The
Eastern Iowa DX Bulletin
Number
300, November 14, 2025
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 daily; 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 (The online archive is no
longer updated.)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
5H, TANZANIA.
Maurizio, IK2GZU will be active again as 5H3MB from Tanzania
from October 16th to
November 20th,
while doing volunteer work at a local school. In his spare time, he
will operate SSB, CW and digital modes on 80-10 meters. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW, and eQSL, or via IK2GZU.
-[425DXN # 1795 September 27, 2025] (1010-1121)
5V, TOGO.
Vasily, RA1ZZ and Vlad, R9LR will be active as 5V7RU from Togo on November 5th-17th.
They will operate CW, SSB and FT8 on the HF bands, with a focus on 16Ø
and 80 meters, and via QO-100. A "trip to Benin and short activity on
SAT QO-100 as TYØRU"
is planned for November
19th. See https://dxpedition.wixsite.com/5v7ru
for more information. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS
and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1801 November 8, 2025] (1107-1121)
5X, UGANDA.
Anders, SMØHPL, is QRV as 5X7W
until December 8th.
Activity is on 80 to 10 meters with QRP power, and using CW, FT8, and
FT4. QSL via MØOXO's OQRS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 46 November 13, 2025] (1114-1212)
5X, UGANDA.
Alan, G3XAQ will be active again as 5X1XA
from Bwerenga near Kampala, Uganda from November 17th to December 3rd.
He will operate mainly CW, including an entry in the CQ WW DX CW
Contest (November 29th-30th), "with perhaps some FT8". QSL direct to
G3SWH (OQRS on https://www.g3swh.org.uk)
and LoTW. Alan will be joined by Don, G3XTT, who will be QRV as 5X1DF and will enter
the contest on 40 meters. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS
and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1802 November 15, 2025] (1114-1205)
6W, SENEGAL.
Billy, F4GJE is QRV as 6W1RD
from near Dakar. Activity is in his spare time on 80 to 10 meters using
SSB, FT8, and FT4. QSL via EA7FTR.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 46 November 13, 2025] (1114-1205)
7P, LESOTHO.
Wolfgang, HB9CCS will be active in his spare time as 7P8EA from
Thaba-Tseka, Lesotho on November
3rd-27th.
He plans to be QRV daily between 1600 and 1900 UTC on or around 21223
kHz (SSB) or 21050 kHz (CW). He might also be active on 17, 12 or 10
meters. QSL via HB9CCS.
-[425DXN # 1797 October 11, 2025] (1031-1128)
7Q, MALAWI.
Chris, ZS6RI has been active as 7Q5C
from near Karonga in northern Malawi since October 28th. For the next year or two,
he will be working there on a six-week on/off rotation, with planned
activity on 40-10 meters "99% CW" during his spare time. Paper QSLs
will not be issued, however QSOs will be uploaded to LoTW, QRZ Logbook
and ClubLog.
-[425DXN # 1800 November 1, 2025] (1031-1121)
7X, ALGERIA.
The special event station 7R1N
celebrates the 71st anniversary of the Algerian Revolution during November.
QSL via 7X2VFK.
-[DXNL # 2483 November 5, 2025] (1114-1128)
8R, GUYANA.
Aldir, PY1SAD will be active again as 8R1TM from Guyana
from October 29th to
December 7th.
He operates CW, SSB and digital modes on 160-6 meters, typically
between 2300 UTC and 0200 UTC, and longer over the weekends. QSL via
LoTW, eQSL, QRZ Logbook, or direct to PY1SAD.
-[425DXN # 1800 November 1, 2025] (1031-1212)
9G, GHANA.
DL1CW is going to operate as 9G5ZZ
during November,
including the CQ WW DX CW Contest (November 29th-30th). QSL via DL1CW.
-[DXNL # 2482 October 29, 2025] (1031-1205)
9U, BURUNDI.
Several members of the Russian DX Team will be active as 9U1RU from Burundi
from October 29th to
November 20th, with "full-scale on-air operation" from
October 31st to November 17th. Plans are to operate CW, SSB and FT8
(MSHV) with at least seven high-power stations on 160-6 meters.
Bookmark https://www.rudxt.org/9u1ru
for more information and updates. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1775 May 10, 2025] (1024-1121)
A4, OMAN.
Special callsign A43ND
by the the Royal Omani Amateur Radio Society celebrates Oman
National Day (November
20th-21st). QSL via EC6DX, LoTW,
eQSL.
Also confirmed to take part in the celebrations are:
* The Emirates Amateur Radio Society as A6ØOMA on November 15th-23rd
(QSL via EA7FTR);
individual operators may append a serial number to the special
callsign, and be QRV as A6ØOMA/Ø, A6ØOMA/1, etc. (see QRZ for the QSL
routes);
* The Bahrain Amateur Radio Society as A91OMA on November 12th-18th
(QSL via EC6DX and LoTW);
* The Kuwait Amateur Radio Society as 9K9OMAN on November 14th-20th
(QSL via EC6DX).
-[425DXN # 1802 November 15, 2025] (1114-1128)
C2, NAURU.
Phill, C21TS
now expects to remain on Nauru (OC-031) until November 30th.
After a 2-month leave, "I'll probably be back for a few months from
February 2026 with minimal gear", he says. He will be QRT for good no
later than June 2026. QSL via LoTW, or via MØOXO's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1795 September 27, 2025] (0926-1130)
C9, MOZAMBIQUE.
Paulo, ZS6CRZ, is QRV as C95CRZ
while working in Tete. Activity has been on 20 meters using SSB. QSL
via C95CRZ.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 46 November 13, 2025] (1114-1205)
CE9, ANTARCTICA.
Felix, DL5XL, is QRV as DP1POL
until mid-December.
QSL via DL1ZBO.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 46 November 13, 2025] (1114-1212)
CE9, ANTARCTICA.
David, F4FKT will be active again from Antarctica from November until early February
2026. Main activity will be during his spare time as FT4YM/p from
Concordia Station (AN-016), operating SSB and digital modes. In
addition, he might be QRV as FT4YM
from Dumont d'Urville on Petrels Island (AN-017). Updates will be
posted to https://ft4ym.fr/actus.
QSL via F5PFP.
-[425DXN # 1799 October 25, 2025] (1031-1212)
CE9, ANTARCTICA.
Alex, UG1A, is preparing for his next trip to Antarctica. He plans to
reach the Progress base on October
20th and remains there until December 5th.
Next stop will be Vostok until
December 20th; maybe with HF operating during the transit.
While on Vostok there may also be an opportunity to visit Ridge B, a
yet to be explored area up to 3800m asl. This season Alex signs RI1ANI from
Antarctica.
-[DXNL # 2481 October 22, 2025] (1024-1219)
CEØ, EASTER I.
Jorge, CEØYHF,
is QRV until the end
of December while on work assignment in the Hanga Roa
hospital. Activity is in his spare time. QSL via CEØYHF.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 46 November 13, 2025] (1114-1226)
CN, MOROCCO.
Yannick, F6FYD will be QRV as CN2YD
from November 11th
to March 31, 2026. Activity will on 20 to 10 meters using
primarily SSB. This includes a possible trip to Mogador Island
(AF-065). QSL direct to F6FYD.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 45 November 6, 2025] (1107-1219)
CN, MOROCCO.
Eddy, OE3SEU will be active as CN2SE/p
while touring Morocco in his motorhome from November 1st to December 7th.
Activity will be on the QO-100 satellite. Follow his travels - and give
a look at dozens of stunning pictures - on https://we-travel.at/.
QSL via LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1799 October 25, 2025] (1031-1212)
DL, GERMANY.
Celebrating the city of Chemnitz, one of the European Capitals of
Culture for 2025, special event callsigns DL2Ø25B, DL2Ø25C, DL2Ø25E, DL2Ø25S, and DL2Ø25W will be
active from November
15th to December 15th. Complete information can be found
on https://2025c.de/.
All QSOs will be uploaded to eQSL, LoTW, ClubLog, and DCL (DARC
Community Logbook); paper QSL cards will not be issued, but digital
QSLs - as well as a new set of certificates - will be downloadable from
the event's website.
-[425DXN # 1802 November 15, 2025] (1114-1219)
DXCC TOP TWENTY.
Here are the top 20 entities on ClubLog’s "DXCC Most Wanted" list as of
November 14, 2025:
1. P5 DPRK
(North Korea) 11. VKØM Macquarie
Island
2. BS7H Scarborough
Reef 12.
KH4 Midway Island
3. CEØX San Felix
Islands 13. PYØS Saint Peter
And Paul Rocks
4. BV9P Pratas
Island 14.
KP5 Desecheo Island
5.
KH7K Kure
Island
15.
VPØS South Sandwich Islands
6.
KH3 Johnston
Island 16.
ZL9 New Zealand Subantarctic
Islands
7. 3Y/P Peter 1
Island 17.
FK/C Chesterfield Islands
8. FT5/X Kerguelen
Island 18.
VKØH Heard Island
9. YVØ Aves
Island
19.
FT/T Tromelin Island
10. 3Y/B Bouvet
Island 20.
EZ Turkmenistan
For the complete list, see
https://clublog.org/mostwanted.php
-[KØCF November 14, 2025 (1114-1205)
E7,
BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA. Celebrating Statehood Day of Bosnia
and Herzegovina (November 25th), special callsign E7BOSNIA will be
active on various bands and modes on November 10th-25th.
A certificate will be available, see https://www.qrz.com/db/E7BOSNIA
for more information. QSL via LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1802 November 15, 2025] (1114-1128)
EA, SPAIN.
Members of the Radio Club del Tarragones (EA3RCY) will be active as AO25TWHS on November 1st-30th.
The special callsign celebrates the 25th anniversary since the
Archaeological Ensemble of Tarraco (modernday Tarragona) was inscribed
on the UNESCO World Heritage List. A certificate will be available on https://ao25twhs.ea3rcy.org.
QSL via LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1799 October 25, 2025] (1031-1128)
F, FRANCE.
Michel, F8GGZ, celebrates the 80th anniversary of UNESCO with the
callsign TM8ØUCO
from November 12th
to 19th. QSL only via E-QSL.
-[DXNL # 2484 November 12, 2025] (1114-1121)
F, FRANCE.
To mark the 60th anniversary since the first French satellite, named
Asterix, was launched into orbit (November 26, 1965), members of the
Wingles Radio Club (F4KLR) will be active as TM6ØATX on Fridays and Saturdays between
November 14th and December 13th, and again on December 19th-23rd.
All SSB and CW QSOs will be confirmed automatically via the bureau; FT8
QSOs will be confirmed via eQSL. Or, QSL direct via F4KLR.
-[425DXN # 1800 November 1, 2025] (1114-1226)
G, ENGLAND.
Special callsign GB1Y
commemorates the top secret listening station "Y" on Beeston Hill,
operative during WWII. QRV until
November 26th. QSL via eQSL.
-[DXNL # 2483 November 5, 2025] (1114-1128)
G, ENGLAND.
Special callsign GB5ØAUK
celebrates the 50th anniversary of AMSAT-UK (https://amsat-uk.org)
on November 1st-28th.
QSOs will be uploaded to at least eQSL and the QO-100 DX Club.
-[425DXN # 1799 October 25, 2025] (1031-1128)
G, ENGLAND.
Special event station GB13ØWRD
will be active across various bands and modes throughout November,
especially around World Radiography Day. Celebrated annually on
November 8th, WRD marks the anniversary of the discovery of X-rays by
Wilhelm Roentgen in 1895. QSL direct to MØKZT.
-[425DXN # 1799 October 25, 2025] (1031-1128)
H4, SOLOMON IS.
Bernhard, DL2GAC, is QRV as H44MS
from Malaita Island (OC-047) until
November 25th. Activity is on 80 to 6 meters using SSB and
FT8. QSL to DL2GAC.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 41 October 9, 2025] (1010-1128)
HA, HUNGARY.
The first official, regular radio broadcast in Hungary began on
December 1, 1925, which is now celebrated as Hungarian Radio Day. To
mark that centenary, the Hungarian Radio Amateur Society (MRASZ) and
the Honfy Jozsef Radioclub (HA1KHJ) organize a commemorative activity
to be held from November
15th to December 31st under nine special callsigns: HG1ØØRADIO, HG1ØØYHRB, HG1ØØAN, HG1ØØEG, HG1ØØFO, HG1ØØIT, HG1ØØRC, HG1ØØSD and HG1ØØUD. Look for
activity on 160-10m CW, SSB & digital modes, and via QO-100. A
certificate will be available: https://mrasz.org/100-years-of-hungarian-broadcasting-award.
-[425DXN # 1802 November 15, 2025] (1114-0102)
HB9, SWITZERLAND.
Celebrating the 70th anniversary of their organization, members of the
International Police Association's Swiss branch (HB9IPA) will be active
as HB7ØIPA
from November 1st to
December 31st. Activity will be on various HF bands and
the QO-100 satellite. QSL via LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1797 October 11, 2025] (1031-1128)
HK, COLOMBIA.
Renato, PY8WW reports that his application for the special callsign 5J4W has been "officially denied"
by the Colombian authorities. Therefore, his operation from Isla Playa
Blanca (SA-084) "has been authorized only under the portable callsign HK4/PY8WW, in
accordance with Colombian regulations", he says. The activity will take
place on November
12th-17th, on 80-10 meters SSB, CW and digital modes. QSL
via ClubLog's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1801 November 8, 2025] (1107-1121)
HR, HONDURAS.
Gerard, F2JD will be active again as HR5/F2JD from Copan,
Honduras from November
15th to March 12, 2026. He will operate CW, SSB and FT8/
FT4 on the HF bands. Log search on http://LesNouvellesDX.fr/voirlogs.php.
QSL via F6AJA.
-[425DXN # 1799 October 25, 2025] (1114-1226)
LU, ARGENTINA.
Radio Club QRM Belgrano (LU4AAO
and LS2E)
will be active on the HF bands SSB and FT8 on November 8th-16th
to celebrate Argentine Tradition Day. See http://lu4aao.org/cert_dia_tradicion_2025.htm
for more information.
-[425DXN # 1799 October 25, 2025] (1107-1121)
ON, BELGIUM.
Special callsign OT5IDPD
will be active from November
4th to December 3rd
for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, whose annual
observance (December 3rd) was proclaimed by the United Nations General
Assembly in 1992. All operators will be hams with a disability. The
logs will be uploaded to LoTW, ClubLog and eQSL; all QSOs will be
confirmed automatically via the bureau.
-[425DXN # 1795 September 27, 2025] (1031-1205)
KH6, HAWAII.
Dan, WØCN, will be QRV as WH7Z
in the ARRL SSB Sweepstakes contest (November 15th-17th)
as a Single Op entry. QSL via AH6NF.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 46 November 13, 2025] (1114-1121)
LA, NORWAY.
Arnold, DK1VK plans to activate LA/DK1VK
from Utsira (EU-055) from November
16th to 19th. Following this he will be active as OZØROM from Romo
(see below). QRV on 80-10m (SSB, FT4/8). QSL via DK1VK.
-[DXNL # 2483 November 5, 2025] (1114-1121)
LU, ARGENTINA.
Members of the radio club QRM Belgrano use the callsigns LU4AAO, LS2E and others from
November 8th to 16th,
around the Argentine Tradition Day (November 10th). QRV on HF (SSB,
FT8). For more information see: https://www.qrz.com/db/LU4AAO
and http://lu4aao.org/cert_dia_tradicion_2025.htm.
QSL via direct, eQSL, e-mail; no bureau cards.
-[DXNL # 2483 November 5, 2025] (1114-1121)
OE, AUSTRIA.
Special callsign OE175ARWT
remains active until
the end of November, marking the 175-year history of
Austria's military bureaucracy. QSL via OE4RUK.
-[DXNL # 2483 November 5, 2025] (1114-1128)
ON, BELGIUM.
Special callsign OT5IDPD
calls attention to the International Day for Persons with Disability
(December 3rd) from November
4th to December 3rd. All operators will be radio amateurs
with a disability. QSL via ON6WL, LoTW,
eQSL.
-[DXNL # 2483 November 5, 2025] (1114-1205)
OZ, DENMARK.
Arnold, DK1VK, following his operation as LA/DK1VK from Utsira
(see above), will be active as OZØROM
from Romo (EU-125) from November
21st to 28th. QRV on 80-10m (SSB, FT4/8). For more
information, see OZØROM. QSL
via DK1VK.
-[DXNL # 2483 November 5, 2025] (1114-1128)
PA, NETHERLANDS.
Wim, PD2WL, plans activations of the following lighthouses in his home
area from time to time: LH "The Ven" as PD2WL/NETØØ3, and LH
"Het Vuurtje" as PD2WL/NETØ37.
QSL via PD2WL.
-[DXNL # 2483 November 5, 2025] (1114-1205)
PACIFIC TOUR.
Rudi, DK7PE's third Pacific DXpedition (October 27th - November 19th)
will include activity from Guam (KG6/AHØG),
Palau (T8??),
Micronesia (V6CW),
the Marshall Islands (V73RK),
and possibly Western Kiribati (T3ØRK).
He will operate CW only with 100 watts and wire antennas. Details will
be posted to https://www.rooody.de/.
QSLs via DK7PE.
-[425DXN # 1799 October 25, 2025] (1024-1121)
PJ4, BONAIRE.
Axel, DL6KVA will be active as PJ4KV
from Bonaire from November
20th to December 3rd. He will operate CW only and will
join the PJ4A
team in the CQ WW DX CW Contest (November 29th-30th). QSL via DL6KVA.
-[425DXN # 1802 November 15, 2025] (1114-1205)
PJ4, BONAIRE.
Watch for PJ4/KU8E,
PJ4/N4RR and
PJ4/N8VW to
be active from Bonaire (SA-006) from November 18th to December 3rd.
They will participate as PJ4A
in the CQ WW DX CW Contest (November 29th-30th). QSL PJ4/KU8E and PJ4A
via K4BAI, PJ4/N4RR
via N4RR and
PJ4/N8VW via N8VW.
-[425DXN # 1802 November 15, 2025] (1114-1205)
S2, BANGLADESH.
Team S21SDX
will be active from deep inside the Sundarbans, the largest mangrove
forest in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on November 13th-15th.
Organized by the Amateur Radio Club Khulna, the event will be led and
managed by young operators, including S21ACP, S21CMD, S21AKL, and
S21SRK. They will operate SSB and FT8 on 40, 20, 17, 15, 12 and 10
meters. More information is expected to be published on https://s21sdx.org/
in due course. All QSOs will be uploaded to LoTW and ClubLog. QSL via I8KHC.
-[425DXN # 1797 October 11, 2025] (1107-1121)
S7, SEYCHELLES.
Vaclav, OK6RA, will be QRV as S79/OK6RA
from November 17th
to December 2nd
at various times from Mahe and Praslin Islands, both IOTA AF-024.
Activity will be on 40 to 10 meters using mainly CW. This includes
being a Single Op/Single Band entry in the upcoming CQ Worldwide DX CW
contest (November 29th-30th). QSL direct to OK6RA.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 46 November 13, 2025] (1114-1205)
SP, POLAND.
Special callsign HF4SES
will be in use from October
31st to December 31st
to mark the launch of RadioAwards.club, a "platform designed for
organizing and managing ham radio award events worldwide". See https://radioawards.club/ses/premier-event
for more information and the certificate.
-[425DXN # 1801 November 8, 2025] (1107-1226)
T2, TUVALU.
Aki, JK1JXZ will be active as T2JK
from Tuvalu (OC-015) on November
15th-21st. He will operate FT8 on 80-6 meters, "all day"
during the weekend, and after 1700 local time during the weekdays. QSL
via LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1799 October 25, 2025] (1114-1121)
TL, CENTRAL
AFRICA. Darek, TJ1GD, is QRV as TL8GD for the
foreseeable future. Activity is on the HF bands using CW, SSB, and FT8.
QSL via ClubLog's OQRS
(preferred), LoTW, or via SP3EOL.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 44 October 30, 2025] (1031-1121)
TR, GABON.
Roland, F8EN will be active again as TR8CR from Gabon
starting on October
25th for two months. He will operate CW only. Log search
on http://LesNouvellesDX.fr/voirlogs.php.
QSL via F6AJA.
-[425DXN # 1799 October 25, 2025] (1024-1219)
TY, BENIN.
Red, DL1BUG will be QRV as TY5FR
from Cotonou from November
15th to December 11th.
Activity will be on 80 to 10 meters. This includes an entry in the
upcoming CQ Worldwide DX CW contest (November 29th-30th). QSL to DL1BUG.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 45 November 6, 2025] (1107-1212)
UA, EUROPEAN
RUSSIA. The Miller DX Club (https://mdxc.ru/)
celebrates its 35th anniversary from November 17th to 30th
with the following callsigns in Russia: RØ35DX, RØ35L, RØ35N, RØ35O, R2Ø25DX, UE35DX, UE35L, UE7DX; and in other
countries: CQ7MDXC
(Portugal), CR2MDXC
(Azores), DL35MDXC
(Germany), E7MDXC
(Bosnia), ER35MDXC
(Moldavia), EV35MDXC
(Belarus), OL35MDXC
(Czech Republic), TM35MDXC
(France). QSL for all callsigns via RQ7L.
-[DXNL # 2484 November 12, 2025] (1114-1205)
V4, ST. KITTS
& NEVIS. Once again John, W5JON will be active as V47JA from St. Kitts
(NA-104) on November
17th-23rd. He will operate SSB and FT8 on various bands.
QSL via LoTW, or direct only to W5JON.
-[425DXN # 1799 October 25, 2025] (1114-1128)
V7, MARSHALL IS.
Randy, KX4QD, is back on Kwajalein (OC-028) and gets on the air as V73AX
during his spare time from the club station on the island. That station
now has a newly installed LogPer antenna and amplifier. QSL via qrz.com.
-[DXNL # 2482 October 29, 2025] (1031-1121)
V8, BRUNEI
DARUSSALAM. Commemorating the centenary of the
International Amateur Radio Union, special event station V84SRU will be
active on all bands and modes from October 24th to November 26th.
QSL direct to P.O. Box 211, MPC Old Airport, Bandar Seri Begawan
BB3577, Brunei Darussalam.
-[425DXN # 1798 October 18, 2025] (1024-1128)
VE, CANADA.
Pierre, VK3KTB will be active again as VYØERC from the
Eureka Amateur Radio Club station on Ellesmere Island (NA-008) from November 15th to December 10th.
He operates SSB, CW and FT8 on various bands when time permits. QSL via
MØOXO's OQRS and
LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1801 November 8, 2025] (1114-1212)
VK9X, CHRISTMAS
I. Franco, VK9AFP,
recently moved to Christmas Island (OC-002) and has shown up on 10m
(SSB) sporadically. He started amateur radio more than 30 years ago in
Europe and now wants back into the hobby.
-[DXNL # 2484 November 12, 2025] (1114-1205)
VR, HONG KONG.
Special event station VR2NGC
is active until
November 21st
during the 15th National Games of China, a multi-sports event being
held throughout Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau (November 9th-21st). The
station is operated by students and staff of a secondary school. QSL
via VR2NGC or VR2ZLM.
-[425DXN # 1802 November 15, 2025] (1114-1121)
YB, INDONESIA.
Members of the ORARI DXpedition Team are QRV as 7D8BOTA from Pulau
Labengki Island until
November 16th for the Beaches on the Air award. Activity
is on 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters using SSB. QSL via 7D8BOTA.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 46 November 13, 2025] (1114-1121)
YU, SERBIA.
Special call sign YU65AEC
is QRV to commemorate 65 years of continuous operation and significant
contributions to the amateur radio community in Odzaci. QSL via
operators' instructions.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 45 November 6, 2025] (1107-1128)
ZF, CAYMAN IS.
Joel, NF3R is QRV as ZF2RJ
from Grand Cayman (NA-016) until
November 17th. Activity is on 80 to 6 meters using SSB and
FT8. QSL to NF3R, LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 46 November 13, 2025] (1114-1121)
ZL7, CHATHAM IS.
Stan, LZ1GC will be active as ZL7/LZ1GC
from the Chatham Islands (OC-038) on November 3rd-20th.
He will operate CW, SSB and FT8/FT4 on 160-10 meters with two working
stations, on different bands and modes (one on digital modes and
another one on CW/SSB). See http://www.c21gc.com
for more information and updates. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS
(preferred) or via LZ1GC.
-[425DXN # 1797 October 11, 2025] (1031-1121)
ZS, SOUTH AFRICA.
Neil, MØNJH will be operating portable from SOTA summits in various
South African regions (provinces) during November:
ZS6/MØNJH
from Gauteng and North West, ZS5/MØNJH
from KwaZulu-Natal, and ZS1/MØNJH
from Western Cape. He will document his activations on https://radio-hut.blogspot.com/.
QSL via LoTW, eQSL and QRZ Logbook.
-[425DXN # 1801 November 8, 2025] (1107-1128)
Propagation (Updated daily)
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 Friday, November 7th through yesterday, November 14th.
The average solar flux was 166, up 22 points from the previous week,
with a weekly high of 180 on Monday, November 10th, followed by
a low of 145 on November 14th.
The average sunspot count was 123, up 43 from last week,
peaking at 150 on Wednesday, November 12th followed by a
weekly low of 104 on November 13th.
The Planetary K-index weekly average was 5.0 with a
maximum of 8.7 on Wednesday, November 12th, indicating
a severe geomagnetic storm. Yesterday's K-index maximum was 2.0 with generally quiet conditions.
Solar flare activity since November 8th has been moderate with 8
major flares, the largest of which was a major X 5.1 event on Tuesday,
November 11th.
Propagation
Data
Major solar flares, Saturday, November 8th through 1422 UTC, November 15th.
| # | Date | UTC | Mag. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nov 14 | 2131 | M 1.3 |
| 2 | Nov 14 | 2012 | M 1.3 |
| 3 | Nov 14 | 0830 | X 4.0 |
| 4 | Nov 11 | 1004 | X 5.1 |
| 5 | Nov 11 | 0809 | M 1.4 |
| 6 | Nov 10 | 1957 | M 1.5 |
| 7 | Nov 10 | 0919 | X 1.2 |
| 8 | Nov 09 | 0735 | X 1.7 |
(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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 15 | 70% | 30% | 145 |
| Nov 16 | 70% | 30% | 135 |
| Nov 17 | 60% | 20% | 130 |
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 November 10, 2025).
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X-Class Solar Flare and CME
Sunspot 4274 erupted again yesterday, producing a powerful X4-class solar flare. Unlike previous explosions, this one was not directly facing Earth. Most of the CME
will miss our planet. Even so, a glancing blow is possible on Nov.
16th. NOAA forecasters have issued a G1-class geomagnetic storm watch
for Nov. 16th and 17th.
(Copyright © SpaceWeather.com November 15, 2025.
Republished by
permission.)
Auroras
In Unusual Places
Most
photos of Northern Lights have things like igloos and Arctic reindeer
in the foreground. On Nov. 11th, the scenery changed to palm trees,
Saguaro cacti and tropical beaches. Here is a sampling of photos from
the severe geomagnetic storm of Veterans Day 2025:
Photo credits: Terri Cockerham (FL), Scott Tucker (AZ), Rene
Saade (El Salvador)
Clockwise
from the top, we have auroras in New Port Richie, Florida (latitude
+28N); Tucson, Arizona (+32N); and Usulutan, El Salvador (+13N). All
were visible with the naked eye. These are very low latitudes for such
a display.
"I went to the beach looking for
bioluminescence," says Rene Saade, who took the picture in El Salvador.
"After I photographed the glowing plankton, the sky turned pink. It was
an amazing night!
Almost all of North America
witnessed the light show, which stretched from inside the Arctic Circle
to the doorstep of the equator. Auroras were seen in all 50 US states, including
Hawaii.
The storm was caused by two
CMEs,
which struck Earth in quick succession during the late hours of Nov.
11th. The CMEs were crowded so close together, they had the
characteristics of a Cannibal CME--that
is, strong internal magnetic fields and shock waves capable of sparking
intense geomagnetic activity.
(Copyright © SpaceWeather.com November 13, 2025.
Republished by permission.)
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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARRL Sweepstakes Contest, SSB | Nov 15 | 2100Z | Nov 17 | 0300Z | Rules |
| LZ DX Contest | Nov 22 | 1200Z | Nov 23 | 1200Z | Rules |
| North American SSB Sprint Contest | Nov 23 | 0000Z | Nov 23 | 0400Z | Rules |
| CQ Worldwide DX Contest, CW | Nov 29 | 0000Z | Nov 30 | 2400Z | Rules |
| ARRL 160-Meter Contest | Dec 5 | 2200Z | Dec 7 | 1600Z | Rules |
| ARRL 10-Meter Contest | Dec 13 | 0000Z | Dec 14 | 2359Z | Rules |
| ARRL Rookie Roundup, CW | Dec 21 | 1800Z | Dec 21 | 2359Z | Rules |
| RAC Winter Contest | Dec 27 | 0000Z | Dec 27 | 2359Z | Rules |
| Stew Perry Topband Challenge | Dec 27 | 1500Z | Dec 28 | 1500Z | Rules |
| RAEM Contest | Dec 28 | 0000Z | Dec 28 | 1159Z | Rules |
| ARRL Kids Day | Jan 3 | 1800Z | Jan 3 | 2359Z | Rules |
| ARRL RTTY Roundup | Jan 3 | 1800Z | Jan 4 | 2400Z | Rules |
| North American QSO Party, CW | Jan 10 | 1800Z | Jan 11 | 0600Z | Rules |
| North American QSO Party, SSB | Jan 17 | 1800Z | Jan 18 | 0600Z | Rules |
| ARRL January VHF Contest | Jan 17 | 1900Z | Jan 19 | 0359Z | Rules |
| CQ 160-Meter Contest, CW | Jan 23 | 2200Z | Jan 25 | 2159Z | Rules |
| REF Contest, CW | Jan 24 | 0600Z | Jan 25 | 1800Z | Rules |
| 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 |