The
Eastern Iowa DX Bulletin
Number
270, April 18, 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
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.
Special event call sign 3A1ØØA
will be QRV from April
15th to June 30th
to commemorate the centenary of the IARU. Activity will be on 80 to 10
meters using CW, SSB, and various digital modes. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 15 April 10, 2025] (0411-0627)
3D2, FIJI.
Dom, 3D2USU is active again as 3D2AJT
from Nadi, Fiji Islands from March
16th until the end of April. The callsign is in memory of
the late Yasuo "Zorro" Miyazawa (JH1AJT), who passed away on March 23,
2022. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS
and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1768 March 22, 2025] (0321-0425)
3DA, KINGDOM OF
ESWATINI.
David, PC4K is an engineer working at the shortwave transmitter site of
Trans World Radio in Manzini, eSwatini. He received his license on
April 10th and will be QRV as 3DAØPA
on the HF bands. QSL via LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1771 April 12, 2025] (0411-0502)
5B, CYPRUS.
Special callsigns 5B5ØCARS
and 5B1ØØIARU
celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Cyprus Amateur Radio Society (https://www.cyhams.org)
and the centenary of the International Amateur Radio Union,
respectively. Look for activity on April 15th (the
official registration date of CARS), April 18th
(World Amateur Radio Day), and April
25th-26th
(100th anniversary of IARU and 75th anniversary of IARU Region 1). QSOs
will be uploaded to QRZ.com and ClubLog. Four certificates will be
available for contacts made with any of the special callsigns; see
their relevant QRZ.com pages for more information.
-[425DXN # 1770 April 5, 2025] (0411-0425)
5H, TANZANIA. Kasimir, DL2SBY will be active as 5H1KB from Zanzibar Island (AF-032), Tanzania from April 22nd to May 1st.
This year he will use a small antenna and low power; he plans a return
visit next year with better antennas, an amplifier and a focus on 6m.
QSL via LoTW, or direct to DL2SBY.
-[425DXN # 1772 April 19, 2025] (0418-0502)
8R, GUYANA.
Aldir, PY1SAD will be active again as 8R1TM from
Georgetown, Guyana from March
11th to April 26th. He will operate CW, SSB and digital
modes on the HF bands and via satellite. QSL via LoTW, eQSL, QRZ
Logbook, or direct to PY1SAD.
-[425DXN # 1765 March 1, 2025] (0307-0425)
9A, CROATIA.
Special event station 9A1ØØIARU
will be QRV from April
1st to 30th to celebrate the centenary of the
International Amateur Radio Union. QSL via operators' instructions.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 13 March 27, 2025] (0328-0502)
A2, BOTSWANA.
Luke, ZS6LUK will be QRV as A25LUK
until the end of April.
Activity will be on 40, 30, 20, and 10 meters using SSB and FT8. He
plans to activate some POTA locations. QSL to ZS6LUK.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 14 April 3, 2025] (0404-0502)
C5, THE GAMBIA. Operators YT3PL, YU5R and F5RAV will be QRV as C5R, with F5RAV also active as C5LT, from Kololi from April 19th to May 2nd. Activity will be on the HF bands and 6 meters using CW, SSB, FT8, and FT4, and on various Satellites. QSL C5R via YU5R, and C5LT direct to F5RAV.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 16 April 17, 2025] (0418-0502)
C6, BAHAMAS.
Chad, WE9V will be active as C6ACK
while visiting "various islands" in the Bahamas from February to May.
He will be QRV on 40-6m. He says he will eventually set up ClubLog. QSL
via LoTW (preferred), or direct to WD9DZV.
-[425DXN # 1764 February 22, 2025] (0221-0502)
CE, CHILE. Members of the Radio Club de Chile are QRV with special event call sign XR1ØØIARU until May 20th to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the IARU. Activity is on the HF bands. QSL via CE3AA.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 16 April 17, 2025] (0418-0523)
CT, PORTUGAL.
Celebrating World Amateur Radio Day (April 18th), the centenary of IARU
and the 75th anniversary of IARU Region 1, members of the Rede dos
Emissores Portugueses will operate three special callsigns on April 18th-24th:
CR1IARU from
the Azores (EU-175), CR3IARU
from Madeira (AF-014) and CR5IARU
from mainland Portugal. Certificates will be available for contacts
made with any of the special callsigns see https://www.rep.pt/
for information. QSLs via CT1REP.
-[425DXN # 1771 April 12, 2025] (0411-0425)
CX, URUGUAY.
Special callsign CX1ØØIARU
will be QRV by members of the Radio Club Uruguayo to celebrate the
centenary of the International Amateur Radio Union on April 1st-30th.
QSL via LoTW, CX1AA, or eQSL
on https://www.cx1aa.org/consulta-distintivo.php.
-[425DXN # 1768 March 22, 2025] (0328-0502)
DL, GERMANY.
Celebrating World Amateur Radio Day, DARC special event callsign DA25WARD will be
active from March
8th until April 27th. All QSOs will be confirmed
automatically via the bureau; direct QSL via DL2VFR.
-[425DXN # 1766 March 8, 2025] (0307-0425)
DXCC TOP TWENTY.
Here are the top 20 entities on ClubLog’s "DXCC Most Wanted" list as of
April 18, 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 April 18, 2025 (0418-0509)
E7, BOSNIA AND
HERZEGOVINA. Special event callsign E71ØØIARU is QRV until April 30th
to celebrate the centenary of the IARU. Activity is on all bands and
modes. QSL via bureau.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 14 April 3, 2025] (0404-0502)
EA, SPAIN.
The Union de Radioaficionados Espanoles (URE, Spain's IARU member
society) will celebrate the centenary of the International Amateur
Radio Union on April
15th-30th. Look for special callsigns AO1ØØIARU, AO1IARU, AO2IARU, AO3IARU, AO4IARU, AO5IARU, AO6IARU (Balearic
Islands), AO7IARU,
AO8IARU
(Canary Islands) and AO9IARU
(Ceuta & Melilla). Several awards will be available; details
will be published on https://iaru100.ure.es/
in due course. QSL via EA4URE.
-[425DXN # 1766 March 8, 2025] (0411-0502)
EI, IRELAND. Andy, G7SQW will be QRV as EJ/G7SQW from Arranmore Island (EU-121) on April 19th and 20th. Activity will be on the HF bands using SSB and various digital modes. QSL to G7SQW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 16 April 17, 2025] (0418-0425)
ER, MOLDOVA.
Special callsign ER1ØØIARU
by the Amateur Radio Society of Moldova (ARM) celebrates the 100th
anniversary of the IARU until
April 30th. QSOs will be uploaded to LoTW, ClubLog, eQSL,
QRZ Logbook and HamLog. QSL via the bureau.
-[425DXN # 1769 March 29, 2025] (0328-0502)
F, FRANCE. Dominique, F5SJJ will be active as TM1ØØRA for the centenary of the IARU on April 18th-25th. QSL via eQSL and LoTW, paper QSLs will not be provided.
-[425DXN # 1772 April 19, 2025] (0418-0425)
F, FRANCE.
Dom, F5SJB will operate CW only as TM5RDL
on April 16th-30th.
The special callsign commemorates Claude-Joseph Rouget de Lisle, who on
the night of April 25-26, 1792, composed the words and music of the
"Chant de guerre pour l'Armee du Rhin", later known as "La
Marseillaise" and adopted as France's national anthem. QSL via F5SJB.
-[425DXN # 1771 April 12, 2025] (0411-0502)
F, FRANCE. The special event callsign TM5RDL, operated by Dominique, F5SJB, commemorates Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle, composer of the Marseillaise. QRV until April 30th.
-[DXNL # 2454 April 16, 2025] (0418-0502)
F, FRANCE.
Special callsigns TM1ØØI,
TM1ØØA, TM1ØØR and TM1ØØU by the Radio
Club Pierre Coulon (F5KMB) celebrate the centenary of the International
Amateur Radio Union from April
12th to July 13th. QSL via eQSL only; paper cards will not
be provided.
-[425DXN # 1771 April 12, 2025] (0411-0711)
G, ENGLAND.
Special callsign GBØIARU
by the Radio Society of Great Britain takes part in the celebrations of
the centenary of the International Amateur Radio Union. Look for
activity on April
1st-30th.
Be aware that GBØIARU may be activated from all of the seven different
DXCC Entities in the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern
Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man). QSL via MØOXO's OQRS and
LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1765 March 1, 2025] (0328-0328)
H4, SOLOMON IS.
Bernhard, DL2GAC will be active again as H44MS from the
Solomon Islands from February
9th to May 7th. He is usually QRV daily, with activity on
80-6 meters SSB and FT8. QSL via DL2GAC.
-[425DXN # 1761 February 1, 2025] (0207-0509)
HC8, GALAPAGOS IS. A very large multi-national team (26 operators) will be active as HD8G from Santa Cruz, Galapagos Islands (SA-004) on April 18th-26th.
Plans are to operate SSB, CW, FT8, FT4 and RTTY on 160-6 meters with 8
stations from two different operating sites. One station will be
dedicated to satellite, one to EME, and one to 6 meters. See https://hd8g.com for more information, including detailed QSL policy. Full LoTW upload 12 months after the end of the DXpedition. QSL via MØURX's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1764 February 22, 2025] (0418-0425)
HI, DOMINICAN
REPUBLIC. Celebrating World Amateur Radio Day (April
18th), members of the Sociedad Dominicana de Radioaficionados (SDRA)
will be active as HIØDMRA
on April 1st-30th.
-[425DXN # 1769 March 29, 2025] (0328-0502)
HS, THAILAND.
Special event station HS1ØØIARU
will be QRV from April
1st to 30th
to celebrate the centenary of the International Amateur Radio Union.
Activity will be on the HF bands, 2 meters, and various Satellites. QSL
via OQRS and LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 13 March 27, 2025] (0328-0502)
HZ, SAUDI ARABIA.
Ivan, MØNMM, a pilot based in Jeddah, has now received the callsign 7Z1GD and will be
active during his spare time on CW. QSL via LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2452 April 2, 2025] (0404-0425)
I, ITALY.
Markus, DJ4EL will be active holiday style as IF9/DJ4EL from the
Egadi Islands (EU-054) on April
13th-23rd.
He will operate SSB on 40-10 meters from SOTA and POTA sites on the
islands of Favignana, Levanzo and Marettimo. Updates will be posted to https://bsky.app/profile/dj4el.bsky.social.
QSL via DJ4EL, ClubLog's OQRS
and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1770 April 5, 2025] (0411-0425)
IARU 100.
More special event stations/callsigns from IARU societies celebrating
the 100th anniversary of the International Amateur Radio Union include:
* 4X1ØØIARU and 4Z1ØØIARU by the Israel Association of Radio Communication
(IARC). QRV on April 14th-25th. QSL via 4Z5MU and LoTW.
* 9H6IARU by the Malta Amateur Radio League (MARL). QRV throughout April and
May. QSL via eQSL and LoTW.
* B1ØØIARU by the Chinese Radio Amateurs Club (CRAC). QRV from April 18th to
June 17th. Certificates on https://hamaward.cloud. QSL via BG9GXM and LoTW.
* DX1ØØIARU from the Philippine Amateur Radio Association (PARA).
* EY1ØØIARU by the Tajik Amateur Radio League (TARL). QRV on April 12th-30th.
QSL via WØVTT and LoTW.
* R1ØØIARU by Soyuz Radiolyubitelei Rossii (SRR). QRV on April 18th-27th.
* XR1ØØIARU by the Radio Club de Chile. QRV from April 15th to May 20th.
Digital QSLs will be available: https://www.ce3aa.cl/xr100iaru/.
-[425DXN # 1772 April 19, 2025] (0418-0530)
IARU 100.
More special event stations/callsigns from IARU societies celebrating
the 100th anniversary of the International Amateur Radio Union include:
* 4A1ØØIARU
by the Federacion Mexicana de Radioexperimentadores (FMRE). QRV
on April 8th-30th.
A digital diploma will be available, see
https://www.qrz.com/db/4A100IARU
for the details. QSL via LoTW, direct
to XE1SY, and via
the bureau.
* 7Z1ØØIARU,
8Z1ØØIARU
and HZ1ØØIARU
by the Saudi Amateur Radio
Society (HZ1SAR). QRV on April 8th-30th.
* OC1ØØIARU
by the Radio Club Peruano (RCP). QRV on April 14th-20th.
eQSL
on https://www.oa4o.pe.
-[425DXN # 1771 April 12, 2025] (0411-0502)
IARU 100.
More special event stations/callsigns from IARU societies celebrating
the 100th anniversary of the International Amateur Radio Union include:
* 3A1ØØA
by the Association des Radioamateurs de Monaco (ARM). QRV
from April 15th to June 30th.
* 9K1ØØIARU
by the Kuwait Amateur Radio Society (KARS).
* HB1ØØIARU
by the Union Schweizerischer Kurzwellen-Amateure (USKA).
QRV on April 1st-30th.
A certificate will be available, see
https://www.qrz.com/db/HB1ØØIARU
for information. QSL via LoTW.
* LZ1ØØIARU
by the Bulgarian Federation of Radioamateurs (BFRA).
QRV on April 1st-30th.
A certificate will be available, see
https://www.qrz.com/db/LZ1ØØIARU
for information. QSL via the bureau.
* OH1ØØIARU
by the Finnish Amateur Radio League (SRAL) on April 1st-30th.
QSO are uploaded to LoTW and ClubLog.
QSL via the bureau or direct to OH3JR.
* OM1ØØIARU
by the Slovak Amateur Radio Association (SZR). QRV on April
1st-30th. QSL via LoTW, eQSL, ClubLog's OQRS,
or via OM2FY.
* YL1ØØIARU
by the Latvian Amateur Radio League (LRAL). QRV on April
1st-30th. QSL via LoTW and https://qsl.services/
(paper cards will not be issued).
* YO1ØØIARU,
YP1ØØIARU, YQ1ØØIARU and YR1ØØIARU by the
Romanian
Amateur Radio Federation (FRR) QRV on April 1st-30th.
A series of commemorative
certificates is available for download
on https://hamlog.online.
-[425DXN # 1770 April 5, 2025] (0404-0502)
JA, JAPAN. Members of the Japan Amateur Radio League are QRV with special commemorative station 8K3EXPO from the 2025 Expo in Osaka, Kansai until October 13th. Activity will be on all bands. In addition, station JA3XPO is also active. QSL via operators' instructions.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 16 April 17, 2025] (0418-0509)
JD1/M, MINAMI TORISHIMA. Take, JG8NQJ is QRV as JG8NQJ/JD1 until June 20th. Activity is in his spare time on the HF bands using CW and FT8. QSL via JA8CJY
(direct), JG8NQJ (bureau) and LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 16 April 17, 2025] (0418-0620)
LX, LUXEMBOURG.
Special callsign LX1ØØIARU
by the Radioamateurs du Luxembourg (RL), a founding member of
IARU, celebrates the centenary of the International Amateur
Radio Union until
July 31st. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1769 March 29, 2025] (0328-0502)
OA, PERU.
Special event call sign OC1ØØIARU
will be QRV from April
14th to 20th to commemorate the centenary of the IARU.
Activity will be on various bands and modes.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 15 April 10, 2025] (0411-0425)
OHØ, ALAND IS. Ari, OH3KAV will be active as OHØKA from Kokar, Aland Islands (EU-002) on April 18th-22nd. He will operate mainly FT8 and CW on various HF bands. QSOs will be uploaded to LoTW and ClubLog. QSL via OH3KAV.
-[425DXN # 1771 April 12, 2025] (0418-0425)
OK, CZECH REPUBLIC. Special callsigns OL1ØØIARU, OL1ØØI, OL1ØØA, OL1ØØR and OL1ØØU by the Czech Radio Club celebrate the 100th anniversary of the International Amateur Radio Union from April 15th to December 31st. A certificate will be available, see https://ol100iaru.cz/ for information. QSLs via LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1772 April 19, 2025] (0418-0509)
ON, BELGIUM.
Celebrating the centenary of the International Amateur Radio Union
(IARU), the local divisions of
the Belgian IARU society (UBA) will activate 28 special event stations
from March 15th
until May 15th: ON1ØØI,
ON1ØØA, ON1ØØR, ON1ØØU, OO1ØØI,
OO1ØØA, OO1ØØR, OO1ØØU, OP1ØØI, OP1ØØA, OP1ØØR, OP1ØØU, OQ1ØØI, OQ1ØØA,
OQ1ØØR, OQ1ØØU, OR1ØØI, OR1ØØA, OR1ØØR, OR1ØØU, OS1ØØI, OS1ØØA, OS1ØØR,
OS1ØØU, OT1ØØI, OT1ØØA, OT1ØØR, and OT1ØØU. In addition,
members of the UBA
Board and HF Committee will be active as OQØIARU and ORØIARU. A series
of certificates will be available, see
https://www.uba.be/en/news/uba-iaru-100-event
for the details and the
OQRS for bureau cards (TBA soon).
-[425DXN # 1764 February 22, 2025] (0314-0516)
OX, GREENLAND.
Arnold, DK1VK, puts Greenland (NA-018) on the air from April 14th to 27th
as OX/DK1VK.
-[DXNL # 2453 April 9, 2025] (0411-0502)
OZ, DENMARK. In celebration of World Amateur Radio Day, a number of Danish stations will be signing 5PØWARD/x with different suffix extensions on April 18th. An award will be available, see https://www.qrz.com/db/5p0ward for information. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS and LoTW, or via OZ1ACB.
-[425DXN # 1769 March 29, 2025] (0418-0425)
OZ, DENMARK. Michael, OZ1CFT, and Svend Erik, OZ3ØEU, sign OZ4CHR
from Christians Island (EU-030, ARLHS Christianso Light DEN-004
DEN-151; ILLW Ligthause Christianso Island DK0002; POTA DK-0217; WWFF
OZFF-0300 Ertholmene) on 80-6m (CW, SSB, FT8) from April 21st to 26th. QSL via OZ3ØEU.
-[DXNL # 2454 April 16, 2025] (0418-0425)
OZ, DENMARK. Special callsign OZ1ØØIARU by the EDR, Denmark's IARU society, celebrates the centenary of the International Amateur Radio Union on April 19th-27th. An award will be available, see https://www.qrz.com/db/OZ100IARU for the details. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS (preferred), or via the bureau to OZ1ACB.
-[425DXN # 1765 March 1, 2025] (0418-0502)
P2, PAPUA NEW
GUINEA. Xu, BG5DON is QRV as P29XZ from Port
Moresby (OC-034) until
May 1st. Activity is on the HF bands. QSL via EA5GL.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 15 April 10, 2025] (0411-0502)
PA, NETHERLANDS.
Peter, PD1RP is QRV with special event station PD8ØFREE until June 30th
to celebrate the 80 years of liberation since World War II. Activity is
on 40, 20, 10, and 2 meters using CW, SSB, and digital modes. QSLs sent
to all contacts via the bureau. No QSL or request needed.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 15 April 10, 2025] (0411-0627)
PJ4, BONAIRE.
Chris, WA7RAR will be active as PJ4CB
from Bonaire (SA-006) on April
17th-27th. He will operate SSB and CW on 20-10 meters,
often from POTA sites. QSL via LoTW, QRZ Logbook, or direct to WA7RAR.
-[425DXN # 1771 April 12, 2025] (0411-0502)
SV, GREECE.
Special callsign SZ1ØØIARU
by the Radio Amateur Association of Greece (RAAG) celebrates the
centenary of the International Amateur Radio Union on April 1st-30th.
Four certificates will be available: https://sv2rck.gr/SZ100IARU.
QSL via the bureau or LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1768 March 22, 2025] (0328-0502)
SV5, DODECANESE. Panos, SV8PMM will be active holiday style as J45P from Agathonisi Island, Dodecanese (EU-001) on April 17th-21st. He will run 20 watts and will operate SSB, CW and digital modes on 80-10 meters. QSL via SV8PMM; QSOs will be uploaded to ClubLog, LoTW and eQSL.
-[425DXN # 1772 April 19, 2025] (0418-0425)
T32, E. KIRIBATI. Ken, KH6QJ is QRV as T32AZ from Kiritimati (OC-024) from April 18th to 20th. Activity will be on 80, 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters using SSB. QSL to KH6QJ.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 9 February 27, 2025] (0418-0425)
T7, SAN MARINO. Francesco, IZ7WKI, will make San Marino available via QO-100 from April 19th to 21st as T7/IZ7WKI on SSB and digital modes. QSL via IZ7WKI, ClubLog.
-[DXNL # 2454 April 16, 2025] (0418-0425)
T8, PALAU.
Ichy, JH7IPR will be active again as T88UW from Koror
(OC-009), Palau on
April 16th-23rd. He will operate mainly FT8, with some CW
and SSB. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW, or JH7IPR.
-[425DXN # 1771 April 12, 2025] (0411-0425)
TA, TURKEY. Special event station TC3WRD is active until April 30th to mark World Amateur Radio Day. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 16 April 17, 2025] (0418-0502)
TR, GABON.
Roland, F8EN is QRV as TR8CR
until mid-June.
Activity is on the HF bands using only CW. QSL direct to F6AJA.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 15 April 10, 2025] (0411-0613)
V4, ST. KITTS & NEVIS. John, W5JON will be QRV as V47JA from St. Kitts (NA-104) from April 20th to 26th. Activity will be on 160 to 6 meters using SSB and FT8. QSL direct to W5JON.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 16 April 17, 2025] (0418-0425)
V8, BRUNEI. DJ, V85NPV has been active on 20 meters using CW around 1500z. QSL via LZ2HI.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 16 April 17, 2025] (0418-0509)
VE, CANADA.
Radio Amateurs of Canada is once again holding a "Get on the Air on
World Amateur Radio Day" special event in which it encourages as many
amateurs as possible to contact as many RAC stations as possible.
Operating across Canada from 0000
UTC to 2359 UTC on April 18th, the RAC official stations
will be VA2RAC,
VA3RAC, VE1RAC, VE3RHQ, VE4RAC, VE5RAC, VE6RAC, VE7RAC, VE8RAC, VE9RAC, VO1RAC, VO2RAC, VYØRAC, VY1RAC and VY2RAC. Those
contacting one or more RAC stations, on any band and mode, will be
eligible for a certificate: https://www.rac.ca/certificates.
QSL via LoTW or via the bureau.
-[425DXN # 1771 April 12, 2025] (0411-0425)
VP2V, BRITISH
VIRGIN IS. Ben DA1DX, Win DK9IP, Andree DL8LAS, and Lutz
DM6EE, all active members of the Bavarian Contest Club, will operate as
VP2VI during April.
The callsign was previously assigned to Robert W. Denniston, WØDX, past
IARU president (1966-1974) and among other achievements responsible for
the introduction of the WARC bands (30/17/12m) in 1979. After his
retirement he lived on the British Virgin Islands until his death in
2002. QSL via DJ4MX, ClubLog's OQRS.
-[DXNL # 2451 March 26, 2025] (0328-0425)
VP9, BERMUDA.
Look for Paul, VP9KF
to be active again from Bermuda (NA-005) on April 14th-28th.
He will operate CW only on various HF bands. See https://vp9kf.com
for more information. He does not use LoTW or ClubLog. QSL direct to
Paul Evans, 15 Watch Knob Lane, Swannanoa NC 28778, USA.
-[425DXN # 1771 April 12, 2025] (0411-0502)
VU, INDIA. Special event station AT9WAR is QRV from Kerala, Kochi until April 20th from the Institute of Amateur Radio to celebrate World Amateur Radio Day. QSL via VU2NSL.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 16 April 17, 2025] (0418-0425)
VU, INDIA.
The Amateur Radio Society of India (VU2ZH) will celebrate the centenary
of the International Amateur Radio Union by activating special callsign
VU1IARU from
April 1st to June 29th.
ARSI has been a member society of IARU Region 3 since 1958. QSL via VU2ZH.
-[425DXN # 1768 March 22, 2025] (0328-0502)
XE, MEXICO.
Special event call sign 4A1ØØIARU
is QRV until April
30th to commemorate the centenary of the IARU. Activity is
on the HF bands using CW, SSB, SSTV, and various digital modes. QSL via
XE1SY.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 15 April 10, 2025] (0411-0502)
XU, CAMBODIA. Thomas, DL7BO is QRV as XU7O. Activity is on the HF bands. His length of stay is unknown. QSL direct to DL4WK.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 16 April 17, 2025] (0418-0509)
YB, INDONESIA. Special callsigns 8A146RA, 8A146KAR, 8A146TI, and 8A146NI will be active on April 19th-21st
commemorating the 146th anniversary since the birth of Raden Adjeng
Kartini (1879-1904). Look for activity on the five classic bands SSB.
See https://award.orari.or.id/kartini-award/2025
for the certificates. R.A. Kartini was an activist who advocated for
women's rights and female education; in 1964 she was awarded the title
of National Hero of Indonesia. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS, or via N2OO.
-[425DXN # 1772 April 19, 2025] (0418-0425)
YB, INDONESIA.
Special callsign 8A1ØØIARU
by the Indonesian IARU society (Organisasi Amatir Radio Indonesia,
ORARI) celebrates the 100th anniversary of the International Amateur
Radio Union on April
1st-30th. Details of the award program will be published
on https://hamaward.cloud/awards.
QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
or via N2OO.
-[425DXN # 1768 March 22, 2025] (0328-0502)
Z3, NORTH
MACEDONIA.
Celebrating IARU's centenary, members of the Radioamateur Society of
Macedonia (Z37RSM) will be active as Z31ØØIARU until May 18th.
QSL via LoTW, eQSL, QRZ Logbook.
-[425DXN # 1769 March 29, 2025] (0328-0516)
ZL, NEW ZEALAND. Special event station ZL6ANZAC will be active from the Wrights Hill Fortress in Wellington, New Zealand for ANZAC Day (April 25th).
ANZAC Day commemorates the soldiers of the Australian and New Zealand
Army Corps who fought in Gallipoli during World War I, and all
Australians and New Zealanders who have served in war and peacekeeping
operations. QSL via operator's instructions.
-[425DXN # 1772 April 19, 2025] (0418-0502)
ZS8, PRINCE EDWARD & MARION IS. Yuris, YL2GM will be active as ZS8W from Marion Island (AF-021) from April 21st to May 16th.
He will be on the island as a radio engineer and a member of the SANAP
station's communications equipment maintenance team. He will operate
CW, SSB and FT8 on 160-6 meters. Full LoTW upload six months after the
end of the DXpedition. See https://www.lral.lv/zs8w/ for more information. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS, or direct to YL2GN.
-[425DXN # 1772 April 19, 2025] (0418-0516)
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 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 Thursday, April 10th through yesterday, April
17th.
The average solar flux was 158, down 10 points from the previous week,
with a weekly high of 170 on Friday, April 11th, followed by
a low of 148 on April 16th.
The average sunspot count was 91, down by 50 from last week,
peaking at 120 on Friday, April 11th followed by a
weekly low of 58 on April 15th.
The Planetary K-index weekly average was 5.0 with a
maximum of 7.7 on Wednesday, April 16th, indicating
a strong geomagnetic storm. Yesterday's K-index maximum was 4.0 with
generally quiet conditions.
Solar flare activity since April 11th has been very high with 23
major flares, the largest of which was an M 4.2 event on Monday, April
14th.
Propagation
Data
Major solar flares, Friday, April 11th through 1224 UTC, April 18th.
| # | Date | UTC | Mag. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Apr 15 | 1813 | M 1.3 |
| 2 | Apr 15 | 1020 | M 1.5 |
| 3 | Apr 14 | 0650 | M 4.2 |
| 4 | Apr 14 | 0605 | M 1.4 |
| 5 | Apr 13 | 2202 | M 1.6 |
| 6 | Apr 13 | 1851 | M 3.2 |
| 7 | Apr 13 | 1542 | M 1.2 |
| 8 | Apr 13 | 1007 | M 1.2 |
| 9 | Apr 13 | 0955 | M 1.4 |
| 10 | Apr 13 | 0652 | M 1.0 |
| 11 | Apr 13 | 0452 | M 2.3 |
| 12 | Apr 13 | 0428 | M 1.1 |
| 13 | Apr 13 | 0405 | M 1.1 |
| 14 | Apr 13 | 0129 | M 1.0 |
| 15 | Apr 12 | 1512 | M 1.3 |
| 16 | Apr 12 | 1240 | M 2.3 |
| 17 | Apr 12 | 1143 | M 2.7 |
| 18 | Apr 12 | 1117 | M 2.0 |
| 19 | Apr 12 | 0719 | M 1.0 |
| 20 | Apr 12 | 0549 | M 1.2 |
| 21 | Apr 12 | 0445 | M 1.1 |
| 22 | Apr 11 | 2220 | M 1.0 |
| 23 | Apr 11 | 1650 | M 1.0 |
(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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 18 | 55% | 10% | 150 |
| Apr 19 | 55% | 10% | 148 |
| Apr 20 | 55% | 10% | 148 |
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 April 14, 2025).
|
|
|
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.
The
Severe Storm is Subsiding
For
much of the past 24 hours, Earth's magnetic field has been
reverberating from the impact of a CME on April 15th. It was a Cannibal CME,
so it did an extra-good job sparking geomagnetic storms. For a brief
time on April 16th, the storm became severe (category G4)
with Northern Lights sighted as far south as France.
The storm is subsiding now to category G1/G2,
which could still produce high-latitude auroras on April 17th.
(Copyright © SpaceWeather.com April 17, 2025.
Republished by
permission.)
Auroras
Sighted in Both Hemispheres
New
Zealand astronomer Ian Griffin was trying to sleep when the geomagnetic
storm began. "I woke up early, disturbed by the light of the nearly
full Moon, and saw the auroras out my bedroom window," says Griffin. "I
dressed quickly and hot-footed it to a local beauty spot called Hoopers
Inlet on the Otago Peninsula."
"Despite
the bright moonlight, bright auroral rays were visible to the south
between 3 am and dawn and my camera captured some lovely red hues,"
says Griffin. "Now I just have to keep awake for the day job! What a
night!"
In 2002, NASA did an important aurora
experiment. They flew two spacecraft over the poles--one north and one
south--to observe auroras simultaneously at opposite ends of the Earth.
The
results: Northern and Southern Lights appear at the same time
and are *almost* mirror images of each other.
It comes as no surprise, therefore, that auroras were also
dancing half a world away from New Zealand in the northern hemisphere.
Marek Nikodem sends this picture from Szubin, Poland:
"Here
in Poland, the aurora is a relatively rare phenomenon," says Nikodem.
"Taking advantage of the good weather, I went out of town with my
girlfriend to see the show. An hour before midnight, the aurora was at
its most spectacular."
Photos of the storm are still arriving. Browse the
gallery to see the latest.
(Copyright © SpaceWeather.com April 17, 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 |
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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 7th Call Area QSO Party | May 3 | 1300Z | May 4 | 0700Z | Rules |
| Indiana QSO Party | May 3 | 1600Z | May 4 | 0400Z | Rules |
| Delaware QSO Party | May 3 | 1700Z | May 4 | 2359Z | Rules |
| New England QSO Party | May 3 | 2000Z | May 4 | 2400Z | Rules |
| His Maj. King of Spain Contest, CW | May 17 | 1200Z | May 18 | 1200Z | Rules |
| Arkansas QSO Party | May 17 | 1400Z | May 18 | 0200Z | Rules |
| CQ WW WPX Contest, CW | May 24 | 0000Z | May 25 | 2400Z | Rules |
| Kentucky QSO Party | Jun 7 | 1300Z | Jun 8 | 0100Z | Rules |
| ARRL Inter. Digital Contest | Jun 7 | 1800Z | Jun 8 | 2400Z | Rules |
| ARRL June VHF Contest | Jun 14 | 1800Z | Jun 16 | 0300Z | Rules |
| Stew Perry Topband Challenge | Jun 21 | 1500Z | Jun 22 | 1500Z | Rules |
| West Virginia QSO Party | Jun 21 | 1600Z | Jun 22 | 0400Z | Rules |
| ARRL Kids Day | Jun 21 | 1800Z | Jun 21 | 2359Z | Rules |
| His Maj. King of Spain Contest, SSB | Jun 28 | 1200Z | Jun 29 | 1200Z | Rules |
| ARRL Field Day | Jun 28 | 1800Z | Jun 29 | 2100Z | Rules |
| RAC Canada Day Contest | Jul 1 | 0000Z | Jul 1 | 2359Z | Rules |
| IARU HF World Championship | Jul 12 | 1200Z | Jul 13 | 1200Z | Rules |