The
Eastern Iowa DX Bulletin
Number
327, May 22, 2026
Craig Fastenow, KØCF, Editor
This bulletin is a compilation of currently active DX operations (or those that will become active within the current week) from recent issues of the three DX bulletins listed below and other sources. Credit for the source is given at the end of each article.
Articles are ordered by the entity's callsign prefix from the ARRL DXCC Entities List. Callsigns used are in bold with dates of operation highlighted in red. Clickable links are provided for QSL and other information wherever possible. Note that articles may be edited for grammar, language, style and accuracy and will remain in The Bulletin while active; articles that are announcements of ongoing operations, or that have no specified end date, will be removed after three weeks.
Also included is a Propagation section (updated as conditions warrant) and a Contest Calendar of upcoming popular contests.
DX News
items are courtesy of:
The ARRL DX Bulletin
This bulletin is available via email
subscription only. See
http://www.arrl.org/bulletins
to subscribe. (The online archive is no
longer updated.)
425 DX News, A.R.I. DX Bulletin (425DXN)
Edited by Mauro Pregliasco, I1JQJ
& Valeria Pregliasco, IK1ADH
425 DX News Home Page: https://www.425dxn.org/
425 DX News Google Group: https://groups.google.com/g/425eng
DX Newsletter (DXNL)
Edited by Andreas Salder, DK5ON
A weekly service of DARC Committee
"DX", http://www.darcdxhf.de
Propagation data is from:
National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration's
Space Weather Prediction
Center
Dr. Tony Phillips' SpaceWeather.com,
used by permission
Contest data
courtesy of the WA7BNM
Contest Calendar
DX
News
3A, MONACO.
Operated on 40-10 meters SSB by IU3EDK and IZ3KUZ, look for 3A/ IU3EDK to be QRV
from a couple of POTA sites (MC-0002 and MC-0003) in Monaco on May 25th. QSL
via IU3EDK and
eQSL.
-[425DXN # 1829 May 23, 2026] (0522-0529)
3B9,
RODRIGUES I. Ivan, UR9IDX, plans to be QRV as 3B9IDX from May 18th to
June 1st on the HF bands using CW and SSB. QSL via 3B9IDX direct
only.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 19 May 14, 2026] (0515-0605)
5X, UGANDA.
Alan, G3XAQ, is currently on the air as 5X1XA on CW and FT8.
Also watch for him during the CQ WPX CW Contest (May 30th-31st).
The length of his stay is not known so far. QSL direct via G3SWH, LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2511 May 20, 2026] (0522-0612)
5Z, KENYA.
Massimo, IZØEGB, has returned to Nairobi and uses
the callsign 5Z4AB
on 20-10m (SSB). The duration of his stay is not
known at present. QSL via IZØEGA.
-[DXNL # 2509 May 6, 2026] (0508-0529)
5Z, KENYA.
Paul, MMØZBH is currently active as 5Z4/MMØZBH
from Kenya until
June 15th. He operates CW, SSB and FT8 and is QRV holiday
style while volunteering at a local school. QSL via LoTW and MØOXO's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1825 April 25, 2026] (0424-0619)
8Q, MALDIVES.
Yosuke, JJ1DQR will be active holiday style as 8Q7QR from the
Maldives (AS-013) from May
28th to June 1st, including part-time participation in the
CQ WW WPX CW Contest (May 30th-31st). QSL via JJ1DQR.
-[425DXN # 1829 May 23, 2026] (0522-0605)
9M2, WEST
MALAYSIA. Team 9M26ISX
will be active from Batu Pahat (Johor), West Malaysia on May 22nd-24th
during the International STEM X-Plorace. The event "brings together
STEM exploration, innovation, teamwork and outdoor challenges". This
year, ISX26 "is introducing participants to radio communication,
callsign procedures, and the role of communication technology in STEM
learning". QSOs will be uploaded to ClubLog.
-[425DXN # 1827 May 9, 2026] (0522-0529)
9M8, EAST
MALAYSIA. 12 ops are going to put Talang-Talang
Besar island (OC-165) on the air during May with
the callsign 9M8T.
See
also: https://cqdx.my/9m8t.
QSL via 9W8ZZK.
-[DXNL # 2509 May 6, 2026] (0508-0529)
A3, TONGA.
Oliver, W6NV will be active as A31WW
from Nuku'alofa on Tongatapu Island (OC-049), Tonga from May 23rd to June 2nd.
He will operate CW on the HF bands, with main activity during the CQ WW
WPX CW Contest (May 30th-31st). QSL via LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1829 May 23, 2026] (0522-0605)
A3, TONGA.
Bob, ZL1RS will be active as A35RS
from Tongatapu (OC-049), Tonga on May 14th-26th.
This will be a 6m EME DXpedition, using Q65-60A in the "Q65 Pileup"
mode. During non-EME times he will be monitoring 50313 kHz on FT8;
depending on available luggage space and weight, limited 10m band FT8
operation may also be included. See https://www.qrz.com/db/A35RS
for more information. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
or direct to ZL1RS.
-[425DXN # 1827 May 9, 2026] (0508-0529)
A6, UNITED ARAB
EMIRATES.
The Emirates Amateur Radio Society participates in the "Proud of UAE"
campaign, the nationwide initiative celebrating the country's progress
and identity. Look for A6ØPE
(individual operators may append a serial number to the special
callsign: A6ØPE/Ø,
A6ØPE/1,
etc.) to be used through
May 31st. See https://www.qrz.com/db/A60PE
for the QSL routes.
-[425DXN # 1825 April 25, 2026] (0424-0529)
C9 MOZAMBIQUE.
Bill, ZS6ACY, has returned to the bands as C91CCY and can be
found on 80, 40 (4 element monobander), 20m during his morning hours
(0400-0500 UTC). QSL via N2OO.
-[DXNL # 2511 May 20, 2026] (0522-0612)
CEØZ,
JUAN FERNANDEZ. Felipe, XQ7IR, expects to be active as 3GØZ from
Robinson Crusoe Island (SA-005), Juan Fernandez starting on May 19th
at
approximately 2100 UTC. The operation is expected to last roughly 20
days. Initial activity will most likely begin on 40, 80, and 160 meters
while he continues to progressively install the rest of the antennas.
He will also install a remote station that will be operated by "a group
of very well-known and experienced operators led by Renner, PY7RP".
Regarding the side trip to Alejandro Selkirk Island (SA-101), "the plan
continues to move forward and take solid shape. Work is currently
underway to secure a location far from the populated area and at a very
good elevation". The callsign for the SA-101 operation will be XRØZ.
See https://www.robinsoncrusoe2026.net
for more information. QSL via MØURX's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1827 May 9, 2026] (0515-0605)
CN, MOROCCO.
Pascal, F8NQV will be active as CN2NQV
from Sidi Rahal Chatai, Morocco from April 25th to July 11th.
Look for him on or around 7155, 14345, 18140, 21165 and 28575 kHz.
-[425DXN # 1825 April 25, 2026] (0424-0710)
CP, BOLIVIA.
LU1FM, LU1HF, LU2JCW, LU3FR, LU3VED, LU6FOV, LU7HN, LU8VCC, and LU9FHF
will be active as CP7DX
from Tarija, Bolivia from May
26th to June 6th,
including an entry in the CQ WW WPX CW Contest (May 30th-31st). They
will operate SSB, CW and FT8 on 160-6 meters, as well as via EME on 144
and 432 MHz. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
or direct to LU1FM.
-[425DXN # 1827 May 9, 2026] (0522-0605)
DU, PHILIPPINES.
Peter, VK4CCV, has moved to Pacijan Island
(OC-129) and operates as DU7/VK4CCV
on various HF bands on SSB and
digital modes.
-[DXNL # 2509 May 6, 2026] (0508-0529)
DXCC TOP TWENTY.
Here are the top 20 entities on ClubLog’s "DXCC Most Wanted" list as of
May 21, 2026:
1. P5 DPRK
(North Korea) 11. VKØM Macquarie
Island
2.
KH3 Johnston
Island 12.
EZ Turkmenistan
3. KH7K Kure
Island
13. PYØS Saint Peter And Paul Rocks
4. CEØX San Felix
Islands 14. VPØS South Sandwich
Islands
5. FT5/X Kerguelen
Island 15.
YK Syria
6. BS7H Scarborough
Reef 16.
ZL9 New Zealand Subantarctic
Islands
7. 3Y/P Peter 1
Island 17.
FT/T Tromelin Island
8. YVØ Aves
Island
18. VKØH Heard Island
9. BV9P Pratas
Island 19.
KH1 Baker Howland Islands
10.
KH4 Midway
Island 20.
FK/C Chesterfield Islands
For the complete list, see
https://clublog.org/mostwanted.php
-[KØCF May 22, 2026 (0522-0612)
EA, SPAIN.
Special callsign EH1ØØAG
is for members of URE Baix Camp, URE Tarragones and Radio Club EA3RCY
to commemorate the centenary of the passing of Antoni Gaudi, the famous
Catalan architect and designer whose main and widely known work is the
Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. Look for activity to take place from May 11th until June 7th
on various bands and modes, and on QO-100. QSOs will be uploaded to
eQSL, LoTW and ClubLog. QSL via the bureau.
-[425DXN # 1828 May 16, 2026] (0515-0612)
EI, IRELAND.
M1PTR and M5KJM (EI6KP) will be active as EJ6KP/p from May 21st to 23rd.
QRV on 40, 20, 15m (SSB). QSL via M5KJM, OQRS,
LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2511 May 20, 2026] (0522-0529)
F, FRANCE.
On March 27, 1899, Guglielmo Marconi achieved the first international
wireless transmission, sending Morse code signals between Wimereux
(near Boulogne-sur-Mer), France, and the South Foreland Lighthouse in
Dover, England. Commemorating this milestone in the history of
telecommunications, the special event station TM8DW will be active
from Wimereux on
April 25th during the International Marconi Day, and sporadically until June.
In addition, GB2DOVER,
GB2SFL and GB8DW will be
operated by the Dover Amateur Radio Club on the British side of the
Channel. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1824 April 18, 2026] (0417-0529)
F,
FRANCE. Special callsign TM1Ø1WARD by the
Reseau des Emetteurs Francais
(REF) celebrates World Amateur Radio Day from April 14th to 20th.
WARD
is observed annually on April 18th, the day when the IARU was formed in
Paris 101 years ago.
-[425DXN # 1823 April 11, 2026] (0410-0524)
FK, NEW
CALEDONIA. Herve, F4MER will be active as FK/F4MER
until the beginning
of August during his spare time with 100W and a
multi band antenna.
-[DXNL # 2509 May 6, 2026] (0508-0605)
FM, MARTINIQUE.
Darrell, AB2E, will be active as TO3E
from Martinique (NA-107) from May
26th to June 2nd.
Main activity will be during the CQ WW WPX CW Contest (May 30th-31st).
Outside the contest, he will operate CW, RTTY, and FT8 with a focus on
the low and WARC bands. QSL via LoTW or AB2E.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 20 May 21, 2026] (0522-0605)
FO, FRENCH
POLYNESIA. Didier, F6BCW, plans to return as FO/F6BCW from May 5th until July 20th
from Tikehau (OC-066), this time with an amplifier and improved
antennas. QRV with 100W on 20-10m (CW, SSB). QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2508 April 29, 2026] (0501-0717)
FY, FRENCH
GUIANA. Ronan, F4LJA, is QRV as FY/F4LJA until June
5th. Activity is on HF bands primarily using FT8.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 18 May 7, 2026] (0508-0605)
HBØ,
LIECHTENSTEIN. Kasimir, DL2SBY will be active again as HBØ/DL2SBY from
Liechtenstein on May
25th-31st. He will operate CW, SSB and FT8 (MSHV) on the
HF bands with verticals and an inverted vee, and on 6 meters with a
5-element Yagi. QSL via LoTW, ClubLog's OQRS,
or direct to DL2SBY.
-[425DXN # 1829 May 23, 2026] (0522-0605)
HC8, GALAPAGOS
IS. Edgar, K2IN, has been remotely testing his HC8M station since
May 14th. He will be on the island from May 28th until June 2nd.
He plans to operate high-power in the CQ WPX CW Contest (May
30th-31st). QSL via MØOXO's OQRS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 20 May 21, 2026] (0522-0605)
I, ITALY.
The United Nations Global Service Centre ARC (4U1GSC) in Brindisi is
active as 4U29MAY
until May 31st.
The special callsign honors the International Day of UN Peacekeepers
(May 29th). DXCC-wise, it counts for Italy. QSL via 9A2AA.
-[425DXN # 1829 May 23, 2026] (0522-0605)
I, ITALY.
The ARI section Fidenza uses the following special event callsigns to
honor Marconi during 2026: II4ROSA
(May), II4PRCE
(June), II4JAFL
(July), II4KEMP
(August), II4PAGE
(September), II4NTTI
(October), II4GCLB
(November), II4SLRI
(December).
-[DXNL # 2511 May 20, 2026] (0522-0612)
JA, JAPAN.
Special callsign 8J7ØJARE
celebrates the 70th anniversary of the Japanese Antarctic Research
Expedition, which on January 29, 1957, established Syowa Station on
East Ongul Island. The special callsign will be in use from various
locations across Japan from May
22nd to January 29th, 2027. QSOs will be confirmed
automatically via the bureau; direct cards via JG2MLI.
-[425DXN # 1825 April 25, 2026] (0522-0619)
JA, JAPAN.
Take, JI3DST and Ken, JA4GXS expected to be active from the Danjo
Islands (AS-056) on May
22nd-23rd, but anticipated severe weather has forced their
charter vessel to cancel
the trip. Consequently, the entire operation has been
called off. With Japan now entering the rainy season, rescheduling
anytime soon is extremely difficult, so they are now aiming for May of
next year.
-[425DXN # 1829 May 23, 2026] (0522-0612)
JW, SVALBARD.
Christian, KBØATY, signs JW/KBØATY/mm
and JW/W8UM/mm
(University of Michigan club station) from aboard a sailing yacht
around the coast of Spitzbergen (EU-026) until May 29th.
For the vessel's actual position see. https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/home/shipid:738602/zoom:10.
He also plans to activate POTA and SOTA references on the island as JW/KBØATY and JW/W8UM.
-[DXNL # 2511 May 20, 2026] (0522-0529)
JY, JORDAN. Celebrating the 80th anniversary of Jordan's
independence, special event callsign JY8ØID will be active on various
bands and modes on May 23rd-25th. QSL via QRZ.com.
-[425DXN # 1829 May 23, 2026] (0522-0529)
LY, LITHUANIA.
Special callsign LY1ØØRADIO
celebrates the 100th anniversary since the official beginning of
regular radio broadcasting service in Lithuania (June 12, 1926). Look
for activity from May
12th to July 12th; see https://www.qrz.com/db/LY100RADIO
for the awards. QSL via LY2QT.
-[425DXN # 1828 May 16, 2026] (0515-0612)
LZ, BULGARIA.
The radio club LZ1KCP (Blagovestnik) continues to commemorate Orthodox
saints with the callsigns: LZ37ØTL
(May-June), LZ67PP
(July-August), LZ936BA
(September-October), LZ911TD
(November-December). Additionally, LZ75HSC
celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Radio Telegraphy High Speed Club
(HSC) during 2026. QSL all via LZ2JE.
-[DXNL # 2511 May 20, 2026] (0522-0612)
LZ, BULGARIA.
The foundations of Bulgaria's organized amateur radio movement were
laid in 1926, when 38 enthusiasts established the Bulgarian Radio Club
- a predecessor to today's Bulgarian Federation of Radio Amateurs
(BFRA). Celebrating this centenary, members of the BFRA will be active
as LZ1ØØLZ
on 160-10 meters CW, SSB and digital modes from May 1st to 31st.
See https://lzprint.eu/lz100lz-award/
for the certificates.
-[425DXN # 1826 May 2, 2026] (0501-0529)
ON, BELGIUM.
Special callsign OT26EPIC
by the Antwerp Port Contest Club (ON8APC) promotes this year's edition
of the Antwerp Port Epic cycling race. Look for activity from April 25th to May 25th
(the actual day of the race). QSL via ON8JJ.
-[425DXN # 1824 April 18, 2026] (0424-0529)
PJ4, BONAIRE.
Chris, WA7RAR will be active again as PJ4CB from Bonaire
(SA-006) from May
27th to June 8th. He will operate SSB and CW on 20-10
meters, often from POTA sites. QSL via LoTW, QRZ Logbook, or direct to WA7RAR.
-[425DXN # 1827 May 9, 2026] (0522-0612)
SØ, WESTERN
SAHARA. Naama, SØ1A, and Azman, SØ1AH, are QRV as SØ9S until the end of May
to mark the 50th anniversary of Western Sahara. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS
or LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 13 April 2, 2026] (0403-0529)
SP, POLAND. Members of the Radioklub Stargard (SP1KCJ) will be
QRV as SPØHANZA on May 23rd and again for the 46th International
Hanseatic Day to be hosted by their city on June 11th-14th. A
certificate will be available: https://radiodyplom.pl/ses/257. QSL via
the bureau.
-[425DXN # 1829 May 23, 2026] (0522-0619)
SP, POLAND.
the radio club Dobrzycki (SP3PDO) draws attention to Polish saints
during 2026: SP192ØKW
(May), SP1373JA
(June), SP1183JO
(July), SP19Ø5MFK
(August), SP1373AB
(September), SP155ØSK
(October), SP1234KK
(November) und SP1835JK
(December). QSL via SP3PDO.
-[DXNL # 2511 May 20, 2026] (0522-0612)
SV, GREECE.
Mike, DF8AN, signs SV8/DF8AN
until May 26th
from Skopelos (EU-072). QRV on 80-10m, mostly on CW and FT8, and via
the SO-50 satellite. QSL via DF8AN, LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2511 May 20, 2026] (0522-0529)
SV, GREECE.
Celebrating "243 Years of Human Flight", the special callsign SX1FLY
honors the Montgolfier brothers, who achieved the world's first free,
manned hot air balloon flight in 1783. Look for activity on all bands
and modes from May
1st to May 31st. A certificate will be available; details
on https://www.qrz.com/db/SX1FLY.
Paper QSLs will not be provided, but QSOs will be uploaded to eQSL,
LoTW and other electronic resources.
-[425DXN # 1827 May 9, 2026] (0508-0529)
SV, GREECE.
Members of the Radio Amateur Association of Western Greece are QRV with
special callsign SZ4ØA
until May 31st
to celebrate forty years of continuous presence, service, and
contribution to amateur radio. Activity is on various HF bands and
modes. QSL via ON3UN.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 12 March 26, 2026] (0327-0529)
T8, PALAU. Nobu, JAØJHQ will be active again as T88PB from
Koror (OC-009), Palau on May 27th-31st, with main activity during the
CQ WW WPX CW Contest (May 30th-31st). QSL via LoTW (preferred) or
direct to JAØJHQ.
-[425DXN # 1829 May 23, 2026] (0522-0605)
T8, PALAU.
Ops JF3PLF, JR3QFB, and JA1MFR will be active from Koror (OC-009) as T88IL, T88JH, and T88KY respectively.
QRV from May 21st to
24th on 160-6m (CW, digital modes). QSL T88IL via JF3PLF or
LoTW; T88JH via JR3QFB or
LoTW; T88KY via LoTW only.
-[DXNL # 2511 May 20, 2026] (0522-0529)
TL,
CENTRAL AFRICA. Joao, CR7BNW, is active as TL8BNW until June.
Activity
is on 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters using SSB and FT8. For QSL info, see
TL8BNW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 14 April 9, 2026] (0410-0529)
UA, EUROPEAN RUSSIA. Back in 2001, the Arctic High-Latitude
Radio Expedition to "The Lost Islands" activated six IOTA groups,
including a new one (AS-156) and three rare ones. To mark the 25th
anniversary of that memorable DXpedition, three special callsigns will
be active on May 21st-31st: RA25LI (Novosibirsk), RN25LI (Norilsk), and
RD25LI (Dikson Island). This operating event is organized by the
Russian Robinson Club: https://robinsons.ru/lost-islands-2026/ (in
Russian). QSL via RZ3EC.
-[425DXN # 1829 May 23, 2026] (0522-0605)
UA, EUROPEAN
RUSSIA.
Commemorating the 121st anniversary since the birth of Mikhail A.
Sholokhov (1965 Nobel Prize laureate in Literature), special callsigns R121MS and UE41MS will be
active on May
18th-24th during the 41st edition of the Sholokhov Spring
Festival. A certificate will be available on https://hamlog.online/club/mdxc.
QSL via RQ7L.
-[425DXN # 1828 May 16, 2026] (0515-0529)
V4, ST. KITTS
& NEVIS. Markus, WW6W, will be QRV holiday style
as V4/WW6W
from St. Kitts (NA-104) from May
24th to June 1st.
He will operate mainly CW and FT8 on 80 to 10 meters. He also plans to
participate in the CQ WW WPX CW Contest (May 30th-31st), possibly using
a special contest callsign. QSL via WW6W, LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 20 May 21, 2026] (0522-0605)
V5, NAMIBIA.
Eric, N7XOB, is QRV as V5/N7XOB
while visiting Namibia until
June 19th. He will operate SSB on or near 7165 and 14265
kHz from various locations. QSL via N7XOB.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 20 May 21, 2026] (0522-0619)
VE, CANADA.
Kris, KM2KM, plans to be QRV as KM2KM/VYØ
on Baffin Island (NA-047) from the station in Iqaluit (courtesy of
VYØIG and VE3PCP) from May
26th to June 3rd. He expects to operate CW at 13 WPM on
20, 17, and 15 meters, running from 6 to 8 AM and 7 to 9 PM local time
(EDT). QSL via KM2KM.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 20 May 21, 2026] (0522-0605)
VK9C, COCOS
(KEELING) IS. Mark, VK6BSA, and Deena, VK6DEE, are
QRV as VK9BSA
and VK9DEE
during free time until
late May. Activity is
on most bands using an FTDX-10. QSL direct with $5.00 US International
Money Order or PayPal to VK6BSA.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 18 May 7, 2026] (0508-0529)
VP8/H,LU, SOUTH
SHETLAND IS.
Rafal, SQ4O is a member of the 50th Polish Antarctic Expedition to the
Henryk Arctowski Station on King George Island, South Shetland Islands
(AN-010). He will be working there from May to October,
and in his spare time he will be QRV as HFØPAS on the HF
bands (SSB and CW) and 6 meters (FT8). QSL route TBA.
-[425DXN # 1825 April 25, 2026] (0501-0529)
VU, INDIA.
To mark the 90th anniversary of Akashvani, Manmohan, VU3YBH, will
operate special event station AT9ØVANI
from Bhopal from May
25th to August 16th. Operation will be on 20, 15, 12, and
10 meters using SSB and FT8.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 20 May 21, 2026] (0522-0626)
XU, CAMBODIA.
The XU7AMO
team at the National Polytechnic Institute of Cambodia has launched
regular weekly operations on the HF bands and the QO-100 satellite.
Look for activity every Wednesday at 0500 UTC on 15 meters SSB, and
every Friday at 1200 UTC on QO-100 SSB. QSL SSB QSOs via NØMMA;
Satellite QSOs only via JA3GEP.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 20 May 21, 2026] (0522-0612)
ZC4, UK
SOVEREIGN BASE AREAS ON CYPRUS. Dave, G4WXJ, will be back
on the air as ZC4RH
from May 23rd to 30th.
QRV on HF and 6m on SSB, FT8/4 with 50W and a dipole antenna. QSL via DK6SP, OQRS,
LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2511 May 20, 2026] (0522-0529)
ZD8, ASCENSION I.
Muttley, ZB2KX will be QRV as ZD8KX
near the end of May
(rumors are 25th to
29th). He plans to be active on 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters,
primarily on CW, with some SSB and FT8. QSL via LoTW, eQSL, or direct
to ZB2KX.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 17 April 30, 2026] (0522-0605)
ZL7, CHATHAM IS.
Holger, ZL3IO will be active again as ZL7IO from Waitangi,
Chatham Islands (OC-038) from May
25th to June 3rd,
including an entry in the CQ WW WPX CW Contest (May 30th-31st). He will
operate CW, SSB and digital on 160-10 meters. QSL via LoTW, ClubLog's OQRS,
or via DK7AO.
-[425DXN # 1825 April 25, 2026] (0522-0605)
Propagation
The Weekly Solar Data chart plots Solar Flux Index (SFI), Sunspot number (SSN) and Planetary K-Index (Kp) for the past 8 days. With 8 Planetary K-index readings each day, only the minimum, average and maximum K-index values are plotted. Note: You may click here or on the chart above to see the same data for the past month.
The Daily Solar Flux Index, Sunspot number, Planetary
K-index,
Solar Flux predictions and Solar Flare data used in this bulletin have
been collected by
KØCF from the U.S. Department of Commerce's NOAA
Space Weather Prediction Center.
The propagation graphs above are the creations of KØCF and are unique
in space weather reporting.
Please Note: The graphs are high resolution .PNG files which you may view in greater detail using your browser's "zoom" feature. Alternatively, right click on the graph and select "Open Image in New Tab" to enlarge it, or "Save Image As..." to save it to your computer for further analysis.
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NASA's current view of the Sun at a wave- length of 131 Angstroms. This wavelength shows incredible solar detail. Click here or on the image to view as a full screen 48-hour video loop. It is fascinating! |
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Propagation
Summary
For the 8 day period from Thursday, May 14th through Thursday, May 21st.
The average solar flux was 108, down 7 points from the previous week,
with a weekly high of 118 on Thursday, May 21st, following
a low of 101 on May 15th.
The average sunspot count was 72, up 1 from last week,
peaking at 86 on Sunday, May 17th after a
weekly low of 46 on May 15th.
The Planetary K-index weekly average was 3.7 with a
maximum of 6.3 on Friday, May 15th, indicating
a moderate geomagnetic storm. The most recent K-index maximum was 3.0
with generally quiet conditions.
Solar flare activity since May 15th has been quiet with only 1 major
flare, which was an M 2.3 event on Friday, May 22nd.
Propagation
Data
Major solar flares, Friday, May 15th through 1413 UTC, May 22nd.
| # | Date | UTC | Mag. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | May 22 | 1029 | M 2.3 |
(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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 22 | 25% | 5% | 120 |
| May 23 | 25% | 5% | 120 |
| May 24 | 25% | 5% | 125 |
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 May 18, 2026).
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Global
D Region Absorption
Conditions in the D-region of the ionosphere
have a dramatic effect on HF communications. The D-Region Absorption
map combines the effects of solar particles and
photons. Yellow to red colors on the map depict increasing signal
attenuation, where the bar chart at the right displays attenuation
versus frequency. Click the
thumbnail below for an animated map of D-Region Absorption:
The Aurora
Borealis
The aurora is not only beautiful to see but can have a
profound impact on HF and VHF radio propagation. For the HF operator,
auroras can result in a complete shut-down of propagation. However, on
VHF, auroras present interesting DX possibilities. Beam antennas are
very desirable and should be pointed north, towards the aurora. Signals
are reflected by “back-scatter” and will be distorted with a rough
buzz. SSB is the best voice mode to use, but copy can be difficult. CW
will have a rough buzzy sound but be perfectly copyable. Click the
thumbnail below for an animated map of aurora versus time:
Highs
for Cycle 25
Solar Flux: 336 on
August 8, 2024.
Sunspots: 382 on August
10, 2024.
Popular
Propagation web sites
https://prop.kc2g.com/
(Excellent Maximum Usable Frequency map)
NOAA https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/
https://www.spaceweather.com/
https://www.solarham.com/
https://dx.qsl.net/propagation/
A Propagation
Tutorial
The solar X-ray flux tracks solar activity and solar flares.
Solar
flux, which can vary from as low as 50 to as high as 300, influences
the level of ionization in the F2 region of the ionosphere, providing a
very good prediction of HF DX conditions. The higher the solar flux,
the better conditions will be for the higher HF frequencies and even 6
meters. However, the levels need to be maintained for some days to
allow ionization in the F2 layer to build up. A solar flux of 150
results in good HF band conditions, while levels of 200 and up can
provide great conditions.
Large X-ray flares on the sun can
increase the ionization of the D layer of the ionosphere (a lower
layer) on the sunlit side of the Earth, greatly attenuating or blocking
HF radio transmissions for up to a half hour. Solar flares often
produce Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) which, if Earth directed, can
lead to geomagnetic storms. Some large flares are also accompanied by
strong radio bursts that may interfere with other radio frequencies and
cause problems for satellite communication and radio navigation (GPS).
The
Planetary K-index is a measure of the magnitude of geomagnetic storms
and is an excellent indicator of disturbances in the Earth's magnetic
field. A level of 1 or 2 represents quiet geomagnetic conditions; a
reading of 3 or 4 may cause some propagation deterioration; 5 and 6 are
minor to moderate geomagnetic storms; and 7 to 9 are strong, severe,
and extreme storm conditions. Strong geomagnetic storms can trigger
Auroral displays and cause HF radio blackouts. Higher geomagnetic
activity also has the adverse effect of lowering maximum usable
frequencies, much like lower solar flux does.
For
best conditions, the solar flux should be above 150 for a few days with
the K index below 2. When these conditions are met, some good DX is
likely!
(Compiled from information on NOAA.gov and other sources.)
Contest Calendar
Weekly Contests
| Contest | Start UTC | End | Web Site | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K1USN Slow Speed Test | Monday | 0000Z | 0100Z | Rules |
| ICWC Medium Speed Test | Monday | 1300Z | 1400Z | Rules |
| Monday | 1900Z | 2000Z | ||
| Tuesday | 0300Z | 0400Z | ||
| CWops Test (CWT) | Wednesday | 1300Z | 1400Z | Rules |
| Wednesday | 1900Z | 2000Z | ||
| Thursday | 0300Z | 0400Z | ||
| Thursday | 0700Z | 0800Z | ||
| Weekly RTTY Test | Friday | 0145Z | 0215Z | Rules |
| NCCC CW Sprint (NS) | Friday | 0230Z | 0300Z | Rules |
Sunday at 7:00 PM in the Central Daylight Saving Time zone, or
Sunday at 6:00 PM in the Central Standard Time zone.
Full Calendar
| Contest | Start | End | Web Site | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CQ WW WPX Contest, CW | May 30 | 0000Z | May 31 | 2400Z | Rules |
| Atlantic Canada QSO Party | Jun 6 | 1200Z | Jun 7 | 0200Z | Rules |
| Kentucky QSO Party | Jun 6 | 1300Z | Jun 7 | 0100Z | Rules |
| ARRL Inter. Digital Contest | Jun 6 | 1800Z | Jun 7 | 2400Z | Rules |
| ARRL June VHF Contest | Jun 13 | 1800Z | Jun 15 | 0300Z | Rules |
| All Asian DX Contest, CW | Jun 20 | 0000Z | Jun 21 | 2400Z | Rules |
| Stew Perry Topband Challenge | Jun 20 | 1500Z | Jun 21 | 1500Z | Rules |
| ARRL Kids Day | Jun 20 | 1800Z | Jun 20 | 2359Z | Rules |
| ARRL Field Day | Jun 27 | 1800Z | Jun 28 | 2100Z | Rules |
| CQ Worldwide VHF SSB/CW Contest | Jul 4 | 1200Z | Jul 5 | 1200Z | Rules |
| CQ Worldwide VHF Digital Contest | Jul 18 | 1200Z | Jul 19 | 1200Z | Rules |
| RSGB IOTA Contest | Jul 25 | 1200Z | Jul 26 | 1200Z | Rules |
| Alabama QSO Party | Jul 25 | 1500Z | Jul 26 | 0300Z | Rules |
| North American QSO Party, CW | Aug 1 | 1800Z | Aug 2 | 0600Z | Rules |
| WAE DX Contest, CW | Aug 8 | 0000Z | Aug 9 | 2359Z | Rules |
| Maryland-DC QSO Party | Aug 8 | 1400Z | Aug 9 | 0400Z | Rules |
| North American QSO Party, SSB | Aug 15 | 1800Z | Aug 16 | 0600Z | Rules |
| NJQRP Skeeter Hunt | Aug 16 | 1700Z | Aug 16 | 2100Z | Rules |
| ARRL Rookie Roundup, RTTY | Aug 16 | 1800Z | Aug 16 | 2359Z | Rules |
| Hawaii QSO Party | Aug 22 | 0400Z | Aug 24 | 0400Z | Rules |
| YO DX HF Contest | Aug 22 | 1200Z | Aug 23 | 1200Z | Rules |
| Ohio QSO Party | Aug 22 | 1600Z | Aug 23 | 0400Z | Rules |