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The Eastern Iowa DX Bulletin
Number 198, December 1, 2023

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. Articles will remain in The Bulletin while active, but with a 5-week maximum.

Also included is a Propagation section, updated daily; and a Contest Calendar of upcoming popular contests.

DX News items are courtesy of:
   The ARRL DX Bulletin
      The bulletin is available at http://www.arrl.org
   425 DX News, A.R.I. DX Bulletin (425DXN)
      Edited by Mauro Pregliasco, I1JQJ & Valeria Pregliasco, IK1ADH
      425 DX News Home Page: https://www.425dxn.org/
      425 DX News Google Group: https://groups.google.com/g/425eng
   DX Newsletter (DXNL)
      Edited by Andreas Salder, DK5ON
      A weekly service of DARC Committee "DX", http://www.darcdxhf.de
   Propagation data is from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
      Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center 
   Contest data courtesy of the WA7BNM Contest Calendar 



DX News

3W, VIET NAM. Jacek, SP5APW is QRV as 3W9C from Con Son Island (AS-130) until December 9th. Activity is on 20, 17, 15, 10, and 6 meters using SSB and FT8. QSL to SP5APW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 48 November 30, 2023]  (1201-1208)

4S, SRI LANKA. Peter, DCØKK is active again as 4S7KKG from Sri Lanka (AS-003, grid MJ96xk) until March 30, 2024. He operates FT8, FT4, RTTY and possibly CW on 20-6 meters. QSL via LoTW, ClubLog's OQRS, or direct to DCØKK.
-[425DXN # 1697 November 11, 2023]  (1110-1215)

4W, TIMOR-LESTE. A large group of operators will be QRV as 4W8X from Dili from November 6th to December 5th. Activity will be on the HF bands using CW, SSB, RTTY, FT8, and FT4. This includes being entries in the upcoming WAEDC RTTY and CQ WW DX CW Contest (November 25th-26th). For more information see: http://timor-leste-dx.de/. QSL via DJ4MX or ClubLog’s OQRS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 44 November 2, 2023]  (1103-1208)

5H, TANZANIA. Ferdy, HB9DSP is QRV as 5H3FM from Zanzibar Island (AF-032) until December 5th. Activity is on the HF bands using SSB, FM, and FT8. QSL to HB9DSP.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 48 November 30, 2023]  (1201-1208)

5H, TANZANIA. Maurizio, IK2GZU will be active again as 5H3MB from Tanzania from November 8th to December 8th, while doing volunteer work at the Ikelu Hospital and Ilembula Orphanage. 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 # 1690 September 23, 2023]  (1103-1208)

5R, MADAGASCAR. Moise, F4EZG is QRV as 5R8VE from Nosy Fali (AF-057) until December 3rd, and from the main island of Madagascar (AF-013) December 5th to January 3rd, 2024. Activity is on 20 to 10 meters using SSB and FT8. QSL to F4EZG.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 48 November 30, 2023]  (1201-0105)

7Q, MALAWI. Don, K6ZO is QRV as 7Q6M from Embangweni until May 13, 2024, and has been active on 160 meters. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 48 November 30, 2023]  (1201-0105)

9L, SIERRA LEONE. Shabu, MØKRI is QRV as 9L5M from Freetown until December 5th. Activity is on 80 to 6 meters using CW, SSB, and FT8. This includes being active on Satellite QO-100. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 48 November 30, 2023]  (1201-1208)

A6, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES. Special callsign A6ØND is the for the Emirates Amateur Radio Society to celebrate the UAE National Day (December 2nd). QSL via EA7FTR. Also expected to take part in the celebrations are the Bahrain Amateur Radio Society as A91UAE (November 26th - December 2nd), the Saudi Amateur Radio Society as HZ1UAE (November 26th - December 2nd), the Kuwait Amateur Radio Society as 9K9UAE (November 30th - December 6th), and possibly the Royal Omani Amateur Radio Society as A43UAE.
-[425DXN # 1700 December 2, 2023]  (1201-1208)

A6, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES. Special callsign A6ØWRC will be used by members of the Emirates Amateur Radio Society during the ITU World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC-23) taking place in Dubai from November 20th to December 15th. QSL via EA7FTR. Individual operators may append a serial number to the special callsign, and be QRV as A6ØWRC/Ø, A6ØWRC/1, etc. (see qrz.com for the QSL routes).
-[425DXN # 1699 November 25, 2023]  (1124-1215)

A9, BAHRAIN. Celebrating the Kingdom of Bahrain's National Day, the Bahrain Amateur Radio Society will be active as A91ND on December 1st-16th. QSL via EC6DX.
-[425DXN # 1699 November 25, 2023]  (1124-1222)

CE9, ANTARCTICA. Dave, VK2JDS will be active occasionally as VKØDS from Davis Station, Antarctica from December 2023 until November 2024. The bands that he hopes to be on are "some HF bands, possibly WSPR on 6 meters (depending on local science projects), 2 meters EME (only on occasions when I get time off and conditions are favorable), possibly 23cm EME". Nothing is certain, he says, as "weather conditions and station duties will take precedence". QSL direct to VK2JDS and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1699 November 25, 2023]  (1201-1229)

CEØY, EASTER ISLAND. Jorge, CEØYHF is QRV until December 10th while working at a hospital on Pascua Island (SA-001). Activity is in his spare time on 30 to 6 meters using some CW and SSB, but mostly FT8. QSL direct to CEØYHF.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 48 November 30, 2023]  (1201-1215)

CN, MOROCCO. Yannick, F6FYD will be active as CN2YD from Marrakech, Morocco from December 1st to March 15, 2024. He plans to operate as CN2YD/p from IOTA group AF-065 sometime during his stay. QSL via F6FYD.
-[425DXN # 1699 November 25, 2023]  (1124-1229)

DXCC TOP TWENTY. Here are the top 20 entities on ClubLog’s "DXCC Most Wanted" list as of December 1, 2023:
   1. P5     DPRK (North Korea)  11. 3Y/B   Bouvet Island
   2. BS7H   Scarborough Reef    12. ZS8    Prince Edward & Marion Islands
   3. CEØX   San Felix Islands   13. KH4    Midway Island
   4. BV9P   Pratas Island       14. VKØM   Macquarie Island
   5. KH7K   Kure Island         15. PYØS   Saint Peter And Paul Rocks
   6. KH3    Johnston Island     16. PYØT   Trindade & Martim Vaz Islands
   7. FT/G   Glorioso Island     17. KP5    Desecheo Island
   8. 3Y/P   Peter 1 Island      18. VP8S   South Sandwich Islands
   9. FT5/X  Kerguelen Island    19. KH5    Palmyra & Jarvis Islands
  10. YVØ    Aves Island         20. ZL9    New Zealand Subantarctic Islands
For the complete list, see https://clublog.org/mostwanted.php
-[KØCF December 1, 2023]  (1201-1215)

EA, SPAIN. Celebrating Christmas and the New Year, members of Radio Club Lliria (EA5RCL) will be active as EH5XMAS from December 7th to January 7th. QSL via the bureau to EA5RCL, LoTW and eQSL.
-[425DXN # 1700 December 2, 2023]  (1201-0105)

F, FRANCE. Members of the Radio-club de Lyon (F8KLY) will be active as TM1AB from November 25th to December 9th. The special callsign commemorates the 100th anniversary of the first transatlantic amateur two-way contact between Leon Deloy, F8AB and Fred Schnell, 1MO (November 28, 1923).
-[425DXN # 1698 November 18, 2023]  (1117-1208)

F, FRANCE. Michel, F8GGZ will be active as TM1ØØLTB from November 25th to December 3rd. The special callsign commemorates the 100th anniversary of the first transatlantic amateur two-way contact between Leon Deloy, F8AB and Fred Schnell, 1MO (November 28, 1923). QSL via the bureau.
-[425DXN # 1697 November 11, 2023]  (1124-1208)

F, FRANCE. The Radio Club de Wingles (F4KLR) will be active as TM125ED from November 4th to December 31st. The special callsign commemorates the 125th anniversary since radio pioneer Eugene Ducretet gave a public demonstration of wireless communication between the Eiffel Tower and the Pantheon 4 km away (November 5, 1898). All CW and SSB QSOs will be confirmed automatically via the bureau and eQSL, FT8 QSOs will be confirmed via eQSL only; direct cards via F4KLR.
-[425DXN # 1693 October 14, 2023]  (1103-1208)

FJ, SAINT BARTHELEMY. Phil, K2LIO is QRV as FJ4WEB until December 31st. Activity is holiday style on 40 to 10 meters. QSL to K2LIO.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 44 November 2, 2023]  (1103-1208)

FK, NEW CALEDONIA. Jean-Louis, F5NHJ is active again as FK/F5NHJ from New Caledonia's main island (Grande Terre, OC-032), with side trips to nearby Ile des Pins (also OC-032) until mid-January 2024. He operates digital modes, CW and SSB on 80-6m. He will upload his log to ClubLog and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1699 November 25, 2023]  (1124-1229)

FS, SAINT MARTIN. FS4WBS, K9NU, N9EP, W9AP, and K9EL operate as TO9W from Saint Martin from November 26th to December 8th. For more information see: http://www.k9el.com/TO9W/TO9W.htm. QSL via W9ILY, ClubLog's OQRS, LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2381 November 22, 2023]  (1124-1208)

G, ENGLAND. Special callsigns GBØWHO, GB1WHO, GB2WHO, GB4WHO, GB5WHO, GB6WHO, GB8WHO and GB9WHO are for members of the Chertsey Radio Club to celebrate the 60th anniversary of science fiction cult series "Doctor Who" until December 20th. QSL via LoTW and eQSL. Broadcast by the BBC, "Doctor Who" has been listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the TV's longest-running sci-fi show in the world. The series began on November 23, 1963, and the original run aired 694 episodes consecutively across 26 seasons until 1989; it was revived in 2005 after 16 years off the screen.
-[425DXN # 1699 November 25, 2023]  (1124-1222)

HB9, SWITZERLAND. Special callsign HB8DELOY is the for members of the Swiss Air Force Museum's Radio Club (HB4FR) to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first transatlantic amateur two-way contact between Leon Deloy, F8AB and Fred Schnell, 1MO (November 28, 1923). Look for activity from November 1st to December 31st. QSL via HB9ACA (bureau preferred).
-[425DXN # 1696 November 4, 2023]  (1103-1208)

HR, HONDURAS. Team HQ9X (K1XM, KQ1F, N9NC, NG7A and W1UE) will be active from Roatan Island (NA-057) from November 20th to December 4th, including entries in the CQ WW DX CW Contest (November 25th-26th), the ARRL 160-Meter Contest (first night only), and the FT Roundup (complete information can be found on https://www.rttycontesting.com/ft-roundup/). QSL via KQ1F.
-[425DXN # 1698 November 18, 2023]  (1117-1208)

HR, HONDURAS. Gerard, F2JD will be active again as HR5/F2JD from Copan, Honduras from November 25th to March 21st, 2024. He will operate CW, SSB and FT8/ FT4 on the HF bands. QSL via F6AJA; log search on http://LesNouvellesDX.fr/voirlogs.php.
-[425DXN # 1695 October 28, 2023]  (1124-1229)

HR, HONDURAS. K1XM, KQ1F, W1UE, N9NC, and NG7A are currently active as HQ9X. They will stay until December 4th, covering participation in the CQ WW DX CW Contest (November 25th-26th) and the ARRL 160m Contest. QSL via KQ1F.
-[DXNL # 2381 November 22, 2023]  (1124-1208)

HS, THAILAND. Brad, VK2BY will be active again as HSØZNR from the Nam Yuen district in northeastern Thailand from December 6th to January 14th. He will be QRV on 160-10 meters and will focus on working stations "that contribute to LoTW and eQSL". QSL direct to VK2BY and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1699 November 25, 2023]  (1201-1205)

HZ, SAUDI ARABIA. Special callsign HZ3ØEXPO is the for the Saudi Amateur Radio Society (HZ1SAR) to celebrate the election of Saudi Arabia as host country of World Expo 2030, which will take place in Riyadh. Look for activity from November 30th to December 9th.
-[425DXN # 1700 December 2, 2023]  (1201-1208)

I, ITALY. Members of ARI Bergamo will be active as II2GLNO on December 1st-2nd. They will operate SSB and CW on 80, 40 and 20 meters. The special callsign memorializes the 100th anniversary of the Gleno Dam disaster (December 1, 1923), when the middle section of the dam collapsed and caused widespread flooding that killed some 400 people. QSL via IQ2BG.
-[425DXN # 1699 November 25, 2023]  (1201-1208)

KL7, ALASKA. Team KL7RRC (Alex KL5CX, Yuri N3QQ and Tim NL8F) will be active from St. Paul, Pribilof Islands (NA-028) on December 7th-15th. They will operate CW, SSB and digital modes on 80-10 meters with up to four stations. ClubLog's Live Stream feature will be enabled. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS; full LoTW upload after six months. See https://www.qrz.com/db/KL7RRC for more information.
-[425DXN # 1696 November 4, 2023]  (1201-1215)

OE, AUSTRIA. Watch for OE1ØØXBB operating in the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Austria's federal railway system until December 15th. QSL via bureau.
-[DXNL # 2380 November 15, 2023]  (1117-1215)

PA, NETHERLANDS. Celebrating Christmas and the New Year, special callsigns PA23XMAS and PD23SANTA will be active on December 1st-31st, while PD24HNY will be QRV until January 31st. QSL cards will not be issued, but a certificate will be available (see https://www.qrz.com/db/PA23XMAS).
-[425DXN # 1699 November 25, 2023]  (1124-1229)

PJ2, CURACAO. Jeff, K8ND is QRV as PJ2ND. Activity is on the HF bands. He plans to be QRV as PJ2T in the ARRL 160 Meter contest (December 1st-3rd), and the upcoming ARRL 10 Meter (December 9th-10th), Stew Perry Topband DX Challenge (December 30th-31st), and the CQ World Wide 160 Meter CW (January 26th-28th) contests. QSL PJ2ND to K8ND, and PJ2T via KU9C.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 48 November 30, 2023]  (1201-0105)

PJ7, SINT MAARTEN. After the CQ WW DX SSB Contest, Ed, N2HX will move from St. Kitts to Sint Maarten (NA-105). He will be QRV as PJ7PL, including entries in the CQ WW DX CW Contest (November 25th-26th) and the ARRL 10- Meter Contest (December 9th-10th). QSL via N2HX.
-[425DXN # 1694 October 21, 2023]  (1103-1215)

PZ, SURINAME. Nobu, JAØJHQ plans to be active as PZ5NH from December 7th to 11th operating on 160 to 6 meters, using CW, SSB and FT8. QSL direct to JAØJHQ or LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 45 November 9, 2023]  (1201-1215)

S7, SEYCHELLES. Operators G4IKRN, G3WPH, G4IRN and G4PVM will be QRV as S79/home calls beginning November 21st. This includes being an entry in the upcoming CQ WW DX CW Contest (November 25th-26th) with a yet to be determined call sign. QSL via operators' instructions.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 46 November 16, 2023]  (1117-1208)

SP, POLAND. Special callsign SN15AXI honors the memory of Janek Bonikowski, SP3AXI, a scout leader and amateur radio Elmer, who died in 2008. QRV until the end of January 2024. QSL via bureau or eQSL.
-[DXNL # 2379 November 8, 2023]  (1110-1215)

SV, GREECE. Special callsign SX25GTC will be in use on December 1st-15th to celebrate the 25th anniversary since the formation of the Greek Telegraphy Club (https://raag.org/gtc-club-en/). Look for activity on 160-6 meters CW. QSL via LoTW. Certificates will be available, see qrz.com for information.
-[425DXN # 1699 November 25, 2023]  (1124-1215)

T32, EAST KIRIBATI. Members of the Rebel DX Group are QRV as T32TT from Christmas Island (OC-024) until December 21st. Activity is on 160 to 6 meters using CW, SSB, FT8, and FT4. QSL via OQRS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 48 November 30, 2023]  (1201-1222)

V5, NAMIBIA. Marc, ZS6DOT is QRV as V51NA from Walvis Bay. Activity is on 40, 20, 17, and 15 meters using mostly SSB. QSL to ZS6DOT.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 48 November 30, 2023]  (1201-0105)

V5, NAMIBIA. Gunter, DK2WH will be active again as V51WH (V55Y in contests) from Namibia starting on November 16th through April 2024. He operates SSB, CW and FT8 on 160-10 meters. QSL via DK2WH; he does not use LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1697 November 11, 2023]  (1117-1215)

V6, MICRONESIA. A group of operators will be QRV as V6EU from Chuuk Island (OC-011) from December 4th to 16th. Activity will be on 160 to 10 meters using CW, SSB, RTTY, and FT8. QSL via DL2AWG.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 48 November 30, 2023]  (1201-1215)

V6, MICRONESIA. After spending nine full days on Satawal Atoll (V62S), Cezar VE3LYC commenced operations as V62P from Puluwat Atoll (OC-155) just before 0600 UTC on November 24th. As of November 21st, the situation appeared rather uncertain: "I have specifically requested a minimum of four operating days from Puluwat but will see what happens in the end. Please refrain from making multiple contacts with V62P, so that more hams can have a chance at logging the rare OC-155. All this change of schedule has a pretty negative effect on me, amplified by the fact that I didn't feel well for the past couple of days". As an added inconvenience, Cezar's laptop failed a few days ago, and now he is logging manually on paper.
-[425DXN # 1699 November 25, 2023]  (1124-1215)

VK9C, COCOS (KEELING) IS. Yuris, YL2GM and Eugene, EA5EL will be active as VK9CY from the Cocos (Keeling) Islands (OC-003) from November 29th to December 7th. They will operate CW, SSB and FT8 on 160-6 meters with two stations. QSLs via ClubLog's OQRS (direct and bureau), or direct to YL2GN. See https://www.lral.lv/vk9xy_vk9cy/index.html for information.
-[425DXN # 1697 November 11, 2023]  (1124-1208)

VK9X, CHRISTMAS ISLAND. Chris, GM3WOJ and Keith, GM4YXI will be active as VK9XGM from Christmas Island (OC-002) from November 21st to December 5th, including a M/2 entry in the CQ WW DX CW Contest (November 25th-26th). They will operate SSB, CW and FT8/FT4 on 160-10 meters with two stations. QSL via LoTW, or N3SL; log search on ClubLog. See https://www.vk9xgm.com/ for more information.
-[425DXN # 1687 September 2, 2023]  (1117-1208)

VP2V, BRITISH VIRGIN IS. Look for VP2V/AG9A, VP2V/K2KW, VP2V/KD4D and VP2V/W9RE to be active holiday style from Anegada, British Virgin Islands (NA-023) on December 4th-12th. They will operate CW, SSB and digital modes mostly on 20- 10 meters. Main activity will be during the ARRL 10-Meter Contest (December 9th-10th) as VP2VMM. QSL via LoTW, ClubLog's OQRS, or via KU9C.
-[425DXN # 1699 November 25, 2023]  (1201-1215)

VP8, FALKLAND IS. Commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Falkland Islands Government Aviation Service, special event station VP8FLY will be active from the northeast end of Stanley airport, Falkland Islands (SA-002) during the month of December, and especially on December 19. QSL direct to VP8LP.
-[425DXN # 1699 November 25, 2023]  (1201-1229)

VU, INDIA. Datta, VU2DSI will be active once again as AU2JCB from November 23rd to December 11th to commemorate the birthdate (November 30, 1858) of Indian physicist and radio pioneer Jagadish Chandra Bose. He will operate SSB on 80, 40, 20, 15 and 10 meters, and FM on 50800, 51500 and 29700 KHz. QSL direct to VU2DSI. Also QRV are expected to be AU3JCB (operated by VU2EVU) and AU5JCB (operated by VU2XPN).
-[425DXN # 1697 November 11, 2023]  (1117-1215)

XT, BURKINA FASO. Harald, DF2WO will be active again as XT2AW from Burkina Faso on December 6th – 19th. He operates all modes on the HF bands, 6 meters and via QO-100. QSL via MØOXO's OQRS and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1700 December 2, 2023]  (1201-1222)

YB, INDONESIA. Operators YB9IPY and YC9GBO, along with Burkhard, DL3KZA being active as YB9/DL3KZA, are QRV from Sumbawa Island (OC-150) until December 4th. QSL direct to home calls.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 48 November 30, 2023]  (1201-1208)

ZF, CAYMAN ISLANDS. Stan, K5GO will be QRV as ZF9CW until February 15th, 2024, on the HF bands, using mostly CW, with some SSB. QSL direct to K5GO.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 45 November 9, 2023]  (1110-1215)



Propagation (Updated daily)

Solar Data
The Weekly Solar Data chart plots Solar Flux Index (SFI), Sunspot number (SSN) and Planetary K-Index (K-Idx) 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.

  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!
The current Sun at 131 Angstroms

Propagation Summary
For the 8 day period from Monday, November 27th through yesterday, December 4th.

The average solar flux was down 24 points from the previous week, with a weekly high of 187 on Monday, November 27th, followed by a low of 138 on December 4th.

The average sunspot count was down by 42 for the week, peaking at 164 on Wednesday, November 29th followed by a weekly low of 92 on December 2nd.

The Planetary K-index weekly average was 3.4 with a maximum of 7.0 on Friday, December 1st, resulting in strong geomagnetic storm conditions.

Solar flare activity since November 27th has been moderate with 5 major flares, the largest of which was an M 9.8 event on Tuesday, November 28th.

Propagation Data
Major solar flares, Monday, November 27th through 1410 UTC, December 5th.

  #   Date UTC Mag.
1 Dec 05  0644  M 1.5 
2 Dec 01  2120  M 1.0 
3 Dec 01  0439  M 1.1 
4 Nov 28  1950  M 9.8 
5 Nov 28  1932  M 3.4 


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 5 30%5%135
 Dec 6 25%5%130
 Dec 7 25%5%130

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 only once a week, on Monday.

 Date   Flux   Kp 
 Dec 5 1345
 Dec 6 1304
 Dec 7 1323
 Dec 8 1322
 Date   Flux  Kp 
 Dec 9 1322
 Dec 10 1302
 Dec 11 1352
 Dec 12 1404
 Date   Flux  Kp 
 Dec 13 1403
 Dec 14 1402
 Dec 15 1402
 Dec 16 1402

Highs for Cycle 25
  Solar Flux: 234 on January 15, 2023.
  Sunspots:  227 on July 11, 2023.

Favorite Propagation web sites
  Excellent Maximum Usable Frequency map: https://prop.kc2g.com/
  https://www.spaceweather.com/
  https://www.solarham.net/
  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

Contest Start End Web Site
ARRL 160-Meter Contest Dec 1 2200Z Dec 3 1600Z Rules
ARRL 10-Meter Contest Dec 9 0000Z Dec 10 2359Z Rules
OK DX RTTY Contest Dec 16 0000Z Dec 16 2400Z Rules
Croatian CW Contest Dec 16 1400Z Dec 17 1400Z Rules
ARRL Rookie Roundup, CW Dec 17 1800Z Dec 17 2359Z Rules
RAC Winter Contest Dec 30 0000Z Dec 30 2359Z Rules
Stew Perry Topband Challenge Dec 30 1500Z Dec 31 1500Z Rules
ARRL RTTY Roundup Jan 6 1800Z Jan 7 2400Z Rules
ARRL Kids Day Jan 6 1800Z Jan 6 2359Z Rules
YB DX Contest Jan 13 0000Z Jan 13 2359Z Rules
North American QSO Party, CW Jan 13 1800Z Jan 14 0600Z Rules
Hungarian DX Contest Jan 20 1200Z Jan 21 1200Z Rules
North American QSO Party, SSB Jan 20 1800Z Jan 21 0600Z Rules
ARRL January VHF Contest Jan 20 1900Z Jan 22 0359Z Rules
CQ 160-Meter Contest, CW Jan 26 2200Z Jan 28 2159Z Rules
BARTG RTTY Sprint Jan 27 1200Z Jan 28 1200Z Rules
Winter Field Day Jan 27 1700Z Jan 28 1700Z Rules
Vermont QSO Party Feb 3 0000Z Feb 4 2400Z Rules
10-10 Int. Winter Contest, SSB Feb 3 0001Z Feb 4 2359Z Rules
Mexico RTTY International Contest Feb 3 1200Z Feb 4 2359Z Rules
Minnesota QSO Party Feb 3 1400Z Feb 3 2400Z Rules
British Columbia QSO Party Feb 3 1600Z Feb 4 2400Z Rules
North American Sprint, CW Feb 4 0000Z Feb 4 0359Z Rules
CQ WW RTTY WPX Contest Feb 10 0000Z Feb 11 2400Z Rules
ARRL School Club Roundup Feb 12 1300Z Feb 16 2359Z Rules
ARRL Inter. DX Contest, CW Feb 17 0000Z Feb 18 2400Z Rules
CQ 160-Meter Contest, SSB Feb 23 2200Z Feb 25 2159Z Rules
North American QSO Party, RTTY Feb 24 1800Z Feb 25 0600Z Rules
North Carolina QSO Party Feb 25 1500Z Feb 26 0100Z Rules
ARRL Inter. DX Contest, SSB Mar 2 0000Z Mar 3 2400Z Rules
Open Ukraine RTTY Championship Mar 2 1800Z Mar 3 1359Z Rules
     -[Contest data courtesy of the WA7BNM Contest Calendar ]