The
Eastern Iowa DX Bulletin
Number
282, July 11, 2025
Craig Fastenow, KØCF, Editor
This bulletin is a compilation of currently active DX operations (or those that will become active within the current week) from recent issues of the three DX bulletins listed below and other sources. Credit for the source is given at the end of each article.
Articles are ordered by the entity's callsign prefix from the ARRL DXCC Entities List. Callsigns used are in bold with dates of operation highlighted in red. Clickable links are provided for QSL and other information wherever possible. Note that articles may be edited for grammar, language, style and accuracy and will remain in The Bulletin while active; articles that are announcements of ongoing operations, or that have no specified end date, will be removed after three weeks.
Also included is a Propagation section, updated daily; and a Contest Calendar of upcoming popular contests.
DX News
items are courtesy of:
The ARRL DX Bulletin
This bulletin is available via email
subscription only. See
http://www.arrl.org/bulletins
to subscribe. (The online archive is no
longer updated.)
425 DX News, A.R.I. DX Bulletin (425DXN)
Edited by Mauro Pregliasco, I1JQJ
& Valeria Pregliasco, IK1ADH
425 DX News Home Page: https://www.425dxn.org/
425 DX News Google Group: https://groups.google.com/g/425eng
DX Newsletter (DXNL)
Edited by Andreas Salder, DK5ON
A weekly service of DARC Committee
"DX", http://www.darcdxhf.de
Propagation data is from:
National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration's
Space Weather Prediction
Center
Dr. Tony Phillips' SpaceWeather.com,
used by permission
Contest data
courtesy of the WA7BNM
Contest Calendar
DX
News
5B, CYPRUS.
WJ2O signs 5B/WJ2O
from July 10th to
15th. QSL via N2NZ, LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2466 July 9, 2025] (0711-0718)
8Q, MALDIVES.
Maxim, OH7O will be active as 8Q7YY
from the Maldives (AS-013) on July
17th-25th. He will operate SSB (FT8 "from time to time")
on 40, 20, 17, 15, 12, 10 and 6 meters. QSL via LoTW. "No QSL cards are
planned, but if a strong interest is expressed, I will discuss with a
QSL manager".
-[425DXN # 1784 July 12, 2025] (0711-0725)
BY, CHINA.
Members of the Chinese Radio Amateurs Club will be active during the
IARU HF Championship (July 12th-13th) as B1HQ, B4HQ, B5HQ, and B7HQ.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 28 July 10, 2025] (0711-0718)
C9, MOZAMBIQUE.
OK8AU, UA3QLC, and R7AL activate Chiloane Island (AF-098) from July 13th to 19th
as C93RRC
on HF (CW, SSB, FT8). QSL via ClubLog's OQRS.
-[DXNL # 2466 July 9, 2025] (0711-0718)
CN, MOROCCO.
Andre, HB9HLM will be active holiday style as CN2NE from Morocco on July 15th-22nd.
He will be QRV on 40-6 meters from grid locator IM63dm. QSL via eQSL
and QRZ Logbook; he does not plan to have paper cards.
-[425DXN # 1783 July 5, 2025] (0711-0725)
CN, MOROCCO.
Michel, F5LRL will be QRV as CN2DX
near Kenitra from June
25th to August 30th.
Activity is on 40 to 6 meters using CW, SSB, and FT8 generally during
his early morning (0500-1000 UTC) and evening (1800-2200 UTC) hours.
QSL via F5LRL.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 25 June 19, 2025] (0620-0829)
CT, PORTUGAL.
Special event station CR5Q
will be active on July
14th-20th for the 43rd International Motorcycle Rally in
Faro, Portugal. Expect activity on 80-6 meters SSB, CW and digital
modes. QSL via CT1EHX.
-[425DXN # 1784 July 12, 2025] (0711-0725)
DL, GERMANY.
Members of the local chapters in the Ruhr District of the DARC will be
active as DL25WUG
on July 16th-27th
during the FISU Summer World University Games. All QSOs will be
confirmed via the bureau; QSOs will be uploaded to LoTW, ClubLog, QRZ
Logbook and DCL.
-[425DXN # 1784 July 12, 2025] (0711-0801)
DL, GERMANY.
Special event station DFØELM
celebrates an anniversary of their local municipality on July 14th (0800-1600z)
on 80, 40, 20, and 10m (CW, SSB, FT8). QRV from the castle Warberg
located in POTA DE-0077, WWFF DL-0055, COTA NSB 101, WCA DL-03040. QSL
via bureau, eQSL.
-[DXNL # 2466 July 9, 2025] (0711-0718)
DL, GERMANY.
Special callsign DLØSOP
will be active on
July 1st-31st for the 67th edition of the Sea of Peace
Award (see https://dl0sop.darc.de/
for full details). QSL via ClubLog's OQRSS,
LoTW and eQSL.
-[425DXN # 1782 June 28, 2025] (0627-0801)
DXCC TOP TWENTY.
Here are the top 20 entities on ClubLog’s "DXCC Most Wanted" list as of
July 11, 2025:
1. P5 DPRK
(North Korea) 11. 3Y/B Bouvet
Island
2. BS7H Scarborough
Reef 12.
VKØM Macquarie Island
3. CEØX San Felix
Islands 13.
KH4 Midway 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.
EZ
Turkmenistan 20.
FT/T Tromelin Island
For the complete list, see
https://clublog.org/mostwanted.php
-[KØCF July 11, 2025 (0711-0801)
EI, IRELAND.
Gordon, G3PXT will be active as EJ3VP
from Arranmore Island (EU-121) from June 25th to July 2nd,
and from Inisheer Island (EU-006) on July 25th-30th,
IOTA Contest included. He will operate SSB on 80-6 meters. These
operations are part of a three-month tour of Ireland (EI/G3PXT/p and
EI3VP/p) and Northern Ireland (GI3PXT/p) that started on June 4th and
will end on September 5th.
-[425DXN # 1782 June 28, 2025] (0627-0801)
F, FRANCE.
Special callsign TM5VDL
will be active on July
5th-19th from Dunkirk during the second stage of this
year's edition of the Tall Ships Races. QSL via F8KGS.
-[425DXN # 1783 July 5, 2025] (0704-0725)
F, FRANCE.
Nicolas, F4HCG will be active as F4HCG/p
from Noirmoutier Island (EU-064) on July 5th-18th.
He will operate SSB on 80, 40, 20, 15 and 10 meters.
-[425DXN # 1782 June 28, 2025] (0704-0718)
F, FRANCE.
French special callsigns to be activated for this year's 112th edition
of the Tour de France include:
TM25TDF
by Radio Club Emettre from July
2nd to 26th, QSL via F5KMY.
TM59TDF
by Radio Club de l'Agglomeration Dunkerquoise on July 5th-19th,
QSL via F8KGS and eQSL
TM112TDF
by F8GGZ from July
5th to 26th, QSL via eQSL only.
-[425DXN # 1782 June 28, 2025] (0627-0725)
FP, ST. PIERRE
& MIQUELON. Once again Eric, KV1J will be active
as FP/KV1J
from Miquelon Island (NA-032) from June 28th to July 14th,
including activity in the IARU HF World Championship (July 12th-13th).
He plans to operate SSB and FT8, plus some CW and FT4, on 80-6 meters,
"generally on the highest frequency band open" with a focus on 12, 10
and 6m. See http://www.kv1j.com/fp/July25.html
for more information. This trip is in memory of Jean-Pierre, FP5CJ, who
passed away in September 2024. QSL via LoTW, ClubLog's OQRS,
eQSL, or via KV1J.
-[425DXN # 1780 June 14, 2025] (0627-0718)
G, ENGLAND.
During the IARU HF World Championship (July 12th-13th)
five stations -GBØWR,
GB2WR, GB5WR, GB8WR, and GB9WR
- will be active on 80-10 meters SSB and CW and tested under field
conditions. They will be using the exact planned equipment for the WRTC
2026 event as a trial. The operating location will be a cluster of
sites within the grounds of the Euston Estate, Suffolk (England). There
will be two awards available for chasers during this event, complete
information on https://www.wrtc2026.org/wrtc-test-event-july-2025/.
-[425DXN # 1783 July 5, 2025] (0711-0718)
GM, SCOTLAND.
HQ multiplier GR2HQ
will represent the UK during the IARU HF Championship (July 12th-13th).
Also, the RSGB is organizing the GR2HQ Challenge to encourage ops to
work the GR2HQ stations in each of the 12 band mode slots.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 28 July 10, 2025] (0711-0718)
HB, SWITZERLAND. The 2025 UEFA
Women's Championship will run from July 2nd to 27th
in Switzerland, and eight special event stations will be active from
the host cities throughout July:
HB2Ø25BA
(Basel),
HB2Ø25BE
(Bern),
HB2Ø25GE
(Geneve),
HB2Ø25LU
(Lucerne),
HB2Ø25SG
(St. Gallen),
HB2Ø25SI
(Sion),
HB2Ø25TH
(Thun), and
HB2Ø25ZH
(Zurich).
Certificates will be available for contacts made on CW, Phone
and/or Digital. See https://www.qrz.com/db/HB2025BA
for the details. QSL via LoTW only, paper cards will not be provided.
-[425DXN # 1782 June 28, 2025] (0627-0801)
HL, SOUTH KOREA.
Special event station HL7ØKARL commemorates
the 70th anniversary of the Korean Amateur Radio League (KARL), first
established on April 20, 1955. QSL via LoTW; paper cards will not be
available.
-[425DXN # 1783 July 5, 2025] (0704-0725)
HR, HONDURAS.
Team HQ9HC
(namely W5BAK, W5HV, WA5LEE, WB5HJV and WP4VW) will be active from
Roatan Island (NA-057) on July
14th-20th. Activity will be "all bands, all modes". See https://www.qrz.com/db/HQ9HC
for the QSL route.
-[425DXN # 1784 July 12, 2025] (0711-0725)
HS, THAILAND.
The Asian Team Nr 3 for WRTC 2026 will be testing their equipment
during the IARU HF Championship (July 12th-13th) this year as E21WRTC. They will
also be QRV before and after the contest from July 12th until August 10th.
QSL via E21EIC, LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 28 July 10, 2025] (0711-0815)
I, ITALY.
HQ multipliers II1HQ,
II2HQ, II4HQ, II6HQ and II9HQ
will represent the Associazione Radioamatori Italiani (ARI) on the six
contest bands, both CW and SSB, during next weekend's IARU HF World
Championship (July
12th-13th). See https://hqspeedaward.ari.it
for the "IIxHQ Speed Award", with certificates for working ARI HQ
stations on different bands and modes in the shortest possible time.
-[425DXN # 1783 July 5, 2025] (0711-0718)
J3, GRENADA.
Eric, GM5RDX will be active as J38DX
on 80-6 meters with two stations at the same time from July 5th to July 13th.
"I expect to have an FT8 station operational soon after my arrival on
Saturday evening, with the SSB station being set up on Sunday morning",
he says. "Band conditions permitting, I expect to be fully operational
with two stations by around 11am Sunday (1600 UTC)". Graham, 2MØIJU
(J38LD), who had planned to accompany Eric, had to cancel his trip to
Grenada at the last moment. QSL via MØOXO's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1783 July 5, 2025] (0704-0725)
JW, SVALBARD.
Vlad, OK2WX will be active as JWØV
from Longyearbyen (EU-026), Svalbard on July 14th-23rd.
He will operate CW, SSB and FT8 on 80-10 meters. See https://www.mdxc.support/jw0v/
for more information. QSL via I8KHC and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1783 July 5, 2025] (0711-0725)
JX, JAN MAYEN.
Peter, LB2OG is QRV as JX/LB2OG
while on work assignment. Activity is in his spare time and currently
on 40 and 20 meters, and possibly other higher bands, using SSB and
FT8. His length of stay is unknown. QSL to LB2OG.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 26 June 26, 2025] (0627-0718)
KHØ, MARIANA IS.
John, WB6Z, signs KHØ/WB6Z
from July 10th to
15th on 160-6m (CW, SSB, FT4/8) from Saipan (OC-086). QSL
via JF1OCQ, LoTW, ClubLog's OQRS,
qrz.com.
-[DXNL # 2466 July 9, 2025] (0711-0718)
LY, LITHUANIA.
Ric, DL2VFR, has embarked on a trip covering several countries along
the Baltic Sea coast. He is active as LY/DL2VFR until July 13th.
Further on his way, we expect YL/DL2VFR,
ESØ/DL2VFR
(EU-034), ES/DL2VFR,
and OH/DL2VFR.
QSL via DL2VFR.
-[DXNL # 2466 July 9, 2025] (0711-0718)
OE, AUSTRIA.
The special event stations OE2XXM
and OE5XXM
get on the air around the 39th international ham meeting in Gosau. QRV
during July and
September on 80, 40, 2m, and 70cm. For more information
see: https://www.qrz.com/db/oe2xxm
and https://www.qrz.com/db/oe5xxm.
QSL via bureau.
-[DXNL # 2466 July 9, 2025] (0711-0801)
OX, GREENLAND.
Bo, OZ1DJJ will be active again as OX3LX
from Nuuk, Greenland (NA-018) from July 14th to 29th.
One- or two-day trips to IOTA group NA-220 are possible. As always,
this will be a working trip, and he will be QRV only in his spare time.
QSL via OZØJ, ClubLog's OQRS
and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1784 July 12, 2025] (0711-0801)
PJ2, CURACAO.
This year the Dave Kalter Youth DX Adventure will see a team of four
teenagers (namely AD8FQ, AD8IR, KJ5CMP, and KJ5JR) be active again as PJ2Y from Curacao
(SA-099) on July
17th-22nd. More information on https://youthdxa.org.
-[425DXN # 1784 July 12, 2025] (0711-0725)
SP, POLAND.
Special callsign SN92LOT
will be active on July
1st-31st
to commemorate the 92nd anniversary of the ill-fated flight of
Lithuanian pilots Steponas Darius and Stasys Girenas. On July 15, 1933,
they attempted a nonstop flight from New York City to Kaunas in a small
airplane named "Lituanica". After crossing the Atlantic Ocean, they
crashed on July 17 when they were only 400 miles short of their final
destination. QSL via SP1PMY.
-[425DXN # 1781 June 21, 2025] (0627-0801)
SV/A, MOUNT
ATHOS. The DX World website reports that Monk Pausolipios
from the monastery Docheiariou plans to operate as SV2TOW/A with the
late Monk Apollo's equipment. Currently he is waiting for the necessary
permits from the Athos administration.
-[DXNL # 2466 July 9, 2025] (0711-0718)
T3Ø, WEST
KIRIBATI. Members of the Rebel DX Group are QRV as T3ØTTT from North
Tarawa until
September 8th. Activity is on 160 to 6 meters using CW,
SSB, FT8, and FT4 with up to 10 stations active. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 25 June 19, 2025] (0620-0905)
TF, ICELAND.
Michael, VE2XB will be active as TF/VE2XB
from Olafsvik, Iceland (EU-021) from July 11th to 25th.
He will operate CW and SSB on 80-10 meters. QSL via VE2XB.
-[425DXN # 1784 July 12, 2025] (0711-0725)
TY, BENIN.
Red, DL1BUG will be active again as TY5FR
from Cotonou, Benin from July
9th to August 6th. He will operate CW and SSB on 80-10
meters. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW, or via DL1BUG.
-[425DXN # 1783 July 5, 2025] (0704-0808)
TY, BENIN.
New station TY5AD
is sponsored and remotely controlled by the Russian DX Team. Hosted
near Cotonou, Benin, the station runs 100 watts into a vertical antenna
and can be operated on 80-10 meters. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
QSOs will be uploaded to LoTW within 2-3 days after that request.
-[425DXN # 1783 July 5, 2025] (0704-0725)
UAØ, ASIATIC
RUSSIA. Team RIØCR
(R3BY, R5EM, RU3EG, RU5D, RW3XA, RZ3EC and UA3EDQ) will be active from
Ustrichnyy Island (AS-114) on July
15th-20th. They will operate CW, SSB and digital modes on
40-10 meters. See https://robinsons.ru/ri0cr/
for more information. QSL via RZ3EC and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1779 June 7, 2025] (0711-0725)
V3, BELIZE.
Josh, W9HT will be QRV as V31GT
until July 14th.
He plans to operate in the IARU HF Championship (July 12th-13th) using
CW and SSB and maybe digital modes outside of the contest, as time
permits. QSL via W9HT.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 28 July 10, 2025] (0711-0718)
V4, ST. KITTS
& NEVIS. Pete, GØTLE will be QRV as V47EM from St. Kitts
(NA-104) from July
20th to August 2nd.
Activity will be holiday style, using CW and SSB on 80 to 10 meters,
including an entry in the IOTA contest. QSL via LoTW, OQRS or GØTLE.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 28 July 10, 2025] (0718-0801)
VE, CANADA.
Stuart, VA7QB, celebrates the IARU jubilee as XL7IARU during July on
CW, SSB, and FT8. QSL via VA7QB.
-[DXNL # 2461 June 4, 2025] (0627-0801)
VE, CANADA.
Pierre, VE3KTB will be active again as VYØERC from the
Eureka Amateur Radio Club station on Ellesmere Island (NA-008) from June 26th to July 24th.
He operates SSB, CW and FT8 on various bands when time permits. He
plans to operate as VYØRAC
during the RAC Canada Day Contest (July 1st). QSL via MØOXO's OQRS and
LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1781 June 21, 2025] (0620-0725)
YL, LATVIA.
Ric, DL2VFR, has embarked on a trip covering several countries along
the Baltic Sea coast. From July
13th to 19th, he signs YL/DL2VFR.
Further on his way, we expect ESØ/DL2VFR
from EU-034, ES/DL2VFR,
and OH/DL2VFR.
QSL via DL2VFR.
-[DXNL # 2466 July 9, 2025] (0711-0718)
YN, NICARAGUA.
Rafael, NN3RP will operate holiday style as YN2RP from July 12th to August 5th
on 40 to 10 meters using CW, SSB, RTTY, FT8 and FT4, and maybe via FM
satellites. QSL via NN3RP, ClubLog's OQRS
or LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 28 July 10, 2025] (0711-0808)
ZC4, UK
SOVEREIGN BASE AREAS ON CYPRUS. Adrian, GØKOM, expects to
get on the air as ZC4MK
from July 8th to
July 16th.
He plans to set up a Hex Beam if he can find a suitable mast and
location, and a wire antenna for 80-10m. QRV with 100W on CW and SSB.
QSL via GØKOM.
-[DXNL # 2466 July 9, 2025] (0711-0718)
ZD7, ST. HELENA.
Tim, NØUI, will be active as ZD7TIM
from July 5th to 13th
on 40-6m (CW, SSB, maybe RTTY), including a CW entry in the IARU HF
World Championship (July 12th-13th). QSL via NØUI, LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2465 July 2, 2025] (0704-0718)
ZD8, ASCENSION I.
Larry, KI6LT will be active as KI6LT/ZD8
from Ascension Island (AF-003) from July 15th to 21st.
In his spare time he will operate SSB on 40-10 meters.
-[425DXN # 1784 July 12, 2025] (0711-0725)
ZL, NEW ZEALAND.
HQ multiplier ZL6HQ
will be active in the IARU HF Championship (July 12th-13th),
with ZL3IO, Holger, operating.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 28 July 10, 2025] (0711-0718)
ZL, NEW ZEALAND.
Special callsign ZL1ØØIARU
will be used by New Zealand's IARU member society, NZART, to celebrate
the 100th anniversary of the International Amateur Radio Union until July 31st.
QSOs will be uploaded to QRZ Logbook and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1776 May 17, 2025] (0516-0801)
Propagation (Updated daily)
The Weekly Solar Data chart plots Solar Flux Index (SFI), Sunspot number (SSN) and Planetary K-Index (Kp) for the past 8 days. With 8 Planetary K-index readings each day, only the minimum, average and maximum K-index values are plotted. Note: You may click here or on the chart above to see the same data for the past month.
The Daily Solar Flux Index, Sunspot number, Planetary
K-index,
Solar Flux predictions and Solar Flare data used in this bulletin have
been collected by
KØCF from the U.S. Department of Commerce's NOAA
Space Weather Prediction Center.
The propagation graphs above are the creations of KØCF and are unique
in space weather reporting.
Please Note: The graphs are high resolution .PNG files which you may view in greater detail using your browser's "zoom" feature. Alternatively, right click on the graph and select "Open Image in New Tab" to enlarge it, or "Save Image As..." to save it to your computer for further analysis.
|
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! |
 |
Propagation
Summary
For the 8 day period from Sunday, July 6th through yesterday, July 13th.
The average solar flux was 126, up 3 points from the previous week,
with a weekly high of 139 on Saturday, July 12th, following
a low of 115 on July 8th.
The average sunspot count was 90, down by 27 from last week,
peaking at 102 on Sunday, July 13th after a
weekly low of 72 on July 10th.
The Planetary K-index weekly average was 3.8 with a
maximum of 5.3 on Monday, July 7th, indicating
a minor geomagnetic storm. Yesterday's K-index maximum was 4.7 with generally quiet conditions.
Solar flare activity since July 7th has been low with 5 major
flares, the largest of which was an M 2.4 event on Tuesday, July 8th.
Propagation
Data
Major solar flares, Monday, July 7th through 1311 UTC, July 14th.
| # | Date | UTC | Mag. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jul 12 | 1210 | M 1.6 |
| 2 | Jul 12 | 0834 | M 2.3 |
| 3 | Jul 12 | 0402 | M 1.4 |
| 4 | Jul 09 | 0425 | M 1.3 |
| 5 | Jul 08 | 0417 | M 2.4 |
(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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 14 | 50% | 5% | 125 |
| Jul 15 | 50% | 5% | 128 |
| Jul 16 | 50% | 5% | 130 |
Looking farther ahead, here is the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center forecast of 10.7 cm radio flux and maximum Planetary K-index (Kp) for the next 12 days. This data is updated by NOAA every Monday (last updated on July 14, 2025).
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|
|
Geomagnetic
Storm Watch (G1)
Minor
G1-class
geomagnetic storms are possible this weekend, July 12th or 13th, as
Earth enters a stream of high-speed solar wind. The gaseous material is
flowing from an
equatorial hole in the sun's atmosphere.
(Copyright © SpaceWeather.com July 12, 2025.
Republished by
permission.)
Global
D Region Absorption
Conditions in the D-region of the ionosphere
have a dramatic effect on HF communications. The D-Region Absorption
map combines the effects of solar particles and
photons. Yellow to red colors on the map depict increasing signal
attenuation, where the bar chart at the right displays attenuation
versus frequency. Click the
thumbnail below for an animated map of D-Region Absorption:
The Aurora
Borealis
The aurora is not only beautiful to see but can have a
profound impact on HF and VHF radio propagation. For the HF operator,
auroras can result in a complete shut-down of propagation. However, on
VHF, auroras present interesting DX possibilities. Beam antennas are
very desirable and should be pointed north, towards the aurora. Signals
are reflected by “back-scatter” and will be distorted with a rough
buzz. SSB is the best voice mode to use, but copy can be difficult. CW
will have a rough buzzy sound but be perfectly copyable. Click the
thumbnail below for an animated map of aurora versus time:
Highs
for Cycle 25
Solar Flux: 336 on
August 8, 2024.
Sunspots: 382 on August
10, 2024.
Popular
Propagation web sites
https://prop.kc2g.com/
(Excellent Maximum Usable Frequency map)
NOAA https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/
https://www.spaceweather.com/
https://www.solarham.com/
https://dx.qsl.net/propagation/
A Propagation
Tutorial
The solar X-ray flux tracks solar activity and solar flares.
Solar
flux, which can vary from as low as 50 to as high as 300, influences
the level of ionization in the F2 region of the ionosphere, providing a
very good prediction of HF DX conditions. The higher the solar flux,
the better conditions will be for the higher HF frequencies and even 6
meters. However, the levels need to be maintained for some days to
allow ionization in the F2 layer to build up. A solar flux of 150
results in good HF band conditions, while levels of 200 and up can
provide great conditions.
Large X-ray flares on the sun can
increase the ionization of the D layer of the ionosphere (a lower
layer) on the sunlit side of the Earth, greatly attenuating or blocking
HF radio transmissions for up to a half hour. Solar flares often
produce Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) which, if Earth directed, can
lead to geomagnetic storms. Some large flares are also accompanied by
strong radio bursts that may interfere with other radio frequencies and
cause problems for satellite communication and radio navigation (GPS).
The
Planetary K-index is a measure of the magnitude of geomagnetic storms
and is an excellent indicator of disturbances in the Earth's magnetic
field. A level of 1 or 2 represents quiet geomagnetic conditions; a
reading of 3 or 4 may cause some propagation deterioration; 5 and 6 are
minor to moderate geomagnetic storms; and 7 to 9 are strong, severe,
and extreme storm conditions. Strong geomagnetic storms can trigger
Auroral displays and cause HF radio blackouts. Higher geomagnetic
activity also has the adverse effect of lowering maximum usable
frequencies, much like lower solar flux does.
For
best conditions, the solar flux should be above 150 for a few days with
the K index below 2. When these conditions are met, some good DX is
likely!
-[Compiled from information on NOAA.gov and other sources]
Contest Calendar
Weekly Contests
| Contest | Start UTC | End | Web Site | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K1USN Slow Speed Test | Monday | 0000Z | 0100Z | Rules |
| ICWC Medium Speed Test | Monday | 1300Z | 1400Z | Rules |
| Monday | 1900Z | 2000Z | ||
| Tuesday | 0300Z | 0400Z | ||
| CWops Test (CWT) | Wednesday | 1300Z | 1400Z | Rules |
| Wednesday | 1900Z | 2000Z | ||
| Thursday | 0300Z | 0400Z | ||
| Thursday | 0700Z | 0800Z | ||
| Weekly RTTY Test | Friday | 0145Z | 0215Z | Rules |
| NCCC CW Sprint (NS) | Friday | 0230Z | 0300Z | Rules |
Sunday at 7:00 PM in the Central Daylight Saving Time zone, or
Sunday at 6:00 PM in the Central Standard Time zone.
Full Calendar
| Contest | Start | End | Web Site | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IARU HF World Championship | Jul 12 | 1200Z | Jul 13 | 1200Z | Rules |
| North American QSO Party, RTTY | Jul 19 | 1800Z | Jul 20 | 0600Z | Rules |
| CQ Worldwide VHF Contest | Jul 19 | 1800Z | Jul 20 | 2100Z | Rules |
| North American QSO Party, CW | Aug 2 | 1800Z | Aug 3 | 0600Z | Rules |
| WAE DX Contest, CW | Aug 9 | 0000Z | Aug 10 | 2359Z | Rules |
| Maryland-DC QSO Party | Aug 9 | 1400Z | Aug 10 | 0400Z | Rules |
| North American QSO Party, SSB | Aug 16 | 1800Z | Aug 17 | 0600Z | Rules |
| ARRL Rookie Roundup, RTTY | Aug 17 | 1800Z | Aug 17 | 2359Z | Rules |
| Ohio QSO Party | Aug 23 | 1600Z | Aug 24 | 0400Z | Rules |
| YO DX HF Contest | Aug 30 | 1200Z | Aug 31 | 1200Z | Rules |
| World Wide Digi DX Contest | Aug 30 | 1200Z | Aug 31 | 1200Z | Rules |
| Kansas QSO Party | Aug 30 | 1400Z | Aug 31 | 2000Z | Rules |
| Tennessee QSO Party | Sep 7 | 1700Z | Sep 8 | 0300Z | Rules |
| ARRL September VHF Contest | Sep 13 | 1800Z | Sep 15 | 0300Z | Rules |
| Scandinavian Activity Contest, CW | Sep 20 | 1200Z | Sep 21 | 1200Z | Rules |
| New Jersey QSO Party | Sep 20 | 1400Z | Sep 21 | 0159Z | Rules |
| Texas QSO Party | Sep 20 | 1400Z | Sep 21 | 2000Z | Rules |
| Wisconsin Parks on the Air | Sep 20 | 1600Z | Sep 20 | 2300Z | Rules |
| Washington State Salmon Run | Sep 20 | 1600Z | Sep 21 | 2400Z | Rules |
| New Hampshire QSO Party | Sep 20 | 1600Z | Sep 21 | 2200Z | Rules |
| North American Sprint, RTTY | Sep 21 | 0000Z | Sep 21 | 0359Z | Rules |
| CQ Worldwide DX Contest, RTTY | Sep 27 | 0000Z | Sep 28 | 2400Z | Rules |
| Maine QSO Party | Sep 27 | 1200Z | Sep 28 | 1200Z | Rules |
| Oceania DX Contest, Phone | Oct 4 | 0600Z | Oct 5 | 0600Z | Rules |
| California QSO Party | Oct 4 | 1600Z | Oct 5 | 2200Z | Rules |
| QRP ARCI Fall QSO Party | Oct 11 | 0000Z | Oct 11 | 2359Z | Rules |
| Makrothen RTTY Contest | Oct 11 | 0000Z | Oct 12 | 1559Z | Rules |
| Nevada QSO Party | Oct 11 | 0300Z | Oct 12 | 2100Z | Rules |
| Oceania DX Contest, CW | Oct 11 | 0600Z | Oct 12 | 0600Z | Rules |
| Scandinavian Activity Contest, SSB | Oct 11 | 1200Z | Oct 12 | 1200Z | Rules |
| Arizona QSO Party | Oct 11 | 1500Z | Oct 12 | 0500Z | Rules |
| Pennsylvania QSO Party | Oct 11 | 1600Z | Oct 12 | 0400Z | Rules |
| Oct 12 | 1300Z | Oct 12 | 2200Z | ||
| South Dakota QSO Party | Oct 11 | 1800Z | Oct 12 | 1800Z | Rules |