☀️ Solar Propagation Widget – User Guide

📋 Quick Start

This widget displays real-time HF propagation conditions for amateur radio operators. Perfect for WWBOTA bunker activations and general HF operating!


📥 Installation

Step 1: Copy the Code

  1. Download solar-widget-wordpress.php
  2. Open your WordPress admin panel
  3. Go to AppearanceTheme File Editor
  4. Select functions.php from the right sidebar
  5. Scroll to the bottom
  6. Paste the entire contents of solar-widget-wordpress.php
  7. Click Update File

That’s it! The widget is now installed and ready to use.


🎯 Using the Widget

Basic Usage

Add this shortcode to any page or post:

☀️ Solar Propagation
Kp-INDEX
2.7
QUIET
FoF2 CRITICAL FREQUENCY
4.2 MHz
NORTHERN EUROPE
C3.1 SOLAR FLARE RISK
MODERATE C-CLASS FLARE ACTIVE. Minor HF effects possible.
MUF 500km
5.5
MHz
MUF 1000km
8.4
MHz
MUF 3000km
12.7
MHz
A-INDEX
10
SOLAR FLUX
167
SUNSPOT #
166
HF BAND CONDITIONS
160m
80m
40m
20m
15m
10m
rmi • 5 minutes ago • FoF2: RMI:4.2 [OK F:4.2 M3k:12.7 M:3.02]

That’s all you need! The widget will appear with default settings.


🎨 Widget Types

You have 3 widget sizes to choose from:

📱 Small Widget

Perfect for sidebars or compact spaces

    
    

    
☀️ Solar Propagation
Kp-INDEX
2.7
QUIET
FoF2 CRITICAL FREQUENCY
4.2 MHz
NORTHERN EUROPE
C3.1 SOLAR FLARE RISK
MODERATE C-CLASS FLARE ACTIVE. Minor HF effects possible.
rmi • 5 minutes ago • FoF2: RMI:4.2 [OK F:4.2 M3k:12.7 M:3.02]

Shows:

  • ☀️ Title and UTC Clock
  • 📊 K-Index (geomagnetic activity)
  • 📡 FoF2 Critical Frequency
  • 🌟 Solar Flare Alert

Height: ~220px


📊 General Widget (Default)

Best for main content areas 

    
    

    
☀️ Solar Propagation
Kp-INDEX
2.7
QUIET
FoF2 CRITICAL FREQUENCY
4.2 MHz
NORTHERN EUROPE
C3.1 SOLAR FLARE RISK
MODERATE C-CLASS FLARE ACTIVE. Minor HF effects possible.
MUF 500km
5.5
MHz
MUF 1000km
8.4
MHz
MUF 3000km
12.7
MHz
A-INDEX
10
SOLAR FLUX
167
SUNSPOT #
166
HF BAND CONDITIONS
160m
80m
40m
20m
15m
10m
rmi • 5 minutes ago • FoF2: RMI:4.2 [OK F:4.2 M3k:12.7 M:3.02]

As in Small widget, PLUS:

  • 🎯 MUF values (3 distances: 500km, 1000km, 3000km)
  • ☀️ Solar Data (A-Index, Solar Flux, Sunspot Number)
  • 📻 HF Band Conditions (160m through 10m)

Height: ~500px


📈 Full Widget

For dedicated propagation pages

    
    

    
☀️ Solar Propagation
Kp-INDEX
2.7
QUIET
FoF2 CRITICAL FREQUENCY
4.2 MHz
NORTHERN EUROPE
C3.1 SOLAR FLARE RISK
MODERATE C-CLASS FLARE ACTIVE. Minor HF effects possible.
MUF 500km
5.5
MHz
MUF 1000km
8.4
MHz
MUF 3000km
12.7
MHz
A-INDEX
10
SOLAR FLUX
167
SUNSPOT #
166
HF BAND CONDITIONS
160m
80m
40m
20m
15m
10m
📊 PROPAGATION DATA
rmi • 5 minutes ago • FoF2: RMI:4.2 [OK F:4.2 M3k:12.7 M:3.02]

Shows everything in General widget, PLUS:

  • 📊 24-hour K-Index graph
  • 📊 24-hour FoF2 graph

Height: ~850px


🎨 Light Mode

All widget types support Light Mode for sites with white/light backgrounds.

How to Use Light Mode

Just add light to your widget type:

    
    

    
☀️ Solar Propagation
Kp-INDEX
2.7
QUIET
FoF2 CRITICAL FREQUENCY
4.2 MHz
NORTHERN EUROPE
C3.1 SOLAR FLARE RISK
MODERATE C-CLASS FLARE ACTIVE. Minor HF effects possible.
rmi • 5 minutes ago • FoF2: RMI:4.2 [OK F:4.2 M3k:12.7 M:3.02]
☀️ Solar Propagation
Kp-INDEX
2.7
QUIET
FoF2 CRITICAL FREQUENCY
4.2 MHz
NORTHERN EUROPE
C3.1 SOLAR FLARE RISK
MODERATE C-CLASS FLARE ACTIVE. Minor HF effects possible.
MUF 500km
5.5
MHz
MUF 1000km
8.4
MHz
MUF 3000km
12.7
MHz
A-INDEX
10
SOLAR FLUX
167
SUNSPOT #
166
HF BAND CONDITIONS
160m
80m
40m
20m
15m
10m
rmi • 5 minutes ago • FoF2: RMI:4.2 [OK F:4.2 M3k:12.7 M:3.02]
☀️ Solar Propagation
Kp-INDEX
2.7
QUIET
FoF2 CRITICAL FREQUENCY
4.2 MHz
NORTHERN EUROPE
C3.1 SOLAR FLARE RISK
MODERATE C-CLASS FLARE ACTIVE. Minor HF effects possible.
MUF 500km
5.5
MHz
MUF 1000km
8.4
MHz
MUF 3000km
12.7
MHz
A-INDEX
10
SOLAR FLUX
167
SUNSPOT #
166
HF BAND CONDITIONS
160m
80m
40m
20m
15m
10m
📊 PROPAGATION DATA
rmi • 5 minutes ago • FoF2: RMI:4.2 [OK F:4.2 M3k:12.7 M:3.02]

Dark vs Light Mode

Dark Mode (Default)Light Mode
Black/dark gray backgroundWhite/light gray background
Bright colored textDark text on colored backgrounds
Perfect for dark themesPerfect for light themes
Example:
☀️ Solar Propagation
Kp-INDEX
2.7
QUIET
FoF2 CRITICAL FREQUENCY
4.2 MHz
NORTHERN EUROPE
C3.1 SOLAR FLARE RISK
MODERATE C-CLASS FLARE ACTIVE. Minor HF effects possible.
MUF 500km
5.5
MHz
MUF 1000km
8.4
MHz
MUF 3000km
12.7
MHz
A-INDEX
10
SOLAR FLUX
167
SUNSPOT #
166
HF BAND CONDITIONS
160m
80m
40m
20m
15m
10m
rmi • 5 minutes ago • FoF2: RMI:4.2 [OK F:4.2 M3k:12.7 M:3.02]
Example:
☀️ Solar Propagation
Kp-INDEX
2.7
QUIET
FoF2 CRITICAL FREQUENCY
4.2 MHz
NORTHERN EUROPE
C3.1 SOLAR FLARE RISK
MODERATE C-CLASS FLARE ACTIVE. Minor HF effects possible.
MUF 500km
5.5
MHz
MUF 1000km
8.4
MHz
MUF 3000km
12.7
MHz
A-INDEX
10
SOLAR FLUX
167
SUNSPOT #
166
HF BAND CONDITIONS
160m
80m
40m
20m
15m
10m
rmi • 5 minutes ago • FoF2: RMI:4.2 [OK F:4.2 M3k:12.7 M:3.02]

📊 Understanding the Data

🌐 K-Index (Geomagnetic Activity)

What it means:

  • 0-2 (QUIET): 🟢 Excellent propagation
  • 3-4 (UNSETTLED): 🟡 Good propagation
  • 5-6 (ACTIVE): 🟠 Fair propagation, some disturbances
  • 7-9 (STORM): 🔴 Poor propagation, geomagnetic storm

Why it matters: Higher K-index means worse HF conditions, especially on higher bands.


📡 FoF2 (Critical Frequency)

What it means: The highest frequency that will reflect off the ionosphere straight up (NVIS).

Displayed as: "3.8 MHz" means signals below 3.8 MHz will bounce back down.

Why it matters: Helps predict which bands are open for NVIS and regional contacts.

Region: Data from Northern Europe (Belgium ionosonde)


🌟 Solar Flare Alert

Shows REAL-TIME solar flare activity from NOAA satellites!

Classifications:

  • 🟢 A-CLASS (QUIET): No flare activity
  • 🟡 B-CLASS: Background activity, normal
  • 🟠 C-CLASS: Moderate flares, minor HF effects
  • 🔴 M-CLASS: Strong flares, HF degradation likely
  • 🔴 X-CLASS: Major flares, complete HF blackout possible!

Example: "C3.2 C-CLASS FLARE ACTIVE" means a moderate C-class flare is happening RIGHT NOW.


🎯 MUF (Maximum Usable Frequency)

Three distances shown:

DistanceUse CaseM-Factor
500kmNVIS, Regional1.5× FoF2
1000kmMedium range2.0× FoF2
3000kmLong-range DX3.0× FoF2

Example:

  • FoF2 = 3.8 MHz
  • MUF 3000km = 11.4 MHz
  • Meaning: Frequencies below 11.4 MHz can work for long-distance

☀️ Solar Data

A-Index: Daily geomagnetic activity average (lower is better)

Solar Flux (SFI): Radio emissions from the sun at 2800 MHz

  • < 100: Low activity, poor high-band conditions
  • 100-150: Moderate activity
  • > 150: High activity, great for 10m/15m

Sunspot Number (SSN): Number of sunspots on the sun

  • More sunspots = better HF propagation on higher bands

📻 HF Band Conditions

Color-coded for quick reference:

  • 🟢 GOOD: Excellent propagation expected
  • 🟡 FAIR: Usable but not optimal
  • ⚫ POOR: Difficult or impossible

Bands shown: 160m, 80m, 40m, 20m, 15m, 10m

Based on: MUF calculations + K-index + Solar Flux


🔄 Automatic Updates

The widget updates automatically - no refresh needed!

Update Schedule

  • Clock: Updates every 1 second (live UTC time)
  • 📊 Data display: Updates every 60 seconds
  • 🌐 Background data fetch: Every 5 minutes

You'll see: "2 min ago" in the bottom right showing data freshness


 

⚠️ Important Notes

Data Sources

All data is from trusted sources:

  • 🛰️ NOAA: US Government space weather service
  • 📡 HamQSL: Amateur radio data aggregator
  • 🌐 GIRO: Global ionosphere monitoring network

Data is FREE - No API keys needed!


Privacy

The widget does NOT:

  • ❌ Track users
  • ❌ Use cookies
  • ❌ Collect personal data
  • ❌ Phone home

It only: Fetches public solar data from external APIs


Performance

Minimal impact:

  • Data cached for 5 minutes
  • No external calls from user browsers
  • Lightweight JavaScript
  • Fast page loads

🌍 Who Is This For?

Perfect For:

  • WWBOTA Operators: Bunker activations
  • Field Day Stations: Contest propagation monitoring
  • DX Chasers: Know when bands are open
  • NVIS Operators: Critical frequency monitoring
  • Ham Radio Clubs: Share propagation data
  • Emergency Communications: Monitor HF availability

📞 Getting Help

Need Support?

  1. Check this guide - Most questions answered here
  2. Browser console - Press F12, look for errors
  3. Try different widget type - Maybe size issue
  4. Clear cache - Use ?wwbota_clear_cache=1

🎓 Learning Resources

Understanding Propagation

Recommended reading:

  • ARRL Propagation Handbook
  • "The Sun and Radio Propagation" by K6HPX
  • NOAA Space Weather website

Online tools:


📝 Quick Reference Card

Shortcode Options

ShortcodeSizeGraphsThemeBest For
☀️ Solar Propagation
Kp-INDEX
2.7
QUIET
FoF2 CRITICAL FREQUENCY
4.2 MHz
NORTHERN EUROPE
C3.1 SOLAR FLARE RISK
MODERATE C-CLASS FLARE ACTIVE. Minor HF effects possible.
rmi • 5 minutes ago • FoF2: RMI:4.2 [OK F:4.2 M3k:12.7 M:3.02]
220pxNoDarkSidebars
☀️ Solar Propagation
Kp-INDEX
2.7
QUIET
FoF2 CRITICAL FREQUENCY
4.2 MHz
NORTHERN EUROPE
C3.1 SOLAR FLARE RISK
MODERATE C-CLASS FLARE ACTIVE. Minor HF effects possible.
rmi • 5 minutes ago • FoF2: RMI:4.2 [OK F:4.2 M3k:12.7 M:3.02]
220pxNoLightLight sidebars
☀️ Solar Propagation
Kp-INDEX
2.7
QUIET
FoF2 CRITICAL FREQUENCY
4.2 MHz
NORTHERN EUROPE
C3.1 SOLAR FLARE RISK
MODERATE C-CLASS FLARE ACTIVE. Minor HF effects possible.
MUF 500km
5.5
MHz
MUF 1000km
8.4
MHz
MUF 3000km
12.7
MHz
A-INDEX
10
SOLAR FLUX
167
SUNSPOT #
166
HF BAND CONDITIONS
160m
80m
40m
20m
15m
10m
rmi • 5 minutes ago • FoF2: RMI:4.2 [OK F:4.2 M3k:12.7 M:3.02]
500pxNoDarkMain content
☀️ Solar Propagation
Kp-INDEX
2.7
QUIET
FoF2 CRITICAL FREQUENCY
4.2 MHz
NORTHERN EUROPE
C3.1 SOLAR FLARE RISK
MODERATE C-CLASS FLARE ACTIVE. Minor HF effects possible.
MUF 500km
5.5
MHz
MUF 1000km
8.4
MHz
MUF 3000km
12.7
MHz
A-INDEX
10
SOLAR FLUX
167
SUNSPOT #
166
HF BAND CONDITIONS
160m
80m
40m
20m
15m
10m
rmi • 5 minutes ago • FoF2: RMI:4.2 [OK F:4.2 M3k:12.7 M:3.02]
500pxNoLightLight content
☀️ Solar Propagation
Kp-INDEX
2.7
QUIET
FoF2 CRITICAL FREQUENCY
4.2 MHz
NORTHERN EUROPE
C3.1 SOLAR FLARE RISK
MODERATE C-CLASS FLARE ACTIVE. Minor HF effects possible.
MUF 500km
5.5
MHz
MUF 1000km
8.4
MHz
MUF 3000km
12.7
MHz
A-INDEX
10
SOLAR FLUX
167
SUNSPOT #
166
HF BAND CONDITIONS
160m
80m
40m
20m
15m
10m
📊 PROPAGATION DATA
rmi • 5 minutes ago • FoF2: RMI:4.2 [OK F:4.2 M3k:12.7 M:3.02]
850pxYesDarkDedicated pages
☀️ Solar Propagation
Kp-INDEX
2.7
QUIET
FoF2 CRITICAL FREQUENCY
4.2 MHz
NORTHERN EUROPE
C3.1 SOLAR FLARE RISK
MODERATE C-CLASS FLARE ACTIVE. Minor HF effects possible.
MUF 500km
5.5
MHz
MUF 1000km
8.4
MHz
MUF 3000km
12.7
MHz
A-INDEX
10
SOLAR FLUX
167
SUNSPOT #
166
HF BAND CONDITIONS
160m
80m
40m
20m
15m
10m
📊 PROPAGATION DATA
rmi • 5 minutes ago • FoF2: RMI:4.2 [OK F:4.2 M3k:12.7 M:3.02]
850pxYesLightLight pages

Data Refresh Times

ElementUpdate Frequency
Clock1 second
Display data60 seconds
Fresh API data5 minutes
K-Index from NOAA~3 hours
FoF2 from DourbesReal-time
X-ray fluxNear real-time
 

Multiple Sites

Can I use this on multiple sites? ✅ Yes! Just install on each WordPress site.

Is there a limit? ❌ No limits! It's completely free.


🎉 Enjoy!

You now have real-time HF propagation data right on your WordPress site!

Perfect for:

  • Planning QSOs
  • Contest operations
  • DX hunting
  • Field Day
  • Emergency communications

Questions? Refer back to this guide anytime.

73 de M0ICR


📌 Version Information

Version: 1.0
Released: February 2026
Compatibility: WordPress 5.8+, PHP 7.4+
Status: Production Ready ✅

Last Updated: February 4, 2026

🔧 Technical Guide

File Structure

functions.php
└── solar-widget-wordpress.php (paste entire contents)

Automatic Setup

  • Cron job: Auto-registers on wp hook
  • Intervals: Auto-adds 5-min schedule
  • First run: Triggers immediately

Manual Cache Clear

URL: yoursite.com/?wwbota_clear_cache=1

(Requires admin login)


🐛 Debugging

Enable WP_DEBUG

php
// wp-config.php
define('WP_DEBUG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true);

Check Cron Status

  1. Install “WP Crontrol” plugin
  2. Look for wwbota_collect_solar_data event
  3. Verify 5-minute interval

View Transient Data

php
$data = get_transient('wwbota_solar_data');
var_dump($data);

API Testing

php
// Test individual APIs
$result = wwbota_fetch_noaa_xray_flux();
$result = wwbota_fetch_dourbes_data();

📝 Code Quality

WordPress Standards

  • ✅ Proper escaping (esc_attr, esc_html, esc_js)
  • ✅ Nonce validation for admin actions
  • ✅ Capability checks (current_user_can)
  • ✅ Transient API usage
  • ✅ Cron API integration

PHP Best Practices

  • ✅ Namespaced functions (wwbota_ prefix)
  • ✅ Error handling with fallbacks
  • ✅ Type validation
  • ✅ Clean, readable code structure

Performance

  • ✅ Minimal database queries
  • ✅ Efficient caching
  • ✅ Conditional script loading
  • ✅ Optimized API calls

🎓 Technical Requirements

Server Requirements

  • PHP: 7.4 or higher
  • WordPress: 5.8 or higher
  • MySQL: 5.6 or higher

Browser Compatibility

  • Chrome: 90+
  • Firefox: 88+
  • Safari: 14+
  • Edge: 90+

JavaScript

  • ES6+ features used (arrow functions, template literals, const/let)
  • Chart.js 4.4.0 from CDN

📚 External Dependencies

APIs (No Keys Required)

  • HamQSL Solar XML
  • NOAA SWPC JSON
  • Dourbes GIRO Database

JavaScript Libraries

  • Chart.js 4.4.0 (CDN)

WordPress Features

  • Shortcode API
  • Transient API
  • Cron API
  • AJAX (wp_ajax, wp_ajax_nopriv)

🔄 Update Strategy

Data Freshness

  • Solar flares: 5-minute accuracy (NOAA updates frequently)
  • K-index: 3-hour averages (updated hourly)
  • FoF2: Real-time ionosonde measurements

Cache Invalidation

  • Automatic: 5-minute expiry
  • Manual: Query string parameter
  • Cron: Background refresh every 5 minutes

🎯 Future Enhancements (Potential)

Planned Features

  • Configurable update intervals
  • Custom color schemes
  • Export data to CSV
  • Email alerts for major flares
  • Multi-language support
  • Custom band selection

API Additions

  • Additional ionosonde stations
  • Solar wind data
  • Aurora predictions
  • Propagation maps

📞 Support & Maintenance

Common Issues

  1. Widget not updating: Check cron with WP Crontrol
  2. No data showing: Clear transient cache
  3. Graphs not rendering: Verify Chart.js loading (full widget only)
  4. Light mode not working: Check shortcode syntax

Debugging Steps

  1. Enable WP_DEBUG
  2. Check browser console for errors
  3. Verify API endpoints are accessible
  4. Test with ?wwbota_clear_cache=1
  5. Inspect AJAX responses in Network tab

📄 License & Credits

Data Sources

  • NOAA: Space Weather Prediction Center (Public Domain)
  • HamQSL: Paul L. Herrman N0NBH (Free API)
  • GIRO: Global Ionosphere Radio Observatory (Academic use)

Libraries

  • Chart.js: MIT License
  • WordPress: GPL v2 or later

Author

  • Carl (M0ICR): WWBOTA Coordinator
  • For: Worldwide Bunkers on the Air

🎉 Conclusion

This widget provides amateur radio operators with professional-grade propagation data in a compact, easy-to-use format. The combination of real-time solar flare detection, accurate MUF calculations, and responsive design makes it ideal for WWBOTA bunker activations and general HF operating.

Version: 1.0
Last Updated: February 2026
Status: Production Ready ✅

☀️ Solar Propagation
Kp-INDEX
2.7
QUIET
FoF2 CRITICAL FREQUENCY
4.2 MHz
NORTHERN EUROPE
C3.1 SOLAR FLARE RISK
MODERATE C-CLASS FLARE ACTIVE. Minor HF effects possible.
rmi • 5 minutes ago • FoF2: RMI:4.2 [OK F:4.2 M3k:12.7 M:3.02]
☀️ Solar Propagation
Kp-INDEX
2.7
QUIET
FoF2 CRITICAL FREQUENCY
4.2 MHz
NORTHERN EUROPE
C3.1 SOLAR FLARE RISK
MODERATE C-CLASS FLARE ACTIVE. Minor HF effects possible.
rmi • 5 minutes ago • FoF2: RMI:4.2 [OK F:4.2 M3k:12.7 M:3.02]
☀️ Solar Propagation
Kp-INDEX
2.7
QUIET
FoF2 CRITICAL FREQUENCY
4.2 MHz
NORTHERN EUROPE
C3.1 SOLAR FLARE RISK
MODERATE C-CLASS FLARE ACTIVE. Minor HF effects possible.
MUF 500km
5.5
MHz
MUF 1000km
8.4
MHz
MUF 3000km
12.7
MHz
A-INDEX
10
SOLAR FLUX
167
SUNSPOT #
166
HF BAND CONDITIONS
160m
80m
40m
20m
15m
10m
rmi • 5 minutes ago • FoF2: RMI:4.2 [OK F:4.2 M3k:12.7 M:3.02]
☀️ Solar Propagation
Kp-INDEX
2.7
QUIET
FoF2 CRITICAL FREQUENCY
4.2 MHz
NORTHERN EUROPE
C3.1 SOLAR FLARE RISK
MODERATE C-CLASS FLARE ACTIVE. Minor HF effects possible.
MUF 500km
5.5
MHz
MUF 1000km
8.4
MHz
MUF 3000km
12.7
MHz
A-INDEX
10
SOLAR FLUX
167
SUNSPOT #
166
HF BAND CONDITIONS
160m
80m
40m
20m
15m
10m
📊 PROPAGATION DATA
rmi • 5 minutes ago • FoF2: RMI:4.2 [OK F:4.2 M3k:12.7 M:3.02]
☀️ Solar Propagation
Kp-INDEX
2.7
QUIET
FoF2 CRITICAL FREQUENCY
4.2 MHz
NORTHERN EUROPE
C3.1 SOLAR FLARE RISK
MODERATE C-CLASS FLARE ACTIVE. Minor HF effects possible.
rmi • 5 minutes ago • FoF2: RMI:4.2 [OK F:4.2 M3k:12.7 M:3.02]
☀️ Solar Propagation
Kp-INDEX
2.7
QUIET
FoF2 CRITICAL FREQUENCY
4.2 MHz
NORTHERN EUROPE
C3.1 SOLAR FLARE RISK
MODERATE C-CLASS FLARE ACTIVE. Minor HF effects possible.
MUF 500km
5.5
MHz
MUF 1000km
8.4
MHz
MUF 3000km
12.7
MHz
A-INDEX
10
SOLAR FLUX
167
SUNSPOT #
166
HF BAND CONDITIONS
160m
80m
40m
20m
15m
10m
rmi • 5 minutes ago • FoF2: RMI:4.2 [OK F:4.2 M3k:12.7 M:3.02]
☀️ Solar Propagation
Kp-INDEX
2.7
QUIET
FoF2 CRITICAL FREQUENCY
4.2 MHz
NORTHERN EUROPE
C3.1 SOLAR FLARE RISK
MODERATE C-CLASS FLARE ACTIVE. Minor HF effects possible.
MUF 500km
5.5
MHz
MUF 1000km
8.4
MHz
MUF 3000km
12.7
MHz
A-INDEX
10
SOLAR FLUX
167
SUNSPOT #
166
HF BAND CONDITIONS
160m
80m
40m
20m
15m
10m
📊 PROPAGATION DATA
rmi • 5 minutes ago • FoF2: RMI:4.2 [OK F:4.2 M3k:12.7 M:3.02]