DX Code of Conduct

The Eastern Iowa DX Bulletin
Number 242, October 4, 2024

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
      The bulletin is available at http://www.arrl.org
   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
   Ohio-Penn DX Bulletin (OPDX)
      Edited by Tedd Mirgliotta, KB8NW. Although OPDX is no longer
      published as a weekly bulletin, Tedd still sends DX news emails.
      We will occasionally publish some of them.
   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

3D2/R, ROTUMA I. Members of the Rebel DX Group are QRV as 3D2V and 3D22 until October 30th. Activity is on 160 to 10 meters using primarily FT8 in the SuperFox and MSHV modes. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 37 October 3, 2024]  (1004-1101)

3V, TUNISIA. Ash, 3V9A, reports that 3 years after obtaining his callsign he has now received permission to operate from his permanent home. Currently he is active only on 20m (SSB) but hopes to add more bands later. QSL via LX1NO.
-[DXNL # 2425 September 25, 2024]  (0927-1018)

5H, TANZANIA. Maurizio, IK2GZU will be active again as 5H3MB from Tanzania from October 10th to November 11th, 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 # 1741 September 14, 2024]  (1004-1115)

5H, TANZANIA. Vlad, OK2WX will be active as 5H1WX from Mafia Island (AF-054), Tanzania from September 18th to October 6th. He will operate CW, SSB and FT8 on 80-10 meters. Detailed QSL policy as well as other information on https://www.mdxc.support/5h1wx/. QSL via I8KHC.
-[425DXN # 1733 July 20, 2024]  (0913-1011)

5R, MADAGASCAR. Eric, F6ICX will be active again as 5R8IC from Sainte-Marie Island (AF-090), Madagascar from October until the end of the year. He will operate mainly CW on 40-10 meters; during the last two weeks of December he will also be QRV on the QO-100 satellite. QSL via LoTW, ClubLog's OQRS, or via F6ICX.
-[425DXN # 1742 September 21, 2024]  (0927-0103)

5W, SAMOA. Pete, ZL4TE will be active holiday style as 5WØTE from Upolu, Samoa (OC-097) on October 3rd-10th. He plans to operate mainly CW on 40, 20 and 10 meters, and "to activate at least one of the POTA parks (more if I get time)". QSL via ClubLog's OQRS, or direct to ZL4TE.
-[425DXN # 1741 September 14, 2024]  (0927-1011)

8Q, MALDIVES. Francesco, IKØFUX will be QRV as 8Q7UX from October 6th to 14th. Activity is holiday style on the HF bands using CW and FT8. This may include being an entry in the upcoming Oceania DX CW Contest (October 12th-13th). QSL via IKØFUX, LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 37 October 3, 2024]  (1004-1018)

9J, ZAMBIA. Tom, DL2RMC is currently on a work assignment in Lusaka, Zambia, and has received the callsign 9J2FI. "Since I am working on a time-consuming project, I won't be very active", he says. "Still, you can hear me in many contests". QSL via DL1RTL.
-[425DXN # 1743 September 28, 2024]  (0927-1018)

9X, RWANDA. Harald, DF2WO will be QRV as 9X2AW from Kigali from October 9th to 23rd. Activity will be on the HF bands and 6 meters. He will also have equipment for Satellite QO-100. QSL via MØOXO's OQRS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 37 October 3, 2024]  (1004-1025)

A2, BOTSWANA, Pista, HA5AO is QRV as A25AO from Chobe National Park until October 14th. Activity is on 80 to 6 meters using CW, SSB, and FT8. QSL to HA5AO.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 36 September 26, 2024]  (0927-1018)

A6, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES. In recognition of World Space Week, the Emirates Amateur Radio Society will operate special callsign A6ØWSW on October 4th-10th. Also expect activity by A6ØWSW/Ø, A6ØWSW/1, etc. See https://www.qrz.com/db/A60WSW for the QSL routes for the various suffix extensions. QSL A6ØWSW via EA7FTR.
-[425DXN # 1744 October 5, 2024]  (1004-1011)

C2, NAURU. "Out of nowhere, Nauru Airlines cancelled all our confirmed flights due to a change in their flight schedule!", team C21MM reported on August 29th. The new dates for the DXpedition to Nauru (OC-031) are October 10th-29th, and the silver lining is that C21MM will participate in the CQ WW DX SSB Contest (October 26th-27th). The whole group (14 operators) has had to rearrange all flights, including those from Europe to Australia, as well as the accommodation. "These rearrangements produced unexpected additional costs of around 8,000 USD", and they "hope to get special support from the DX community to bring this rare DXCC country on the air". As Phill, C21TS has been quite active on FT8 for more than one year, C21MM will focus on CW on 160-6 meters, as well as SSB and RTTY on several bands. See https://c21mm.mydx.de/ for more information and updates.
-[425DXN # 1739 August 31, 2024]  (1004-1101)

DL, GERMANY. Max DJ4EL/p and Joerg DJ1JB/p are going to put several locations in the Wadden Sea on the air until October 7th, including Suederoog (EU-042, DID: N-29, Grid: JO44gl) on October 4th. For more information see their qrz.com profiles. QSL via DJ4EL and DJ1JB respectively.
-[DXNL # 2426 October 2, 2024]  (1004-1011)

DXCC TOP TWENTY. Here are the top 20 entities on ClubLog’s "DXCC Most Wanted" list as of October 4, 2024:
   1. P5     DPRK (North Korea)  11. ZS8    Prince Edward & Marion Islands
   2. BS7H   Scarborough Reef    12. KH4    Midway Island
   3. CEØX   San Felix Islands   13. VKØM   Macquarie Island
   4. BV9P   Pratas Island       14. PYØS   Saint Peter And Paul Rocks
   5. KH7K   Kure Island         15. KP5    Desecheo Island
   6. KH3    Johnston Island     16. VPØS   South Sandwich Islands
   7. 3Y/P   Peter 1 Island      17. ZL9    New Zealand Subantarctic Islands
   8. FT5/X  Kerguelen Island    18. FK/C   Chesterfield Islands
   9. YVØ    Aves Island         19. VKØH   Heard Island
  10. 3Y/B   Bouvet Island       20. FT/T   Tromelin Island
For the complete list, see https://clublog.org/mostwanted.php
-[KØCF October 4, 2024  (1004-1025)

EA, SPAIN. Special callsigns EG3AMCUP (from September 15th to October 14th) and AO3AMCUP (from October 15th to October 28th) will be used by members of URE's Unio de Radioaficionats de Barcelona i Baix Llobregat (EA3MM) during the 37th America's Cup. A certificate will be available, see https://www.ure.es/diploma-cq-americas-cup-2024/ for information. QSL via EA3MM, LoTW, eQSL and QRZ Logbook.
-[425DXN # 1742 September 21, 2024]  (0920-1101)

EA, SPAIN. Special event station EG2AMCUP is QRV until October 29th during the 37th America's Cup being held in Barcelona. QSL via EA3MM, ClubLog's OQRS, LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 35 September 19, 2024]  (0920-1101)

EK, ARMENIA. Artem, R2GEO, operates from Eriwan during his spare time as EK2/R2GEO on 20m (SSB, digital). QSL via R2GEO, EA5GL, LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2425 September 25, 2024]  (0927-1018)

F, FRANCE. Look for Vic, I2GPT and other three operators to be active as F/I2GPT from Sainte Marguerite Island (EU-058) from around 0700 UTC on October 5th until 1400 UTC on October 6th. They will be QRV on 80-10m CW and SSB.
-[425DXN # 1744 October 5, 2024]  (1004-1011)

F, FRANCE. Dominique, F5PTI, and other ops will use the callsign TM5RT to draw attention to a military jubilee in France from September 29th until October 13th. For other information see qrz.com. QSL via F5PTI.
-[DXNL # 2425 September 25, 2024]  (0927-1018)

F, FRANCE. To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Wingles during WWII (September 2, 1944), the local radio club (F4KLR) will be active as TM8ØLW on August 31st, September 2nd and for another 13 days until November 9th. All SSB and CW QSOs will be confirmed automatically via the bureau and eQSL; FT8 QSOs will be confirmed via eQSL.
-[425DXN # 1738 August 24, 2024]  (0830-1108)

FO, FRENCH POLYNESIA. Fred, DH5FS will be active as FO/DH5FS from French Polynesia from October 4th-23rd as follows:
   October  4th-11th  Manihi (OC-131)
   October 11th-18th  Rangiroa (OC-066)
   October 18th-23th  Tikehau (OC-066)
He will operate CW and FT8 on 20-10 meters. Updates will be posted to https://mastodon.radio/@dh5fs. QSL via DH5FS.
-[425DXN # 1744 October 5, 2024]  (1004-1025)

FR, REUNION I. Stephane, F5UOW will be active holiday style as FR/F5UOW from Reunion Island (AF-016) on October 9th-28th. He will operate CW only on 17-10 meters. QSL only via LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1743 September 28, 2024]  (1004-1101)

FR, REUNION I. Michal, OM2DX is QRV as TO2DX until October 7th. This includes being an entry in the CQ Worldwide DX RTTY contest (September 28th-29th). QSL to OM2DX.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 36 September 26, 2024]  (0927-1011)

GM, SCOTLAND. Special event station GB2ZL (Scotland) will operate CW only on October 1st-28th to mark the 100th anniversary of the first amateur radio contact between Great Britain and New Zealand (October 18, 1924). See https://www.qrz.com/db/GB2ZL for more information. QSL via LoTW only.
-[425DXN # 1742 September 21, 2024]  (0927-1101)

HBØ, LIECHTENSTEIN. Ops Roman and Leo will be active as HBØ/DL3TU and HBØ/DL2COM respectively from the end of September to the beginning of October on CW. QSL via DL3TU and DL2COM respectively.
-[DXNL # 2424 September 18, 2024]  (0920-1011)

HH, HAITI. Special callsign 4V1SAVANNAH will be used by the Radio Club d'Haiti to commemorate the 245th anniversary of the Battle of Savannah from September 16th to October 20th. In 1779, more than 500 volunteers from Saint-Domingue (the French colony which later became Haiti), fought alongside American colonial troops against the British Army during the siege of Savannah, an encounter of the American War of Independence. QSOs will be uploaded to ClubLog. QSL via N2OO.
-[425DXN # 1740 September 7, 2024]  (0913-1018)

HZ, SAUDI ARABIA. Special callsign HZ9WSW will be used by the Saudi Amateur Radio Society (HZ1SAR) to promote World Space Week on October 4th-10th. Officially recognized by the United Nations in 1999, World Space Week honors the contributions of science and technology to the betterment of humanity, coinciding with significant milestones in space history: the launch of Sputnik 1 (October 4, 1957), and the signing of the Outer Space Treaty (October 10, 1967).
-[425DXN # 1744 October 5, 2024]  (1004-1011)

I, ITALY. Members of ARI Bologna will be active as II4RCDN from October 1st to December 31st. The special callsign marks the 60th Anniversary of the Northern Cross Radio Telescope, one of the largest transit radio telescopes in the world. Gianfranco Sinigaglia (I4BBE, SK), after whom the Bologna ARI Section is named, was a professor of radioastronomy and applied electronics at the Physics Institute of Bologna University, and responsible for the electronics of the Northern Cross. A certificate will be available, see https://www.qrz.com/db/II4RCDN for information. QSL via IZ4FUE.
-[425DXN # 1744 October 5, 2024]  (1004-1025)

I, ITALY. Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the start of regular radio broadcasting in Italy (October 6, 1924), ARI local branches across Italy will be using special callsigns from October 1st to December 29th. The callsigns will be in the format II#Rxyz (e.g. II9RCAT for ARI Catania) and IR#Rxyz (e.g. IR1RVDB for ARI Valbormida). In addition, special event station I1MRTV will be active from the RAI Radio and Television Museum in Torino. Certificates and electronic QSLs will be available for download from the HamAward platform (direct link from each special callsign's qrz.com page).
-[425DXN # 1743 September 28, 2024]  (0927-1227)

ISØ, SARDINIA. Luca, IK5AEQ will be QRV as ISØ/IK5AEQ on September 26th-28th from POTA sites in the rare province of Oristano on mainland Sardinia (EU-024). Then from September 29th to October 6th he will be active as IMØ/IK5AEQ from San Pietro Island (EU-165). He will operate SSB, RTTY and FT modes on 40-2 meters. QSL via LoTW, ClubLog's OQRS, or via IK5AEQ.
-[425DXN # 1742 September 21, 2024]  (0920-1011)

J8, ST. VINCENT. Special event call sign J8AA is active until January 31, 2025, for contest activity. Look for Franco, J88BTI who will be QRV as J8AA as a Single Op/All Band, except 160 meters, entry in the Oceania DX SSB contest (October 5th-6th). QSL via EA5GL.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 37 October 3, 2024]  (1004-1025)

JA, JAPAN. Take, JI3DST is active as JS6RRR from Miyako Island (AS-079) until November 25th, including activity during the CQ WW DX SSB and CW contests. Other callsigns to be used are JI3DST/6, JJ5RBH/6 and JR8YLY/6 on CW and SSB, as well as JI3DST/p, JJ5RBH/p and JR8YLY/p on FT8. QSOs will be made available for ClubLog and LoTW Matching on the IOTA website.
-[425DXN # 1744 October 5, 2024]  (1004-1129)

JA, JAPAN. Hide, JO1CRA will be active again as JO1CRA/7 from Oshima (AS-206), Miyagi Prefecture on October 5th-7th. He will operate CW and FT8 on 40, 30, 20, 17, 10 and 6 meters (50303 kHz FT8 as a beacon, QSOs on 50313 or 50303 kHz, plus SSB on 50260 kHz for JA stations). QSL via ClubLog's OQRS, LoTW, or via JO1CRA.
-[425DXN # 1743 September 28, 2024]  (1004-1011)

JW, SVALBARD. Look for JW7XK, JW9DL and JW6VM to be active from the Svalbard Amatorradioklubb in Longyearbyen (EU-026) on October 9th-14th. They will participate in the Scandinavian Activity Contest, SSB (October 12th-13th) as JW5X. QSL JW5X via ClubLog's OQRS, LoTW, or via LA5X. QSL JW7XK via LA7XK, ClubLog's OQRS and LoTW. QSL JW9DL via LA9DL and LoTW. QSL JW6VM via LA6VM.
-[425DXN # 1743 September 28, 2024]  (1004-1018)

K, UNITED STATES. Mike AB5EB, Mike AD5A, Dragan KØAP and Hector XE2K (AD6D) will be active from two IOTA groups in early October. The plan is for the team to be QRV as N5D from Timbalier Island (NA-119) on October 4th-6th, and as K5M from Marsh Island (NA-120) on October 7th-8th. The latter operation will be conducted only during the day, due to the restrictions on staying overnight on the island. They will operate SSB, CW and FT8 on 40, 20, 15, 10 and 6 meters.
-[425DXN # 1742 September 21, 2024]  (1004-1011)

K, UNITED STATES. Special event stations NØF, N1F, N2F, N3F, N4F, N5F, N6F, N7F, N8F and N9F, plus KF2IRE and VE3FIRE (Canada) will be active on October 6th-12th for the Fire Prevention Week 2024. See https://hamfire.com/ for more information on the event. QSL cards for any of the FPW stations should be sent direct to Fire Prevention Week Special Event, c/o Siemens Fire Safety USA, 2 Gatehall Drive, Parsippany NJ 07054, USA.
-[425DXN # 1743 September 28, 2024]  (1004-1011)

OX, GREENLAND. Bo, OZ1DJJ is QRV as OX3LX until October 15th. Activity is in his spare time and from Kangerlussuaq, Qaqortoq and Christian IV Island (NA-151). QSL via OZØJ, ClubLog's OQRS and LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 37 October 3, 2024]  (1004-1018)

PA, NETHERLANDS. Special callsign PH8ØLIB will be in use from various locations from September 11th until November 10th to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of southern Netherlands in the autumn of 1944. Activity will be on 80-10 meters SSB, CW and digital modes. See https://www.qrz.com/db/PH80LIB for detailed information. QSL via the bureau.
-[425DXN # 1740 September 7, 2024]  (0906-1108)

PYØF, FERNANDO DE NORONHA. Ben, DA1DX (ex DL6FBL) and other four operators will be active as PXØFF from Fernando de Noronha (SA-003) sometime in October. They will operate CW, SSB and FT8 (MSHV) on 160-6 meters. Updates will be posted to https://www.qrz.com/db/PX0FF. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS, or via DJ4MX.
-[425DXN # 1743 September 28, 2024]  (1004-1025)

PZ, SURINAME. While doing training stints in Suriname, PZ5JT will be put on the air during October and November by members of the Dutch army as a spare time activity.
-[DXNL # 2425 September 25, 2024]  (1004-1122)

SV, GREECE. Dirk, ON5CT will be active as SV8/ON5CT from Samos Island (EU-049) until October 6th. He operates SSB, FT8 and RTTY on 80-6 meters. Paper QSLs will not be available, but QSOs will be uploaded to LoTW, eQSL and ClubLog.
-[425DXN # 1741 September 14, 2024]  (0913-1011)

SV, GREECE. Special callsign SX8ØFF will be used from various locations (including Crete as SV9/SX8ØFF) on October 1st-31st. The purpose of this activity is to honor the 80 fallen Greek firefighters and aerial firefighting crews who lost their lives in the line of duty. QSL via LoTW, eQSL and QRZ Logbook; paper cards will not be available.
-[425DXN # 1743 September 28, 2024]  (0927-1101)

T32, E. KIRIBATI. Watch for T32AZ during the Oceania DX SSB Contest (October 5th-6th). QSL via KH6QJ.
-[DXNL # 2426 October 2, 2024]  (1004-1011)

TU, COTE D'IVOIRE. Mustafa, TA2IMG, a resident in Abidjan since 2016, has now received the callsign TU5ML. QRV on 160-6m (SSB, FT8) and via QO-100. QSL via TA2YGT or direct to TU5ML.
-[DXNL # 2425 September 25, 2024]  (0927-1018)

V4, ST. KITTS & NEVIS. Dale, W4AUV and Bob, K4RLC will be QRV as V4/W4AUV and V4/K4RLC respectively from St. Kitts (NA-104) from October 1st to 12th. Activity will be on 40 meters using CW, and 20 meters QRP CW, respectively, from three POTA sites. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 36 September 26, 2024]  (0927-1011)

V5, NAMIBIA. A team headed by LA7THA signs V55LA from September 30th to October 11th on HF (CW, SSB). QSL via MØOXO's OQRS.
-[DXNL # 2425 September 25, 2024]  (0927-1011)

V5, NAMIBIA. Gunter, DK2WH is QRV as V51WH from Omaruru until November 12th. Activity is on 160 to 10 meters, including 60 meters, using SSB, FT8, and possibly CW. He will be active as V55Y in various contests. QSL to DK2WH.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 35 September 19, 2024]  (0920-1115)

VK9N, NORFOLK I. Nick, VK2DX is QRV as VK9DX and has been active on 10 meters using SSB around 0845 to 0915z. QSL to VK2DX.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 37 October 3, 2024]  (1004-1025)

VU, INDIA. Special event station AT78I is QRV until November 13th to celebrate 78 years of independence for India. Activity is on the HF bands using CW and SSB. QSL via VU2JOS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 31 August 22, 2024]  (0823-1115)

YB, INDONESIA. Team 7D4N will be active from Kemaro Island, Sumatra (OC-143) on October 5th-6th. They will operate SSB, FT8 and RTTY on 40, 20, 15 and 10 meters. QSOs will be uploaded to Club Log and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1744 October 5, 2024]  (1004-1011)

ZD9, TRISTAN DA CUNHA & GOUGH I. Lance, W7GJ, operating as ZD9GJ had dismantled and packed all his equipment on September 29th, ready to leave Tristan da Cunha on October 1st. However, adverse sea conditions have delayed his departure. "The forecast for the departure of the MV 'Lance' is now next Wednesday October 10th", he says. "I have decided to instead stay here for an additional 2-1/2 weeks until October 27th and try to return on the little MFV Edinburgh". He is rebuilding the 6m antenna and station.
-[425DXN # 1744 October 5, 2024]  (1004-1025)

ZL, NEW ZEALAND. Special event station ZM1ØØDX will be QRV from September 29th to December 26th to celebrate the very first trans-world QSO between Z4AA and G2SZ. Activity will be on 160 to 6 meters using all modes. In addition, special event station ZL4AA will also be active for this event. QSL via operators' instructions.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 36 September 26, 2024]  (0927-1227)




Propagation (Updated daily)

Solar Data

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 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.

  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!
The current Sun at 131 Angstroms

Propagation Summary
For the 8 day period from Sunday, September 29th through yesterday, October 6th.

The average solar flux was 268, up 87 points from the previous week, with a weekly high of 312 on Thursday, October 3rd, following a low of 197 on September 29th.

The average sunspot count was 184, up 24 from last week, peaking at 229 on Thursday, October 3rd after a weekly low of 150 on September 30th.

The Planetary K-index weekly average was 3.3 with a maximum of 5.0 on Sunday, October 6th, resulting in minor geomagnetic storm conditions.

Solar flare activity since September 30th has been extremely high with 26 major flares, the largest of which was a major X 9.0 event on Thursday, October 3rd.

Propagation Data
Major solar flares, Monday, September 30th through 2141 UTC, October 7th.

  #     Date     UTC     Mag.  
1 Oct 07  2101  X 1.0 
2 Oct 07  1913  X 2.1 
3 Oct 06  2119  M 1.6 
4 Oct 06  1859  M 1.4 
5 Oct 06  1521  M 1.3 
6 Oct 05  2320  M 2.4 
7 Oct 05  0844  M 1.6 
8 Oct 04  2211  M 1.2 
9 Oct 04  2104  M 1.1 
10 Oct 04  1103  M 1.2 
11 Oct 04  0455  M 4.0 
12 Oct 04  0017  M 1.2 
13 Oct 03  2141  M 2.3 
14 Oct 03  2028  M 6.7 
15 Oct 03  1218  X 9.0 
16 Oct 03  0828  M 1.5 
17 Oct 03  0341  M 1.5 
18 Oct 03  0234  M 1.1 
19 Oct 02  2051  M 3.3 
20 Oct 02  1338  M 3.2 
21 Oct 02  0624  M 1.1 
22 Oct 02  0538  M 3.6 
23 Oct 02  0239  M 1.2 
24 Oct 01  2220  X 7.1 
25 Oct 01  1917  M 1.5 
26 Sep 30  2359  M 7.6 

   (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 
 Oct 7  75% 30% 265
 Oct 8  75% 25% 260
 Oct 9  75% 25% 255

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 October 7, 2024).

 Date   Flux   Kp 
 Oct 7  265 5
 Oct 8  260 4
 Oct 9  255 2
 Oct 10  250 2
 Date   Flux   Kp 
 Oct 11  240 2
 Oct 12  235 3
 Oct 13  230 2
 Oct 14  175 2
 Date   Flux   Kp 
 Oct 15  175 2
 Oct 16  175 2
 Oct 17  170 2
 Oct 18  170 2

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:
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:
Auroral Oval

Highs for Cycle 25
  Solar Flux: 336 on August 8, 2024.
  Sunspots:  382 on 
August 10, 2024.

Chance of Flares Today
Earth is in the crosshairs of the sun. Today there are 6 sunspots with unstable magnetic fields that harbor energy for Earth-directed solar flares. NOAA forecasters estimate a 75% chance of M-class flares and a 30% chance of X-flares on Oct. 7th.
(Copyright © SpaceWeather.com October 7, 2024. Republished by permission.)

CME Impact Sparks Auroras in the USA
As predicted, a CME struck Earth's magnetic field on Oct 6th. At first, it seemed like a dud. Nothing happened for hours. Then, auroras spread across more than a dozen US states. "We were at the Chatham Lighthouse in Cape Cod, when the sky behind us lit up red!," reports Ray Majoran. "My friend Tom, yelled 'Northern Lights!' and we took this picture."
Auroras
"They lasted brightly for about 5-10 minutes and then faded back," he says. "What a great sight to see in Cape Cod."
  Auroras were also seen or photographed in both Dakotas, Illinois, Missouri, Wyoming, WisconsinVirginia, Minnesota, Idaho, New York, California, and North Carolina.
  The CME was hurled toward Earth by a powerful X9.1-class solar flare on Oct. 3rd. Considering the size of the flare, the CME did not deliver much of a blow. The forecast was rescued by the autumnal "Russell-McPherron effect." At this time of year, even weak CMEs can cause a geomagnetic storm. G1-storm conditions were observed for approximately 6 hours.
(Copyright © SpaceWeather.com October 7, 2024. Republished by permission.)

A Propagation Mystery Solved
In QST magazine for October 2024, there is an excellent article by Frank Donovan, W3LPL, about radio propagation during the current Solar Cycle 25 surge. I highly recommend that you find and read this article. It is very informative.
  The part of it that I found most interesting is the paragraph titled, “20-Meter Propagation”. He explains something that I have been wondering about: Why, when propagation should be great, 20 meters during the day has been terrible. Perhaps you have noticed that as well.
  Frank makes it perfectly clear! During the summertime, for a period of several hours either side of local solar noon, the sun is very nearly overhead. This increases the ability of solar radiation to penetrate deeper into the ionosphere, beyond the normal F2 region which provides global DX propagation, and into the E- and even D-layers. These layers are at much lower altitudes and, if strongly ionized, reflect radio signals shorter distances – typically around 1,200-1,300 miles maximum. Under these conditions, signals will be reflected rather than passing through the D- and E-layers, denying access to the F2 layer and global DX.
  In fact, you can see the cause of this phenomenon in one of the links that I publish every day in this DX Bulletin: Global D Region Absorption. If you click on this thumbnail (above), a video of the D-Region absorption over the past 8 hours will be available. It is very intriguing to watch the full 8 hours of this video. When the central part of the absorption circle is deep blue, it likely will have minimal effect on 20 meters; however, if it becomes light blue to pale green, 20 meters can be seriously affected, resulting in conditions as described above.
-[Craig Fastenow, KØCF September 25, 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
     Note: Start Days are in UTC, e.g. Monday at 0000 UTC is
     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
Oceania DX Contest, Phone Oct 5 0600Z Oct 6 0600Z Rules
California QSO Party Oct 5 1600Z Oct 6 2200Z Rules
Makrothen RTTY Contest Oct 12 0000Z Oct 13 1559Z Rules
Nevada QSO Party Oct 12 0300Z Oct 13 2100Z Rules
Oceania DX Contest, CW Oct 12 0600Z Oct 13 0600Z Rules
Scandinavian Activity Contest, SSB Oct 12 1200Z Oct 13 1200Z Rules
Arizona QSO Party Oct 12 1500Z Oct 13 0500Z Rules
Pennsylvania QSO Party Oct 12 1600Z Oct 13 0400Z Rules
Oct 13 1300Z Oct 13 2200Z
South Dakota QSO Party Oct 12 1800Z Oct 13 1800Z Rules
10-10 Int. Fall Contest, CW Oct 19 0001Z Oct 20 2359Z Rules
New York QSO Party Oct 19 1400Z Oct 20 0200Z Rules
Stew Perry Topband Challenge Oct 19 1500Z Oct 20 1500Z Rules
Illinois QSO Party Oct 20 1700Z Oct 21 0100Z Rules
ARRL School Club Roundup Oct 21 1300Z Oct 25 2359Z Rules
CQ Worldwide DX Contest, SSB Oct 26 0000Z Oct 27 2400Z Rules
Ukrainian DX Contest Nov 2 1200Z Nov 3 1200Z Rules
ARRL Sweepstakes Contest, CW Nov 2 2100Z Nov 4 0300Z Rules
WAE DX Contest, RTTY Nov 9 0000Z Nov 10 2359Z Rules
10-10 Int. Fall Contest, Digital Nov 9 0001Z Nov 10 2359Z Rules
JIDX Phone Contest Nov 9 0700Z Nov 10 1300Z Rules
OK/OM DX Contest, CW Nov 9 1200Z Nov 10 1200Z Rules
North American SSB Sprint Contest Nov 10 0000Z Nov 10 0400Z Rules
LZ DX Contest Nov 16 1200Z Nov 17 1200Z Rules
ARRL Sweepstakes Contest, SSB Nov 16 2100Z Nov 18 0300Z Rules
CQ Worldwide DX Contest, CW Nov 23 0000Z Nov 24 2400Z Rules
ARRL 160-Meter Contest Dec 6 2200Z Dec 8 1600Z Rules
ARRL 10-Meter Contest Dec 14 0000Z Dec 15 2359Z Rules
OK DX RTTY Contest Dec 21 0000Z Dec 21 2400Z Rules
Croatian DX Contest Dec 21 1400Z Dec 22 1400Z Rules
ARRL Rookie Roundup, CW Dec 22 1800Z Dec 22 2359Z Rules
RAC Winter Contest Dec 28 0000Z Dec 28 2359Z Rules
Stew Perry Topband Challenge Dec 28 1500Z Dec 29 1500Z Rules
     -[Contest data courtesy of the WA7BNM Contest Calendar ]