The
Eastern Iowa DX Bulletin
Number
316, March 6, 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 (The online archive is no
longer updated.)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 I.
Suvarna, VU3OPT (OMØGA) is currently QRV as 3B8G from Mauritius
Island (AF-049) until
March 30th. He operates CW and has been reported on 20, 15
and especially 10 meters so far. See https://www.9n7ga.com/
for more information.
-[425DXN # 1817 February 28, 2026] (0227-0403)
3Y, BOUVET. Team 3YØK has been QRV from Bouvet Island on multiple bands since March 1st. Depending on weather, operations are expected to continue until March 18th or 20th. QSOs are being uploaded to MØOXO's OQRS, as well as to ClubLog:
"the team leaders have opted against using real-time livestreaming, as
unreliable internet connections are causing data corruption during
uploads".
According to https://www.m0oxo.com/oqrs/logsearch.php,
as of March 5th at 0916 UTC, 3YØK had made 24,180 QSOs (56% on FT8)
with 12,476 unique callsigns. A SuperFox key has been issued; however,
the team has decided to continue using Fox & Hound on FT8.
-[425DXN # 1818 March 7, 2026] (0306-0313)
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)
4X, ISRAEL.
Special event station 4ZØ1A
will be active on
March 6th-7th
from the archaeological site of the ancient city of Ashkelon (Holyland
Square C19-AS, WWL KM71gp). This will be the first of four activations
from the "Biblical cities from the David and Goliath period"; 4XØ1A
(Ashod), 4XØ1E (Ekron) and 4XØ1G will follow (dates TBA). QSL via 4X6ZM.
-[425DXN # 1817 February 28, 2026] (0306-0313)
5N, NIGERIA.
Bodo, DF8DX, is due to perform service tasks at the Voice of Nigeria
Broadcasting site from March
1st to 10th. QRV as 5N7QBR
with 100W and possibly the large BC transmit antennas. Bodo also uses
the QO-100 satellite. QSL via DF8DX, ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2499 February 25, 2026] (0227-0313)
8Q, MALDIVES.
Alex, OE5AUH, operates as 8Q7AH
until March 10th.
-[DXNL # 2500 March 4, 2026] (0306-0313)
8Q, MALDIVES.
Lubo, OM5ZW and Laco, OM4WM will be QRV as 8Q7ZW from
Thulusdhoo Island (AS-013) from February
28th to March 12th. Activity will be on 160 through 10
meters using CW, SSB, RTTY, and FT8. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 8 February 26, 2026] (0227-0313)
9G, GHANA.
Arno, DL1CW, planned to continue operating as 9G5ZZ until March 3rd
but is now off the
air due to a broken transceiver. His operating permit is
good until 2031 and he hopes to return to Ghana eventually for more
QSOs.
-[DXNL # 2499 February 25, 2026] (0227-0313)
9M2, WEST
MALAYSIA. Mike, 9M2/KM9D
has been casual operating from Teluk Kelubi Beach on Rebak Island
(AS-058), West Malaysia since February 13th. Length of stay unknown.
He operates CW low power (10 watts) on various bands. QSL via LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1817 February 28, 2026] (0227-0320)
9Y, TRINIDAD
& TOBAGO. Yuri, N2TTA, plans to be QRV as 9Z4BM as a Single/Op
entry in the ARRL SSB DX contest (March 7th-8th).
QSL to N2TTA.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 9 March 5, 2026] (0306-0313)
DL, GERMANY. Special callsign DA26WARD by the DARC Team SES promotes World Amateur Radio Day from March 1st until April 30th.
WARD is celebrated annually on April 18th, the day when the IARU was
formed in 1925. The theme for this year's WARD is "Advancing the Spirit
of Amateur Radio Through Innovation". QSL via LoTW, DK5ON, and DCL (DARC Community Logbook).
-[425DXN # 1818 March 7, 2026] (0306-0501)
DL, GERMANY.
Celebrating a half-century of German research in Antarctica, special
callsigns DAØANT,
DM5ØANT and DP5ØANT will be
active from February
15th to April 30th. In addition, DM5ØGFS will also be
active on April
1st-30th (for the 50th anniversary of the Georg Forster
Station, established by the GDR in 1976 and decommissioned in 1993), as
well as DP2ØØGVN
(for the bicentenary of the birth of Georg von Neumayer, after whom
three German Antarctic research stations have been named). See https://50ant.hamaward.de/en/german-antarctic-research/
for complete information on the "50 Years of German Antarctic Research"
award.
-[425DXN # 1814 February 7, 2026] (0213-0501)
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)
DU, PHILIPPINES.
Hrane, YT1AD (N9YU), Sergey, R7KW, and Steva, YU3AA (NS3A), will be
active in the Philippines as DU6/N9YU
and DU6/NS3A
on March 4th-12th
using CW, SSB, FT8, and FT4. QSL DU6/N9YU via YT1AD, DU6/NS3A
via YU3AA.
-[DXNL # 2500 March 4, 2026] (0306-0313)
DXCC TOP TWENTY.
Here are the top 20 entities on ClubLog’s "DXCC Most Wanted" list as of
March 5, 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 March 6, 2026 (0306-0327)
EA8, CANARY IS.
Jeff, VA3QSL, is now active as EA8/VA3QSL
until March 8th.
QSL via VA3QSL, LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2499 February 25, 2026] (0227-0313)
ET, ETHIOPIA.
Ethiopian Amateur Radio Society station ET3AA has been
active on 30 meters FT8 between 0400 and 0530z. QSL via N2OO.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 7 February 19, 2026] (0220-0313)
F, FRANCE.
The radio club Rambouillet F6KKR celebrates its 50th anniversary with
the callsign TM5ØKKR
on Saturdays only
from March until June.
-[DXNL # 2499 February 25, 2026] (0306-0410)
FG, GUADELOUPE.
Stefan, HB9JAB, operates holiday-style as FG/HB9JAB from March 7th to 12th
and then again March
20th to 27th. QRV on 20-10m (SSB, FT8). He also plans to
pay Dominica (J7) a visit. QSL via LoTW, eQSL.
-[DXNL # 2500 March 4, 2026] (0306-0327)
FJ, ST.
BARTHELEMY. Andreas, DK6AS is QRV as FJ/DK6AS until
sometime in March.
Activity is on 80 through 6 meters using CW, FT8, and FT4. This
includes being an entry in the ARRL CW DX contest (February 21st-22nd).
QSL via DK6AS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 7 February 19, 2026] (0220-0313)
FM, MARTINIQUE.
Francis, F6BWJ, is QRV as FM/F6BWJ
from Sainte Luce until
March 23rd. Activity is mostly on 12 and 10 meters using
CW. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 6 February 12, 2026] (0213-0327)
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)
HR, HONDURAS.
Gerard, F2JD remains active as HR5/F2JD
until March 12th.
QSL via F6AJA.
-[DXNL # 2500 March 4, 2026] (0306-0313)
HS, THAILAND.
Jean-Pierre, HB9TOR, stays on the air as HSØZOC until March 7th
on CW, SSB, FT8. He then returns to Switzerland and hopes to be back in
Thailand at the end of 2026.
-[DXNL # 2500 March 4, 2026] (0306-0313)
I, ITALY.
Members of ARI Milano, ARI Cadore and ARI Brunico/Bruneck will activate
four special callsigns II2WOG,
II3COR, II3WOG, and II3BIA from February 6th to March 22nd
for the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games Milano Cortina 2026.
Certificates and eQSLs will be available on https://hamaward.cloud/.
QSL II2WOG via IQ2MI, II3COR
via IQ3DD, II3WOG
and II3BIA via IQ3ED).
-[425DXN # 1810 January 10, 2026] (0206-0327)
J5,
GUINEA-BISSAU. A group of operators are QRV as J51A from Bubaque
Island (AF-020) until
March 15th. Activity is on 160 to 6 meters using CW, SSB,
and FT8. See https://www.qrz.com/db/J51A
for updates. QSL via DJ4MX or ClubLog's OQRS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 8 February 26, 2026] (0227-0320)
J7, DOMINICA.
Haluk, TA2LE will be active as J79H
from Dominica (NA-101) on March
10th-26th, and again periodically until March 2027.
This will be a recurring activation based on business travel. He will
operate CW, SSB and FT8 (F/H) on 40-10 meters. See https://j79h.ta2le.tr/
for more information and updates. QSOs will be uploaded to LoTW and
ClubLog. QSL via MØOXO's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1817 February 28, 2026] (0306-0327)
JD1/M, MINAMI
TORISHIMA. Take, JG8NQJ/JD1
expects to be back to the weather station on Minami Torishima (OC-073)
from February 26th
until mid-May.
In his limited spare time, he will operate mainly CW with some FT8
(note that he wants you to call with your signal report, not your grid
square). QSL via JA8CJY
(direct), JG8NQJ (bureau) and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1815 February 14, 2026] (0220-0508)
KH2, GUAM.
A group of operators will be QRV as AH2R
as a Multi/Op entry in the ARRL SSB DX contest (March 7th-8th).
QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 9 March 5, 2026] (0306-0313)
KH6, HAWAII.
Fred, NA2U will be QRV as KH7M
in both ARRL International DX contests: CW on February 21st-22nd
and SSB on March
7th-8th. QSL direct to NA2U.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 7 February 19, 2026] (0220-0313)
LU, ARGENTINA.
Members of the Radio Club QRM Belgrano will be active as LU4AAO and other
callsigns from February
28th to March 8th to celebrate the club's 58th
anniversary. See http://lu4aao.org/58_aniv_lu4aao.htm
for more information. Awards and a special QSL are available.
-[425DXN # 1816 February 21, 2026] (0227-0313)
LZ, BULGARIA. Special callsign LZ75HSC by the Bulgarian Highspeed Club celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Radio Telegraphy Highspeed Club (HSC) until the end of the year.
The club was founded in 1951 as a community within the Deutscher
Amateur Radio Club (DARC). To date, membership has grown to include
over 1,400 operators spanning every continent: http://www.highspeedclub.org. QSL via LZ2JE.
-[425DXN # 1818 March 7, 2026] (0306-0327)
OZ, DENMARK.
Special callsign OZ1ØØOZ
commemorates the first licensed Danish amateur radio activity 100 years
ago. QRV March 1st
to 8th. For more information see: https://www.qrz.com/db/OZ100OZ.
QSL via ClubLog's OQRS
(preferred), or OZ1ACB.
-[DXNL # 2499 February 25, 2026] (0227-0313)
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)
PJ4, BONAIRE.
A group of operators will be QRV as PJ4G
in the ARRL SSB DX contest (March
7th-8th) as a Multi/2 entry. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 9 March 5, 2026] (0306-0313)
PJ4, BONAIRE.
Britt, WD8R, remains active as PJ4/WD8R
until March 9th.
QRV mostly during morning and evening hours on 40, 20, 15m (CW, SSB,
maybe also FT8). QSL only via LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2500 March 4, 2026] (0306-0313)
PJ7, SINT
MAARTEN. Tom, AA9A will be active again as PJ7AA from Sint
Maarten (NA-105) from March
8th to April 4th. He will operate CW, FT8, FT4 and some
SSB on 40-6 meters. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW, or direct to AA9A.
-[425DXN # 1817 February 28, 2026] (0306-0403)
PYØF, FERNANDO DE NORONHA. Conrad, DL7UE is currently on a family vacation on Fernando de Noronha (SA-003) and is active on QO-100 as PYØF/PY5ZUE until March 7th. QSL via LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1818 March 7, 2026] (0306-0313)
SV, GREECE. Special callsign SZ4ØA
celebrates "forty years of continuous presence, service, and
contribution to amateur radio" by the Radio Amateur Association of
Western Greece (SZ1A). Look for activity across multiple HF bands and
modes from March 1st to May 31st. See https://awards.sz1a.org for the award program. QSL via ON3UN.
-[425DXN # 1818 March 7, 2026] (0306-0327)
T8, PALAU.
Czech DXpedition Team members OK1BOA, OK2ZA, OK3RM and OK6DJ will be
active as T8OK
from Palau on March
4th-19th. They will operate CW, FT8, SSB and RTTY on
160-10 meters, plus 6m. Full LoTW upload after six months. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS
(preferred), or via OK6DJ.
-[425DXN # 1815 February 14, 2026] (0227-0320)
TY, BENIN.
Red, DL1BUG is QRV as TY5FR
from Cotonou until
April 5th. Activity is on 80 through 10 meters using CW
and SSB. QSL to DL1BUG, ClubLog's OQRS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 9 March 5, 2026] (0306-0410)
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)
V3, BELIZE. Paula, OK2YL and Vlad, OK2WX will be active holiday style as V31YL and V31WX, respectively, from IOTA group NA-073, Belize on March 9th-22nd. They will operate SSB, CW and FT8 on various bands. QSL via I8KHC.
-[425DXN # 1818 March 7, 2026] (0306-0327)
V4, ST. KITTS
& NEVIS. John, W5JON will be active as V47JA from St. Kitts
(NA-104) on March
10th-18th. He will operate SSB and FT8 on various bands.
QSL via LoTW, or direct only to W5JON.
-[425DXN # 1817 February 28, 2026] (0306-0320)
V4, ST. KITTS
& NEVIS. Thomas, KØYA, and Antoinette, W5RCX, are
QRV as V4/KØYA
and V4/W5RCX,
respectively, until
March 9th. They will be active as V47Y in the ARRL SSB
DX contest (March 7th-8th). QSL all callsigns via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 9 March 5, 2026] (0306-0320)
V5, NAMIBIA.
Gunter, DK2WH is QRV as V51WH
near Omaruru until
March 24th. Activity is on 160 to 6 meters, including 60
meters. QSL to DK2WH.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 8 February 26, 2026] (0227-0327)
VE, CANADA.
Pierre, VK3KTB will be active again as VYØERC from the
Eureka Amateur Radio Club station on Ellesmere Island (NA-008) from March 5th to April 1st.
He operates SSB, CW and FT8 on various bands when time permits. QSL via
MØOXO's OQRS and
LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1817 February 28, 2026] (0227-0403)
VP2E, ANGUILLA.
Jacek MØPLX, Janusz SP9FIH, and teenager Adrian SQ2RAD will be active
as VP2ELX, VP2EWE, VP2EAD and
respectively from Anguilla (NA-022) on March 3-20. They
will operate SSB, CW and digital modes on 160-6 meters. See https://vp2.dxpeditions.org/
for more information. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1815 February 14, 2026] (0227-0320)
VP8/O,LU, SOUTH ORKNEY IS. Ramon, LU1DMZ expects to be active as LU1DMZ/Z and LU1ZA from Base Orcadas on Laurie Island, South Orkney Islands (AN-008) throughout 2026.
-[425DXN # 1818 March 7, 2026] (0306-0327)
VP9, BERMUDA.
Darrell, AB2E will be active as AB2E/VP9
from Bermuda (NA-005) on March
4th-10th. Main activity will be as VP9I
during the ARRL DX SSB Contest (March 7th-8th). Before and after the
contest he will operate CW, RTTY and FT8 with a focus on the low and
WARC bands. QSL AB2E/VP9 via LoTW, or direct to AB2E; QSL VP9I
via WW3S.
-[425DXN # 1817 February 28, 2026] (0227-0313)
YU, SERBIA.
Special event station YT17ØTESLA
celebrates Nikola Tesla's 170th birthday until the end of the year.
-[DXNL # 2499 February 25, 2026] (0227-0320)
Z8, SOUTH SUDAN.
Diya, YI1DZ, after a brief vacation in Bagdad, returns to Juba and
resumes his activities as Z81D
on SSB and FT8, 80-10 meters, including 60 meters. QSL via OM3JW.
-[DXNL # 2499 February 25, 2026] (0227-0320)
ZC4, UK SOVEREIGN BASE AREAS ON CYPRUS. The March 4th-11th ZC4C and ZC4Z operation from the UK SBA on Cyprus has been cancelled
at the very last minute due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
"We have no problem using radio in the area", the team says, "but we
can't physically get there".
-[425DXN # 1818 March 7, 2026] (0306-0313)
ZF, CAYMAN IS. Colin, G4CWH will be active as ZF2CA from the Cayman Islands (NA-016) on March 12th-17th, with main activity during the Commonwealth Contest. Outside the contest he will be "on most bands and modes". QSL via G4CWH.
-[425DXN # 1818 March 7, 2026] (0306-0320)
ZF, CAYMAN IS.
A group of operators will be QRV as ZF5T
in the ARRL SSB DX contest (March
7th-8th). Before the contest, look for ZF2/N5EE and ZF2EZ to be active.
QSL ZF2/N5EE via N5EE and ZF2EZ
via W5SJ. QSL ZF2T
via K5GO.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 9 March 5, 2026] (0306-0313)
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, February 26th through Thursday, March 5th.
The average solar flux was 144, up 27 points from the previous week,
with a weekly high of 148 on Monday, March 2nd, following
a low of 130 on February 26th.
The average sunspot count was 67, up 51 from last week,
peaking at 85 on Sunday, March 1st after a
weekly low of 43 on February 26th.
The Planetary K-index weekly average was 3.0 with a
maximum of 5.0 on Tuesday, March 3rd, indicating
a minor geomagnetic storm. The most recent K-index maximum was 1.7 with generally quiet conditions.
Solar flare activity since February 27th has been quiet with no major flares.
Propagation
Data
Major solar flares, Friday, February 27th through 1444 UTC, March 6th.
| # | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 6 | 20% | 1% | 145 |
| Mar 7 | 20% | 1% | 140 |
| Mar 8 | 20% | 1% | 135 |
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 March 2, 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| CQ-M International DX Contest | May 9 | 1200Z | May 10 | 1159Z | Rules |
| His Maj. King of Spain Contest, CW | May 16 | 1200Z | May 17 | 1200Z | Rules |
| Arkansas QSO Party | May 16 | 1400Z | May 17 | 0200Z | Rules |
| CQ WW WPX Contest, CW | May 30 | 0000Z | May 31 | 2400Z | Rules |
| Atlantic Canada QSO Party | Jun 6 | 1200Z | Jun 7 | 0200Z | Rules |
| Kentucky QSO Party | Jun 6 | 1300Z | Jun 7 | 0100Z | Rules |
| ARRL Inter. Digital Contest | Jun 6 | 1800Z | Jun 7 | 2400Z | Rules |