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The Eastern Iowa DX Bulletin
For September 22, 2023 to September 29, 2023

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. The articles are ordered by the entity's official callsign prefix, callsigns used are in bold, and dates of operation are highlighted in red. Hot links are provided for QSL and other information wherever possible. Articles will remain in The Bulletin while active with a 5-week maximum.

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

Quick jump to:
    Propagation
    Contest Calendar


3D2/R, ROTUMA. Darren, VK4MAP is QRV as 3D2RAT until September 29th. Activity is holiday style on 80 to 10 meters using SSB. QSL direct to VK4MAP.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 37 September 14, 2023]  (0915-1006)

4L, GEORGIA. Giovanni, IW7EHC, stays in Georgia from September until December and operates as 4L/IW7EHC from Batumi. QSL via IW7EHC.
-[DXNL # 2369 August 30, 2023]  (0901-1006)

4U/IT, ITU HQ. As part of WRC-23 Preparation, delegates are QRV as 4U1ITU in their spare time until the end of the month. Activity is on the HF bands. QSL via operators' instructions.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 37 September 14, 2023]  (0915-1006)

4W, TIMOR-LESTE. Satoshi, JH2EUV is QRV as 4W/JH2EUV from Dili until October 13th. Activity is in his spare time on 80 to 6 meters. QSL to JH2EUV.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 37 September 14, 2023]  (0915-1006)

4X, ISRAEL. Special stations 4XØ1G from Beit Zeida (Holyland Square OØ5HG), 4XØ2G from Daliyot Forest (Holyland Square PØ5HG), 4XØ3G from Rujm el-Hiri (Holyland Square OØ4HG) and 4XØ4G from Juhader Stream (Holyland Square QØ5HG) will be active on September 22nd-23rd. QSLs via 4X6ZM and log search on https://www.iarc.org/golan.
-[425DXN # 1689 September 16, 2023]  (0922-0929)

5X, UGANDA. Czech DXpedition Group's members OK1BOA, OK1FCJ and OK6DJ will be active as 5X3K from Uganda from September 28th to October 7th, with "full operation" expected on October 1st – 6th. They will operate SSB, CW, RTTY and FT8 on 160-10 meters. QSL via LoTW, ClubLog's OQRS, or via OK6DJ. See https://www.cdxp.cz/ for more information.
-[425DXN # 1685 August 19, 2023]  (0922-1006)

5Z, KENYA. Rick, MØLEP is QRV as 5Z4/MØLEP and will be here during the month of September. Activity is on the HF bands. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 36 September 7, 2023]  (0908-0929)

6W, SENEGAL. Elvira, IV3FSG will be active again as 6W/IV3FSG from Senegal from September 26th to October 16th. Usually, she operates SSB and digital modes in her spare time. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS, or direct to IK2DUW.
-[425DXN # 1690 September 23, 2023]  (0922-1020)

6Y, JAMAICA. Dan, MØCVZ will sign 6Y5DH from September 10th to 30th (10m - 40m, SSB). QSL via ClubLog’s OQRS or eQSL.
-[DXNL # 2370 September 6, 2023]  (0908-0929)

9Y, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO. Celebrating Trinidad and Tobagos' 47th Republic Day, special callsign 9Y47RD will be active on September 22nd-25th. QSL via LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1690 September 23, 2023]  (0922-0929)

A2, BOTSWANA. Sajid, VA3QY plans to be QRV as A22EW until October 8th. Activity is on 20 to 10 meters, and possibly 6 meters, using CW and SSB. QSL via KB2MS or eQSL.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 36 September 7, 2023]  (0908-1006)

A6, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES. Taking part in the celebrations of Saudi National Day (September 23rd), the Emirates Amateur Radio Society will operate special callsign A6ØARS on September 17th-23rd. QSL via EA7FTR. Individual operators may append a serial number to the special callsign, and be QRV as A6ØARS/Ø, A6ØARS/1, etc. (see qrz.com for the QSL routes).
-[425DXN # 1689 September 16, 2023]  (0915-0929)

A9, BAHRAIN. Also taking part in the celebrations of Saudi National Day, the Bahrain Amateur Radio Society will operate special callsign A91ARS on September 17th-23rd. QSL via EC6DX.
-[425DXN # 1689 September 16, 2023]  (0915-0929)

DL, GERMANY. Special callsign DR45HAAN celebrates the 45th anniversary of the DARC club Haan (DOK R24) until September 30th. QSL via DL7ET.
-[DXNL # 2372 September 20, 2023]  (0922-0929)

DL, GERMANY. Look for DJ1JB/p, DJ4EL/p and DJ5TM/p to be active from IOTA group EU-042 from September 28th to October 4th. Their main QTH will be Pellworm Island, with side trips to nearby Grode, Suderoog and Norderoogsand.
-[425DXN # 1690 September 23, 2023]  (0922-1006)

DL, GERMANY. The special event callsign DP375WF (DOK 375WF) will be activated by radio amateurs from and around Muenster to remember the 375-year anniversary of the Peace of Westphalia, ending the Thirty Years' War in 1648. An award is available; see https://www.qrz.com/db/DP375WF.
-[DXNL # 2371 September 13, 2023]  (0915-1006)

DXCC TOP TWENTY. Here are the top 20 entities on ClubLog’s "DXCC Most Wanted" list as of September 22, 2023:
   1. P5     DPRK (North Korea)  11. 3Y/B   Bouvet Island
   2. BS7H   Scarborough Reef    12. ZS8    Prince Edward & Marion Islands
   3. CEØX   San Felix Islands   13. KH4    Midway Island
   4. BV9P   Pratas Island       14. VKØM   Macquarie Island
   5. KH7K   Kure Island         15. PYØS   Saint Peter And Paul Rocks
   6. KH3    Johnston Island     16. PYØT   Trindade & Martim Vaz Islands
   7. FT/G   Glorioso Island     17. KP5    Desecheo Island
   8. 3Y/P   Peter 1 Island      18. VP8S   South Sandwich Islands
   9. FT5/X  Kerguelen Island    19. KH5    Palmyra & Jarvis Islands
  10. YVØ    Aves Island         20. ZL9    New Zealand Subantarctic Islands
For the complete list, see https://clublog.org/mostwanted.php
-[KØCF September 22, 2023]  (0922-1006)

EA6, BALEARIC ISLANDS. Andreas, DK5ON will be active from Mallorca Island (EU-004, ARLHS BAL-010 / WLOTA 1902) as EA6/DK5ON (6m - 40m, CW, SSB, digital) from September 14th to 28th. QSL via DK5ON, LoTW or ClubLog’s OQRS.
-[DXNL # 2371 September 13, 2023]  (0915-0929)

F, FRANCE. The special event stations TM23RBY (QSL via F8EFU), TM23RUGB (QSL via F5KHG), and TM63RWC (QSL via F4KLW) operate around the Rugby World Championship until October 28th on 160-6m and via QO-100.
-[DXNL # 2372 September 20, 2023]  (0922-1027)

F, FRANCE. Special event station TM23RUGB will be QRV from Tonneins from September 10th to 13th, next on September 21st to 24th, and then on October 16th to 22nd, during the Rugby World Cup. Activity will be on the HF bands. QSL via F5KHG.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 36 September 7, 2023]  (0908-0929)

FO, FRENCH POLYNESIA. Vincent, K6VVK will be active holiday style as FO/K6VVK from two French Polynesia islands, namely Moorea (OC-046) on September 25th to October 1st and Rangiroa (OC-066) on October 2nd-6th. He will operate SSB, CW and FT8/FT4 on the HF bands and 6 meters. He will upload his log to LoTW, eQSL and ClubLog; paper QSLs will not be provided.
-[425DXN # 1689 September 16, 2023]  (0922-1006)

HL, SOUTH KOREA. Look for DS1TUW/2 to be active from Taeijak Island (AS-090) on September 23rd-24th. He will operate FT8 and CW on 40-6 meters. QSL via LoTW; ClubLog's OQRS will be available for direct cards.
-[425DXN # 1687 September 2, 2023]  (0922-0929)

HV, VATICAN CITY. Fabio, I4UFH will be active from HVØA, Vatican City on September 23rd. QSL via LoTW, or direct to IKØFVC.
-[425DXN # 1690 September 23, 2023]  (0922-0929)

HZ, SAUDI ARABIA. Special callsigns HZ93ND, 7Z93ND and 8Z93ND will be used by the Saudi Amateur Radio Society (HZ1SAR) to celebrate Saudi National Day on September 10th-25th. The logs will be uploaded to ClubLog. See qrz.com for more information. Based on the number of lunar years, Saudi National Day commemorates the renaming of the Kingdom of Nejd and Hejaz to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (September 23, 1932). Other national societies of Gulf Cooperation Council's neighboring countries that might join the celebrations include the Kuwait Amateur Radio Society as 9K9KSA (QSL via EC6DX), and the Royal Omani Amateur Radio Society as A43KSA. QSL via EC6DX.
-[425DXN # 1689 September 16, 2023]  (0915-0929)

K, UNITED STATES. Members of the Port City Amateur Radio Club (W1WQM) will be active as K1W from White Island, Isles of Shoals (NA-217) on September 16th-25th. QSL via K1RX.
-[425DXN # 1688 September 9, 2023]  (0915-0929)

K, UNITED STATES. The Shy-Wy Amateur Radio Club operates the callsign W7Y in a "Come and get Wyoming" special event from September 22nd until October 2nd, designed to help operators world-wide to log the rather rare state of Wyoming. See also: https://shywyarc.net/wp/comeandgetwyoming/
-[DXNL # 2372 September 20, 2023]  (0922-1006)

KH2, GUAM. A group of Japanese operators operate from Guam with the callsigns NH8A/NH2 (SSB, QSL only via LoTW), AHØF/KH2 (CW, QSL direct to JA2NQG), AH2CW (CW, SSB, QSL only via LoTW), AHØFM/KH2 (FM and SSB, QSL via JA2UAY), KB6O/KH2 (SSB, FT8, QSL via LoTW), and NN2F/KH2 (SSB, QSL via LoTW).
-[DXNL # 2372 September 20, 2023]  (0922-1013)

KH2, GUAM. Uli, DL2AH closed down his station on Rota (KHØ/DL2AH) on September 14th and now moves on to Guam (OC-026), where he expects to be QRV starting September 16th for two weeks. His focus will be on FT8 and FT4 operation on 20m - 10m. QSL via DL2AH.
-[DXNL # 2371 September 13, 2023]  (0915-0929)

OHØ, ALAND ISLANDS. Operators PA2A, PE1NYQ, PG2K and PAØVHA will be QRV as OHØRY from Mellanon Island from September 17th to 30th. Activity will be on the HF bands. This includes being an entry in the upcoming CQ World Wide RTTY DX Contest. QSL via operators' instructions.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 37 September 14, 2023]  (0915-1006)

ON, BELGIUM. Special callsign OP1ØKF marks the 10th anniversary of King Philippe's coronation during September. An award is also available: https://www.onz.be/op10kf-award-request/. QSL via bureau, eQSL.
-[DXNL # 2369 August 30, 2023]  (0901-0929)

ON, BELGIUM. Special event station OO35ATH is QRV during the month of September to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Radio Club de Ath. QSL via operators' instructions.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 35 August 31, 2023]  (0901-0929)

OZ, DENMARK. Dieter, DF2SD will be active as OV9R from Fano Island (EU-125) and National Park Vadehavet from September 16th to 30th, including an entry in the CQ WW RTTY DX Contest. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS, LoTW and eQSL.
-[425DXN # 1689 September 16, 2023]  (0915-0929)

PACIFIC TRIP. Uli, DL2AH is going to be active again from the Pacific:
  KH2/DL2AH  Guam (OC-026), September 16th – 30th
  V7...      Majuro (OC-029), Marshall Is. October 3rd – 15th
  V63AH      Kosrae (OC-059), Micronesia October 18th – 30th
He will operate SSB and FT8 on 80-6 meters. QSL via LoTW, eQSL, or direct to
DL2AH.
-[425DXN # 1685 August 19, 2023]  (0915-1103)

PJ2, CURACAO. Gabor, HA3JB will be QRV as PJ2/HA3JB from September 16th to 26th. Activity will be on 80 to 6 meters using CW, SSB, RTTY, and FT8. This includes being an entry in the upcoming CQ World Wide RTTY DX contest. QSL direct to HA3JB.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 37 September 14, 2023]  (0915-1006)

PJ2, CURACAO. Jeff, K8ND is QRV as PJ2ND from Signal Point until mid-October. Activity is on 160 to 10 meters using CW and SSB. He may be active as PJ2T in upcoming contests. QSL PJ2ND via K8ND and PJ2T via KU9C.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 35 August 31, 2023]  (0901-1006)

SM, SWEDEN. Gaby, DF9TM and Frank, DL2SWW have been active as SD7M and SD7W, respectively, from Sturko Island (EU-138) since September 18, and will remain there until September 23rd or 24th. All QSOs will be uploaded to Club Log and confirmed automatically via the bureau.
-[425DXN # 1690 September 23, 2023]  (0922-0929)

SM, SWEDEN. Frank, DHØJAE will be on Hanoe (EU-138, ARLHS SWE 027, JO76ka) from September 18th to 24th and operate CW/SSB on the HF bands as SM/DHØJAE. QSL via DHØJAE or ClubLog’s OQRS.
-[DXNL # 2371 September 13, 2023]  (0915-0929)

SV, GREECE. Members of the Salamis Radio Amateur Group will be QRV with special call SX48ØSNB from September 16th to 30th to commemorate the 480 BC Battle of Salamis. QSL on LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 37 September 14, 2023]  (0915-1006)

SV9, CRETE. Seppo, OH1VR will be QRV as SV9/OH1VR near Chania from September 28th to October 3rd. Activity will be on 160 to 6 meters using mainly CW. QSL direct to OH1VR.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 38 September 21, 2023]  (0922-1006)

SV9, CRETE. John, SV9CJO is QRV as special event station SV9/J43ND during all of September representing a social action against drugs. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 35 August 31, 2023]  (0901-0929)

T2, TUVALU. The Rebel DX Group (https://www.facebook.com/rebeldxgroup) will be active as T22T from Tuvalu (OC-015) from September 21st to October 9th. Plans are to have up to ten stations QRV on 160-6m FT8 (seven stations operating either F/H and normal mode), CW (two stations) and SSB (one station). See https://www.qrz.com/db/T22T for the band plan. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1687 September 2, 2023]  (0915-1013)

T32, EASTERN KIRIBATI. Ken, KH6QJ is QRV as T32AZ from Kiritimati, IOTA OC-024, until October 17th. QSL to KH6QJ.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 35 August 31, 2023]  (0901-1006)

T7, SAN MARINO. Celebrating "Sammarinesi nel mondo" (San Marino nationals around the world), members of the ARRSM Radio Club will operate special event station T71SNM on September 24th. QSL direct to T7ØA.
-[425DXN # 1690 September 23, 2023]  (0922-0929)

T8, PALAU. Taka, JA1LRV, will be active as T88LR from the Palau VIP Guest Hotel from September 26th to October 3rd. His companion Take, JA1RKL, still awaits his T8 callsign. QSL via home calls.
-[DXNL # 2372 September 20, 2023]  (0922-1006)

TI, COSTA RICA. Members of The Radio Club of Costa Rica Rica (TIØRC) are QRV with special call sign TI7ØRC during September to celebrate the club's 70th anniversary. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 35 August 31, 2023]  (0901-0929)

TK, CORSICA. Thomas, DL1ASA is QRV as TK/DL1ASA/p for the next few weeks. He will also try to be active from IOTA EU-164, various SOTA, WWFF, and various Lighthouse references. Activity is holiday style on the HF bands. QSL to DL1ASA.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 36 September 7, 2023]  (0908-0929)

V7, MARSHALL ISLANDS. Bob, N7XR plans to be QRV as V73XR from Kwajalein, IOTA OC-028, beginning in September and active for three months. QSL via ClubLog’s OQRS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 35 August 31, 2023]  (0901-0929)

VK, AUSTRALIA. "Amateur Radio", the official journal of the Wireless Institute of Australia, will reach 90 years of continuous publication in October. To mark this milestone, the WIA has obtained the special event call sign VK9ØAR for use until December 31st by any member of the WIA as well as any affiliated club. QSL via LoTW and MØOXO's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1690 September 23, 2023]  (0922-1013)

VK, AUSTRALIA. Operated by a number of YL operators in Tasmania (VK7) and around the rest of Australia, special callsign VI7ALARA is active on the HF bands until November 8th to mark the Australian Ladies Amateur Radio Association's meet (http://www.alara.org.au/) to be held in Hobart. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1686 August 26, 2023]  (0825-0929)

VK9L, LORD HOWE ISLAND. Bob, W7YAQ and Al, K7AR will be active as VK9LAA from Lord Howe Island (OC-004) from September 20 to October 4, including an entry in the CQ WW RTTY DX Contest (September 23-24). They will run two stations on 160-6 meters. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS, LoTW, or via W7YAQ.
-[425DXN # 1685 August 19, 2023]  (0915-1006)

XV, VIET NAM. Greg, XV9BPO was active on 15 meters using CW around 1500z. QSL via EA5GL.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 37 September 14, 2023]  (0915-1006)

XZ, MYANMAR. Akio, JE2QIZ, remains active as XZ2B until September 30th on 15-6m CW. Digital modes are not permitted. QSL via JH3SIF, LOTW, ClubLog’s OQRS.
-[DXNL # 2372 September 20, 2023]  (0922-0929)

ZA, ALBANIA. Antonis, SV1ENG will be active holiday style as ZA/SV1ENG from Lucove, Albania from September 22nd to October 1st. Plans are to operate mostly CW, and possibly some SSB on 40-10 meters. QSL via ClubLog’s OQRS, or via SV1ENG.
-[425DXN # 1688 September 9, 2023]  (0922-1006)

ZA, ALBANIA. Chris, OE6VCG, will be active as ZA/OE6VCG from September 20th until October 1st on FT4/8 and JT65. QSL via OE6VCG, LoTW, eQSL.
-[DXNL # 2372 September 20, 2023]  (0922-1006)

ZD9, TRISTAN DA CUNHA ISLANDS. Yuris, YL2GM, activates Tristan da Cunha (AF-029) from September 24th until October 22nd as ZD9W on 160-6m on CW, SSB, and FT8. For more details see: https://lral.lv/zd9w/index.html. QSL via LoTW (upload after his return).
-[DXNL # 2372 September 20, 2023]  (0922-1020)

ZF, CAYMAN ISLANDS. Mark, W5LAC will be "attempting portable QRP operation" as ZF2MS from Grand Cayman Island (NA-016) on September 22nd-29th. Look for him on 20-6 meters FT8 or SSB. QSL via W5LAC.
-[425DXN # 1690 September 23, 2023]  (0922-0929)

ZL7, CHATHAM ISLANDS. Holger, ZL3IO will be active as ZL7IO from Waitangi, Chatham Islands (OC-038) on September 15th-29th, hopefully including an entry in the CQ WW DX RTTY Contest (September 23rd-24th). "Station set up will likely take a number of days", he says, but eventually he expects to be QRV on 160-10 meters CW, RTTY, SSB, FT8 and FT4. He plans to return at the end of October (CQ WW DX SSB), and at the end of November (CQ WW DX CW). QSL via LoTW, ClubLog's OQRS, or via DK7AO.
-[425DXN # 1687 September 2, 2023]  (0915-0929)



Propagation

Solar Data
The Weekly Solar Data chart plots Solar Flux Index (SFI), Sunspot number (SSN) and Planetary K-Index (K-Idx) 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.

  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 Monday, September 18th through yesterday, September 25th.

The average solar flux was up 23 points from the previous week, with a weekly high of 176 on Friday, September 22nd, following a low of 155 on September 18th.

The average sunspot count was up by 57 points for the week, peaking at 198 on Saturday, September 23rd after a weekly low of 139 on September 18th.

The Planetary K-index weekly average was 4.3 and the maximum was 6.7 on Tuesday, September 19th, resulting in moderate geomagnetic storm conditions.

Solar flare activity since September 18th has been high with 13 flares, the largest of which was an M 8.7 event on Thursday, September 21st.

Propagation Data
Major solar flares, Thursday, September 18th through 1323 UTC, September 26.

  #   Date UTC Mag.
1  Sep 24   1500   M 1.0 
2  Sep 24   0328   M 4.4 
3  Sep 24   0307   M 1.2 
4  Sep 23   2043   M 1.5 
5  Sep 22   2300   M 1.9 
6  Sep 22   1715   M 1.5 
7  Sep 22   1623   M 1.4 
8  Sep 22   0336   M 1.2 
9  Sep 21   1254   M 8.7 
10  Sep 20   1419   M 8.2 
11  Sep 19   2014   M 4.0 
12  Sep 19   0938   M 1.8 
13  Sep 19   0355   M 1.1 


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 
 Sep 26 40%15%166
 Sep 27 40%15%164
 Sep 28 45%15%164

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 once a week on Monday.

 Date   Flux   Kp 
 Sep 26 1684
 Sep 27 1642
 Sep 28 1602
 Sep 29 1602
 Date   Flux  Kp 
 Sep 30 1582
 Oct 1 1502
 Oct 2 1452
 Oct 3 1502
 Date   Flux  Kp 
 Oct 4 1552
 Oct 5 1552
 Oct 6 1552
 Oct 7 1602

Highs for Cycle 25
  Solar Flux: 234 on January 15, 2023.
  Sunspots:  227 on July 11, 2023.

Favorite Propagation web sites
  Excellent Maximum Usable Frequency map: https://prop.kc2g.com/
  https://www.spaceweather.com/
  https://www.solarham.net/
  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]



Selected Upcoming Contests

Contest Start End Web Site
CQ Worldwide DX Contest, RTTY Sep 23 0000Z Sep 24 2400Z Rules
Maine QSO Party Sep 23 1200Z Sep 24 1200Z Rules
UK/EI DX Contest, SSB Sep 30 1200Z Oct 1 1200Z Rules
Collegiate QSO Party Oct 7 0000Z Oct 8 2359Z Rules
Oceania DX Contest, Phone Oct 7 0600Z Oct 8 0600Z Rules
Russian WW Digital Contest Oct 7 1200Z Oct 8 1159Z Rules
California QSO Party Oct 7 1600Z Oct 8 2200Z Rules
Makrothen RTTY Contest Oct 14 0000Z Oct 14 0800Z Rules
Oct 14 1600Z Oct 14 2400Z
Oct 15 0800Z Oct 15 1600Z
Nevada QSO Party Oct 14 0300Z Oct 15 2100Z Rules
Oceania DX Contest, CW Oct 14 0600Z Oct 15 0600Z Rules
Scandinavian Activity Contest, SSB Oct 14 1200Z Oct 15 1200Z Rules
Arizona QSO Party Oct 14 1500Z Oct 15 0500Z Rules
Pennsylvania QSO Party Oct 14 1600Z Oct 15 0400Z Rules
Oct 15 1300Z Oct 15 2200Z
South Dakota QSO Party Oct 14 1800Z Oct 15 1800Z Rules
ARRL School Club Roundup Oct 16 1300Z Oct 20 2359Z Rules
JARTS WW RTTY Contest Oct 21 0000Z Oct 22 2400Z Rules
10-10 Int. Fall Contest, CW Oct 21 0001Z Oct 22 2359Z Rules
New York QSO Party Oct 21 1400Z Oct 22 0200Z Rules
YLRL DX/NA YL Anniversary Contest Oct 21 1400Z Oct 23 0200Z Rules
Stew Perry Topband Challenge Oct 21 1500Z Oct 22 1500Z Rules
Illinois QSO Party Oct 22 1700Z Oct 23 0100Z Rules
CQ Worldwide DX Contest, SSB Oct 28 0000Z Oct 29 2359Z Rules
Ukrainian DX Contest Nov 4 1200Z Nov 5 1200Z Rules
ARRL Sweepstakes Contest, CW Nov 4 2100Z Nov 6 0300Z Rules
     -[Contest data courtesy of the WA7BNM Contest Calendar ]