The
Eastern Iowa DX Bulletin
Number
311, January 30, 2026
Craig Fastenow, KØCF, Editor
This bulletin is a compilation of currently active DX operations (or those that will become active within the current week) from recent issues of the three DX bulletins listed below and other sources. Credit for the source is given at the end of each article.
Articles are ordered by the entity's callsign prefix from the ARRL DXCC Entities List. Callsigns used are in bold with dates of operation highlighted in red. Clickable links are provided for QSL and other information wherever possible. Note that articles may be edited for grammar, language, style and accuracy and will remain in The Bulletin while active; articles that are announcements of ongoing operations, or that have no specified end date, will be removed after three weeks.
Also included is a Propagation section (updated as conditions warrant) and a Contest Calendar of upcoming popular contests.
DX News
items are courtesy of:
The ARRL DX Bulletin
This bulletin is available via email
subscription only. See
http://www.arrl.org/bulletins
to subscribe. (The online archive is no
longer updated.)
425 DX News, A.R.I. DX Bulletin (425DXN)
Edited by Mauro Pregliasco, I1JQJ
& Valeria Pregliasco, IK1ADH
425 DX News Home Page: https://www.425dxn.org/
425 DX News Google Group: https://groups.google.com/g/425eng
DX Newsletter (DXNL)
Edited by Andreas Salder, DK5ON
A weekly service of DARC Committee
"DX", http://www.darcdxhf.de
Propagation data is from:
National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration's
Space Weather Prediction
Center
Dr. Tony Phillips' SpaceWeather.com,
used by permission
Contest data
courtesy of the WA7BNM
Contest Calendar
DX
News
3B8, MAURITIUS.
Matt, DL5PT, is QRV as 3B8/DL5PT
from Flic-en-Flac until
the end of March. Activity is in his spare time on 20
through 10 meters using FT8. QSL to DL5PT.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 4 January 29, 2026] (0130-0327)
3B8, MAURITIUS. Michael, OE6MBG will be active as 3B8/OE6MBG from Mauritius (AF-049) on February 2nd-23rd. He plans to focus on 80 and 40 meters, using SSB, CW and possibly some FT8/FT4. QSOs will be uploaded to LoTW and ClubLog.
-[425DXN # 1813 January 31, 2026] (0130-0227)
3B9, RODRIGUES I.
Robert, 3B9FR,
has been QRV on 10 meters using FT8 around 1600z. QSL to 3B9FR.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 4 January 29, 2026] (0130-0220)
3Y, BOUVET I. The following was posted on January 25th to the 3YØK DXpedition's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/1787070508410564/):
"Due to unforeseen circumstances, the 3YØK DXpedition to Bouvet Island will be delayed by approximately two weeks.
Our vessel requires additional maintenance to ensure it is fully
prepared for the demanding voyage to one of the most remote and
challenging locations on Earth.
While this delay is
disappointing, the safety of our team remains our highest priority. The
adjustment does not change the overall strategy of the DXpedition,
which has been carefully planned over the past three years.
We will continue to keep you informed as our schedule is updated". The
team was originally scheduled to depart from Cape Town on February 1st.
-[425DXN # 1813 January 31, 2026] (0130-0213)
4S, SRI LANKA.
Peter, DCØKK is QRV as 4S7KKG
until March 31st.
Activity is on 60 through 6 meters using FT8, and on Satellite QO-100.
QSL to DCØKK, ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 3 January 22, 2026] (0123-0403)
5H, TANZANIA.
Chas, NK8O is QRV as 5H3DX
until February 9th.
Activity is in his limited spare time on 20 through 10 meters using CW
and digital modes. This may include 6 meters if conditions permit. QSL
via NK8O, LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 3 January 22, 2026] (0123-0213)
5Z, KENYA.
Michael, OZ6ABL will be active as 5Z4/OZ6ABL
from Watamu (LI06ap), Kenya, from January 15th to February 28th.
Activity will be holiday style on 80-6 meters CW, SSB, and FT8/FT4. QSL
via LoTW, ClubLog's OQRS,
or via OZ6ABL.
-[425DXN # 1810 January 10, 2026] (0109-0227)
7Q, MALAWI.
Chris, ZS6RI, is currently active from Karonga in Malawi's North as 7Q5C. Lengthy work
assignments of 6 months will keep him busy there until 2027. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2493 January 14, 2026] (0116-0206)
8R, GUYANA.
Aldir, PY1SAD, is QRV as 8R1TM
until February 23rd.
Activity is on 160 through 6 meters using CW, SSB, and various digital
modes during the week between 2300 and 0300z, and full-time on
weekends. This includes being active on various FM and analog
Satellites. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 2 January 15, 2026] (0116-0227)
9X, RWANDA.
Harold, DF2WO will be active again as 9X2AW from Kigali,
Rwanda from
January 22nd to February 8th. He can operate on 160-6
meters using CW, SSB, FT8 and FT4, as well as on the QO-100 satellite.
QSL via MØOXO's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1811 January 17, 2026] (0116-0213)
C2, NAURU. Phill, FK1TS is active again as C21TS from Nauru (OC-031) until "towards the end of July",
he says, when he will QRT for good. He operates FT8 and possibly will
try some SSB. QSOs are live streamed on ClubLog. QSL via LoTW, or MØOXO's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1813 January 31, 2026] (0130-0227)
C5, THE GAMBIA.
Przemo, SP3PS and Magda are QRV as C5SP
and C5MB,
respectively, from Sanyang until
March 1st. Activity is on 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters using
SSB, FT8, and FT4. QSL direct via SP3PS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 3 January 22, 2026] (0123-0227)
CE9,KC4, ANTARCTICA.
Felix, DL5XL, has to cancel
his work trip to Antarctica and thus also his operating as DPØGVN and DP1POL due to
personal reasons. He hopes to be back during the 2026/27 Antarctic
season.
-[DXNL # 2493 January 14, 2026] (0116-0206)
CE9,KC4,
ANTARCTICA. Rikk, WE9G plans to be active as WE9G/KC4 from the
Palmer Peninsula, Antarctica sometime beginning January 30th until February
3rd, "including one overnight stay". QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
or WE9G.
-[425DXN # 1812 January 24, 2026] (0130-0206)
CE9,KC4,
ANTARCTICA. Tom, VK2TBC will be active as VKØTBC from Casey
Station, Antarctica from February
through December. He will operate SSB and FT8 in his spare
time. Updates will be posted to https://vk2tbc.com/.
-[425DXN # 1812 January 24, 2026] (0130-0220)
CEØ, SAN FELIX
& SAN AMBROSIO. Felipe, XQ7IR, has announced that
the DXpedition to San Abmrosio Island (SA-013) is presently on hold
due to conflicts over necessary landing and operating permits. He hopes
that future developments with the involved authorities will turn the
situation into a mere postponement. Meanwhile, the equipment that was
to be used during the DXpedition will remained stored on Juan Fernandez
Island (CEØ/Z). Sponsors and donors will be contacted individually. For
more information
see https://sanambrosio-project.com/index.php.
-[DXNL # 2493 January 14, 2026] (0116-0206)
DL, GERMANY.
To celebrate the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games Milano Cortina
2026, the DARC Team SES will be active as DD2Ø26OWG (February 1st - March 1st)
and DD2Ø26WPG
(March 1st - April 1st).
QSL via DK5ON, LoTW and
DCL (DARC Community Logbook).
-[425DXN # 1811 January 17, 2026] (0130-0403)
DL, GERMANY.
Special callsign DQ3ØGDXF
celebrates the 30th anniversary of the German DX Foundation (https://www.gdxf.de/)
until December 31st.
QSL via ClubLog's OQRS
and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1811 January 17, 2026] (0116-0206)
DL, GERMANY.
The DARC Team SES will be active as DA2Ø26SKI
from January 15th to
February 15th for the FIS Ski-Flying World Championships
to be held in Oberstdorf. QSL via DK5ON, LoTW or
DCL (DARC Community Logbook).
-[425DXN # 1810 January 10, 2026] (0109-0220)
DL, GERMANY.
The DARC Team SES will be active as DH2Ø26EM
from January 10th to
February 10th for the Men's European Handball Championship
to be cohosted by Denmark, Sweden and Norway. QSL via DK5ON, LoTW and
DCL (DARC Community Logbook).
-[425DXN # 1809 January 3, 2026] (0109-0213)
DXCC TOP TWENTY.
Here are the top 20 entities on ClubLog’s "DXCC Most Wanted" list as of
January 30, 2026:
1. P5 DPRK
(North Korea) 11.
KH4 Midway Island
2.
KH3 Johnston
Island 12.
VKØM Macquarie Island
3. KH7K Kure
Island
13.
EZ Turkmenistan
4. CEØX San Felix
Islands 14.
KP5 Desecheo Island
5. FT5/X Kerguelen
Island 15.
PYØS Saint Peter And Paul Rocks
6. BS7H Scarborough
Reef 16.
VPØS South Sandwich Islands
7. 3Y/P Peter 1
Island 17.
YK Syria
8. YVØ Aves
Island
18.
ZL9 New Zealand Subantarctic
Islands
9. BV9P Pratas
Island 19.
FT/T Tromelin Island
10. 3Y/B Bouvet
Island 20.
VKØH Heard Island
For the complete list, see
https://clublog.org/mostwanted.php
-[KØCF January 30, 2026 (0130-0220)
EA, SPAIN.
The special event station EH175FCM
will be active from January
30th to February 1st. QSL via eQSL.
-[DXNL # 2495 January 28, 2026] (0130-0206)
EA8, CANARY IS.
Special callsign EG8VC
celebrates the annual Canary patron saint festival from January 30th until February
2nd.
-[DXNL # 2495 January 28, 2026] (0130-0206)
F, FRANCE.
Special callsign TM27PVJ
will be activated from January
26th to February 1st
for the 27th "Percee du Vin Jaune", the festival celebrating the
"Opening of the Yellow Wine" which this year will take place at
Lons-le-Saunier (Jura). QSL via eQSL.
-[425DXN # 1811 January 17, 2026] (0123-0206)
FG, GUADELOUPE.
Philippe, F1DUZ, will be QRV as FG4KH
from January 20th to
February 10th. Activity will be on 80 through 10 meters
using SSB. QSL via F1DUZ, LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 2 January 15, 2026] (0116-0213)
FO, FRENCH
POLYNESIA. Pascal, F6HCM, is QRV as FO/F6HCM until February 5th,
from various islands in this archipelago. Activity is in his spare time
and generally on 15 meters using CW with QRP power. QSL to F6HCM.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 52 December 31, 2025] (0102-0206)
G, ENGLAND.
Special callsign GB5ØPUNK,
run by David (G3SKA) and others, celebrates the birth of Punk music 50
years ago during 2026. QSL information at GB5ØPUNK.
-[DXNL # 2495 January 28, 2026] (0130-0220)
H4, SOLOMON IS.
Bernhard, DL2GAC, will be QRV as H44MS
from Manakwai Village on Malaita Island (OC-047) from January 18th to April 15th.
Activity will be on the HF bands. QSL to DL2GAC.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 2 January 15, 2026] (0116-0417)
J3, GRENADA.
Rikk, WE9G is QRV as J38WG
until February 16th.
Activity is on 160 through 6 meters using mostly FT8 with some CW and
SSB. He may also activate some POTA references. QSL to WE9G, ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 52 December 31, 2025] (0102-0220)
J5,
GUINEA-BISSAU. Livio, IZ3BUR is QRV as J52EC until March 1st.
He has been active on 15 and 10 meters using SSB. QSL direct to IZ3BUR.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 4 January 29, 2026] (0130-0227)
KP5,
DESECHEO I. A group of operators (see next article)
using remote control are now QRV as KP5/NP3VI
until February 14th.
Activity is on 160 through 10 meters using CW, SSB, and FT8. QSL via MØOXO's OQRS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 2 January 15, 2026] (0116-0213)
KP5,
DESECHEO I. In collaboration with the Vieques Island
Amateur Radio Club (NP3VI) and the Manyana DX Foundation, KP5/NP3VI is
expected to be "a landmark DXpedition" to Desecheo Island, currently
ranked as the 14th most wanted DXCC Entity worldwide.
Located approximately 13 miles off the west coast of Puerto Rico,
Desecheo Island has not been activated since 2009. This operation
represents the first Puerto Rican-led DXpedition to KP5 in 48 years,
following the historic KP4AM/D activation in 1978.
Plans
are to deploy two self-sustained RDUs (Remote Deployable Units)
provided by the Manyana DX Foundation. The deployment window is January 12th-14th,
weather permitting. Once deployed, the DXpedition is expected to
operate 24 hours a day for approximately 30 consecutive days,
until the scheduled recovery date. The stations will utilize
state-of-the-art remote operating infrastructure from Remote Ham Radio
(RHR). KP5/NP3VI will be QRV on 160-6 meters CW, SSB, and FT8 (always
MSHV, never F/H). ClubLog's Live Stream feature will be enabled. More
information and updates can be found on https://desecheo2026.com/kp5/
and https://www.facebook.com/people/Desecheo-2026-Dxpedition/61585525894897/.
QSL via MØOXO's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1808 December 27, 2025] (0109-0213)
OX, GREENLAND.
Loren, KK5LM, is currently staying on Pituffik Space Base and operates
as OX5LM
during his spare time. QRV until
December 2026 on 80-10m on SSB and FT4/8. QSL info via
e-mail.
-[DXNL # 2493 January 14, 2026] (0116-0206)
OX, GREENLAND.
Michael, OX3MC,
plans to get on the air whenever time permits from December 29th to February 25th
from Pituffik Space Base (NA-018). QRV on 80-10m, mostly on SSB. QSL
via OZ QSL bureau.
-[DXNL # 2490 December 24, 2025] (1226-0227)
PJ2, CURACAO.
Andre, PD1DRE will be active again as PJ2/PD1DRE from
Curacao (SA-099) from January
26th to March 4th. He operates SSB and FT8/FT4. QSL via
eQSL.
-[425DXN # 1812 January 24, 2026] (0123-0306)
PJ2, CURACAO.
Thaire, W2APF will be active as PJ2/W2APF
from Curacao (SA-099) from January
22nd to March 31st. He will operate CW, SSB and FT8 on
80-10 meters. QSL via LoTW, or direct to W2APF.
-[425DXN # 1811 January 17, 2026] (0116-0403)
S9, SAO TOME
& PRINCIPE. Borut, S53BV will be active holiday
style as S9BV
from Sao Tome (AF-023) on February
5th-20th. He will operate CW and SSB on 60, 40, 30 and 15
meters. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS
only.
-[425DXN # 1811 January 17, 2026] (0130-0220)
SØ, WESTERN SAHARA. Members of the Sahrawi Amateur Radio Union will be active as SØS (Sierra Zero Sierra) on QO-100 (mainly SSB, possibly with some FT8/ FT4) starting on February 3rd for 8-9 days.
The grid locators to be activated, from north to south, are IL35, IL34,
IL33, IL32, IL31, IL21, IL11, and IL10 (not necessarily in this order).
All QSOs will be uploaded to LoTW free of charge. Paper QSL cards will
be available exclusively via ClubLog's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1813 January 31, 2026] (0130-0213)
T8, PALAU.
Operators JR3QFB, JA1MFR, JA1JRE, JA1MEJ, and 7K4TKB are QRV as T88JH, T88KY, T88MH, T88MT, and T88YL, respectively,
until January 31st.
QSL T88JH via JR3QFB, T88KY
via JA1MFR, T88MH
via JA1JRE, T88MT
via JA1MEJ, and
T88YL via 7K4TKB.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 4 January 29, 2026] (0130-0206)
TL, CENTRAL AFRICA. Joao, CR7BNW, is QRV as TL8BNW until June 1st.
Pending the arrival of new equipment this weekend, he plans to upgrade
his station's capabilities for a specialized run on 160 meters. From February 4th to 14th, he will temporarily modify his dipole antenna to focus exclusively on 160m
SSB and digital modes. After that period, he will reconfigure the
dipole to restore its standard multi-band functionality, returning to
his regular operations on 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters using SSB and FT8. QSL via LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1813 January 31, 2026] (0130-0306)
TY, BENIN.
Gerard, F5NVF, is QRV as TY5GG
until April 6th.
Activity is on the HF bands. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 4 January 29, 2026] (0130-0410)
UR, UKRAINE.
Established in 1947, the British Faraday Antarctic Station was
transferred to Ukraine in February 1996 and renamed Akademik Vernadsky.
Celebrating that 30th anniversary, five special callsigns will be
active from February
1st to March 1st: EM3ØVER, operated
by Antarctic veterans - EM3ØKY
(op. UT1KY), EM3ØKCC
(op. UR5KCC), EM3ØLV
(op. UR8LV), and EN3ØUA
(op. UT7UA). A certificate will be available, see https://www.qrz.com/db/EM30VER
for information.
-[425DXN # 1811 January 17, 2026] (0130-0227)
UR, UKRAINE.
Special callsigns EM1ØØW
and EN1ØØWLKK
celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Lviv Shortwave Club, founded in
1926 as Lwowski Klub Krotkofalowcow (LKK). It was one of the largest
European clubs before World War II. A commemorative certificate will be
available, see https://www.qrz.com/db/EM100W
for information.
-[425DXN # 1811 January 17, 2026] (0116-0206)
UR, UKRAINE.
To celebrate his 50th anniversary in amateur radio, Nick, US8AR will be
active throughout
2026 using the special callsign EM5ØAR. Electronic
QSL cards can be downloaded from https://em50ar.pp.ua/.
-[425DXN # 1811 January 17, 2026] (0116-0206)
V3, BELIZE.
Walt, WØCP as V31DJ
(CW and SSB) and his wife Mary, KØZV as V31DK (FT8 and FT4)
will be active again from Placencia, Belize on February 1st to 27th.
Look for them on 160-10 meters. QSL V31DJ via ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW, or direct to WØCP; QSL V31DK
via ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW, or direct to KØZV.
-[425DXN # 1812 January 24, 2026] (0130-0227)
V4, ST. KITTS
& NEVIS. John, W5JON, is QRV as V47JA from St. Kitts
(NA-104) until
February 3rd. Activity is on 160 through 6 meters using
SSB and FT8. QSL via LoTW or direct to W5JON.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 4 January 29, 2026] (0130-0206)
V4, ST. KITTS & NEVIS. Tom, KØYA and his wife Toni, W5RCX will be active again as V4/KØYA and V4/W5RCX from St. Kitts (NA-104) from February 4th to March 9th. Activity will be holiday style on 160-6 meters CW, SSB, FT8, FT4. Look for Tom to participate as V47Y in both legs of the ARRL International DX Contest, CW (February 21st-22nd) and SSB (March 7th-8th). QSL via LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1813 January 31, 2026] (0130-0313)
VE, CANADA.
Remote station VO2LAB/VYØ
is operated by WB2REM and currently
active from Iqaluit on Baffin Island. QSOs will be posted
to LoTW, QRZ and ClubLog; paper QSL cards are not available.
-[425DXN # 1812 January 24, 2026] (0123-0213)
VP2E, ANGUILLA.
Rick, W4IO will be active holiday style as VP2EIO from Anguilla
(NA-022) on January
24th-31st. He will operate FT8 and some SSB on 80-10
meters. QSL via LoTW, or direct to W4IO.
-[425DXN # 1812 January 24, 2026] (0123-0130
VP8/H,LU,CE9,HFØ,4K1,
SOUTH SHETLAND IS. Station LZØA, operated by
Ivo, LZ1AAW, is QRV until
February 16th and has been active on 20 meters using SSB
around 2300z. QSL via LoTW or LZ1KDP, P.O.Box 830, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 4 January 29, 2026] (0130-0220))
VP8/O,LU, SOUTH
ORKNEY IS. Gabriel, LU1WGB, is QRV as LU1WGB/Z from the
Joint Antarctic Base Orcadas on Laurie Island (AN-008) until February 22nd.
Activity is in his spare time on the HF bands using FT8. QSL to LU1WGB.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 2 January 15, 2026] (0116-0227)
YB, INDONESIA.
Dave, PB2X will be active as YB5/PB2X
from West Sulawesi, Indonesia from January 15th until February
5th. He will operate CW, SSB and FT8 ("if I get it working
in time") on 80-10 meters. QSL via PB2X.
-[425DXN # 1810 January 10, 2026] (0109-0206)
ZL,
NEW ZEALAND. Special callsign ZL6ØPAH will be used
by Phil, ZL3PAH from
November 23rd to
February 22, 2026, to celebrate his diamond jubilee in
amateur radio. He will operate CW, RTTY, and "maybe a little SSB too"
on 80-10 meters. QSL via LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1802 November 15, 2025] (1121-0220)
Propagation
The Weekly Solar Data chart plots Solar Flux Index (SFI), Sunspot number (SSN) and Planetary K-Index (Kp) for the past 8 days. With 8 Planetary K-index readings each day, only the minimum, average and maximum K-index values are plotted. Note: You may click here or on the chart above to see the same data for the past month.
The Daily Solar Flux Index, Sunspot number, Planetary
K-index,
Solar Flux predictions and Solar Flare data used in this bulletin have
been collected by
KØCF from the U.S. Department of Commerce's NOAA
Space Weather Prediction Center.
The propagation graphs above are the creations of KØCF and are unique
in space weather reporting.
Please Note: The graphs are high resolution .PNG files which you may view in greater detail using your browser's "zoom" feature. Alternatively, right click on the graph and select "Open Image in New Tab" to enlarge it, or "Save Image As..." to save it to your computer for further analysis.
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NASA's current view of the Sun at a wave- length of 131 Angstroms. This wavelength shows incredible solar detail. Click here or on the image to view as a full screen 48-hour video loop. It is fascinating! |
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Propagation
Summary
For the 8 day period from Thursday, January 22nd through Thursday, January 29th.
The average solar flux was 154, down 16 points from the previous week,
with a weekly high of 194 on Thursday, January 22nd, followed by
a low of 129 on January 29th.
The average sunspot count was 134, down by 25 from last week,
peaking at 206 on Thursday, January 22nd followed by a
weekly low of 100 on January 27th.
The Planetary K-index weekly average was 4.1 with a
maximum of 5.3 on Wednesday, January 28th, indicating
a minor geomagnetic storm. The most recent K-index maximum was 4.3 with generally quiet conditions.
Solar flare activity since January 23rd has been quiet with no major flares.
Propagation
Data
Major solar flares, Friday, January 23rd through 1526 UTC, January 30th.
| # | Date | UTC | Mag. |
|---|---|---|---|
| None Reported | |||
(NOAA's graph of recent flare activity: GOES-X-Ray-Flux)
From the NOAA Space Weather Prediction
Center,
here are the probabilities of major solar flares and the predicted 10.7
cm Solar Flux for the next 3 days. NOAA updates this information daily.
| Date | M-Flares | X-Flares | Solar Flux |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 30 | 15% | 5% | 125 |
| Jan 31 | 10% | 1% | 115 |
| Feb 1 | 10% | 1% | 110 |
Looking farther ahead, here is the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center forecast of 10.7 cm radio flux and maximum Planetary K-index (Kp) for the next 12 days. This data is updated by NOAA every Monday (last updated on January 26, 2026).
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Global
D Region Absorption
Conditions in the D-region of the ionosphere
have a dramatic effect on HF communications. The D-Region Absorption
map combines the effects of solar particles and
photons. Yellow to red colors on the map depict increasing signal
attenuation, where the bar chart at the right displays attenuation
versus frequency. Click the
thumbnail below for an animated map of D-Region Absorption:
The Aurora
Borealis
The aurora is not only beautiful to see but can have a
profound impact on HF and VHF radio propagation. For the HF operator,
auroras can result in a complete shut-down of propagation. However, on
VHF, auroras present interesting DX possibilities. Beam antennas are
very desirable and should be pointed north, towards the aurora. Signals
are reflected by “back-scatter” and will be distorted with a rough
buzz. SSB is the best voice mode to use, but copy can be difficult. CW
will have a rough buzzy sound but be perfectly copyable. Click the
thumbnail below for an animated map of aurora versus time:
Highs
for Cycle 25
Solar Flux: 336 on
August 8, 2024.
Sunspots: 382 on August
10, 2024.
Popular
Propagation web sites
https://prop.kc2g.com/
(Excellent Maximum Usable Frequency map)
NOAA https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/
https://www.spaceweather.com/
https://www.solarham.com/
https://dx.qsl.net/propagation/
A Propagation
Tutorial
The solar X-ray flux tracks solar activity and solar flares.
Solar
flux, which can vary from as low as 50 to as high as 300, influences
the level of ionization in the F2 region of the ionosphere, providing a
very good prediction of HF DX conditions. The higher the solar flux,
the better conditions will be for the higher HF frequencies and even 6
meters. However, the levels need to be maintained for some days to
allow ionization in the F2 layer to build up. A solar flux of 150
results in good HF band conditions, while levels of 200 and up can
provide great conditions.
Large X-ray flares on the sun can
increase the ionization of the D layer of the ionosphere (a lower
layer) on the sunlit side of the Earth, greatly attenuating or blocking
HF radio transmissions for up to a half hour. Solar flares often
produce Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) which, if Earth directed, can
lead to geomagnetic storms. Some large flares are also accompanied by
strong radio bursts that may interfere with other radio frequencies and
cause problems for satellite communication and radio navigation (GPS).
The
Planetary K-index is a measure of the magnitude of geomagnetic storms
and is an excellent indicator of disturbances in the Earth's magnetic
field. A level of 1 or 2 represents quiet geomagnetic conditions; a
reading of 3 or 4 may cause some propagation deterioration; 5 and 6 are
minor to moderate geomagnetic storms; and 7 to 9 are strong, severe,
and extreme storm conditions. Strong geomagnetic storms can trigger
Auroral displays and cause HF radio blackouts. Higher geomagnetic
activity also has the adverse effect of lowering maximum usable
frequencies, much like lower solar flux does.
For
best conditions, the solar flux should be above 150 for a few days with
the K index below 2. When these conditions are met, some good DX is
likely!
(Compiled from information on NOAA.gov and other sources.)
Contest Calendar
Weekly Contests
| Contest | Start UTC | End | Web Site | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K1USN Slow Speed Test | Monday | 0000Z | 0100Z | Rules |
| ICWC Medium Speed Test | Monday | 1300Z | 1400Z | Rules |
| Monday | 1900Z | 2000Z | ||
| Tuesday | 0300Z | 0400Z | ||
| CWops Test (CWT) | Wednesday | 1300Z | 1400Z | Rules |
| Wednesday | 1900Z | 2000Z | ||
| Thursday | 0300Z | 0400Z | ||
| Thursday | 0700Z | 0800Z | ||
| Weekly RTTY Test | Friday | 0145Z | 0215Z | Rules |
| NCCC CW Sprint (NS) | Friday | 0230Z | 0300Z | Rules |
Sunday at 7:00 PM in the Central Daylight Saving Time zone, or
Sunday at 6:00 PM in the Central Standard Time zone.
Full Calendar
| Contest | Start | End | Web Site | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vermont QSO Party | Feb 7 | 0000Z | Feb 8 | 2400Z | Rules |
| 10-10 Int. Winter Contest, SSB | Feb 7 | 0001Z | Feb 8 | 2359Z | Rules |
| Mexico RTTY International Contest | Feb 7 | 1200Z | Feb 8 | 2359Z | Rules |
| Minnesota QSO Party | Feb 7 | 1400Z | Feb 7 | 2400Z | Rules |
| British Columbia QSO Party | Feb 7 | 1600Z | Feb 8 | 2400Z | Rules |
| North American Sprint, CW | Feb 8 | 0000Z | Feb 8 | 0359Z | Rules |
| ARRL School Club Roundup | Feb 9 | 1300Z | Feb 13 | 2359Z | Rules |
| CQ WW RTTY WPX Contest | Feb 14 | 0000Z | Feb 15 | 2400Z | Rules |
| CQ 160-Meter Contest, SSB | Feb 20 | 2200Z | Feb 22 | 2159Z | Rules |
| ARRL Inter. DX Contest, CW | Feb 21 | 0000Z | Feb 22 | 2400Z | Rules |
| REF Contest, SSB | Feb 21 | 0600Z | Feb 22 | 1800Z | Rules |
| South Carolina QSO Party | Feb 21 | 1500Z | Feb 22 | 0159Z | Rules |
| North American QSO Party, RTTY | Feb 28 | 1800Z | Mar 1 | 0600Z | Rules |
| ARRL Inter. DX Contest, SSB | Mar 7 | 0000Z | Mar 8 | 2400Z | Rules |
| Oklahoma QSO Party | Mar 14 | 1400Z | Mar 15 | 2100Z | Rules |
| Stew Perry Topband Challenge | Mar 14 | 1500Z | Mar 15 | 1500Z | Rules |
| Idaho QSO Party | Mar 14 | 1900Z | Mar 15 | 1900Z | Rules |
| North American Sprint, RTTY | Mar 15 | 0000Z | Mar 15 | 0359Z | Rules |
| Wisconsin QSO Party | Mar 15 | 1800Z | Mar 16 | 0100Z | Rules |
| BARTG HF RTTY Contest | Mar 21 | 0200Z | Mar 23 | 0200Z | Rules |
| Russian DX Contest | Mar 21 | 1200Z | Mar 22 | 1200Z | Rules |
| Virginia QSO Party | Mar 21 | 1400Z | Mar 22 | 2400Z | Rules |
| CQ WW WPX Contest, SSB | Mar 28 | 0000Z | Mar 29 | 2400Z | Rules |
| Louisiana QSO Party | Apr 4 | 1400Z | Apr 5 | 0200Z | Rules |
| SP DX Contest | Apr 4 | 1500Z | Apr 5 | 1500Z | Rules |
| QRP ARCI Spring QSO Party | Apr 11 | 0000Z | Apr 11 | 2359Z | Rules |
| JIDX CW Contest | Apr 11 | 0700Z | Apr 12 | 1300Z | Rules |
| OK/OM DX Contest, SSB | Apr 11 | 1200Z | Apr 12 | 1159Z | Rules |
| New Mexico QSO Party | Apr 11 | 1400Z | Apr 12 | 0200Z | Rules |
| Georgia QSO Party | Apr 11 | 1800Z | Apr 12 | 2359Z | Rules |
| CQMM DX Contest | Apr 18 | 0900Z | Apr 19 | 2359Z | Rules |
| Michigan QSO Party | Apr 18 | 1600Z | Apr 19 | 0400Z | Rules |
| Ontario QSO Party | Apr 18 | 1800Z | Apr 19 | 1800Z | Rules |
| Quebec QSO Party | Apr 19 | 1200Z | Apr 19 | 2200Z | Rules |
| ARRL Rookie Roundup, SSB | Apr 19 | 1800Z | Apr 19 | 2359Z | Rules |
| Florida QSO Party | Apr 25 | 1600Z | Apr 26 | 2159Z | Rules |
| 7th Call Area QSO Party | May 2 | 1300Z | May 3 | 0700Z | Rules |
| Indiana QSO Party | May 2 | 1600Z | May 3 | 0400Z | Rules |
| Delaware QSO Party | May 2 | 1700Z | May 3 | 2359Z | Rules |
| New England QSO Party | May 2 | 2000Z | May 3 | 2400Z | Rules |