The
Eastern Iowa DX Bulletin
Number
318, March 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 (The online archive is no
longer updated.)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.
Nigel, G3TXF, continues to operate as 3B8XF until March 25th.
QSL via OQRS, LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2502 March 18, 2026] (0320-0327)
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 I.
Suvarna, VU3OPT (OMØGA) is currently QRV as 3B8G from Mauritius
Island (AF-049) until
March 30th. He operates CW and has been reported on 20, 15
and especially 10 meters so far. See https://www.9n7ga.com/
for more information.
-[425DXN # 1817 February 28, 2026] (0227-0403)
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)
5W,
SAMOA. DXpedition
postponed. SP5EAQ, Jacek, postponed his operation as
5WØAF
scheduled for March 22nd to April 11th due to present disruptions
of air travel routes in the Middle East. He hopes for an opportunity in
September/October 2026.
-[DXNL # 2501 March 11, 2026] (0320-0327)
6Y, JAMAICA.
Hiro-san, JH6GFY will be active as K3QJ/6Y
from Jamaica (NA-097) on March
18th-24th. He will be QRV on 20-10 meters, hopefully also
on 40m. QSL via operator's instructions.
-[425DXN # 1819 March 14, 2026] (0313-0327)
9J, ZAMBIA.
Robert, DM7XX, will be active as 9J2RO
from near Lusaka, Zambia on March
16th-30th. Activity will be on various HF bands and will
include participation in CQ WW WPX SSB Contest (March 28th-29th). QSL
via ClubLog's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1819 March 14, 2026] (0313-0403)
A2, BOTSWANA.
Before joining the 9J2EME team in Zambia, Bernie, ZS4TX will be active
("TEP and SAT") as A21TX
from Botswana on March
26th-27th. QSL via LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1820 March 21, 2026] (0320-0327)
C6,
BAHAMAS. Brian, AD8FD will be active as C6AFD from Eleuthera
Island
(NA-001), Bahamas on March
24th-31st. He will operate 40-10 meter SSB
and FT8 and will participate in the CQ WW WPX SSB Contest (March
28th-29th). QSOs will be uploaded to LoTW, ClubLog and QRZ; paper QSL
cards will not be provided.
-[425DXN # 1819 March 14, 2026] (0320-0403)
C6, BAHAMAS.
Paul, WA4PAW, operates as C6APS
until April 12th
on 20-10m (CW, SSB, FT8). QSL via WA4PAW, ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2502 March 18, 2026] (0320-0417)
CE9,KC4,
ANTARCTICA. Alex, UG1A (ex RD1AV), has reached the station
Novolazarevskaya and uses the callsign RI1ANI on CW. He
plans to move to the Progress base after some days; exact schedules are
not known. QSL via RN1ON.
-[DXNL # 2501 March 11, 2026] (0313-0403)
CE9,KC4,
ANTARCTICA. Tom, VK2TBC, plans to be QRV as VKØTBC from Casey
Station until the
end of the year. Activity is in his spare time on the HF
bands using SSB and FT8. QSL to VK2TBC.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 10 March 12, 2026] (0313-0403)
CT3, MADEIRA IS.
Georg, DD8ZX and Klaus, DJ9KM will be active again as CT9/DD8ZX and CT9/DJ9KM from
Madeira (AF-014) on March
23rd-30th. They will operate mainly FT8. QSL CT9/DJ9KM via
LoTW; QSL CT9/DD8ZX via LoTW, or DD8ZX.
-[425DXN # 1820 March 21, 2026] (0320-0403)
CYØ, SABLE I.
The CYØS
DXpedition to Sable Island is now QRV until March 31st
with eight
operators (KØIR, K4ZLE, K9NW, N2IEN, NE9U, WØGJ,
WA4DAN and WW2DX) and up to six stations on 160-10 meters
CW, SSB, FT8 and RTTY, plus 6 meters FT8 and 23 cm EME. See https://t-rexsoftware.com/cy0s/
for more information, and https://www.facebook.com/groups/2087487168460843/
for updates. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS
(preferred), LoTW, or direct to WA4DAN. (Edited by KØCF, 03-20-2026.)
-[425DXN # 1819 March 14, 2026] (0313-0403)
D4, CAPE VERDE.
Claudio, HB9OAU will be active holiday style as D44OA from Boa Vista
(AF-086), Cape Verde on March
18th-25th. He will operate SSB, CW, FT8 (F/H) and RTTY on
40-6 meters. QSOs will be uploaded to ClubLog, LoTW, eQSL, and QRZ. QSL
via I8KHC.
-[425DXN # 1817 February 28, 2026] (0313-0327)
DL,
GERMANY. A group of approximately 20 operators will be
active as DAØHEL
from Helgoland Island (EU-127) from March 23rd to April 3rd,
with
occasional activity as DLØIH
from nearby Helgoland Duene. They will
operate 160-10 meter CW, SSB and digital modes. QSL via the bureau or
direct to DAØHEL
and DLØIH
respectively.
-[425DXN # 1819 March 14, 2026] (0320-0403)
DL, GERMANY.
Special callsign DA26WARD
by the DARC Team SES promotes World Amateur Radio Day from March 1st until April 30th.
WARD is celebrated annually on April 18th, the day when the IARU was
formed in 1925. The theme for this year's WARD is "Advancing the Spirit
of Amateur Radio Through Innovation". QSL via LoTW, DK5ON, and DCL
(DARC Community Logbook).
-[425DXN # 1818 March 7, 2026] (0306-0501)
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)
DXCC TOP TWENTY.
Here are the top 20 entities on ClubLog’s "DXCC Most Wanted" list as of
March 20, 2026:
1. P5 DPRK
(North Korea) 11. VKØM Macquarie
Island
2.
KH3 Johnston
Island 12.
EZ Turkmenistan
3. KH7K Kure
Island
13. PYØS Saint Peter And Paul Rocks
4. CEØX San Felix
Islands 14. VPØS South Sandwich
Islands
5. FT5/X Kerguelen
Island 15.
3Y/B Bouvet Island
6. BS7H Scarborough
Reef 16.
YK Syria
7. 3Y/P Peter 1
Island 17.
ZL9 New Zealand Subantarctic
Islands
8. YVØ Aves
Island
18. FT/T Tromelin Island
9. BV9P Pratas
Island 19.
VKØH Heard Island
10.
KH4 Midway
Island 20.
KH1 Baker Howland Islands
For the complete list, see
https://clublog.org/mostwanted.php
-[KØCF March 20, 2026 (0320-0410)
E5/S, SOUTH COOK
IS. Frank, DJ5NQ is currently active holiday style as E51ANQ from
Rarotonga (OC-013), South Cook Islands. He can operate SSB and CW on
80-10 meters. QSL via DJ5NQ.
-[425DXN # 1820 March 21, 2026] (0320-0410)
F, FRANCE.
The radio club APRA Wingles (Pas de Calais) celebrates
France's second female astronaut Sophie Adenot (KJ5LTN) with the
callsign TM62SA
until June.
-[DXNL # 2502 March 18, 2026] (0320-0424)
F, FRANCE.
The radio club Rambouillet F6KKR celebrates its 50th anniversary with
the callsign TM5ØKKR
on Saturdays only
from March until June.
-[DXNL # 2499 February 25, 2026] (0306-0410)
FG, GUADELOUPE.
Stefan, HB9JAB, operates holiday-style as FG/HB9JAB from March 7th to 12th
and then again March
20th to 27th. QRV on 20-10m (SSB, FT8). He also plans to
pay Dominica (J7) a visit. QSL via LoTW, eQSL.
-[DXNL # 2500 March 4, 2026] (0306-0327)
FM,
MARTINIQUE. Miguel, EA1BP will be active holiday style as FM/EA1BP from
Martinique (NA-107) from March
25th to April 2nd. He will participate
in the CQ WW WPX SSB Contest (March 28th-29th) as TO7O. QSL via LoTW, ClubLog's OQRS,
or EA1BP.
-[425DXN # 1819 March 14, 2026] (0320-0403)
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)
FO/A, AUSTRAL IS.
Team TX5EU
(DK2AMM, DL2AMD, DL2AWG, PA2KW, PA3EWP and PG5M) will be active from
Raivavae (OC-114), Austral Islands on March 13th-25th.
They will operate CW, SSB, RTTY and FT8/FT4 (MSHV) on 80-6 meters with
three stations. See https://tx5eu-2026.topdx.de/
for more information. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS
(preferred), LoTW, or via DL2AWG.
-[425DXN # 1811 January 17, 2026] (0313-0327)
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)
HI, DOMINICAN
REPUBLIC. VE6TD will be active as HI3/VE6TD during March,
mostly on 20m (SSB, FT8).
-[DXNL # 2502 March 18, 2026] (0320-0403)
HR,
HONDURAS. KN2P, N7VZ, and W7UM sign KN2P/HR9, N7VZ/HR9, and W7UM/HR9
respectively from Roatan (NA-057) from March 24th to 31st
on 160-10m
(no WARC) on CW, SSB, FT8. During the CQ WPX SSB Contest (March
28th-29th) they will use the callsign HQ9X. QSL via LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2502 March 18, 2026] (0320-0403)
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)
J7, DOMINICA.
Haluk, TA2LE will be active as J79H
from Dominica (NA-101) on March
10th-26th, and again periodically until March 2027.
This will be a recurring activation based on business travel. He will
operate CW, SSB and FT8 (F/H) on 40-10 meters. See https://j79h.ta2le.tr/
for more information and updates. QSOs will be uploaded to LoTW and
ClubLog. QSL via MØOXO's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1817 February 28, 2026] (0306-0327)
JD1/M,
MINAMI TORISHIMA. Takeshi, JA1UII, signs JD1BON from March 19th to
22nd. QRV mostly from 1100-1500z and 2100-2300z. QSL via JA1UII, LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2502 March 18, 2026] (0320-0327)
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)
JD1/O, OGASAWARA.
Takeshi, JA1UII will be active again as JD1BON from
Chichijima (AS-031), Ogasawara on March 19th-22nd.
Being a family trip, he plans to be QRV only around 1100-1500 UTC. QSL
via LoTW (preferred), or direct to JA1UII.
-[425DXN # 1819 March 14, 2026] (0313-0327)
KHØ, MARIANA IS.
Hrane, YT1AD (N9YU), Sergey, R7KW, and Steva, YU3AA (NS3A), will be
active on Saipan as KHØ/N9YU
and KHØ/NS3A
on March 17th-23rd
using CW, SSB, FT8, and FT4. QSL KHØ/N9YU via YT1AD, KHØ/NS3A
via YU3AA.
-[DXNL # 2500 March 4, 2026] (0313-0327)
LZ, BULGARIA.
Special callsign LZ75HSC
by the Bulgarian Highspeed Club celebrates the 75th anniversary of the
Radio Telegraphy Highspeed Club (HSC) until the end of the year.
The club was founded in 1951 as a community within the Deutscher
Amateur Radio Club (DARC). To date, membership has grown to include
over 1,400 operators spanning every continent: http://www.highspeedclub.org.
QSL via LZ2JE.
-[425DXN # 1818 March 7, 2026] (0306-0327)
OX, GREENLAND.
Bo, OZ1DJJ will be active again as OX3LX
from Greenland (NA-018) from March
19th to 30th,
with a side trip to Telegraf Island (NA-220) on March 23rd-25th. As
always, he will only be QRV in his spare time. QSL via LoTW, ClubLog's
OQRS, or via OZØJ.
-[425DXN # 1820 March 21, 2026] (0320-0403)
PA,
NETHERLANDS. Dutch special callsigns PA26WAAD, PB26WAAD, PC26WAAD,
PD26WAAD, PE26WAAD, PG26WAAD and PH26WAAD will be in
use from March
20th to April 5th for the World Autism Awareness Day. See
https://www.qrz.com/db/PA26WAAD
for the award. In 2007 the United
Nations General Assembly declared April 2nd as World Autism Awareness
Day to highlight the need to help improve the quality of life of
autistic individuals so they can lead full and meaningful lives as an
integral part of society. QSL via NL10743,
LoTW and eQSL.
-[425DXN # 1819 March 14, 2026] (0320-0410)
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)
PJ7, SINT
MAARTEN. Tom, AA9A will be active again as PJ7AA from Sint
Maarten (NA-105) from March
8th to April 4th. He will operate CW, FT8, FT4 and some
SSB on 40-6 meters. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW, or direct to AA9A.
-[425DXN # 1817 February 28, 2026] (0306-0403)
S2,
BANGLADESH. Team S21WD
will be active from IOTA group AS-140,
Bangladesh from March
20th to April 1st, including an entry in the CQ
WW WPX SSB Contest (March 28th-29th). They will operate CW, SSB, RTTY,
and FT8 (MSHV) on 160-10 meters with up to five stations. In addition,
activity via QO-100 is planned using CW, SSB and FT4. See
https://www.next-generation-dx.com/s2/
for more information; bookmark
https://www.facebook.com/S21WD/
for updates. If the on-site internet
connection is stable, QSOs will be uploaded to LoTW on a daily basis.
QSL via ClubLog's OQRS
(preferred), or via DJ4MX.
-[425DXN # 1816 February 21, 2026] (0320-0403)
SV, GREECE.
Members of the Hellenic Naval Amateur Radio Club (HNARC) will be active
as SZ465CG
from March 19th to
April 18th. They will operate CW, FT8/FT4 and some SSB on
80-10 meters, as well as via QO-100. See https://www.qrz.com/db/SZ465CG
for more information.
-[425DXN # 1820 March 21, 2026] (0320-0417)
SV, GREECE.
Special callsign SZ4ØA
celebrates "forty years of continuous presence, service, and
contribution to amateur radio" by the Radio Amateur Association of
Western Greece (SZ1A). Look for activity across multiple HF bands and
modes from March 1st to May 31st. See https://awards.sz1a.org
for the award program. QSL via ON3UN.
-[425DXN # 1818 March 7, 2026] (0306-0327)
T31,
C. KIRIBATI. The Rebel DX Group will be active as T31TTT from Kanton
Island, Central Kiribati for up to two weeks starting on March
25th.
They will operate mainly FT8/FT4 (MSHV Super Fox and MSHV multi-stream)
on various bands with multiple stations. See
https://www.qrz.com/db/T31TTT
for their band plan and other
information. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1817 February 28, 2026] (0320-0410)
T8, PALAU.
Ken, BM2JCC (BW2/JP1RIW)) will be active as T88KH from Koror
(OC-009), Palau on March
26th-30th. He will operate FT8 and SSB, with main activity
planned during the CQ WPX SSB Contest (March 28th-29th). QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
or direct to BM2JCC.
-[425DXN # 1820 March 21, 2026] (0320-0403)
T8,
PALAU. JR3QFB and JA1MFR stay on Koror Island (OC-009)
from March 21st
to 24th, operating as T88JH
and T88KY
respectively. QSL T88JH via
JR3QFB and
T88KY via JA1MFR.
-[DXNL # 2502 March 18, 2026] (0320-0327)
TY, BENIN.
Red, DL1BUG is QRV as TY5FR
from Cotonou until
April 5th. Activity is on 80 through 10 meters using CW
and SSB. QSL to DL1BUG, ClubLog's OQRS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 9 March 5, 2026] (0306-0410)
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)
V2, ANTIGUA
& BARBUDA. Bud, AA3B will be active again as V26K from Antigua
(NA-100) on March
22nd-30th,
including an entry in the CQ WW WPX SSB Contest (March 28th-29th).
Outside the contest he will operate mainly CW on 80-10 meters. QSL via
LoTW, ClubLog's OQRS,
or AA3B.
-[425DXN # 1820 March 21, 2026] (0320-0403)
V3, BELIZE.
Mike, VE2XB, will be active as V31ZY
from Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker (NA-073) from March 16th to 27th.
QRV on 40-10m on CW and SSB. QSL via VE2XB.
-[DXNL # 2501 March 11, 2026] (0313-0327)
V3, BELIZE.
Paula, OK2YL and Vlad, OK2WX will be active holiday style as V31YL and V31WX, respectively,
from IOTA group NA-073, Belize on
March 9th-22nd. They will operate SSB, CW and FT8 on
various bands. QSL via I8KHC.
-[425DXN # 1818 March 7, 2026] (0306-0327)
V4, ST. KITTS
& NEVIS. Janusz, SP9FIH will be active as V4/SP9FIH and V47K from New Castle
on Nevis Island (NA-104) from March
23rd to April 18th. He will operate SSB, FT8, FT4 and
"maybe RTTY" on 30, 20, 17, 15, 12, 10 and 6 meters. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS
and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1820 March 21, 2026] (0320-0417)
V4,
ST. KITTS & NEVIS. Randy, K5ZD will be active as V4/K5ZD from St.
Kitts (NA-104) from March
22nd to April 1st. He will operate CW and SSB
on 80-10 meters. He plans to operate the CQ WW WPX SSB Contest (March
28th-29th) as V47T.
QSL V4/K5ZD via ClubLog's OQRS
or LoTW; QSL V47T via W2RQ.
-[425DXN # 1819 March 14, 2026] (0320-0403)
V5, NAMIBIA.
Gunter, DK2WH is QRV as V51WH
near Omaruru until
March 24th. Activity is on 160 to 6 meters, including 60
meters. QSL to DK2WH.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 8 February 26, 2026] (0227-0327)
VE, CANADA.
Mike, VE2XB, is currently on the air as VYØBRR from Coral
Harbour, Nunavut (NA-007), mostly on 15m CW. He stays there until March 15th
and then moves on to Quaqtaqu in Northern Quebec with the callsign VYØZOO/VE2 until March 29th.
For more information see: https://dx-pedition-to-quaqtuq-northern-quebec-1.jimdosite.com/.
QSL via VE2XB.
-[DXNL # 2501 March 11, 2026] (0313-0403)
VE, CANADA.
Pierre, VK3KTB will be active again as VYØERC from the
Eureka Amateur Radio Club station on Ellesmere Island (NA-008) from March 5th to April 1st.
He operates SSB, CW and FT8 on various bands when time permits. QSL via
MØOXO's OQRS and
LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1817 February 28, 2026] (0227-0403)
VK9C, COCOS
(KEELING) IS. Mark, VK6BSA, and Deena, VK6DEE, are QRV as VK9BSA and VK9DEE,
respectively, until
May. Activity is in their spare time. QSL VK9BSA via VK6BSA and
VK9DEE via VK6DEE.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 11 March 19, 2026] (0320-0501)
VP2E, ANGUILLA.
Craig, K5AYO will be active holiday style as VP2EYO from Anguilla
(NA-022) on March
14th-22nd. He will operate CW, SSB and FT8 on 40-10 meters
low power. QSOs will be uploaded to LoTW and ClubLog. QSL via K5AYO ("no SASE
required", he says).
-[425DXN # 1817 February 28, 2026] (0313-0327)
VP8/O,LU, SOUTH
ORKNEY IS. Ramon, LU1DMZ expects to be active as LU1DMZ/Z and LU1ZA from Base
Orcadas on Laurie Island, South Orkney Islands (AN-008) throughout 2026.
-[425DXN # 1818 March 7, 2026] (0306-0327)
XX9, MACAO.
A large multi-national team (EA1CJ, EA1SA, EA5BCQ, EA5KA, EA5KM, EA7KE,
EA7R, EA7X, F2JD, F8ATS, F8GGV, IK5RUN, IN3ZNR and JH4RHF) will be
active as XX9W
from Macao (grid locator OL62sd) on March 19th-31st.
They will operate CW, SSB and FT8 on 160-6 meters (and RTTY on 20m)
with at least four stations on the air at the same time. See https://www.dxfriends.com/xx9w/
for more information. QSL via MØOXO's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1814 February 7, 2026] (0313-0403)
YJ, VANUATU.
Aki, JK1JXZ will be active as YJ1JXZ
from Port Vila (OC-035), Vanuatu from March 15th to April 3rd.
He will be QRV on 80-6 meters, after 1700 local time during weekdays
and all day during the weekends. QSL to JK1JXZ.
-[425DXN # 1818 March 7, 2026] (0313-0403)
YO, ROMANIA.
Special callsign YR1ØØRC
celebrates the centenary of Radioclubul Craiova (March 18, 1926),
Romania's first amateur radio club. Look for activity from March 16th to September 30th.
A certificate will be available on https://hamlog.online/club/romania/1786/.
-[425DXN # 1820 March 21, 2026] (0320-0424)
YO, ROMANIA.
The predecessor of the current Federatia Romana de Radioamatorism (FRR)
was the Asociatia Amatorilor Romani de Unde Scurte (Romanian Shortwave
Amateurs Association), which was founded on March 1, 1936, and adopted
the prefix YR5 for Romanian radio amateurs. Commemorating the 90th
anniversary of the first national amateur radio organization, the
special event callsign YO9ØYR5
will be active from March
15th to 31st. See https://www.hamradio.ro/diplome/start.php
for the certificates.
-[425DXN # 1820 March 21, 2026] (0320-0403)
ZD7, ST. HELENA.
Jun, JL8AQH, is presently operating as ZD7AQH since March
4th. The duration of his stay is not known at present. QRV on 40-10m on
CW so far. See also: https://sites.google.com/view/jl8aqh.
QSL via JL8AQH, ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2501 March 11, 2026] (0313-0327)
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, March 14th through Saturday, March 21st.
The average solar flux was 108, down 15 points from the previous week,
with a weekly high of 113 on Wednesday, March 18th, followed by
a low of 102 on March 20th.
The average sunspot count was 61, down by 31 from last week,
peaking at 93 on Sunday, March 15th followed by a
weekly low of 28 on March 20th.
The Planetary K-index weekly average was 4.0 with a
maximum of 7.0 on Saturday, March 21st, indicating
a strong geomagnetic storm.
Solar flare activity since March 15th has been low with 3 major
flares, the largest of which was an M 2.7 event on Wednesday, March
18th.
Propagation
Data
Major solar flares, Sunday, March 15th through 1606 UTC, March 22nd.
| # | Date | UTC | Mag. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mar 18 | 0842 | M 2.7 |
| 2 | Mar 17 | 0904 | M 1.3 |
| 3 | Mar 16 | 1215 | M 2.7 |
(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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 22 | 10% | 1% | 108 |
| Mar 23 | 10% | 1% | 108 |
| Mar 24 | 10% | 1% | 105 |
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 March 16, 2026).
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It's Storming Again
Geomagnetic
storming has resumed on March 22nd as Earth moves through the
magnetized wake of a CME. Storm levels are fluctuating between minor (G1) and strong (G3). These storms could continue on March 23rd with the arrival of solar wind flowing from a large hole in the sun's atmosphere.
(Copyright
© SpaceWeather.com
March 22, 2026. Republished by permission.)
CME
Impact Sparks Strong Geomagnetic Storms
A
CME hit
Earth's magnetic field on March 20th (2053 UTC). The impact deflected a
USGS magnetometer in Boulder, Colorado, by 56 nT--a significant jolt.
Soon after the CME arrived, a strong G3-class
geomagnetic storm ensued with auroras across northern Europe and Canada.
Lauri Kangas photographed the display from
Amethyst Bay, Ontario:
"The whole sky was bright enough to cast weak shadows despite haze and
clouds rolling in," says Kangas.
The storm is not over. Minor (G1)
to strong (G3)
storms are expected to continue on March 21st as Earth passes through
the CME's wake.
(Copyright
© SpaceWeather.com
March 21, 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| CQ WW WPX Contest, CW | May 30 | 0000Z | May 31 | 2400Z | Rules |
| Atlantic Canada QSO Party | Jun 6 | 1200Z | Jun 7 | 0200Z | Rules |
| Kentucky QSO Party | Jun 6 | 1300Z | Jun 7 | 0100Z | Rules |
| ARRL Inter. Digital Contest | Jun 6 | 1800Z | Jun 7 | 2400Z | Rules |
| ARRL June VHF Contest | Jun 13 | 1800Z | Jun 15 | 0300Z | Rules |
| All Asian DX Contest, CW | Jun 20 | 0000Z | Jun 21 | 2400Z | Rules |
| Stew Perry Topband Challenge | Jun 20 | 1500Z | Jun 21 | 1500Z | Rules |
| ARRL Kids Day | Jun 20 | 1800Z | Jun 20 | 2359Z | Rules |