DX Code of Conduct

The Eastern Iowa DX Bulletin
Number 258, January 24, 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
      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

5N, NIGERIA. The Rebel DX Group's 5N9DTG operation from Nigeria, which was expected to start on January 25th, has been postponed due to flight cancellations. "It looks like the next available flight for us will be around January 30th", they say. Bookmark https://www.facebook.com/rebeldxgroup for updates.
-[425DXN # 1760 January 25, 2025]  (0124-0131)

5Z, KENYA. Scott, WA5A is QRV as 5Z4/WA5A from Ruaka. Activity is on 40 to 10 meters using mostly SSB. His length of stay is unknown. QSL via WA5A.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 2 January 9, 2025]  (0110-0131)

7P, LESOTHO. Mark, KW4XJ, and his daughter Arina, KO4PZT (13 years old), are active until mid-2025 as 7P8AB and 7P8NB. QSL via KW4XJ.
-[DXNL # 2439 January 1, 2025]  (0103-0207)

8R, GUYANA. Aldir, PY1SAD will be active again as 8R1TM from Georgetown, Guyana from January 1st to February 8th. He will operate CW, SSB and digital modes on all bands and via satellite. QSL via LoTW, eQSL, QRZ Logbook, or direct via PY1SAD.
-[425DXN # 1755 December 21, 2024]  (1227-0207)

8Q, MALDIVES. Ilian, LZ5KW is QRV as 8Q7KW for two weeks. Activity is on 80 to 10 meters using mainly CW with some SSB and FT8. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 4 January 23, 2025]  (0124-0207)

9A, CROATIA. Throughout 2025 Tom, 9A2AA will use 9A68AA to mark his 68 years of activity on the amateur radio bands. QSL via 9A2AA.
-[425DXN # 1759 January 18, 2025]  (0117-0207)

9X, RWANDA. Harold, DF2WO will be active again as 9X2AW from Rwanda from January 27th to February 15th. Usually he operates CW, SSB and FT8/FT4 on 160-6 meters, and via QO-100. QSL via MØOXO's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1760 January 25, 2025]  (0124-0214)

A9, BAHRAIN. Special callsign A91ØØIARU is for the Bahrain Amateur Radio Society's  celebration of the 100th anniversary of the International Amateur Radio Union. Look for activity for five days each month during 2025. QSL via EC6DX.
-[425DXN # 1760 January 25, 2025]  (0124-0214)

C5, THE GAMBIA. Przemo, SP3PS is QRV as C5SP until mid-March. Activity is on 20 to 10 meters using SSB and FT8. QSL to SP3PS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 3 January 16, 2025]  (0117-0314)

CE9, ANTARCTICA. David, F4FKT is QRV as FT4YM from Concordia Base (AN-017) until the end of January. Activity is in his spare time on 20, 17, and 15 meters. Visits to the Zuccheli, Cassey or Dumont d'Urville bases are also possible. QSL via F5PFP.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 4 January 23, 2025]  (0124-0131)

CE9, ANTARCTICA. Oleg, ZS1ANF, signs ZS7ANF during January from Wolf's Fang Runway (WAP MNB-12) or Echo Camp (WP MNB-20). QSL via RK1PWA or DL5EBE.
-[DXNL # 2442 January 22, 2025]  (0124-0131)

CE9, ANTARCTICA. Denney, VU2DGR is QRV with special callsign AT44I from the Bharati Research Station at Larsemann Hills to commemorate the 44th Indian Scientific Expedition to the southern continent. QSL to VU2DGR.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 3 January 16, 2025]  (0117-0207)

CE9, ANTARCTICA. Felix, DL5XL will be QRV as DP1POL from the German research station Neumayer III, IOTA AN-016, from January 12th to February 25th. Activity will be in his spare time on the HF bands using mostly CW with some SSB and various digital modes. QSL via DL1ZBO.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 2 January 9, 2025]  (0110-0228)

CN, MOROCCO. Ralf, DB4REB will be active as CN2REB while vacationing in Morocco from November 30th to January 30, 2025. He plans to operate CW, FT8 and SSB on various bands from Agadir and some POTA sites along the coast. See https://www.qrz.com/db/CN2REB for updates. QSL via eQSL, or DB4REB.
-[425DXN # 1751 November 23, 2024]  (1129-0131)

DXCC TOP TWENTY. Here are the top 20 entities on ClubLog’s "DXCC Most Wanted" list as of January 23, 2025:
   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 January 24, 2025  (0124-0214)

DL, GERMANY. Special callsign DAØLH (special DOK 25ILLW), associated with the lighship Laesoe Rende, will be active throughout 2025. QSL via DK5ON, ClubLog's OQRS, LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2442 January 22, 2025]  (0124-0214)

DL, GERMANY. Special callsign DL1ØØDM celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Deutsches Museum (German Museum) in Munich during 2025. QSL via DL8FA.
-[DXNL # 2442 January 22, 2025]  (0124-0214)

DL, GERMANY. Special callsign DL2Ø25C celebrates Chemnitz as one of the European Capitals of Culture 2025 from January 18th until March 31st. In addition, DL2Ø25B, DL2Ø25E, DL2Ø25W, and DL2Ø25S will also be active, marking previous German cities similarly honored (Berlin, Essen, Weimar) and the DARC district Saxony, where Chemnitz is located. An award program is also available; see https://www.2025c.de. QSL only in various digital forms.
-[DXNL # 2441 January 15, 2025]  (0117-0328)

FM, MARTINIQUE. Dom, F4IFF will be active as FM/F4IFF from Martinique (NA-107) on January 19th to 27th. He will operate SSB and digital modes on the HF bands, and will use ClubLog's Live Stream. QSL direct to EB7DX.
-[425DXN # 1759 January 18, 2025]  (0117-0131)

FO/M, MARQUESAS IS. A large multi-national team will be active as TX7N from Hiva Oa, Marquesas Islands (OC-027) on January 12th-27th. They will operate CW, SSB and digital modes on 160-6 meters with five stations. In addition to TX7N, other three special callsigns will be used: TX7MAS to be used for EME and satellite; TX7WW to be used during the CQ WW 160-Meter CW Contest (January 24th-26th); TX1ØØREF in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Reseau des Emetteurs Francais, to be used during the French HF Championship CW (January 26th-27th). See https://tx7n.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/TX7N25 for more information and updates. QSL exclusively via ClubLog's OQRS and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1756 December 28, 2024]  (0110-0131)

G, ENGLAND. Special callsign GB7ØRS is celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Radio Society of Great Britain's weekly news service (GB2RS), which has been running continuously since September 25, 1955 (https://rsgb.org/main/gb2rs/). GB7ØRS is operated by the radio amateurs who work to deliver GB2RS each week, both the editorial staff at RSGB HQ and the newsreaders spread around the UK and Crown Dependencies who transmit it every Sunday. QSL via the bureau, LoTW and eQSL.
-[425DXN # 1758 January 11, 2025]  (0110-0131)

GM, SCOTLAND. Terry, GM3WUX will be QRV as GB2ØØLB from January 4th to 31st to celebrate the bicentenary of the invention of the Braille code. Activity is on the HF bands using mainly CW. QSL via MØOXO's OQRS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 1 January 2, 2025]  (0103-0131)

GW, WALES. Kev, GWØPUH will be active as GB9KW on January 1st-28th using vintage equipment manufactured by KW Electronics Ltd during the 1960s and 1970s. Main activity will be over the "KW Weekend" (January 4th-5th). Other special callsigns are expected to be on the air, notably GB2KW from Scotland, GB5KWD and GB6KW from England, and possibly others. QSL via operator's instructions.
-[425DXN # 1756 December 28, 2024]  (1227-0131)

HB, SWITZERLAND. Special callsign HB2ØSOTA celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Swiss SOTA Group (HB9SOTA) throughout 2025. A certificate will be available, see https://hb9sota.ch/en/ for more information.
-[425DXN # 1758 January 11, 2025]  (0110-0131)

HR, HONDURAS. Sejo, N3UA is QRV as HQ9Y from Roatan Island (NA-057) until February 1st. Activity is on all bands. QSL via E73Y.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 4 January 23, 2025]  (0124-0131)

I, ITALY. Team IG9/S51V will participate in the CQ WW 160-Meter CW Contest (January 24th-25th) as a Multi-Single entry from Lampedusa Island (AF-019). Outside the contest from January 19th-29th, look for team members S51V, S52OT, S52P, S54W, S56DX, S57UN, S58MU, S59A, S59ZZ, IV3CTS and YT3H to be QRV as IG9/home call on the HF bands. QSL via home calls.
-[425DXN # 1758 January 11, 2025]  (0117-0131)

I, ITALY. Throughout 2025 ARI Fidenza will use a series of special callsigns, each representing one of the many patents registered by Guglielmo Marconi between 1897 and 1926: II4FPEN (January), II4FPUS (February), II4SHLD (March), II4GHPR (April), II4JGGR (May), II4RXOS (June), II4COHR (July), II4LDMA (August), II4RADS (September), II4WLTX (October), II4EACC (November) and II4TJTB (December). Information about the "Marconi - Patented By" award: http://www.arifidenza.it/. QSL via IQ4FE and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1757 January 4, 2025]  (0103-0207)

J5, GUINEA-BISSAU. Livio, IZ3BUR will be active again as J52EC from Guinea-Bissau from January 26th to March 1st. In his spare time, he will be QRV on 20, 15 and 10 meters SSB and possibly digital modes. QSL direct to IZ3BUR.
-[425DXN # 1757 January 4, 2025]  (0124-0228)

JD1/M, MINAMI TORISHIMA. Take, JG8NQJ/JD1 is currently QRV from Minami Torishima until March 1st. His QSL manager reports that at the end of January Take will QRT on 10 meters and be active on 12 meters instead. Also, sometime in late January to early February he will be able to be QRV on 20 meters. Take operates mainly CW in his spare time. QSL via the bureau to JG8NQJ, or direct to JA8CJY.
-[425DXN # 1759 January 18, 2025]  (0117-0207)

JW, SVALBARD. Kristoffer, LBØVG and Stian, LB5SH will be active from Longyearbyen (EU-026), Svalbard from about 1500 UTC on January 24th until around 1000 UTC on January 26th (https://lb5sh.no/). They will operate SSB and CW as JW2T, and FY8/FT4 as JW/LB5SH, with two stations on 160-10 meters. QSOs will be uploaded to ClubLog, whose Livestreams feature will be enabled. QSL JW2T via LoTW, QRZ Logbook, or via EA5GL. QSL JW/LB5SH via LoTW and QRZ Logbook (no paper cards).
-[425DXN # 1759 January 18, 2025]  (0124-0131)

K, UNITED STATES. The Straight Key Century Club's annual on-air event, commemorating the club's founding in 2006 and celebrating the original instruments of early radiotelegraphy (straight key, bug and cootie keys), will run on January 2nd-31st. Look for K3Y to be aired from the ten US call areas (K3Y/Ø through K3Y/9), plus /KH6, /KL7 and /KP4. Information on the event and QSL instructions can be found on https://skccgroup.com/k3y/k3y.php.
-[425DXN # 1756 December 28, 2024]  (1227-0131)

LA, NORWAY. Special callsign LA1ØØA marks the centenary of the first amateur radio contact between Norway and the USA in 1925, when Johannes Diesen, LA1A, and U1YB (Dartmouth College) had a QSO on November 25th of that year. QSL via LA1ØØA, LoTW, qrz.com.
-[DXNL # 2442 January 22, 2025]  (0124-0214)

LZ, BULGARIA. Radio Club Blagovestnik (LZ1KCP) will use six special callsigns during 2025 to honor as many different Orthodox saints: LZ4Ø3ES (January and February), LZ372SG (March and April), LZ286MDK (May and June), LZ591MK (July and August), LZ117ME (September and October) and LZ3Ø6WW (November and December). Details on the "All Saints 2025 Award" can be found at https://www.lz1kcp.com/. QSL via the bureau or direct to P.O. Box 36, 4300 Karlovo, Bulgaria.
-[425DXN # 1758 January 11, 2025]  (0110-0131)

OH, FINLAND. Special callsign OF6ØAP celebrates the Central Uusimaa Radio Amateurs Association (OH2AP) 60th anniversary throughout 2025. A certificate will be available, see https://oh2ap.fi/?page_id=491. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1758 January 11, 2025]  (0110-0131)

P2, PAPUA NEW GUINEA. Xu, BG5DON is QRV as P29XZ near Port Moresby while on work assignment. Activity is in his spare time, mostly during the weekends, on 20, 17, 15, 10, and 6 meters using FT8 with low power. QSL to BG5DON.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 4 January 23, 2025]  (0124-0214)

P4, ARUBA. Mathias, DL4MM is QRV as P4ØAA until January 28th. Activity is on the HF bands. This includes being an entry in the upcoming CQ 160 Meter CW contest (January 24th-26th). QSL to DL4MM.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 3 January 16, 2025]  (0117-0131)

PJ2, CURACAO. PD1DRE will be active as PJ2/PD1DRE from January 14th to February 4th. He will operate SSB on 40, 20 and 10 meters. QSL via eQSL.
-[425DXN # 1757 January 4, 2025]  (0110-0207)

PJ2, CURACAO. Thaire, W2APF will be active as PJ2/W2APF from January 12th to April 8th. He will operate CW, SSB and FT8 on 80-10 meters. QSL via LoTW or W2APF.
-[425DXN # 1757 January 4, 2025]  (0110-0404)

PJ7, SINT MAARTEN. Jeff, VA3QSL will be active holiday style as PJ7/VA3QSL from Sint Maarten (NA-105) from January 27th to February 16th. He will operate SSB, CW and digital modes on 40-6 meters. QSLs via LoTW, or VA3QSL.
-[425DXN # 1756 December 28, 2024]  (0124-0221)

SU, EGYPT. Vladimir, UA4WHX is QRV as SU9VB and has been active on 20, 12, and 10 meters using CW. QSL to UA4WHX.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 4 January 23, 2025]  (0124-0214)

TG, GUATEMALA. Dwight, VE7BV is QRV as TG9BBV until January 28th. Activity is on 40 to 6 meters using CW, SSB, and FT8. QSL to VE7BV, LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 3 January 16, 2025]  (0117-0131)

TJ, CAMEROON. Thierry, TK1CX is QRV as TJ/TK1CX until the end of February. Activity is in his spare time on 20 to 10 meters using mostly FT8 and low power. QSL via LoTW, eQSL, or EA5ZD.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 47 December 19, 2024]  (1220-0228)

TY, BENIN. Gerard, F5NVF is QRV as TY5C from Godomey until April 2nd. Activity is holiday style on 80 to 6 meters using CW, SSB, and FT8. QSL direct to F5RAV, or via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 2 January 9, 2025]  (0110-0404)

TZ, MALI. Ulmar, DK1CE will be active again as TZ1CE from Bamako, Mali from January 28th until February 20th. Usually, he operates mainly SSB and FT8 on 160-6 meters. QSOs will be uploaded to ClubLog and LoTW and will be confirmed automatically via the bureau.
-[425DXN # 1759 January 18, 2025]  (0124-0221)

V4, ST. KITTS & NEVIS. John, W5JON, returns to St. Kitts (NA-104) and operates as V47JA from January 26th to February 5th on 160-6m (SSB, FT8). QSL via W5JON, LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2442 January 22, 2025]  (0124-0207)

VK, AUSTRALIA. Reminder: under a permanent agreement with the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), all Australian radio amateurs may use the alternative AX callsign prefix instead of VK on Australia Day (January 26th), ANZAC Day (April 25th) and World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (May 17th).
-[425DXN # 1760 January 25, 2025]  (0124-0207)

VP5, TURKS & CAICOS. Tony, KD8RTT will be QRV as VP5/KD8RTT from Providenciales Island (NA-002) from January 28th to February 2nd. Activity will be on the HF bands using some FT8 and FT4, with a focus on various Satellites. QSL to KD8RTT.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 4 January 23, 2025]  (0124-0207)

VP5, TURKS & CAICOS. Gerhard, OE3GEA will be QRV as VP5/OE3GEA from Providenciales Island (NA-002) from January 23rd to 26th. Activity is on the HF bands. QSL via OE3GEA, ClubLog, LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 3 January 16, 2025]  (0117-0131)

VU, INDIA. Special callsign AU75BSG will be used by members of the Rajapalayam International Radio Communicator's Club (VU2IRD) to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Bharat Scouts & Guides. QSL via VU2JFF.
-[DXNL # 2442 January 22, 2025]  (0124-0214)

YB, INDONESIA. Emmanuel, F5LIT expects to be active again as YB9/F5LIT from Bali Island (OC-022) from January 28th to February 18th. He usually operates SSB on 40-10 meters. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS, LoTW, or direct to F5LIT.
-[425DXN # 1760 January 25, 2025]  (0124-0221)

YB, INDONESIA. Jozef, ON6HX is guest operating as YB9/ON6HX from Lombok Island (OC-150) until February 6th. QSL via ON6HX, LoTW, and eQSL.
-[425DXN # 1757 January 4, 2025]  (0103-0207)

ZD7, ST. HELENA. Giovanni, IZ2DPX will be QRV as ZD7DPX from January 21st to February 3rd. Activity will be on the HF bands using SSB and FT8. QSL via IK2DUW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 3 January 16, 2025]  (0117-0207)

ZS, SOUTH AFRICA. Special event stations ZS1ØØSARL, ZS6SRL, and ZS9HQ are QRV during all of 2025 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the South African Relay League. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 4 January 23, 2025]  (0124-0214)




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 Wednesday, January 22nd through yesterday, January 29th.

The average solar flux was 183, down 40 points from the previous week, with a weekly high of 215 on Thursday, January 23rd, followed by a low of 162 on January 27th.

The average sunspot count was 144, down by 29 from last week, peaking at 169 on Thursday, January 23rd followed by a weekly low of 128 on January 28th.

The Planetary K-index weekly average was 2.6 with a maximum of 3.7 on Tuesday, January 28th, indicating generally quiet geomagnetic conditions. Yesterday's K-index maximum was 2.7 with generally quiet conditions.

Solar flare activity since January 23rd has been quiet with only 3 major flares, the largest of which was an M 2.7 event on Friday, January 24th.

Propagation Data
Major solar flares, Thursday, January 23rd through 1342 UTC, January 30th.

  #     Date     UTC     Mag.  
1 Jan 28  1945  M 1.7 
2 Jan 27  0812  M 2.6 
3 Jan 24  2104  M 2.7 

   (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 
 Jan 30 35%5%170
 Jan 31 35%5%170
 Feb 1 35%5%165

Looking farther ahead, here is the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center forecast of 10.7 cm radio flux and maximum Planetary K-index (Kp) for the next 12 days. This data is updated by NOAA every Monday (last updated on January 27, 2025).

 Date   Flux   Kp 
 Jan 30 1502
 Jan 31 1503
 Feb 1 1453
 Feb 2 1505
 Date   Flux  Kp 
 Feb 3 1654
 Feb 4 1604
 Feb 5 1654
 Feb 6 1603
 Date   Flux  Kp 
 Feb 7 1552
 Feb 8 1502
 Feb 9 1453
 Feb 10 1404

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.

A Hole in the Sun's Atmosphere
A large hole in the sun's atmosphere is directly facing Earth and blowing a stream of solar wind in our direction. Estimated time of arrival: Jan. 31st or Feb. 1st. Minor G1-class geomagnetic storms are possible when the gaseous material reaches Earth.
(Copyright © SpaceWeather.com January 29, 2025. Republished by permission.)

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
CQ 160-Meter Contest, CW Jan 24 2200Z Jan 26 2159Z Rules
BARTG RTTY Sprint Jan 25 1200Z Jan 26 1200Z Rules
Winter Field Day Jan 25 1700Z Jan 26 1700Z Rules
Vermont QSO Party Feb 1 0000Z Feb 2 2400Z Rules
10-10 Int. Winter Contest, SSB Feb 1 0001Z Feb 2 2359Z Rules
Mexico RTTY International Contest Feb 1 1200Z Feb 2 2359Z Rules
Minnesota QSO Party Feb 1 1400Z Feb 1 2400Z Rules
British Columbia QSO Party Feb 1 1600Z Feb 2 2400Z Rules
North American Sprint, CW Feb 2 0000Z Feb 2 0359Z Rules
CQ WW RTTY WPX Contest Feb 8 0000Z Feb 9 2400Z Rules
ARRL School Club Roundup Feb 10 1300Z Feb 14 2359Z Rules
ARRL Inter. DX Contest, CW Feb 15 0000Z Feb 16 2400Z Rules
CQ 160-Meter Contest, SSB Feb 21 2200Z Feb 23 2159Z Rules
South Carolina QSO Party Feb 22 1500Z Feb 23 0159Z Rules
North American QSO Party, RTTY Feb 22 1800Z Feb 23 0600Z Rules
North Carolina QSO Party Feb 23 1500Z Feb 24 0100Z Rules
ARRL Inter. DX Contest, SSB Mar 1 0000Z Mar 2 2400Z Rules
Open Ukraine RTTY Championship Mar 1 1800Z Mar 2 1359Z Rules
YB DX RTTY Contest Mar 8 0000Z Mar 8 2359Z Rules
Oklahoma QSO Party Mar 8 1400Z Mar 9 2100Z Rules
Stew Perry Topband Challenge Mar 8 1500Z Mar 9 1500Z Rules
Idaho QSO Party Mar 8 1900Z Mar 9 1900Z Rules
North American Sprint, RTTY Mar 9 0000Z Mar 9 0359Z Rules
Wisconsin QSO Party Mar 9 1800Z Mar 10 0100Z Rules
BARTG HF RTTY Contest Mar 15 0200Z Mar 17 0200Z Rules
Russian DX Contest Mar 15 1200Z Mar 16 1200Z Rules
Virginia QSO Party Mar 15 1400Z Mar 16 2400Z Rules
North American SSB Sprint Contest Mar 23 0000Z Mar 23 0400Z Rules
CQ WW WPX Contest, SSB Mar 29 0000Z Mar 30 2400Z Rules
Louisiana QSO Party Apr 5 1400Z Apr 6 0200Z Rules
SP DX Contest Apr 5 1500Z Apr 6 1500Z Rules
JIDX CW Contest Apr 12 0700Z Apr 13 1300Z Rules
New Mexico QSO Party Apr 12 1400Z Apr 13 0200Z Rules
Georgia QSO Party Apr 12 1800Z Apr 13 2359Z Rules
ARRL Rookie Roundup, SSB Apr 13 1800Z Apr 13 2359Z Rules
Holyland DX Contest Apr 18 2100Z Apr 19 2100Z Rules
YU DX Contest Apr 19 0700Z Apr 20 0659Z Rules
Michigan QSO Party Apr 19 1600Z Apr 20 0400Z Rules
Ontario QSO Party Apr 19 1800Z Apr 20 1800Z Rules
Quebec QSO Party Apr 20 1200Z Apr 20 2200Z Rules
Florida QSO Party Apr 26 1600Z Apr 27 2159Z Rules
     -[Contest data courtesy of the WA7BNM Contest Calendar ]