The
Eastern Iowa DX Bulletin
Number
314, February 20, 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 (The online archive is no
longer updated.)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
3B8, MAURITIUS.
Matt, DL5PT, is QRV as 3B8/DL5PT
from Flic-en-Flac until
the end of March. Activity is in his spare time on 20
through 10 meters using FT8. QSL to DL5PT.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 4 January 29, 2026] (0130-0327)
3B8, MAURITIUS.
Michael, OE6MBG will be active as 3B8/OE6MBG
from Mauritius (AF-049) on February
2nd-23rd. He plans to focus on 80 and 40 meters, using
SSB, CW and possibly some FT8/FT4. QSOs will be uploaded to LoTW and
ClubLog.
-[425DXN # 1813 January 31, 2026] (0130-0227)
3Y,
BOUVET.
The vessel Argus is still enroute to Cape Town and is expected there on
February 17th. With a minimum port stay of 2 days for loading, sailing
from Cape Town for Bouvet on the 19th would bring the team to the island on February 27th
under ideal conditions after a voyage of 2600km from Cape Town. A more
realistic estimation sees them landing on the island at the beginning
of March. For the vessel's voyage see: https://www.marinetraffic.com/de/ais/details/ships/shipid:156518/mm
si:219226000/imo:7104752/vessel:ARGUS.
-[DXNL # 2497 February 11, 2026] (0213-0227)
4S, SRI LANKA.
Peter, DCØKK is QRV as 4S7KKG
until March 31st.
Activity is on 60 through 6 meters using FT8, and on Satellite QO-100.
QSL to DCØKK, ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 3 January 22, 2026] (0123-0403)
5X, UGANDA.
Richard, HB9FHV is active as 5X4TA
from Uganda until
February 28th. Look for him "almost daily" on or around
14185, 21185 and 28485 kHz from 1500 to 1600 UTC. QSL via eQSL.
-[425DXN # 1816 February 21, 2026] (0220-0227)
5Z, KENYA.
Michael, OZ6ABL will be active as 5Z4/OZ6ABL
from Watamu (LI06ap), Kenya, from January 15th to February 28th.
Activity will be holiday style on 80-6 meters CW, SSB, and FT8/FT4. QSL
via LoTW, ClubLog's OQRS,
or via OZ6ABL.
-[425DXN # 1810 January 10, 2026] (0109-0227)
8P, BARBADOS.
Mike, VE2XB will be active holiday style as 8P9XB from Barbados
(NA-021) on February
21st-28th. He will operate CW and SSB on 80-10 meters. QSL
direct to VE2XB.
-[425DXN # 1815 February 14, 2026] (0220-0227)
8R, GUYANA.
Team 8R1WA
(IZØEGA, IZØEVI, IZØEWJ and IZ6DSQ) will be active from Guyana on February 19th-27th.
They will operate SSB and FT8 on 160-6 meters with up to six stations.
QSOs will be uploaded to LoTW and ClubLog: https://guyana2026.wordpress.com.
QSL via IZØEGA.
-[425DXN # 1813 January 31, 2026] (0213-0227)
8R, GUYANA.
Aldir, PY1SAD, is QRV as 8R1TM
until February 23rd.
Activity is on 160 through 6 meters using CW, SSB, and various digital
modes during the week between 2300 and 0300z, and full-time on
weekends. This includes being active on various FM and analog
Satellites. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 2 January 15, 2026] (0116-0227)
9K, KUWAIT.
Special callsign 9K9NLD
by the Kuwait Amateur Radio Society celebrates Kuwait National Day
(February 25th) and Liberation Day (February 26th) on February 16th-28th.
QSL via EC6DX.
-[425DXN # 1816 February 21, 2026] (0220-0227)
A6, UNITED ARAB
EMIRATES. The Emirates Amateur Radio Society operating as A6ØKWT will join the
celebrations of Kuwait National Day (February 25th) and Liberation Day
(February 26th) on February
19th-27th. QSL via EA7FTR
-[425DXN # 1816 February 21, 2026] (0220-0227)
C2, NAURU.
Phill, FK1TS is active again as C21TS
from Nauru (OC-031) until "towards the end of July",
he says, when he will QRT for good. He operates FT8 and possibly will
try some SSB. QSOs are live streamed on ClubLog. QSL via LoTW, or MØOXO's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1813 January 31, 2026] (0130-0227)
C5, THE GAMBIA.
Przemo, SP3PS and Magda are QRV as C5SP
and C5MB,
respectively, from Sanyang until
March 1st. Activity is on 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters using
SSB, FT8, and FT4. QSL direct via SP3PS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 3 January 22, 2026] (0123-0227)
CO, CUBA.
A group of Cuban operators will be QRV as T45FM on SSB, CW,
FT8 and FT4 from the lighthouse at Punta Maya, Cuba (NA-015) on February 20th-22nd
during the American Lighthouses Weekend. QSL via KR4DWD.
-[425DXN # 1814 February 7, 2026] (0220-0227)
CU, AZORES.
Operators EA1DAV, EA5KA and EA7X will be QRV as CR2N as a Multi/2
entry in the ARRL CW DX contest (February
21st-22nd). QSL via operators' instructions.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 7 February 19, 2026] (0220-0227)
DL, GERMANY.
Celebrating a half-century of German research in Antarctica, special
callsigns DAØANT,
DM5ØANT and DP5ØANT will be
active from February
15th to April 30th. In addition, DM5ØGFS will also be
active on April
1st-30th (for the 50th anniversary of the Georg Forster
Station, established by the GDR in 1976 and decommissioned in 1993), as
well as DP2ØØGVN
(for the bicentenary of the birth of Georg von Neumayer, after whom
three German Antarctic research stations have been named). See https://50ant.hamaward.de/en/german-antarctic-research/
for complete information on the "50 Years of German Antarctic Research"
award.
-[425DXN # 1814 February 7, 2026] (0213-0501)
DL, GERMANY.
To celebrate the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games Milano Cortina
2026, the DARC Team SES will be active as DD2Ø26OWG (February 1st - March 1st)
and DD2Ø26WPG
(March 1st - April 1st).
QSL via DK5ON, LoTW and
DCL (DARC Community Logbook).
-[425DXN # 1811 January 17, 2026] (0130-0403)
DU, PHILIPPINES.
Bob, KB7TX, is QRV as DU9/KB7TX
from Mindanao (OC-130) until
March 1st. Activity is on 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters using
CW and SSB. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 5 February 5, 2026] (0206-0306)
DXCC TOP TWENTY.
Here are the top 20 entities on ClubLog’s "DXCC Most Wanted" list as of
February 20, 2026:
1. P5 DPRK
(North Korea) 11.
KH4 Midway Island
2.
KH3 Johnston
Island 12.
VKØM Macquarie Island
3. KH7K Kure
Island
13. EZ Turkmenistan
4. CEØX San Felix
Islands 14.
KP5 Desecheo Island
5. FT5/X Kerguelen
Island 15.
PYØS Saint Peter And Paul Rocks
6. BS7H Scarborough
Reef 16.
VPØS South Sandwich Islands
7. 3Y/P Peter 1
Island 17.
YK Syria
8. YVØ Aves
Island
18. ZL9 New Zealand Subantarctic
Islands
9. BV9P Pratas
Island 19.
FT/T Tromelin Island
10. 3Y/B Bouvet
Island 20.
VKØH Heard Island
For the complete list, see
https://clublog.org/mostwanted.php
-[KØCF February 20, 2026 (0220-0313)
ET, ETHIOPIA.
Ethiopian Amateur Radio Society station ET3AA has been
active on 30 meters FT8 between 0400 and 0530z. QSL via N2OO.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 7 February 19, 2026] (0220-0313)
EU, BELARUS.
Special callsign EV81OB
will be QRV to commemorate Operation Bagration, a major World War II
offensive by the Red Army to liberate Belarus from fascist occupation.
This includes being active in the CQ Worldwide WPX RTTY contest (February 14th-15th).
QSL via operators' instructions.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 6 February 12, 2026] (0213-0227)
F, FRANCE.
The radio club Marseille F6KRD is going to participate as TM13X in the Coupe
du REF SSB contest (February
21st-22nd)
from the island Ratonneau (EU-095). All QSOs will be uploaded to LoTW,
ClubLog and eQSL, and will also be confirmed automatically via the
bureau.
-[DXNL # 2494 January 21, 2026] (0220-0227)
F, FRANCE.
Francois, F8DVD will be active as TM23AAW
from February 16th
to March 2nd
to promote the 23rd Antarctic Activity Week (February 16th-22nd). He
will be QRV on 40-10 meters from his home QTH in France. QSL via F8DVD and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1814 February 7, 2026] (0213-0306)
FJ, ST.
BARTHELEMY. Andreas, DK6AS is QRV as FJ/DK6AS until
sometime in March.
Activity is on 80 through 6 meters using CW, FT8, and FT4. This
includes being an entry in the ARRL CW DX contest (February 21st-22nd).
QSL via DK6AS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 7 February 19, 2026] (0220-0313)
FM, MARTINIQUE.
Francis, F6BWJ, is QRV as FM/F6BWJ
from Sainte Luce until
March 23rd. Activity is mostly on 12 and 10 meters using
CW. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 6 February 12, 2026] (0213-0327)
FY, FRENCH
GUIANA. Yves, F5PRU and also 6W1TA, relocated to French
Guiana some years ago and now plans to get back on the air as FY8BP with plans for
activating rare locations in the country on CW, SSB, and maybe also
digital modes. QSL via 6W1TA or REF
bureau.
-[DXNL # 2497 February 11, 2026] (0213-0306)
GM, SCOTLAND.
Rob, VE3JR, puts Arran Island (EU-123) on the air as MM7RXH until the end of February.
-[DXNL # 2497 February 11, 2026] (0213-0227)
H4, SOLOMON IS.
Bernhard, DL2GAC, will be QRV as H44MS
from Manakwai Village on Malaita Island (OC-047) from January 18th to April 15th.
Activity will be on the HF bands. QSL to DL2GAC.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 2 January 15, 2026] (0116-0417)
HA, HUNGARY.
Hungarian physicist Zoltan Bay (1900-1992) played a pivotal role in
advancing Earth-Moon-Earth (EME) communication through his pioneering
experiment conducted on February 6, 1946. To commemorate the 80th
anniversary of Bay's achievements, on February 6th-28th
the Hungarian Radio Amateur Society (MRASZ) will host a special radio
activity with callsigns HG8ØBAY,
HG8ØEARTH, HG8ØEME, HG8ØLUNA, HG8ØMOON, HG8ØRADAR.
Commemorative certificates will be available on https://mrasz.org/bay80.
QSL via LoTW and ClubLog's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1813 January 31, 2026] (0206-0227)
HZ, SAUDI ARABIA.
Joining the celebrations of Kuwait National Day (February 25th) and
Liberation Day (February 26th) will be the Saudi Amateur Radio Society
operating as HZ1KWT
on February 19th-25th.
-[425DXN # 1816 February 21, 2026] (0220-0227)
HZ, SAUDI ARABIA.
Members of the Saudi Amateur Radio Society (HZ1SAR) are active as 7Z3FD, 8Z3FD, and HZ3FD on February 18th-22nd.
The special callsigns celebrate Saudi Arabia's Founding Day (February
22nd).
-[425DXN # 1816 February 21, 2026] (0220-0227)
I, ITALY.
Members of ARI Milano, ARI Cadore and ARI Brunico/Bruneck will activate
four special callsigns II2WOG,
II3COR, II3WOG, and II3BIA from February 6th to March 22nd
for the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games Milano Cortina 2026.
Certificates and eQSLs will be available on https://hamaward.cloud/.
QSL II2WOG via IQ2MI, II3COR
via IQ3DD, II3WOG
and II3BIA via IQ3ED).
-[425DXN # 1810 January 10, 2026] (0206-0327)
J5,
GUINEA-BISSAU. Team J51A
will be active from Bubaque Island (AF-020), Guinea-Bissau for three weeks, starting
sometime around February 24th. The actual dates will be
posted to https://www.qrz.com/db/J51A
once the team has reached its destination. QO-100 has been added to the
planned activities, with SSB, CW and FT8 (MSHV) operations expected to
start a couple of days after the other bands. QSL via DJ4MX or ClubLog's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1816 February 21, 2026] (0220-0313)
J5,
GUINEA-BISSAU. Livio, IZ3BUR is QRV as J52EC until March 1st.
He has been active on 15 and 10 meters using SSB. QSL direct to IZ3BUR.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 4 January 29, 2026] (0130-0227)
J6, ST. LUCIA.
In commemoration of the 47th anniversary of the Independence of St.
Lucia, J6-stations can use the J647
prefix until
February 23rd.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 7 February 19, 2026] (0220-0227)
JA, JAPAN.
Moto, JA1GZV will be active again as JS6UKY/6 from Miyako
Island (AS-079) and Okinawa Island (AS-017) from February 24th to March 6th.
He will operate CW on or around 7011, 10123, 14011, 18075, 21011,
24897, and 28011 kHz. QSL via JS6UKY (bureau), eQSL, or direct to JA1GZV.
-[425DXN # 1816 February 21, 2026] (0220-0306)
JA, JAPAN.
Hide, JO1CRA, operates holiday-style from Ishigaki, Yaiyama Islands
(AS-024) from February
19th to 21st as JO1CRA/JR6
on 40, 30, 20, 17, and 10m (CW, FT8). QSL via JO1CRA, LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2498 February 18, 2026] (0220-0227)
JD1/M, MINAMI
TORISHIMA. Take, JG8NQJ/JD1
expects to be back to the weather station on Minami Torishima (OC-073)
from February 26th
until mid-May.
In his limited spare time, he will operate mainly CW with some FT8
(note that he wants you to call with your signal report, not your grid
square). QSL via JA8CJY
(direct), JG8NQJ (bureau) and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1815 February 14, 2026] (0220-0508)
K, UNITED STATES.
Special callsign W7P
will be used by the Northern Arizona DX Association to conduct a
10-year special event countdown to the 100th anniversary of the
discovery of Pluto by Clyde Tombaugh at Lowell Observatory in
Flagstaff, Arizona (February 18, 1930). The inaugural event was held in
2021; this year's Pluto Anniversary Countdown will run on February 14th-22nd.
Also, Doug Tombaugh (N3PDT), Clyde Tombaugh's nephew, will be operating
during the event as W7P/Ø.
See https://www.nadxa.com/w7p_pluto_2030.html
for information. QSL direct to W7P.
-[425DXN # 1814 February 7, 2026] (0213-0227)
K, UNITED STATES.
Team N4T
will be active from Garden Key, Dry Tortuga's National Park (NA-079)
from February 19th
to 25th.
They plan to be QRV on various bands and modes with up to three
stations during the day and at least one station overnight. Updates
will be posted to https://www.drytortugas.info.
QSOs will be uploaded to Club Log and LoTW. QSL direct to KC3YQL.
-[425DXN # 1814 February 7, 2026] (0213-0227)
KH2, GUAM.
Toshinobu, JI3ERV and Toshimasa, JR7OMD plan to be QRV as AH2R as a Multi/Op
entry in the ARRL CW DX contest (February
21st-22nd). QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 7 February 19, 2026] (0220-0227)
KH6, HAWAII.
Fred, NA2U will be QRV as KH7M
in both ARRL International DX contests: CW on February 21st-22nd
and SSB on March
7th-8th. QSL direct to NA2U.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 7 February 19, 2026] (0220-0313)
KH6, HAWAII.
KH7U, K1ZM, NH7T, N6TV, and N6TJ operate the ARRL CW DX contest (February 21st-22nd) as
KH6J from
KH6YY's stations. QSL via AH6OZ.
-[DXNL # 2497 February 11, 2026] (0220-0227)
KP5, DESECHEO.
DXpedition Extended. The original recovery date for NP3VI was February
12th; however, deteriorating sea conditions have required a delay in
equipment recovery until
March 3rd.
As a result, the DXpedition will remain on the air longer, providing
additional opportunities for operators to work Desecheo Island for an
All Time New One (ATNO), which remains our primary focus. During the
extension period, we will continue to operate on the bands and modes
that have proven most effective and productive.
We
will be conducting an ATNO Day for twelve hours, beginning at 1200 UTC
on February 15th, and ending at 0000 UTC on February 16th. During this
period, we will be focused on FT8 from 1200-1400 UTC, after which we
will focus on SSB. Operation will be in the U.S. General portion of the
bands.
We respectfully ask operators who do not need
Desecheo Island for an ATNO to please refrain from calling us during
this period. This will help maximize opportunities for those who still
need this rare entity in their log. See https://www.facebook.com/people/Desecheo-2026-Dxpedition/61585525894897/
for updates.
-[425DXN # 1815 February 14, 2026] (0213-0306)
OE, AUSTRIA.
Celebrating World Radio Day, the VIC Amateur Radio Contest DX Club (https://4u1a.club/)
will operate CW, SSB and digital modes as 4UNR (United Nations
Radio) on February
13th-28th. This activity counts for Austria for DXCC, and
for the Vienna International Centre for the CQ DX Marathon. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1815 February 14, 2026] (0213-0227)
OX, GREENLAND.
Michael, OX3MC,
plans to get on the air whenever time permits from December 29th to February 25th
from Pituffik Space Base (NA-018). QRV on 80-10m, mostly on SSB. QSL
via OZ QSL bureau.
-[DXNL # 2490 December 24, 2025] (1226-0227)
P4, ARUBA.
John, W2GD will be active again as P44W
from Aruba (SA-036) on February
16th-23rd,
with main activity during the ARRL CW DX contest (February 21st-22nd).
Before the contest he will operate CW on 30, 17 and 12 meters. QSL via
LoTW, or N2MM.
-[425DXN # 1815 February 14, 2026] (0213-0227)
PJ2, CURACAO.
Andre, PD1DRE will be active again as PJ2/PD1DRE from
Curacao (SA-099) from January
26th to March 4th. He operates SSB and FT8/FT4. QSL via
eQSL.
-[425DXN # 1812 January 24, 2026] (0123-0306)
PJ2, CURACAO.
Thaire, W2APF will be active as PJ2/W2APF
from Curacao (SA-099) from January
22nd to March 31st. He will operate CW, SSB and FT8 on
80-10 meters. QSL via LoTW, or direct to W2APF.
-[425DXN # 1811 January 17, 2026] (0116-0403)
PJ4, BONAIRE.
N3RD and K3CT join the ARRL CW DX Contest (February 21st-22nd)
as PJ4K
from Bonaire (SA-006). QRV also 1-2 days before. QSL via KU9C, LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2498 February 18, 2026] (0220-0227)
PJ7, SINT
MAARTEN. Ros, 4Z5LA is QRV as PJ7/4Z5LA until February 25th.
QSL via 4Z5LA.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 7 February 19, 2026] (0220-0227)
PY, BRAZIL.
To commemorate the 92nd anniversary of the Brazilian Amateur Radio
League Society LABRE, these 28 special event stations are QRV until February 28th:
ZV8AC, ZV7AL, ZV8AP, ZV8AM, ZV6BA, ZV7CE,
ZV2DF, ZV1ES, ZV2GO, ZV8MA, ZV9MT, ZV9MS,
ZV4MG, ZV7PB, ZV8PA, ZV5PR, ZV7PE, ZV8PI,
ZV1RJ, ZV7RN, ZV3RS, ZV8RO, ZV8RR, ZV5SC,
ZV2SP, ZV6SE, ZV2TO, ZV2LB.
Activity
is on 160 through 6 meters, 2 meters, 70 centimeters, and 13 and 3
centimeters as well, using CW, SSB, and various digital modes. This
includes being active on Satellite QO-100. An award is available;
details are available here. QSL
via operators' instructions.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 5 February 5, 2026] (0206-0227)
SP, POLAND.
Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the city of Gnynia, six special
callsigns, SP1ØØG,
SQ1ØØD, SO1ØØY, SN1ØØN, HF1ØØI and 3Z1ØØA, will be
activated on February
7th-22nd. A certificate will be available, see https://ot09.pzk.org.pl/akcje/100gdynia/100gdy.php
for the details. QSL via SP2PGD.
-[425DXN # 1813 January 31, 2026] (0206-0227)
T8, PALAU.
Czech DXpedition Team members OK1BOA, OK2ZA, OK3RM and OK6DJ will be
active as T8OK
from Palau on March
4th-19th. They will operate CW, FT8, SSB and RTTY on
160-10 meters, plus 6m. Full LoTW upload after six months. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS
(preferred), or via OK6DJ.
-[425DXN # 1815 February 14, 2026] (0227-0320)
T8, PALAU.
Operators JA3AVO, JH3LSS, and JA3HJI will be QRV as T88MB, T88CZ, and T88DN, respectively,
from February 14th
to 22nd. QSL T88MB via JA3AVO, T88CZ
via JH3LSS, and
T88DN via JA3HJI.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 6 February 12, 2026] (0213-0227)
TI, COSTA RICA.
Nate, N4YDU will be QRV as TI7W
in the ARRL CW DX contest (February
21st-22nd). Activity will be on all bands. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 7 February 19, 2026] (0220-0227)
TL, CENTRAL
AFRICA. Joao, CR7BNW, is QRV as TL8BNW until June 1st.
Pending the arrival of new equipment this weekend, he plans to upgrade
his station's capabilities for a specialized run on 160 meters. From February 4th to 14th,
he will temporarily modify his dipole antenna to focus exclusively on 160m
SSB and digital modes. After that period, he will reconfigure the
dipole to restore its standard multi-band functionality, returning to
his regular operations on 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters using SSB
and FT8. QSL via LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1813 January 31, 2026] (0130-0306)
TY, BENIN.
Gerard, F5NVF, is QRV as TY5GG
until April 6th.
Activity is on the HF bands. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 4 January 29, 2026] (0130-0410)
TZ, MALI.
Ulmar, DK1CE will be active again as TZ1CE from Bamako,
Mali from February
10th to March 1st.
He will operate mainly SSB and FT8, with a focus on 160m FT8, 80m FT8
and 6 meters. QSOs will be uploaded to Club Log on a daily basis, and
to LoTW after the operation. QSL via DK1CE.
-[425DXN # 1814 February 7, 2026] (0206-0306)
UR, UKRAINE.
Established in 1947, the British Faraday Antarctic Station was
transferred to Ukraine in February 1996 and renamed Akademik Vernadsky.
Celebrating that 30th anniversary, five special callsigns will be
active from February
1st to March 1st: EM3ØVER, operated
by Antarctic veterans - EM3ØKY
(op. UT1KY), EM3ØKCC
(op. UR5KCC), EM3ØLV
(op. UR8LV), and EN3ØUA
(op. UT7UA). A certificate will be available, see https://www.qrz.com/db/EM30VER
for information.
-[425DXN # 1811 January 17, 2026] (0130-0227)
V3, BELIZE.
WCØW, K5PI, N5TJ, K5TR, W5MJ, WWØG, VE7KW, and VA7DX will be active in
the ARRL CW DX Contest (February
21st-22nd) as V3T.
QRV also before and after with their individual Belize callsigns. QSL
V3T via WCØW.
-[DXNL # 2498 February 18, 2026] (0220-0227)
V3, BELIZE.
Uwe, DL8UD will be active as V31KO
from Belize on February
19th-26th. He will participate in the ARRL CW DX contest
(February 21st-22nd) as V3O.
QSL via EA5GL.
-[425DXN # 1815 February 14, 2026] (0213-0227)
V3, BELIZE.
Walt, WØCP as V31DJ
(CW and SSB) and his wife Mary, KØZV as V31DK (FT8 and FT4)
will be active again from Placencia, Belize on February 1st to 27th.
Look for them on 160-10 meters. QSL V31DJ via ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW, or direct to WØCP; QSL V31DK
via ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW, or direct to KØZV.
-[425DXN # 1812 January 24, 2026] (0130-0227)
V4, ST. KITTS
& NEVIS. Chris, WA7RAR will be active as V4/WA7RAR from St.
Kitts (NA-104) from February
21st to March 7th.
He will operate SSB and CW on 20-10 meters, also with portable activity
from various POTA sites. QSL via LoTW, QRZ Logbook, or direct to WA7RAR.
-[425DXN # 1815 February 14, 2026] (0220-0306)
V4, ST. KITTS
& NEVIS. Tom, KØYA and his wife Toni, W5RCX will
be active again as V4/KØYA
and V4/W5RCX
from St. Kitts (NA-104) from February
4th to March 9th. Activity will be holiday style on 160-6
meters CW, SSB, FT8, FT4. Look for Tom to participate as V47Y in both legs of
the ARRL International DX Contest, CW (February 21st-22nd) and SSB
(March 7th-8th). QSL via LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1813 January 31, 2026] (0130-0313)
VP2M, MONTSERRAT.
Chuck, KG9N, is going to pay Montserrat (NA-103) a visit from February 17th until March 3rd.
QRV as VP2MCV.
QSL via KG9N, LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2497 February 11, 2026] (0213-0306)
VP5, TURKS
& CAICOS IS. John, N5VOF, and his sons Josiah,
WD5JR, and Isaiah, KJ5CMP, are active until February 23rd
from Caicos (NA-002), signing VP5/N5VOF,
VP5/WD5JR
and VP5/KJ5CMP
from various POTA locations. QRV on 80 through 6 meters on CW and SSB.
QSL with SASE to N5VOF.
-[DXNL # 2498 February 18, 2026] (0220-0306)
VP8, FALKLAND IS.
Martina, DF3TS, and Thomas, DC8TM, will be QRV as VP8TM from February 14th to 28th.
Activity will be holiday style on 20 through 10 meters using SSB and
FT8 from Saunders, Carcass, West Falkland, Sea Lion, and East Falkland
Islands, as well as from various SOTA, POTA, and WWFF locations. QSL
via DC8TM, LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 6 February 12, 2026] (0213-0227)
VP8/O,LU, SOUTH
ORKNEY IS. Gabriel, LU1WGB, is QRV as LU1WGB/Z from the
Joint Antarctic Base Orcadas on Laurie Island (AN-008) until February 22nd.
Activity is in his spare time on the HF bands using FT8. QSL to LU1WGB.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 2 January 15, 2026] (0116-0227)
VP9, BERMUDA.
AB2E and K3TEJ will be QRV as AB2E/VP9
and K3TEJ/VP9,
respectively, from February
17th to 24th. They will be active as VP9I in
the ARRL CW DX contest (February 21st-22nd). QSL VP9I via WW3S; AB2E/VP9
via AB2E; K3TEJ/VP9
via K3TEJ.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 6 February 12, 2026] (0213-0227)
YU, SERBIA.
To commemorate the 170th anniversary of Nikola Tesla's birth, members
of the Amateur Radio Union of Serbia (YUØSRS) will be active as YT17ØTESLA from January 31st until the end of
the year. QSL via LoTW; paper QSL cards will not be
available.
-[425DXN # 1814 February 7, 2026] (0206-0227)
ZL, NEW ZEALAND.
ZL3PAH celebrates his personal 60 years on the air with the callsign ZL6ØPAH until February 22nd.
QSL via ZL3PAH.
-[DXNL # 2498 February 18, 2026] (0220-0227)
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 Saturday, February 14th through Saturday, February 21st.
The average solar flux was 116, down 19 points from the previous week,
with a weekly high of 122 on Tuesday, February 17th, followed by
a low of 110 on February 21st.
The average sunspot count was 46, down by 40 from last week,
peaking at 69 on Monday, February 16th followed by a
weekly low of 11 on February 21st.
The Planetary K-index weekly average was 4.2 with a
maximum of 6.0 on Monday, February 16th, indicating
a moderate geomagnetic storm. The most recent K-index maximum was 4.3 with generally quiet conditions.
Solar flare activity since February 15th has been quiet with only
1 major flare, which was an M 2.4 event on Monday, February 16th.
Propagation
Data
Major solar flares, Sunday, February 15th through 1610 UTC, February 22nd.
| # | Date | UTC | Mag. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Feb 16 | 0435 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 22 | 5% | 1% | 112 |
| Feb 23 | 10% | 1% | 125 |
| Feb 24 | 10% | 1% | 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 February 16, 2026).
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A Hole In The Sun's Atmosphere
A large hole
has opened in the sun's atmosphere, and it is spewing a stream of solar
wind toward Earth. Estimated time of arrival: Feb. 24-25. Minor G1-class geomagnetic storms and high-latitude auroras are possible when the gaseous material arrives.
(Copyright
© SpaceWeather.com
February 22, 2026. Republished by permission.)
The First Spotless Day In 4 Years
Click on this image and take a careful look around the solar disk. Can you find any sunspots? We can't either:
If the situation persists, Feb 22, 2026, will be recorded as the first "spotless day" since 2022.
Spotless
days are a key indicator the solar cycle. During years around Solar
Minimum, whole months can go by without a single sunspot, racking up
dozens of spotless days in a row. Between 2018-2020 (the last Solar
Minimum) there were more than 700 spotless days!
Today's
blank sun does not mean Solar Minimum has arrived. On the contrary, it
is still years away. However, it does tell us that Solar Cycle 25 is
waning. Sunspots will be back--probably tomorrow--but today is a
preview of things to come.
(Copyright
© SpaceWeather.com
February 22, 2026. 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CQ 160-Meter Contest, SSB | Feb 20 | 2200Z | Feb 22 | 2159Z | Rules |
| ARRL Inter. DX Contest, CW | Feb 21 | 0000Z | Feb 22 | 2400Z | Rules |
| REF Contest, SSB | Feb 21 | 0600Z | Feb 22 | 1800Z | Rules |
| South Carolina QSO Party | Feb 21 | 1500Z | Feb 22 | 0159Z | Rules |
| North American QSO Party, RTTY | Feb 28 | 1800Z | Mar 1 | 0600Z | Rules |
| ARRL Inter. DX Contest, SSB | Mar 7 | 0000Z | Mar 8 | 2400Z | Rules |
| Oklahoma QSO Party | Mar 14 | 1400Z | Mar 15 | 2100Z | Rules |
| Stew Perry Topband Challenge | Mar 14 | 1500Z | Mar 15 | 1500Z | Rules |
| Idaho QSO Party | Mar 14 | 1900Z | Mar 15 | 1900Z | Rules |
| North American Sprint, RTTY | Mar 15 | 0000Z | Mar 15 | 0359Z | Rules |
| Wisconsin QSO Party | Mar 15 | 1800Z | Mar 16 | 0100Z | Rules |
| BARTG HF RTTY Contest | Mar 21 | 0200Z | Mar 23 | 0200Z | Rules |
| Russian DX Contest | Mar 21 | 1200Z | Mar 22 | 1200Z | Rules |
| Virginia QSO Party | Mar 21 | 1400Z | Mar 22 | 2400Z | Rules |
| CQ WW WPX Contest, SSB | Mar 28 | 0000Z | Mar 29 | 2400Z | Rules |
| Louisiana QSO Party | Apr 4 | 1400Z | Apr 5 | 0200Z | Rules |
| SP DX Contest | Apr 4 | 1500Z | Apr 5 | 1500Z | Rules |
| QRP ARCI Spring QSO Party | Apr 11 | 0000Z | Apr 11 | 2359Z | Rules |
| JIDX CW Contest | Apr 11 | 0700Z | Apr 12 | 1300Z | Rules |
| OK/OM DX Contest, SSB | Apr 11 | 1200Z | Apr 12 | 1159Z | Rules |
| New Mexico QSO Party | Apr 11 | 1400Z | Apr 12 | 0200Z | Rules |
| Georgia QSO Party | Apr 11 | 1800Z | Apr 12 | 2359Z | Rules |
| CQMM DX Contest | Apr 18 | 0900Z | Apr 19 | 2359Z | Rules |
| Michigan QSO Party | Apr 18 | 1600Z | Apr 19 | 0400Z | Rules |
| Ontario QSO Party | Apr 18 | 1800Z | Apr 19 | 1800Z | Rules |
| Quebec QSO Party | Apr 19 | 1200Z | Apr 19 | 2200Z | Rules |
| ARRL Rookie Roundup, SSB | Apr 19 | 1800Z | Apr 19 | 2359Z | Rules |
| Florida QSO Party | Apr 25 | 1600Z | Apr 26 | 2159Z | Rules |
| 7th Call Area QSO Party | May 2 | 1300Z | May 3 | 0700Z | Rules |
| Indiana QSO Party | May 2 | 1600Z | May 3 | 0400Z | Rules |
| Delaware QSO Party | May 2 | 1700Z | May 3 | 2359Z | Rules |
| New England QSO Party | May 2 | 2000Z | May 3 | 2400Z | Rules |
| CQ-M International DX Contest | May 9 | 1200Z | May 10 | 1159Z | Rules |
| His Maj. King of Spain Contest, CW | May 16 | 1200Z | May 17 | 1200Z | Rules |
| Arkansas QSO Party | May 16 | 1400Z | May 17 | 0200Z | Rules |