The
Eastern Iowa DX Bulletin
Number
250, November 29, 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
3D2, FIJI.
Bob, W7YAQ and Al, K7AR will, they will stop in Nadi (OC-016), Fiji on
their return from Wallis Island, and will be active as 3D2NB from November 30th to December 2nd.
QSL via LoTW, ClubLog's OQRS,
or via W7YAQ
-[425DXN # 1747 October 26, 2024] (1129-1206)
3D2, FIJI.
Theo, PA3CBH will be active as 3D2TP
from Viti Levu (OC-016) until
December 12th. He will operate QRP on SSB and QRS CW. QSL
via PA3CBH.
-[425DXN # 1748 November 2, 2024] (1108-1213)
3D2/R, ROTUMA I.
An international team (W6IZT, W2FQ, K4NHW KD9LSV, MØSDV, LY7J) is
leading a larger group of young remote operators (43 ops, including 4
YLs) in a DXpedition to Rotuma (OC-060). QRV until December 4th
as 3D2Y
with RIB (Radio In a Box) equipment on 160-6m, including 60m, on CW,
SSB, FT8. In addition, they will be taking part in the CQ WW CW Contest
(November 23rd-24th) using another callsign, yet to be determined. For
more information see: https://rotuma2024.com/.
QSL via MØOXO's OQRS.
-[DXNL # 2432 November 13, 2024] (1115-1206)
4U/UN, UNITED
NATIONS HQ. On the building that hosts 4U1UN in New York,
an antenna for 80 and 160m has been installed recently for members'
use. The location in Manhattan suffers from constant (S5-S7) QRN though.
-[DXNL # 2433 November 20, 2024] (1122-1213)
5R, MADAGASCAR.
Eric, F6ICX is active again as 5R8IC
from Sainte-Marie Island (AF-090), Madagascar 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)
8R, GUYANA.
Heye, DJ9RR, is currently active as 8R1/AG6UT
on 40-10m (CW, FT8). The duration of his stay is presently unknown. QSL
via DJ9RR.
-[DXNL # 2434 November 27, 2024] (1129-1213)
9L, SIERRA LEONE.
The Radio Club de Provins (F6KOP) will be active as 9L5A from Sierra
Leone from November
27th to December 8th. Plans are for a large team (F1DHX,
F1ULQ, F2DX, F4AZF, F4FET, F4HAU, F4HHL, F4HRG, F5AGB, F5NTZ, F8AAN,
F8EFU, F8GGV/YU3FX, HB9GWJ and ON7RN) to operate CW, SSB, RTTY and FT8
(MSHV) on 160-6 meters with six stations, as well as via QO-100 with a
dedicated station, with a focus on "human modes" (CW and SSB). More
information can be found on https://9l5a.wordpress.com;
bookmark the expedition's Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/9L5A.DXpedition
for updates. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS
(preferred), LoTW, or via F5GSJ.
-[425DXN # 1748 November 2, 2024] (1122-1213)
9V, SINGAPORE.
Orion, OE3OGC, will be active during his spare time as 9V1CF from November 27th to December 10th
on 40-10m (SSB, FT8). He also plans to activate Bukit Timah SOTA
(9V/SG-001) and the Coney Island National Park (SG-0013). QSL via OE3OGC, or his
OQRS.
-[DXNL # 2434 November 27, 2024] (1129-1213)
A3, TONGA.
Stan, LZ1GC and Ted LZ5QZ will be active as A35GC from
Nuku'alofa (OC-049), Tonga on November
25th to December 6th. They will operate CW, SSB, FT4, FT8
and RTTY on 160-6 meters with three stations and a focus on 160, 80 and
60m. More information will be available on https://www.c21gc.com/.
QSL via ClubLog's OQRS
(preferred), LoTW, or via LZ1GC.
-[425DXN # 1737 August 17, 2024] (1122-1206)
A6,
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES. Special callsign A6ØND
is for the Emirates
Amateur Radio Society to celebrate UAE National Day (December 2nd).
Also expected to take part in the celebrations is the Bahrain Amateur
Radio Society as A91UAE
(November 26th -
December 2nd), and possibly
the Saudi Amateur Radio Society as HZ1UAE,
the Kuwait Amateur Radio
Society as 9K9UAE,
and the Royal Omani Amateur Radio Society as A43UAE.
QSL A6ØND via EA7FTR.
-[425DXN # 1751 November 23, 2024] (1122-1206)
A9, BAHRAIN.
Celebrating the Kingdom of Bahrain's National Day, the Bahrain Amateur
Radio Society will be active as A91ND
on December 1st-16th.
Also taking part in the celebrations will be the Emirates Amateur Radio
Society as A6ØBHR
on December 11th-16th
(individual operators may append a serial number to the special
callsign), and possibly the Saudi Amateur Radio Society as HZ1BHR, the Kuwait
Amateur Radio Society as 9K9BHR,
and the Royal Omani Amateur Radio Society as A43BHR. QSL A91ND
via EC6DX.
-[425DXN # 1752 November 30, 2024] (1129-1220)
CE9, ANTARCTICA.
Oleg, ZS1ANF is QRV as ZS7ANF
from Wolf's Fang Runway, Queen Maud Land (AN-016) until late February 2025.
Activity is on 40 to 10 meters using mainly CW. QSL via DL5EBE, RK1PWA, or
LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 43 November 14, 2024] (1115-1206)
CN, MOROCCO.
Ralf, DB4REB will be active as CN2REB
while vacationing in Morocco from November 30th to January 30,
2025. He plans to operate CW, FT8 and SSB on various bands
from Agadir and some POTA sites along the coast. See https://www.qrz.com/db/CN2REB
for updates. QSL via eQSL, or DB4REB.
-[425DXN # 1751 November 23, 2024] (1129-0131)
CO, CUBA.
Team T46W will be active from Cayo Santa Maria (NA-204, WWL FL02lp) on December 1st-10th.
Eight operators (CO6OU, CO6RK, CO6SDY, CO6VV, CO6XDX, CO6XX, CM6EZ and
CL6AX) will be QRV on 160-6 meters "multimode". QSL via LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1751 November 23, 2024] (1129-1213)
DL, GERMANY.
Special callsign DM7ØDXMB
will be activated by DARC Team SES to mark the 70th anniversary of
DARC's DX Newsletter DXMB (DX-Mitteilungsblatt) from November 1st to December 13.
All QSOs will be confirmed automatically via the bureau; direct cards
via DL2VFR.
-[425DXN # 1748 November 2, 2024] (1101-1213)
DXCC TOP TWENTY.
Here are the top 20 entities on ClubLog’s "DXCC Most Wanted" list as of
November 29, 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 November 29, 2024 (1129-1220)
FR, REUNION I.
Jean-Marie, F4JCF, signs FR/F4JCF
from November 24th
to December 15th.
-[DXNL # 2433 November 20, 2024] (1122-1213)
FS, ST. MARTIN.
K9EL, K9NU, W9AP and W9MR will again be active as TO9W from November 30th to December 13th.
They will operate CW, SSB, FT8/FT4 and RTTY on 160-6 meters with three
stations. See https://www.k9el.com/TO9W/TO9W.htm
for more information. QSL via LoTW, ClubLog's OQRS
(preferred), or via W9ILY.
-[425DXN # 1749 November 9, 2024] (1129-1213)
HR, HONDURAS.
Gerard, F2JD will be active again as HR5/F2JD from Copan,
Honduras from late
November to late March 2025. He will operate CW, SSB and
FT8/FT4 on the HF bands and 6 meters. Log search on http://LesNouvellesDX.fr/voirlogs.php.
QSL via F6AJA.
-[425DXN # 1749 November 9, 2024] (1122-1213)
I, ITALY.
The 4U1GSC Amateur Radio Club will use special callsign 4U3ØB to mark the
30th anniversary of the United Nations Global Service Centre in
Brindisi, Italy. Look for activity from November 15th to December 31st.
QSL via 9A2AA.
-[425DXN # 1747 October 26, 2024] (1115-1227)
I, ITALY.
Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the start of regular radio
broadcasting in Italy (October 6, 1924), ARI local branches across
Italy are using special callsigns until 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)
JA, JAPAN.
Take, JI3DST will be active again as JS6RRR from Miyako
Island (AS-079) from December
4th to March 31st, 2025. Other callsigns to be used
include JI3DST/6,
JJ5RBH/6, JR8YLY/6 and JS6RRR/6, as well as JI3DST/p, JJ5RBH/p, JR8YLY/p and JS6RRR/p on FT8.
QSOs will be made available for ClubLog Matching on the IOTA website.
QSLs via ClubLog's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1752 November 30, 2024] (1129-1220)
JD1/M, MINAMI
TORISHIMA. Take, JG8NQJ is QRV as JG8NQJ/JD1 from
Marcus Island (OC-073) until
the beginning of March 2025. 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 # 43 November 14, 2024] (1115-1206)
KHØ,
MARIANA IS. Look for KHØ/JA8VE,
KHØ/JO1ABS, KHØ/W1VX, KHØ/WB6Z, KHØD
and NHØE to
be active from Saipan (OC-086) from November 28th to
December 3rd. They will operate SSB, CW, FT8 and FT4 on
160-6 meters
with two stations. QSL KHØ/JA8VE via JA8VE, QSL all
others via JF1OCQ
and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1751 November 23, 2024] (1122-1206)
OM, SLOVAK
REPUBLIC. Special callsign OM25ISS marks the
anniversary of the first Slovak astronaut, Ivan Bella, in space 25
years ago. QRV until the end
of September 2025 on all bands. An award is also
available: https://www.qrz.com/db/OM25ISS.
QSL via OM8ATE.
-[DXNL # 2433 November 20, 2024] (1122-1213)
ON, BELGIUM.
Special event station OO8ØBB
will be QRV from November
16th to December 15th to commemorate the 80th anniversary
of the Battle of the Bulge during World War II. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 43 November 14, 2024] (1115-1213)
OX, GREENLAND.
Nadia, OZ7AM and Dave, OZ5DM will be operating as OX7AM and OX5DM from Greenland
(NA-018) from November
18th to December 2nd, including the CQ WW CW Contest
(November 23rd-24th). QSL via OZ1ACB.
-[DXNL # 2432 November 13, 2024] (1115-1206)
PA, NETHERLANDS.
Barry, PC1K will be active as PC24XMAS
in December.
A certificate will be downloadable from https://pc1k.nl/xmas
"immediately after making a QSO". QSL via PC1K, LoTW, or
QRZ Logbook.
-[425DXN # 1752 November 30, 2024] (1129-1103)
PA, NETHERLANDS.
Celebrating Christmas and the New Year, special callsigns PA24XMAS, PD24ELF and PI24XMAS will be
active on December
1st-31st, while PD25HNY
will be QRV from December
24th until January 31st. See https://www.qrz.com/db/PI24XMAS
for a certificate. QSL cards will not be issued.
-[425DXN # 1751 November 23, 2024] (1129-0103)
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)
SM, SWEDEN.
The still operational long wave transmitter at the Grimeton Radio
Station, callsign SAQ, was inaugurated on December 1, 1924. To
celebrate this milestone, the transmitter will be activated on VLF 17.2
kHz at 1000 UTC on
December 1st. The Grimeton Radio Station has been
inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 2004. As for the
amateur bands, SK6SAQ
will be QRV on CW (3517, 7017, 14017 kHz) and SSB (3755 and 7140 kHz).
See https://alexander.n.se/en/
for more information. QSL via SK6SAQ direct
or via the bureau.
-[425DXN # 1752 November 30, 2024] (1129-1206)
TL,
CENTRAL AFRICA. Elvira, IV3FSG will be active as TL8ES from Bangui,
Central African Republic until December 9th.
She will
operate SSB, CW, FT8 (MSHV), FT4 and RTTY on 160-6 meters, and will
enable Club Log's Live Stream. One station will be monitoring 6 meters
(50313 kHz) 24/7 for possible openings. See
https://www.qrz.com/db/TL8ES
for more information. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW, or IK2DUW.
-[425DXN # 1751 November 23, 2024] (1122-1213)
V7, MARSHALL IS.
Janusz, SP9FIH, will be active as V73WE
from Majuro Atoll (OC-029), Marshall Islands from November 29th to December 13th.
He plans to be QRV on 40, 30, 20, 12 and 10 meters. The operation will
be limited to only a few bands due to the high costs of excess luggage.
See http://v7.dxpeditions.org
for more information and updates. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1749 November 9, 2024] (1129-1213)
VE,
CANADA. Pierre, VE3KTB is currently active again as VYØERC from the
Eureka Weather Station Base on Ellesmere Island (NA-008) and will
remain QRV "around work schedules" until December 5th.
QSL via MØOXO's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1751 November 23, 2024] (1122-1206)
VR, HONG KONG.
Andrea, IV3SKB, continues operating as VR2/IV3SKB for the
time being. QSL via IV3SKB, LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2434 November 27, 2024] (1129-1213)
VU, INDIA.
Cezar VE3LYC (VU3LPL), Sarath VU2RS, Adi VU3WEW and Anil VU3DXA will be
active as AU2K
from Kanika Island (AS-179, new one for IOTA) from December 2nd to 7th.
"Regretfully, Frank (DL4KQ), who planned and worked on this project
with us, will be unable to join the team due to family and work-related
issues". The team will set up two radio stations, and attempt to
operate SSB, CW and digital modes around the clock on all bands from 40
to 10 meters. Once the operation is on its way, the team will consider
the possibility of setting up a third station. "We seek financial
support from those who are able and willing to help us defray some of
the large costs required by this project" - see https://au2k.weebly.com
for more information. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
or direct to VE3LYC.
-[425DXN # 1745 October 12, 2024] (1129-1213)
VU, INDIA.
Datta, VU2DSI is QRV as AU2JCB
until December 16th
to commemorate the birthdate (November 30, 1858) of Indian physicist
and radio pioneer Jagadish Chandra Bose. Activity is on 80 to 6 meters
using SSB, and FM on 10 and 6 meters. QSL direct to VU2DSI.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 43 November 14, 2024] (1115-1213)
VU4, ANDAMAN
& NICOBAR IS. Krish, W4VKU has been active as VU4A from the
Andaman Islands (AS-001) and expects to remain there until December 11th.
He operates FT8 (MSHV) and SSB on 160-6 meters. On FT8, send your grid,
as Krish will enable MSHV to filter "received stations based on their
distance from VU4", and "to answer the farthest DX first". See
https://www.qrz.com/db/VU4A
for more information and updates. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS
(preferred), LoTW, or direct to W4VKU.
-[425DXN # 1752 November 30, 2024] (1129-1213)
XV, VIET NAM.
Juris, YL2GM and Eugene, EA5EL will be active as XV9X from Phu Quoc
Island (AS-128), Viet Nam from November
19th to December 2nd. They will operate CW, SSB and FT8 on
160-10 meters with two stations. See https://www.lral.lv/xv9x/index.html
for more information and updates. Full LoTW upload six months after the
end of the DXpedition. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS
(preferred), or direct to YL2GN.
-[425DXN # 1750 November 16, 2024] (1115-1206)
YB, INDONESIA.
The ORARI branch of Tangerang Selatan (YH1RI) will operate special
Callsigns 8G16T,
8G16A, 8G16N, 8G16G, 8G16S, 8G16E and 8G16L from November 23rd to December 1st
to celebrate the 16th anniversary of the city of South Tangerang (part
of the Greater Jakarta metropolitan area, on the island of Java). Look
for activity on 80, 40, 20, 15 and 10m SSB, CW, FT8 and RTTY. See https://award.oraritangsel.or.id
for certificates and eQSLs.
-[425DXN # 1750 November 16, 2024] (1122-1206)
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)
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 Tuesday, November 26th through yesterday, December 3rd.
The average solar flux was 203, up 9 points from the previous week,
with a weekly high of 225 on Wednesday, November 27th, followed by
a low of 185 on December 3rd.
The average sunspot count was 125, down by 25 from last week,
peaking at 163 on Tuesday, November 26th followed by a
weekly low of 83 on December 1st.
The Planetary K-index weekly average was 3.0 with a
maximum of 4.7 on Saturday, November 30th, resulting
in generally quiet geomagnetic conditions. Yesterday's K-index maximum was 3.7 with generally quiet conditions.
Solar flare activity since November 27th has been quiet with only
1 major flare, which was an M 2.3 event on Wednesday, December 4th.
Propagation
Data
Major solar flares, Wednesday, November 27th through 1335 UTC, December 4th.
| # | Date | UTC | Mag. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dec 04 | 1000 | M 2.3 |
(NOAA's graph of recent flare activity: GOES-X-Ray-Flux)
From the NOAA Space Weather Prediction
Center,
here are the probabilities of major solar flares and the predicted 10.7
cm Solar Flux for the next 3 days. NOAA updates this information daily.
| Date | M-Flares | X-Flares | Solar Flux |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 3 | 30% | 5% | 180 |
| Dec 4 | 30% | 5% | 170 |
| Dec 5 | 30% | 5% | 170 |
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 December 2, 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.
Quiet
With a Slight Chance of Flares
Although the sun is peppered with sunspots,
none of them
is actively flaring. Solar activity is therefore low. NOAA forecasters
estimate a slight 5% chance the sun will break the silence with an X-class
solar flare on Dec. 3rd.
(Copyright © SpaceWeather.com December 3, 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| CQ 160-Meter Contest, CW | Jan 24 | 2200Z | Jan 26 | 2159Z | Rules |
| BARTG RTTY Sprint | Jan 25 | 1200Z | Jan 26 | 1200Z | Rules |
| Winter Field Day | Jan 25 | 1700Z | Jan 26 | 1700Z | Rules |
| Vermont QSO Party | Feb 1 | 0000Z | Feb 2 | 2400Z | Rules |
| 10-10 Int. Winter Contest, SSB | Feb 1 | 0001Z | Feb 2 | 2359Z | Rules |
| Mexico RTTY International Contest | Feb 1 | 1200Z | Feb 2 | 2359Z | Rules |
| Minnesota QSO Party | Feb 1 | 1400Z | Feb 1 | 2400Z | Rules |
| British Columbia QSO Party | Feb 1 | 1600Z | Feb 2 | 2400Z | Rules |
| North American Sprint, CW | Feb 2 | 0000Z | Feb 2 | 0359Z | Rules |
| CQ WW RTTY WPX Contest | Feb 8 | 0000Z | Feb 9 | 2400Z | Rules |
| ARRL School Club Roundup | Feb 10 | 1300Z | Feb 14 | 2359Z | Rules |
| ARRL Inter. DX Contest, CW | Feb 15 | 0000Z | Feb 16 | 2400Z | Rules |
| CQ 160-Meter Contest, SSB | Feb 21 | 2200Z | Feb 23 | 2159Z | Rules |
| South Carolina QSO Party | Feb 22 | 1500Z | Feb 23 | 0159Z | Rules |
| North American QSO Party, RTTY | Feb 22 | 1800Z | Feb 23 | 0600Z | Rules |
| North Carolina QSO Party | Feb 23 | 1500Z | Feb 24 | 0100Z | Rules |
| ARRL Inter. DX Contest, SSB | Mar 1 | 0000Z | Mar 2 | 2400Z | Rules |
| Open Ukraine RTTY Championship | Mar 1 | 1800Z | Mar 2 | 1359Z | Rules |