"Bob D." wrote in message
m...
I'm looking for a guide to "what bands are open when, and how far". I'd
like to set up a schedule with a couple friends but I don't have a good
feel for 'what band / what time'. Does anyone know of a good 'rule of
thumb' reference that doesn't get deep in propagation theory?

--
Bob D. ND9B

Most of the newer ARRL Handbooks have a section it them that give the
differant bands and how far they are good for during the day and night.

For example:

3.5-4.0 MHz (80 m)

The lowest HF band is similar to 160 m in many

respects. Daytime absorption is significant, but not quite

as extreme as at 1.8 MHz. High-angle signals may

penetrate to the E and F layers. Daytime communication

range is typically limited to 400 km (250 mi) by groundwave

and skywave propagation. At night, signals are

often propagated halfway around the world. As at

1.8 MHz, atmospheric noise is a nuisance, making winter

the most attractive season for the 80-m DXer.