The
Eastern Iowa DX Bulletin
Number
244, October 18, 2024
Craig Fastenow, KØCF, Editor
This bulletin is a compilation of currently active DX operations (or those that will become active within the current week) from recent issues of the three DX bulletins listed below and other sources. Credit for the source is given at the end of each article.
Articles are ordered by the entity's callsign prefix from the ARRL DXCC Entities List. Callsigns used are in bold with dates of operation highlighted in red. Clickable links are provided for QSL and other information wherever possible. Note that articles may be edited for grammar, language, style and accuracy and will remain in The Bulletin while active; articles that are announcements of ongoing operations, or that have no specified end date, will be removed after three weeks.
Also included is a Propagation section, updated daily; and a Contest Calendar of upcoming popular contests.
DX News
items are courtesy of:
The ARRL DX Bulletin
The bulletin is available at http://www.arrl.org
425 DX News, A.R.I. DX Bulletin (425DXN)
Edited by Mauro Pregliasco, I1JQJ
& Valeria Pregliasco, IK1ADH
425 DX News Home Page: https://www.425dxn.org/
425 DX News Google Group: https://groups.google.com/g/425eng
DX Newsletter (DXNL)
Edited by Andreas Salder, DK5ON
A weekly service of DARC Committee
"DX", http://www.darcdxhf.de
Ohio-Penn DX Bulletin (OPDX)
Edited by Tedd Mirgliotta, KB8NW.
Although OPDX is no longer
published as a weekly bulletin, Tedd
still sends DX news emails.
We will occasionally publish some of
them.
Propagation data is from:
National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration's
Space Weather Prediction
Center
Dr. Tony Phillips' SpaceWeather.com,
used by permission
Contest data
courtesy of the WA7BNM
Contest Calendar
DX
News
3B9, RODRIGUES I.
Kazu, MØCFW is QRV as 3B9/MØCFW
until November 27th.
Activity is on the HF bands. He will be active as 3B9KW in the
upcoming CQ WW DX SSB Contest (October 26th-27th), and the CQ WW DX CW
Contest (November 23rd-24th). QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 39 October 17, 2024] (1018-1129)
3D2/R, ROTUMA I.
Antoine, 3D2AG, will leave for Rotuma on October
19th for a research trip lasting three to four weeks
(depending on the timing of the return boat in November). In his spare
time, he will operate mostly CW and SSB as 3D2AG/p on 160-6
meters, with a focus on the higher bands. He hopes to complete the
setup and be on the
air by October 25th,
so that he can participate in the CQ WW DX SSB Contest (October
26th-27th). Please note that while on the island he will not have
access to the Internet, and that for CW he will use a manual iambic
paddle and paper logs, which will be digitized after the trip. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS
and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1746 October 19, 2024] (1018-1115)
3D2/R, ROTUMA I.
Members of the Rebel DX Group are QRV as 3D2V and 3D22 until October 30th.
Activity is on 160 to 10 meters using primarily FT8 in the SuperFox and
MSHV modes. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 37 October 3, 2024] (1004-1101)
5H, TANZANIA.
Maurizio, IK2GZU will be active again as 5H3MB from Tanzania
from October 10th to
November 11th,
while doing volunteer work at a local school. In his spare time, he
will operate SSB, CW and digital modes on 80-10 meters. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW and eQSL, or via IK2GZU.
-[425DXN # 1741 September 14, 2024] (1004-1115)
5R, MADAGASCAR.
Janusz, SP9FIH as 5R8WE
and Leszek, SP6CIK as 5R8CI
will be active from Nosy Be (AF-057), Madagascar from October 23rd to November 6th.
They will operate CW, SSB and FT8 (also SuperFox for 5R8CI) on 40-10
meters with two stations and a focus on 12 and 10 meters. QSLs via ClubLog's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1743 September 28, 2024] (1018-1108)
5R, MADAGASCAR.
Eric, F6ICX will be active again as 5R8IC
from Sainte-Marie Island (AF-090), Madagascar from October until the end of the
year.
He will operate mainly CW on 40-10 meters; during the last two weeks of
December he will also be QRV on the QO-100 satellite. QSL via LoTW, ClubLog's OQRS,
or via F6ICX.
-[425DXN # 1742 September 21, 2024] (0927-0103)
5V, TOGO.
Antonio, IK7WUL, has moved from Benin (TY2AA) to Togo and will be
active as 5VØDX
during his spare time, mostly on SSB. The duration of his stay is
unknown at present. QSL via IK7WUL.
-[DXNL # 2427 October 9, 2024] (1011-1101)
7P, LESOTHO.
Bernie, ZS4TX and John, ZS6JON will be activating Lesotho on 70 cm EME
using the callsign 7P8Z
from grid KG30. "We will do two moon passes", Dennis says, "starting Friday October 18th at 1800
UTC (moonrise) and ending Sunday October 20th at 0500 UTC (moonset).
Also included are some Satellite passes - we will work the ISS (if
available), RS-44 and SO-50". QSL via PA3CMC and
LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1745 October 12, 2024] (1018-1025)
7Q, MALAWI.
Vasco 7Q7CT, Jorge CT1BOL, Vasco D2ACE and Fran EC7R will be active as 7Q1 (just Seven
Quebec One) from Lilongwe, Malawi from October 23rd to November 2nd,
including an entry in the CQ WW DX SSB Contest (October 26th-27th). QSL
via EA7FTR.
-[425DXN # 1745 October 12, 2024] (1018-1101)
8R, GUYANA.
Aldir, PY1SAD will be active as 8R1TM
from Georgetown, Guyana from October
12th to November 24th. He will operate CW, SSB and digital
modes on all bands and via satellite. QSL via LoTW, eQSL, QRZ Logbook,
or direct to PY1SAD.
-[425DXN # 1743 September 28, 2024] (1011-1129)
9M6, EAST
MALAYSIA. Saty, JE1JKL will be active again as 9M6NA from Labuan
Island (OC-133), East Malaysia from October 23rd to November 25th.
He will participate in the CQ WW DX SSB Contest (October 26th-27th)
(SOAB LP) and the CQ WW DX CW Contest (November 23rd-24th) (SOAB HP).
QSL via LoTW and ClubLog's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1745 October 12, 2024] (1018-1129)
9X, RWANDA.
Harald, DF2WO will be QRV as 9X2AW
from Kigali from October
9th to 23rd. Activity will be on the HF bands and 6
meters. He will also have equipment for Satellite QO-100. QSL via MØOXO's OQRS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 37 October 3, 2024] (1004-1025)
C2, NAURU.
A large German team (DG2RON, DJ5IW, DJ7TO, DJ9KH, DK3CG, DK5WL, DL1KWK,
DL2RNS, DL4SVA, DL6KAC, DL6KVA, DL7JOM, DL7VEE and DL8LAS) will be
active as C21MM
from Nauru (OC-031) on October
11th to 27th:
six team members will arrive on October 11th, the rest of the team will
arrive on October 14th for another 12 days. Plans are to operate CW,
SSB, FT8 and RTTY on 160-6 meters with five stations. On FT8 they will
be using MSHV multi-stream, but "there is a possibility for using
SuperFox-WSJT-X too". More information, QSL policy included, can be
found on https://c21mm.mydx.de/.
QSL via ClubLog's OQRS
(preferred), or via DL4SVA.
-[425DXN # 1735 August 3, 2024] (1011-1101)
C9, MOZAMBIQUE.
Gus CX2AM, Bert CX3AN and Rainer CX8FB will be active as C91BV from
Mozambique on October
17th-24th. They will operate CW and SSB with two stations
on 40-6 meters. QSL via EB7DX.
-[425DXN # 1737 August 17, 2024] (1011-1025)
CE9, ANTARCTICA.
David, F4FKT, operates as FT4YM
from Dumont d'Urville Base on Petrel Island until March 2025
and as FT4YM/p
from the bases Concordia, Little Dome C, and Cape Prud'homme. QSL via F4FKT or F5PFP.
-[DXNL # 2427 October 9, 2024] (1011-1101)
D4, CAPE VERDE.
Claudio, HB9OAU will be QRV as D44OA
from Sal Island (AF-086) from October
24th to November 5th.
Activity will be holiday style on 40 to 6 meters using CW and SSB. This
includes being an entry in the upcoming CQ WW DX SSB contest (October
26th-27th). QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 39 October 17, 2024] (1018-1108)
DXCC TOP TWENTY.
Here are the top 20 entities on ClubLog’s "DXCC Most Wanted" list as of
October 16, 2024:
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 October 18, 2024 (1018-1108)
E6, NIUE.
Jacek, SP5EAQ will be QRV as E6AQ
from October 22nd to
November 9th. This includes being an entry in the upcoming
CQ WW DX SSB contest (October 26th-27th). QSL via SP7DQR.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 39 October 17, 2024] (1018-1108)
EA, SPAIN.
Markus, DJ4EL will be active as EA5/DJ4EL
from the islands of Benidorm, Escombreras and Tabarca (all part of IOTA
group EU-093) on October
17th-25th. Updates will be posted to https://x.com/rapanuiman.
QSL via ClubLog's OQRS
(preferred) and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1743 September 28, 2024] (1011-1025)
EA, SPAIN.
Special callsigns EG3AMCUP
(from September 15th
to October 14th) and AO3AMCUP
(from October 15th
to October 28th)
will be used by members of URE's Unio de Radioaficionats de Barcelona i
Baix Llobregat (EA3MM) during the 37th America's Cup. A certificate
will be available, see https://www.ure.es/diploma-cq-americas-cup-2024/
for information. QSL via EA3MM, LoTW,
eQSL and QRZ Logbook.
-[425DXN # 1742 September 21, 2024] (0920-1101)
EA, SPAIN.
Special event station EG2AMCUP
is QRV until October
29th during the 37th America's Cup being held in
Barcelona. QSL via EA3MM, ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 35 September 19, 2024] (0920-1101)
F, FRANCE.
To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Wingles during
WWII (September 2, 1944), the local radio club (F4KLR) will be active
as TM8ØLW
on August 31st,
September 2nd and for another 13 days until November 9th.
All SSB and CW QSOs will be confirmed automatically via the bureau and
eQSL; FT8 QSOs will be confirmed via eQSL.
-[425DXN # 1738 August 24, 2024] (0830-1108)
FG, GUADELOUPE.
Philippe, F1DUZ, will be active as FG4KH
from October 22nd to
November 6th.
For the CQ WW DX SSB Contest (October 26th-27th) he will be joined by
M5RIC, GW4XUM, K1XX, and W1MD using the contest callsign TO2X. QSL via LoTW,
eQSL, or via F1DUZ.
-[DXNL # 2428 October 16, 2024] (1018-1108)
FO, FRENCH
POLYNESIA. Fred, DH5FS will be active as FO/DH5FS from French
Polynesia from October
4th-23rd as follows:
October 4th-11th Manihi
(OC-131)
October 11th-18th Rangiroa (OC-066)
October 18th-23th Tikehau (OC-066)
He will operate CW and FT8 on 20-10 meters. Updates will be posted to https://mastodon.radio/@dh5fs.
QSL via DH5FS.
-[425DXN # 1744 October 5, 2024] (1004-1025)
FR, REUNION I.
Stephane, F5UOW will be active holiday style as FR/F5UOW from
Reunion Island (AF-016) on October
9th-28th. He will operate CW only on 17-10 meters. QSL
only via LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1743 September 28, 2024] (1004-1101)
GM, SCOTLAND.
Special event station GB2ZL
(Scotland) will operate CW only on October 1st-28th
to mark the 100th anniversary of the first amateur radio contact
between Great Britain and New Zealand (October 18, 1924). See https://www.qrz.com/db/GB2ZL
for more information. QSL via LoTW only.
-[425DXN # 1742 September 21, 2024] (0927-1101)
HL, SOUTH KOREA.
Members of the Korean Amateur Radio League (KARL) will be active as HL24KARL on October 20th
during the KARL Field Day. All QSOs will be confirmed automatically via
the bureau and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1745 October 12, 2024] (1018-1025)
HR, HONDURAS.
K1XM, K2TR, KQ1F, N2WQ and W1UE will participate in the CQ WW DX SSB
Contest (October 26th-27th) as HQ9X
from Roatan Island (NA-057), Honduras. They will be there on October 19th-29th,
with "some operation" also from October
29th until November 15th. QSL via KQ1F.
-[425DXN # 1746 October 19, 2024] (1018-1115)
HS, THAILAND.
Special event station HS19IARU
will be active from October
12th to November 10th for the 19th IARU Region 3
Conference to be hosted in Bangkok by the Radio Amateur Society of
Thailand (November 4th-8th, https://www.iarur3conf2024.org).
QSL via LoTW and ClubLog's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1745 October 12, 2024] (1011-1115)
I, ITALY.
The United Nations Global Service Centre ARC (4U1GSC) in Brindisi is
active again as 4U24OCT
until the end of
October. The special callsign marks United Nations Day
(October 24). DXCC wise, it counts for Italy. QSL via 9A2AA.
-[425DXN # 1746 October 19, 2024] (1018-1101)
I, ITALY.
Special callsign II6PRES
will be in use from October
12th to 27th to celebrate the 50th anniversary of ARI San
Benedetto del Tronto (IQ6SB). QSL via IK6XEJ.
-[425DXN # 1745 October 12, 2024] (1011-1101)
I, ITALY.
Members of ARI Bologna will be active as II4RCDN from October 1st to December 31st.
The special callsign marks the 60th Anniversary of the Northern Cross
Radio Telescope, one of the largest transit radio telescopes in the
world. Gianfranco Sinigaglia (I4BBE, SK), after whom the Bologna ARI
Section is named, was a professor of radioastronomy and applied
electronics at the Physics Institute of Bologna University, and
responsible for the electronics of the Northern Cross. A certificate
will be available, see https://www.qrz.com/db/II4RCDN
for information. QSL via IZ4FUE.
-[425DXN # 1744 October 5, 2024] (1004-1025)
I, ITALY.
Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the start of regular radio
broadcasting in Italy (October 6, 1924), ARI local branches across
Italy will be using special callsigns from October 1st to December 29th.
The callsigns will be in the format II#Rxyz
(e.g. II9RCAT for ARI Catania) and IR#Rxyz
(e.g. IR1RVDB for ARI Valbormida). In addition, special event station I1MRTV
will be active from the RAI Radio and Television Museum in Torino.
Certificates and electronic QSLs will be available for download from
the HamAward platform (direct link from each special callsign's qrz.com
page).
-[425DXN # 1743 September 28, 2024] (0927-1227)
J6, ST. LUCIA.
Steve, NY3B will be active again as J68SS
from St Lucia (NA-108) on October
22nd-29th.
He will be one of the J62K operators during the CQ WW DX SSB Contest
(October 26th-27th). QSOs will be uploaded also to ClubLog, eQSL and
QRZ Logbook. QSL via NY3B and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1746 October 19, 2024] (1018-1101)
J6, ST. LUCIA.
Watch for J68HZ
(K9HZ), J68CN
(WØCN), J68KC
(WA4PGM), J68SS
(NY3B), and J69DS to be active
on Saint Lucia (NA-108) from October
21st to 27th as J62K.
They will operate in the CQ WW DX SSB Contest (October 26th-27th). QSL J62K via LoTW
(preferred) or direct to K9HZ.
-[DXNL # 2428 October 16, 2024] (1018-1101)
J8, ST. VINCENT.
Special event call sign J8AA
is active until
January 31, 2025,
for contest activity. Look for Franco, J88BTI who will be QRV as J8AA
as a Single Op/All Band, except 160 meters, entry in the Oceania DX SSB
contest (October 5th-6th). QSL via EA5GL.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 37 October 3, 2024] (1004-1025)
JA, JAPAN.
Take, JI3DST is active as JS6RRR
from Miyako Island (AS-079) until
November 25th, including activity during the CQ WW DX SSB
and CW contests. Other callsigns to be used are JI3DST/6, JJ5RBH/6 and JR8YLY/6 on CW and
SSB, as well as JI3DST/p,
JJ5RBH/p and
JR8YLY/p on
FT8. QSOs will be made available for ClubLog and LoTW Matching on the
IOTA website.
-[425DXN # 1744 October 5, 2024] (1004-1129)
JD1/O, OGASAWARA.
Koutarou, JP1IHD will be QRV as JD1BQP
from Chichijima Island (AS-031) from October 21st to November 3rd.
Activity will be on 15 to 6 meters using SSB, FT8, and FT4. This
includes an entry in the upcoming CQ WW DX SSB contest (October
26th-27th). QSL direct to JP1IHD.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 39 October 17, 2024] (1018-1108)
K, UNITED STATES.
The Radio Club of Tacoma invites everyone to watch for the. elusive
Bigfoot, whose presence on the bands is via special event stations W7B, W7I, W7G, W7F, W7O, and W7T from October 17th to 20th.
Awards are available as well, beginning with just one contact with one
of these stations, a Big Stomp endorsement for repeated contacts on
different days, and a Full Stomp endorsement for working all stations.
For details, see https://www.qrz.com/db/W7B.
-[DXNL # 2428 October 16, 2024] (1018-1025)
KHØ, MARIANA IS.
Harry, JG7PSJ will be active holiday style as WHØRU from Saipan,
Mariana Islands (OC-086) on October
11th-20th. He will operate CW, SSB and RTTY on 40-10
meters. QSL via LoTW, or direct to JG7PSJ.
-[425DXN # 1744 October 5, 2024] (1011-1025)
PA, NETHERLANDS.
Volker, DL1WH will be active holiday style as PA/DL1WH/p from
Ameland Island (EU-038) on October
12th-26th. He will operate CW and some SSB. QSL via DL1WH.
-[425DXN # 1744 October 5, 2024] (1011-1025)
PA, NETHERLANDS.
Special callsign PH8ØLIB
will be in use from various locations from September 11th until November
10th
to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of southern
Netherlands in the autumn of 1944. Activity will be on 80-10 meters
SSB, CW and digital modes. See https://www.qrz.com/db/PH80LIB
for detailed information. QSL via the bureau.
-[425DXN # 1740 September 7, 2024] (0906-1108)
PJ7, SINT
MAARTEN. Ed, N2HX, plans to put Sint Maarten (NA-105) on
the air from October
20th to December 27th as PJ7PL,
including the CQ WW DX SSB Contest (October 26th-27th), the CQ WW DX CW
Contest (November 23rd-24th) and ARRL 10-Meter Contest (December
14th-15th). QSL via N2HX.
-[DXNL # 2428 October 16, 2024] (1018-1227)
PY, BRAZIL.
Team ZW8C
will be active from Santa Isabel Island (SA-025) on October 17th-19th.
They will operate SSB, CW and FT8 on 80-6 meters, plus SSB, FM and FT8
on 144 MHz and SSB on the QO-100 satellite. QSL via LoTW, PP5AA
(bureau) or PS8PL (direct).
-[425DXN # 1744 October 5, 2024] (1011-1025)
PYØF, FERNANDO
DE NORONHA. Ben, DA1DX (ex DL6FBL), Mark (DK2CX), Paul
(DL5CW), Wolf (OE2VEL), and Renner (PY7RP) remain active as PXØFF from Fernando
de Noronha (SA-003) until
October 21st. QRV on 160-6m, including 60m, on CW, SSB,
FT8 (MSHV). QSL via DJ4MX.
-[DXNL # 2427 October 9, 2024] (1011-1025)
PZ, SURINAME.
Members of the Royal Netherlands Army Signal Regiment (PI4VBD) will be
active again as PZ5JT
during the annual Jungle Warfare Training course in Suriname for a few weeks in
October-November. The operators will be QRV in their spare
time on 40, 20, 17, 15 and 10m SSB using military equipment. QSL direct
to PI4VBD.
-[425DXN # 1743 September 28, 2024] (1018-1122)
SV, GREECE.
Special callsign SX8ØFF
will be used from various locations (including Crete as SV9/SX8ØFF) on October 1st-31st.
The purpose of this activity is to honor the 80 fallen Greek
firefighters and aerial firefighting crews who lost their lives in the
line of duty. QSL via LoTW, eQSL and QRZ Logbook; paper cards will not
be available.
-[425DXN # 1743 September 28, 2024] (0927-1101)
SV5, DODECANESE.
The Dodecanese Radio Amateur Association (SZ5RDS) will be active as SX5Ø2GM on October 18th-20th
to highlight the presence of Fra' John T. Dunlap in Rhodes, which marks
the first official visit of a Grand Master of the Order of Malta to the
island since 1522. QSL via LoTW only.
-[425DXN # 1745 October 12, 2024] (1018-1025)
SV9, CRETE.
Christian, OE3DEC, signs SV9/OE3DEC
from near Heraklion from October
18th to 26th.
-[DXNL # 2428 October 16, 2024] (1018-1025)
TA, TURKEY.
Special event station TC1Ø1TC
is QRV until October
29th to commemorate the founding of the Turkish republic
101 years ago. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 39 October 17, 2024] (1018-1101)
TI9, COCOS I.
Sources report that Jose, TI2JJP, is currently active from Cocos Island
(NA-012) as TI9/TI2JJP.
During an early period of FT8 operation he erroneously signed TI9/I2JJP
and is working on correcting that mistake. So far, he has been active
on 10m.
-[DXNL # 2428 October 16, 2024] (1018-1108)
UA, EUROPEAN
RUSSIA.
Oleg, RD1A, is a member of the Severnyy Polyus crew and will drift
freely around the Arctic until September 2025 and operate as RI42SP. The vessel's
exact position can be tracked here: https://goradar.ru/vessels_map.php?imo=273295970
-[DXNL # 2427 October 9, 2024] (1011-1101)
V4, ST. KITTS
& NEVIS. Gary, GØFWX will be active again as V47FWX from St Kitts
(NA-104) on October
16th-23rd. QSL via MØURX's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1746 October 19, 2024] (1018-1025)
V4, ST. KITTS
& NEVIS. Yuri, VE3DZ will be active as V4/VE3DZ from St.
Kitts (NA-104) from October
23rd to November 3rd. He will participate in the CQ WW DX
SSB Contest (October 26th-27th) as V48K. QSL via LoTW, ClubLog's OQRS,
or via VE3DZ.
-[425DXN # 1745 October 12, 2024] (1018-1108)
V5, NAMIBIA.
Gunter, DK2WH is QRV as V51WH
from Omaruru until
November 12th. Activity is on 160 to 10 meters, including
60 meters, using SSB, FT8, and possibly CW. He will be active as V55Y in various
contests. QSL to DK2WH.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 35 September 19, 2024] (0920-1115)
V7, MARSHALL IS.
Don, KW7R is QRV as V73KW
until September 2025.
Activity is in his spare time on the HF bands using mostly CW and FT8.
QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 39 October 17, 2024] (1018-1108)
VE, CANADA.
Andy, VE1ANF will be active as VE1ANF/9
from Lameque Island (NA-068) on October
18th-20th. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW, or VE1ANF.
-[425DXN # 1746 October 19, 2024] (1018-1025)
VK9N, NORFOLK I.
Nick, VK2DX is QRV as VK9DX
and has been active on 10 meters using SSB around 0845 to 0915z. QSL to
VK2DX.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 37 October 3, 2024] (1004-1025)
VP2M, MONTSERRAT.
K2DM as VP2MDM,
NØSMX as VP2MMX
and ND8L as VP2MMM
will be active from Montserrat (NA-103) on October 23rd-28th.
They will participate in the CQ WW DX SSB Contest (October 26th-27th)
as VP2MDM.
Outside the contest they will operate "a lot of FT8/FT4 and a bit of
CW" using their individual callsigns. QSL via LoTW, or direct to K2DM.
-[425DXN # 1745 October 12, 2024] (1018-1101)
VU, INDIA.
Ajay, VU3FYK is QRV as AU2JOTA
until October 20th
with a group of scouts for Jamboree On The Air. QSL via operators'
instructions.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 39 October 17, 2024] (1018-1025)
VU, INDIA.
Special event station AT78I
is QRV until
November 13th to celebrate 78 years of independence for
India. Activity is on the HF bands using CW and SSB. QSL via VU2JOS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 31 August 22, 2024] (0823-1115)
XV, VIET NAM.
Callsign 3W3B
went QRT
permanently on October 10th. "After 14 years of fun it was time to
renew my license to comply with new Government Regulations", Bruce
says. His new
callsign is XV9B,
but his QSL routes remain unchanged: via LoTW (preferred), or via E21EIC.
-[425DXN # 1745 October 12, 2024] (1011-1025)
YJ, VANUATU.
Chris, VK2YUS will be QRV as YJØCA
from Efate Island (OC-035) from October
23rd to November 4th.
Activity will be on 40 to 10 meters using SSB. This includes an entry
in the upcoming CQ WW DX SSB contest (October 26th-27th). QSL direct to
VK2YUS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 39 October 17, 2024] (1018-1108)
YJ, VANUATU.
Team YJØVV
(namely N4VGE, K4QQG, K1NZ and K2SAV) will be active from Efate
(OC-035), Vanuatu on October
16th-29th.
They will operate SSB, CW and digital modes (also FT8 SuperFox) on
160-6 meters with two high power stations and a choice of seven
antennas and will participate in the CQ WW DX SSB Contest (October
26th-27th). QSOs will be uploaded to ClubLog and LoTW. QSL via K4NHW.
-[425DXN # 1743 September 28, 2024] (1011-1101)
ZD9, TRISTAN DA
CUNHA & GOUGH I. Lance, W7GJ, operating
as ZD9GJ
had dismantled and packed all his equipment on September 29th, ready to
leave Tristan da Cunha on October 1st. However, adverse sea conditions
have delayed his departure. "The forecast for the departure of the MV
'Lance' is now next Wednesday October 10th", he says. "I have decided
to instead stay here for an additional 2-1/2 weeks until October 27th
and try to return on the little MFV Edinburgh". He is
rebuilding the 6m antenna and station.
-[425DXN # 1744 October 5, 2024] (1004-1025)
ZF, CAYMAN IS.
Christopher, AE6Z, plans to operate with a QRP rig as ZF2XX, mostly on CW,
from October 20th to
25th. QSL via AE6Z.
-[DXNL # 2428 October 16, 2024] (1018-1025)
ZL, NEW ZEALAND.
Special event station ZM1ØØDX
will be QRV from September
29th to December 26th
to celebrate the very first trans-world QSO between Z4AA and G2SZ.
Activity will be on 160 to 6 meters using all modes. In addition,
special event station ZL4AA
will also be active for this event. QSL via operators' instructions.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 36 September 26, 2024] (0927-1227)
ZL7, CHATHAM IS.
Holger, ZL3IO will be QRV as ZL7DX
from October 15th to
31st. Activity will be on the HF bands. This includes
being active as ZL7IO
in the upcoming CQ World Wide DX SSB contest (October 26th-27th). QSL
to ZL3IO.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 38 October 10, 2024] (1011-1101)
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! |
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Propagation
Summary
For the 8 day period from Monday, October 14th through yesterday, October 21st.
The average solar flux was 167, down 43 points from the previous week,
with a weekly high of 182 on Monday, October 14th, followed by
a low of 162 on October 20th.
The average sunspot count was 134, up 5 from last week,
peaking at 168 on Monday, October 21st after a
weekly low of 101 on October 19th.
The Planetary K-index weekly average was 3.5 with a
maximum of 4.7 on Saturday, October 19th, resulting
in generally quiet geomagnetic conditions. Yesterday's K-index maximum was 2.0 with generally quiet conditions.
Solar flare activity since October 15th has been very high with
16 major flares, the largest of which was an M 6.5 event on Saturday,
October 19th.
Propagation
Data
Major solar flares, Tuesday, October 15th through 1243 UTC, October 22nd.
| # | Date | UTC | Mag. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oct 19 | 1434 | M 1.7 |
| 2 | Oct 19 | 0656 | M 6.5 |
| 3 | Oct 18 | 1938 | M 4.8 |
| 4 | Oct 18 | 1736 | M 1.1 |
| 5 | Oct 17 | 0505 | M 2.4 |
| 6 | Oct 16 | 1500 | M 1.3 |
| 7 | Oct 16 | 1442 | M 1.3 |
| 8 | Oct 16 | 1327 | M 1.5 |
| 9 | Oct 16 | 0516 | M 2.8 |
| 10 | Oct 16 | 0344 | M 3.7 |
| 11 | Oct 16 | 0319 | M 3.0 |
| 12 | Oct 15 | 1833 | M 2.1 |
| 13 | Oct 15 | 1818 | M 1.7 |
| 14 | Oct 15 | 1006 | M 1.3 |
| 15 | Oct 15 | 0227 | M 1.1 |
| 16 | Oct 15 | 0213 | M 1.9 |
(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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 22 | 40% | 5% | 165 |
| Oct 23 | 40% | 5% | 165 |
| Oct 24 | 40% | 5% | 160 |
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 October 21, 2024).
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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.
The Sun is Taking a Quick Break
Solar
Max is hard work. Just ask the sun. After flaring almost without pause
for the past 10 months, the sun is taking a quick break. Solar activity
has been low for the past 48 hours with no flares stronger than category C. The quiet won't last. Solar Max is expected to continue for at least another year; flaring should resume shortly.
(Copyright © SpaceWeather.com October 22, 2024.
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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10-10 Int. Fall Contest, CW | Oct 19 | 0001Z | Oct 20 | 2359Z | Rules |
| New York QSO Party | Oct 19 | 1400Z | Oct 20 | 0200Z | Rules |
| Stew Perry Topband Challenge | Oct 19 | 1500Z | Oct 20 | 1500Z | Rules |
| Illinois QSO Party | Oct 20 | 1700Z | Oct 21 | 0100Z | Rules |
| ARRL School Club Roundup | Oct 21 | 1300Z | Oct 25 | 2359Z | Rules |
| CQ Worldwide DX Contest, SSB | Oct 26 | 0000Z | Oct 27 | 2400Z | Rules |
| Ukrainian DX Contest | Nov 2 | 1200Z | Nov 3 | 1200Z | Rules |
| ARRL Sweepstakes Contest, CW | Nov 2 | 2100Z | Nov 4 | 0300Z | Rules |
| WAE DX Contest, RTTY | Nov 9 | 0000Z | Nov 10 | 2359Z | Rules |
| 10-10 Int. Fall Contest, Digital | Nov 9 | 0001Z | Nov 10 | 2359Z | Rules |
| JIDX Phone Contest | Nov 9 | 0700Z | Nov 10 | 1300Z | Rules |
| OK/OM DX Contest, CW | Nov 9 | 1200Z | Nov 10 | 1200Z | Rules |
| North American SSB Sprint Contest | Nov 10 | 0000Z | Nov 10 | 0400Z | Rules |
| LZ DX Contest | Nov 16 | 1200Z | Nov 17 | 1200Z | Rules |
| ARRL Sweepstakes Contest, SSB | Nov 16 | 2100Z | Nov 18 | 0300Z | Rules |
| CQ Worldwide DX Contest, CW | Nov 23 | 0000Z | Nov 24 | 2400Z | Rules |
| ARRL 160-Meter Contest | Dec 6 | 2200Z | Dec 8 | 1600Z | Rules |
| ARRL 10-Meter Contest | Dec 14 | 0000Z | Dec 15 | 2359Z | Rules |
| OK DX RTTY Contest | Dec 21 | 0000Z | Dec 21 | 2400Z | Rules |
| Croatian DX Contest | Dec 21 | 1400Z | Dec 22 | 1400Z | Rules |
| ARRL Rookie Roundup, CW | Dec 22 | 1800Z | Dec 22 | 2359Z | Rules |
| RAC Winter Contest | Dec 28 | 0000Z | Dec 28 | 2359Z | Rules |
| Stew Perry Topband Challenge | Dec 28 | 1500Z | Dec 29 | 1500Z | Rules |
| ARRL RTTY Roundup | Jan 4 | 1800Z | Jan 5 | 2400Z | Rules |
| ARRL Kids Day | Jan 4 | 1800Z | Jan 4 | 2359Z | Rules |
| YB DX Contest | Jan 11 | 0000Z | Jan 11 | 2359Z | Rules |
| North American QSO Party, CW | Jan 11 | 1800Z | Jan 12 | 0600Z | Rules |
| Hungarian DX Contest | Jan 18 | 1200Z | Jan 19 | 1200Z | Rules |
| North American QSO Party, SSB | Jan 18 | 1800Z | Jan 19 | 0600Z | Rules |
| ARRL January VHF Contest | Jan 18 | 1900Z | Jan 20 | 0359Z | Rules |