interface, requiring tapping through rows, unsaved settings, strange UX. 

Please update.

## Frequently asked questions about DX Toolbox

### What does DX Toolbox do?

DX Toolbox provides up-to-date propagation information and solar conditions specifically for ham radio operators and shortwave listeners. It features tools to estimate HF propagation between any two global locations, displays a grayline map, and offers detailed solar and geomagnetic readings.

### What are the key features of DX Toolbox?

Key features include propagation forecasting tools, a grayline map to identify enhanced propagation regions, great circle path plotting with beam headings and distances, aurora prediction maps, and ionosonde plot maps. It also displays various solar and geomagnetic readings and reports.

### How much does DX Toolbox cost?

Based on the provided information, DX Toolbox is a paid application. There is no mention of free trials, subscriptions, or in-app purchases for core functionality.

### What kind of information does DX Toolbox provide about propagation?

The app allows users to estimate current HF (Shortwave) propagation conditions between any two locations globally. It can generate graphs of these conditions for specific frequencies or times, and display MUF/LUF graphs. It also shows areas where signals can be heard based on frequency, power, and current space weather.

### What solar and geomagnetic data is available?

DX Toolbox displays important solar and geomagnetic readings such as Solar Flux, A-Index, K-Index, Sun Spot Number, X-Ray Flux levels, X-Ray flares, Solar Wind, Earth's Magnetic Field, Proton and Electron Flux levels, and conditions like Radio Blackout, Geomagnetic Storm, and Solar Radiation Storm.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.5 — 2017-05-24

This update from Apple will improve the functionality of this app. No new features are included.

Updates for iOS 10.3.
Updated data source for Aurora images.

### 1.4.0 — 2016-07-02

Adds several additional Ionosonde sites

### 1.3.1 — 2015-07-01

Added automatic updates to the propagation map, displaying the areas of the world where your signal can be heard (or a signal can be heard from), based on the frequency, transmitter power, and current solar flux, date, and time.

### 1.3 — 2015-06-18

Added a propagation map, displaying the areas of the world where your signal can be heard (or a signal can be heard from), based on the frequency, transmitter power, and current solar flux, date, and time.

### 1.2.0 — 2014-12-16

Updates for new Space Weather Prediction Center data format.
Fixed a bug that could cause a crash when the app is launched.
Updates for iOS 8.

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## More apps by Black Cat Systems

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All apps by Black Cat Systems: https://appshunter.io/developer/301047032

## Related topics

[isosphere](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/isosphere)

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*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 2026-09-14.*