The
Eastern Iowa DX Bulletin
Number
275, May 23, 2025
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
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
3A, MONACO.
Special event call sign 3A1ØØA
will be QRV from April
15th to June 30th
to commemorate the centenary of the IARU. Activity will be on 80 to 10
meters using CW, SSB, and various digital modes. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 15 April 10, 2025] (0411-0627)
3DA, KINGDOM OF
ESWATINI. Morten, LA9GY will be QRV as 3DAØGY from May 22nd to June 2nd.
Activity will be holiday style on 80 to 10 meters, with a focus on 20,
15 and 10 meters, using CW and SSB. QSL direct to LA9GY.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 20 May 15, 2025] (0516-0606)
3V, TUNISIA.
Giovanni, IT9PZM is now QRV as 3V8LL
from Djerba Island (AF-083). Activity is on the HF bands. QSL via
operator's instructions.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 20 May 15, 2025] (0516-0606)
4U/ITU, ITU HQ.
Special callsign 4UØITU
will be activated by the International Amateur Radio Club at ITU HQ in
Geneva from May 16th
through the end of the year in celebration of the 160th
anniversary of the International Telecommunication Union. QSL via LoTW,
ClubLog's OQRS,
or direct to IARC, P.O. Box 6, 1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland.
-[425DXN # 1775 May 10, 2025] (0516-0606)
5R,
MADAGASCAR. Gianpi, IK1TTD will be active holiday style as 5R8TD from
Madagascar. He will be QRV from Nosy Be (AF-057) on May 27th to June
4th, and from Tsarabanjina, Mitsio Islands (AF-057) on June 4th to
11th. QSOs will be uploaded to ClubLog and hopefully livestreamed on
https://www.qsohunter.net/it/Index/353. QSL via IK1TTD.
-[425DXN # 1776 May 17, 2025] (0523-0606)
7P, LESOTHO.
Mark, KW4XJ and Arina, KO4PZT are QRV as 7P8AB and 7P8NB, respectively,
until mid-2025.
QSL via KW4XJ.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 18 May 1, 2025] (0502-0613)
8P,
BARBADOS. Tom, W2SC will be QRV as 8P5A as a Single Op/All Band/High
Power entry in the CQ WPX CW contest (May 24th-25th). QSL via HA1AG.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 21 May 22, 2025] (0523-0530)
9G, GHANA.
Tommy, ON2TD is now QRV as 9G5TD.
Activity is holiday style mostly on 20 meters using SSB. His length of
stay is unknown. QSL to ON2TD.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 20 May 15, 2025] (0516-0606)
A9, BAHRAIN. Special callsign A91GCC by the Bahrain Amateur Radio Society celebrates the 44th anniversary of the Gulf Cooperation Council on May 19th-25th.
Established on May 25, 1981, GCC is a regional intergovernmental
political and economic union that consists of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman,
Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. QSOs will be uploaded
to ClubLog and LoTW. QSL via EC6DX.
-[425DXN # 1777 May 24, 2025] (0523-0530)
C3, ANDORRA.
Members of the Unio de Radioaficionats Andorrans (C37URA ) will be
active as C37JPE
throughout May.
The special callsign's suffix stands for Jocs dels Petits Estats
d'Eu-ropa, the Games of the Small States of Europe whose 20th edition
will be held in Andorra la Vella on May 26th-31st. QSL via the bureau
or direct to C37JPE.
-[425DXN # 1774 May 3, 2025] (0502-0530)
CEØX, SAN FELIX & SAN AMBROSIO. Felipe, XQ7IR is planning to activate San Ambrosio Island (SA-013) sometime in October or November 2025. Plans are for two stations (one operated locally using SSB and FT8 and one operated remotely on CW and FT8) to be active as 3GØXQ on 160-10 meters. This DXCC Entity is #3 on the Most Wanted list and has been silent since the XRØX DXpedition in 2002. See https://www.sanambrosio-project.com for updates.
-[425DXN # 1777 May 24, 2025] (0523-0606)
CU,
AZORES. Oliver, W6NV is QRV as CR2M until May 25th. Activity is on 160
to 10 meters. This includes being an entry in the CQ WPX CW contest
(May 24th-25th). QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 21 May 22, 2025] (0523-0530)
D4, CAPE VERDE.
Harold, DF2WO and Warren, KN6ZZI will be QRV as D44TWO and D44ZZI,
respectively, from Santiago Island (AF-005) from May 5th to 26th.
Activity will be on the HF bands with D44TWO using mainly CW and FT8,
and D44ZZI mainly on SSB and FT8. This includes being on Satellite
QO-100. QSL both calls via MØOXO's OQRS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 18 May 1, 2025] (0502-0530)
DL, GERMANY.
Celebrating the Deutsche Amateur-Radio-Club's 75th anniversary, four
special callsigns will be activated by DARC Team SES from May 1st to October 31st:
DC75DARC, DD75DARC, DK75DARC, and DR75DARC. See https://www.darc.de/der-club/referate/dx/sonderdiplome/
for the "75 Jahre DARC" certificate. QSL via the bureau, or direct to DL2VFR.
-[425DXN # 1774 May 3, 2025] (0502-0530)
DL, GERMANY.
Special callsign DMØLIMES
will be active from May
1st to July 1st for this year's German World Heritage Day
(June 1st). Also active will be DM3LIMES
on May 31st - June
1st.
The Limes was the border line of the Roman Empire at its greatest
extent. In 2005, the remnants of the Upper German-Raetian Limes were
inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list as "Frontiers of the Roman
Empire". QSL both via the bureau.
-[425DXN # 1773 April 26, 2025] (0425-0627)
DU,
PHILIPPINES. Ed, 4F1OZ will be QRV as DXØWS from Luband Island (OC-126)
from May 27th to 31st. Activity will be on 160 to 10 meters using CW,
SSB, and FT8. QSL via 4F1OZ.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 21 May 22, 2025] (0523-0530)
DXCC TOP TWENTY.
Here are the top 20 entities on ClubLog’s "DXCC Most Wanted" list as of
May 22, 2025:
1. P5 DPRK
(North Korea) 11. VKØM Macquarie
Island
2. BS7H Scarborough
Reef 12.
KH4 Midway Island
3. CEØX San Felix
Islands 13. PYØS Saint Peter
And Paul Rocks
4. BV9P Pratas
Island 14.
KP5 Desecheo Island
5. KH7K Kure
Island
15. VPØS South Sandwich Islands
6.
KH3 Johnston
Island 16.
ZL9 New Zealand Subantarctic
Islands
7. 3Y/P Peter 1
Island 17.
FK/C Chesterfield Islands
8. FT5/X Kerguelen
Island 18.
VKØH Heard Island
9. YVØ Aves
Island
19. FT/T Tromelin Island
10. 3Y/B Bouvet
Island 20.
EZ Turkmenistan
For the complete list, see
https://clublog.org/mostwanted.php
-[KØCF May 23, 2025 (0523-0613)
E6, NIUE. Bob, ZL1RS will be active as E6RS from Niue (OC-040)
from
May 27th to June 2nd. He will be QRV primarily on 6 meters FT8, with
the main focus on ionospheric propagation and some activity on 10
meters if the Magic Band is closed. He will also be on 6m EME for about
one hour at each moonrise and moonset. For more information see
https://www.qsl.net/zl1rs/e6_eme.html. QSOs will be uploaded to ClubLog
and LoTW. QSL via ZL1RS, LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1776 May 17, 2025] (0523-0606)
EI, IRELAND.
Special callsign GBØAEL
commemorates Amelia Earhart's transatlantic crossing of 1932, the first
non-stop by a female pilot, until
the end of May. QSL via MIØHOZ.
-[DXNL # 2457 May 7, 2025] (0509-0530)
F, FRANCE. Commemorating the 85th anniversary of Operation Dynamo, the Radio Club Jean Bart of Dunkerque (F6KMB) is active as TM85DYN from May 17th to 31st.
Operation Dynamo was the epic evacuation of more than 338,000 Allied
soldiers from the beaches and harbor of Dunkerque from May 26 to June
4, 1940. QSL via eQSL only.
-[425DXN # 1777 May 24, 2025] (0523-0530)
F, FRANCE. Members of the F4KIS radio club will be active as TM41GM from May 27th to June 10th.
The suffix stands for "greve des mineurs", the strike of 100,000 miners
of Nord-Pas-de-Calais in 1941 which was one of the earliest acts of
collective resistance to Nazi occupation in France. Electronic QSLs
will be available for download on https://log-et-qsl.associations-radioamateurs.org/wp/boutique/
-[425DXN # 1777 May 24, 2025] (0523-0613)
F, FRANCE.
Dimitri, F4DSK and Lee, F5MUX will be active as TM16ØITU on May 17th-31st.
The special callsign marks the 160th anniversary of the International
Telecommunication Union. QSL via LoTW and eQSL.
-[425DXN # 1775 May 10, 2025] (0516-0530)
F, FRANCE.
Celebrating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe,
special callsign TM45END
will be active on May
7th-31st. QSL via F5JYD.
-[425DXN # 1773 April 26, 2025] (0502-0530)
F, FRANCE.
Special event callsign TM1ØREF,
one of many celebrating the REF centenary, will be active from April 25th to 27th,
May 8th to 11th,
and May 29th until
June 1st.
-[DXNL # 2455 April 23, 2025] (0425-0606)
F, FRANCE.
Special callsigns TM1ØØI,
TM1ØØA, TM1ØØR and TM1ØØU by the Radio
Club Pierre Coulon (F5KMB) celebrate the centenary of the International
Amateur Radio Union from April
12th to July 13th. QSL via eQSL only; paper cards will not
be provided.
-[425DXN # 1771 April 12, 2025] (0411-0711)
FJ,
SAINT BARTHELEMY. Otis, NP4G will be QRV as FJ/NP4G from May 27th to
June 2nd from the new POTA reference BL-0001. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 21 May 22, 2025] (0523-0606)
FM, MARTINIQUE.
Darrell, AB2E will be active as TO3E
from Martinique (NA-107) on May
20th-27th,
including an entry in the CQ WPX CW Contest (May 24th-25th). He will
operate mainly CW, with some FT8 and RTTY; outside the contest he will
concentrate on 30, 17 and 12m, as well as on the low bands. QSL via
LoTW, or to AB2E.
-[425DXN # 1775 May 10, 2025] (0516-0530)
FO,
FRENCH POLYNESIA. Didier, F6BCW will be active as TX5U from Tikehau
(OC-066), French Polynesia from May 26th to June 8th. He will operate
CW and SSB (no FT8) on 40-6 meters. Full LoTW upload after six months.
QSL via ClubLog's OQRS, LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1773 April 26, 2025] (0523-0613)
GI, NORTHERN
IRELAND. Once again, the North West Group ARC (MNØNWG) is
running special event station GBØAEL
from May 5th to 31st
to commemorate the anniversary of Amelia Earhart's transatlantic
flight. On May 20-21, 1932, Earhart became the first woman to fly
nonstop and alone across the Atlantic, leaving Harbor Grace on
Newfoundland (Canada), and landing 15 hours later near Londonderry
(Northern Ireland). QSL via MIØHOZ.
-[425DXN # 1773 April 26, 2025] (0502-0530)
HA,
HUNGARY. Sanyi, HA7VK will be QRV as HG25TISZA as a Single Op/All
Band/High Power entry in the CQ WPX CW contest (May 24th-25th). QSL via
HA7VK.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 21 May 22, 2025] (0523-0530)
HP, PANAMA.
Jose, HP2AT will celebrate his 35th anniversary in amateur radio with
special callsign H82AT
until December 31st.
All QSOs will be uploaded to QRZ, ClubLog, eQSL, and LoTW. Paper cards
will not be available.
-[425DXN # 1775 May 10, 2025] (0509-0530)
HP, PANAMA.
Special event call sign 3E7D
is QRV until June 1st.
QSL via HP1AVS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 17 April 24, 2025] (0425-0606)
HS, THAILAND. Special callsign HS3ØDXA commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Thailand DX Association (E28AC and E2X). Look for activity from May 23rd to June 21st, on all HF bands and the 2m band, including the amateur radio satellites. QSL via HS6MYW.
-[425DXN # 1777 May 24, 2025] (0523-0620)
IARU 100.
More special event stations/callsigns from IARU societies celebrating
the 100th anniversary of the International Amateur Radio Union include:
* 4X1ØØIARU
and 4Z1ØØIARU
by the Israel Association of Radio Communication
(IARC). QRV on April 14th-25th.
QSL via 4Z5MU and LoTW.
* 9H6IARU
by the Malta Amateur Radio League (MARL). QRV throughout April and
May. QSL via eQSL and LoTW.
* B1ØØIARU
by the Chinese Radio Amateurs Club (CRAC). QRV from April 18th to
June 17th. Certificates on https://hamaward.cloud.
QSL via BG9GXM and
LoTW.
* DX1ØØIARU
from the Philippine Amateur Radio Association (PARA).
* EY1ØØIARU
by the Tajik Amateur Radio League (TARL). QRV on April 12th-30th.
QSL via WØVTT and LoTW.
* R1ØØIARU
by Soyuz Radiolyubitelei Rossii (SRR). QRV on April 18th-27th.
* XR1ØØIARU
by the Radio Club de Chile. QRV from April 15th to May 20th.
Digital QSLs will be available: https://www.ce3aa.cl/xr100iaru/.
-[425DXN # 1772 April 19, 2025] (0418-0530)
ISØ, SARDINIA.
The ARI section Porto Torres (IQØAK) celebrates its 50th anniversary
with the special callsign IRØAPTT.
-[DXNL # 2457 May 7, 2025] (0509-0530)
J6,
SAINT LUCIA. Matts, SMØFPR, operates holiday-style as J6/SMØFPR from
May 26th to June 8th, mostly on CW, some SSB. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS, LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2459 May 21, 2025] (0523-0613)
JA, JAPAN.
Special event station 8K3EXPO
is QRV until October
13th for the 2025 Expo in Osaka. QSL via JA3UJR, e-QSL,
LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 19 May 8, 2025] (0509-0530)
JA, JAPAN.
Take, JI3DST will be active again as JS6RRR from Miyako
Island (AS-079) from April
23rd to June 18th. Other callsigns to be used are JI3DST/6, JJ5RBH/6 and JA3YEC/6, as well as
JI3DST/p, JJ5RBH/p and JA3YEC/p on FT8.
QSOs will be made available for ClubLog and LoTW matching on the IOTA
website. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1774 May 3, 2025] (0502-0620)
JD1/M, MINAMI
TORISHIMA. Take, JG8NQJ is QRV as JG8NQJ/JD1 until June 20th.
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 # 16 April 17, 2025] (0418-0620)
K,
UNITED STATES. Will, WC6DX will be active from San Clemente Island
(NA-066) on May 23rd-26th (maybe plus a few hours on May 27th). Look
for WC6DX to operate on 20-6 meters SSB and some CW (no FT8). He does
not use LoTW or ClubLog. He will automatically send QSLs via the bureau
to all non-USA stations who accept bureau cards. QSL via WC6DX.
-[425DXN # 1775 May 10, 2025] (0523-0530)
KH6,
HAWAII. A group of operators will be QRV as NH7T from Oahu as a
Multi/Multi entry in the CQ WPX CW contest (May 24th-25th). QSL via
NH7T.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 21 May 22, 2025] (0523-0530)
KH8,
AMERICAN SAMOA. Bob, KØNR and Joyce, KØJJW will be QRV as KH8/KØNR and
KH8/KØJJW, respectively, from May 27th to June 9th. Activity is
primarily on 20 to 10 meters using SSB, FT8, and FT4 while activating
various SOTA and POTA locations. QSL via LoTW only.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 21 May 22, 2025] (0523-0613)
OE, AUSTRIA. Special callsign OE7ØOE celebrates the Austrian
State Treaty of 70 years ago until the end of June.
-[DXNL # 2459 May 21, 2025] (0523-0627)
OE, AUSTRIA.
Special callsign OE175ARWT
will be available for prefix hunters until the end of May.
-[DXNL # 2455 April 23, 2025] (0425-0530)
OHØ,
ALAND IS. Nigel, G3TXF will be QRV as OHØTXF from Brando in the CQ WPX
CW contest (May 24th-25th). He may be active using CW on 30, 17, and 12
meters before and after the contest. QSL to G3TXF.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 21 May 22, 2025] (0523-0530)
OHØ, ALAND IS.
Team OHØERF
(DGØOCG, DL1STL, DL1TAM, DL5ARI, DL5AXI and DO6KD) will be active from
Eckero, Aland Islands (EU-002) on May 22nd to 27th.
They will operate SSB, CW and FT8 on 40, 20, 15, 10, 6 and 2 meters, as
well as on 70cm and QO-100. QSOs will be uploaded to LoTW and ClubLog.
QSL via DKØERF.
-[425DXN # 1776 May 17, 2025] (0516-0530)
ON, BELGIUM.
Special callsign OT25EPIC
by the Antwerp Port Contest Club (ON8APC) promotes this year's edition
of the Antwerp Port Epic cycling race. Look for activity from May 10th until June 9th
(the actual day of the race). QSL via ON8JJ.
-[425DXN # 1774 May 3, 2025] (0509-0613)
P4,
ARUBA. John, W2GD is QRV as P44W until May 27th. Activity is on all
bands, with an emphasis on 30, 17, and 12 meters, using CW as time
permits. This includes being a Single Op/All Band entry in the CQ WPX
CW contest (May 24th-25th). QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 21 May 22, 2025] (0523-0530)
PA, NETHERLANDS.
Peter, PD1RP is QRV with special event station PD8ØFREE until June 30th
to celebrate the 80 years of liberation since World War II. Activity is
on 40, 20, 10, and 2 meters using CW, SSB, and digital modes. QSLs sent
to all contacts via the bureau. No QSL or request needed.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 15 April 10, 2025] (0411-0627)
PJ4, BONAIRE.
Frank, PH2M will be active holiday style as PJ4M from Bonaire
(SA-006) on May
16th-29th. He will operate mainly FT8 and some SSB on
80-10 meters, possibly also on 6 meters if conditions allow. QSL via
LoTW, ClubLog's OQRS,
or via PH2M.
-[425DXN # 1775 May 10, 2025] (0516-0530)
PZ, SURINAME.
Antonio, DL4EA will be active holiday style as PZ5EA from Suriname
on May 22nd to 26th.
He will be QRV on satellites (RS-44 and QO-100), with some QRP activity
on the HF bands. QSL via LotW and eQSL.
-[425DXN # 1776 May 17, 2025] (0516-0530)
SM, SWEDEN. Watch for SM3/DG2RON, SM3/DHØJAE, SM3/DL2VFR, SM3/DL4BBH, and SM3/ DL4SVA to be QRV from Enskar Island (EU-176) on May 25th-30th.
Activity will be on all HF bands SSB, CW and FT8 using two stations
with dipoles and verticals. Before and after the IOTA operation, DL4BBH
and DL2VFR will try to operate SSB and CW from some Swedish Flora &
Fauna (SMFF) areas in SM6 and SM4. QSL via home calls, ClubLog's OQRS and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1777 May 24, 2025] (0523-0530)
T8,
PALAU. Operators Kaz, JR2JGR, Tetsu, JF1GHX and Yoshi, JK1SZX are QRV
as T88DZ, T88HF, and T88SG, respectively, from Koror (OC-009) until
June 1st. Activity is on various bands using SSB and FT8. QSL T88DZm
via JR2JGR, T88HF via JF1GHX, and T88SG via JK1SZX.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 21 May 22, 2025] (0523-0606)
TI,
COSTA RICA. Guy, N7ZG is QRV as TI8/N7ZG from Playa Zancudo. His length
of stay is unknown. This includes being a Single Op/All Band/High Power
entry in the CQ WPX CW contest (May 24th-25th). QSL via EA3GL.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 21 May 22, 2025] (0523-0613)
TR, GABON.
Roland, F8EN is QRV as TR8CR
until mid-June.
Activity is on the HF bands using only CW. QSL direct to F6AJA.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 15 April 10, 2025] (0411-0613)
UA, EUROPEAN RUSSIA.
Commemorating the 120th anniversary since the birth of Mikhail A.
Sholokhov (the 1965 Nobel Prize in Literature), special callsigns R12ØMS and UE4ØMS will be active on May 21st-25th during the 40th edition of the Sholokhov Spring Festival. A certificate will be available on https://hamlog.online/club/mdxc. QSL via RQ7L.
-[425DXN # 1777 May 24, 2025] (0523-0530)
V4, ST. KITTS
& NEVIS. Juan, AC6ZM will be active as V4/AC6ZM from St.
Kitts (NA-104) on May 18th-27th.
He will operate CW, FT8, RTTY and some SSB on various HF bands and 6
meters and will participate in the CQ WPX CW Contest (May 24th-25th) as
V49K. QSL
via LoTW, ClubLog's OQRS,
or AC6ZM.
-[425DXN # 1775 May 10, 2025] (0516-0530)
V5, NAMIBIA.
Remo, HB9SHD is QRV as V51/HB9SHD
until June 15th.
Activity is holiday style on 40 to 6 meters using SSB and various
digital modes. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 18 May 1, 2025] (0502-0620)
VP8, FALKLAND IS.
Gerry, G3WIP, now that he is retired, has moved from Ascension Island
(ZD8GB) to Port Stanley and plans to operate as VP8DPD from May 10th until July 12th,
mostly on 20-10m. QSL via EA5GL.
-[DXNL # 2458 May 14, 2025] (0516-0711)
VU,
INDIA. Team AU2M is now expected to be active from Arnala Island
(AS-169) on May 28th-31st. This IOTA group has been silent since 2006.
Plans are for seven operators to set up three stations, and to operate
CW, SSB and FT8 (F/H) on various bands, 6m included. Donations to help
offset the significant costs are gratefully accepted. See
https://vu2rs.com/au2m/ for more information. QSL via MØOXO's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1773 April 26, 2025] (0523-0530)
VU7, LAKSHADWEEP
IS. A group of operators will be QRV as VU7T from Agatti
Island (AS-011) from May
22nd to 28th.
Activity will be on the HF bands using CW, SSB, and FT8. This includes
being active on Satellite QO-100 using FT8, and in the upcoming CQ WPX
CW contest (May 24th-25th). QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 20 May 15, 2025] (0516-0530)
YO, ROMANIA.
Special callsign YO16ØITU
will be activated by the Federatia Romana de Radioamatorism (FRR) to
celebrate the 160th anniversary of the International Telecommunications
Union until May 31st.
An anniversary diploma will be available, see
https://www.qrz.com/db/YO160ITU for information. QSL via
bureau.
-[425DXN # 1776 May 17, 2025] (0516-0530)
Z6, REPUBLIC OF
KOSOVO. Anne, OH2YL and Marko, OH2LGW will be active from
Kosovo as Z68YL
and Z68OM,
respectively, on May
20th to 30th. They will operate CW, SSB and FT8 on 160-6
meters. QSL for both callsigns via OH2YL.
-[425DXN # 1773 April 26, 2025] (0516-0530)
ZA, ALBANIA.
Active on various bands and modes until May 31st, ZA25GIA
is a special callsign to mark this year's edition of the Giro d'Italia,
the annual multiple-stage cycling race whose three opening stages took
place in Albania. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1776 May 17, 2025] (0516-0530)
ZC4, UK SOVEREIGN BASE AREAS ON CYPRUS. Martin, MWØBRO will be active again as ZC4GW from Dhekelia from May 28th to June 9th. He will operate CW, some SSB and "definitely no digital modes" on 40-6 meters. QSL via MØURX's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1777 May 24, 2025] (0523-0613)
ZL, NEW ZEALAND.
Special callsign ZL1ØØIARU
will be used by New Zealand's IARU member society, NZART, to celebrate
the 100th anniversary of the International Amateur Radio Union until July 31st.
QSOs will be uploaded to QRZ Logbook and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1776 May 17, 2025] (0516-0801)
ZL7,
CHATHAM IS. Holger, DL3IO is QRV as ZL7IO from Waitangi (OC-038) until
June 26th while working on equipment repairs. He may be active as a
Single Op/Single Band/Low Power 40 meter entry in the CQ WPX CW contest
(May 24th-25th). QSL via LoTW, ClubLog's OQRS
(preferred), or via DK7AO.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 21 May 22, 2025] (0523-0627)
ZP, PARAGUAY.
DK4TC, Tom, signs ZP8/DK4TC
from Santa Rosa Misiones during
April and May. QSL via Bureau, eQSL, LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2455 April 23, 2025] (0425-0530)
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.
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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 Thursday, May 15th through yesterday, May 22nd.
The average solar flux was 118, down 6 points from the previous week,
with a weekly high of 120 on Thursday, May 22nd, following
a low of 117 on May 19th.
The average sunspot count was 70, up 7 from last week,
peaking at 99 on Thursday, May 22nd after a
weekly low of 45 on May 15th.
The Planetary K-index weekly average was 4.0 with a
maximum of 6.3 on Saturday, May 17th, indicating
a moderate geomagnetic storm. Yesterday's K-index maximum was 2.3 with generally quiet conditions.
Solar flare activity since May 16th has been quiet with only 2
major flares, the largest of which was an M 3.2 event on Monday, May
19th.
Propagation
Data
Major solar flares, Friday, May 16th through 1213 UTC, May 23rd.
| # | Date | UTC | Mag. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | May 21 | 0008 | M 1.2 |
| 2 | May 19 | 0821 | M 3.2 |
(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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 23 | 25% | 5% | 120 |
| May 24 | 25% | 5% | 120 |
| May 25 | 25% | 5% | 125 |
Looking farther ahead, here is the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center forecast of 10.7 cm radio flux and maximum Planetary K-index (Kp) for the next 12 days. This data is updated by NOAA every Monday (last updated on May 19, 2025).
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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.
Geomagnetic
Storm Watch
Minor
G1-class
geomagnetic storms are possible on May 23rd when a
CME might deliver a glancing blow to Earth's magnetic field.
A miss is just as likely as a hit, so this is an uncertain forecast.
(Copyright © SpaceWeather.com May 22, 2025.
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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CQ WW WPX Contest, CW | May 24 | 0000Z | May 25 | 2400Z | Rules |
| Kentucky QSO Party | Jun 7 | 1300Z | Jun 8 | 0100Z | Rules |
| ARRL Inter. Digital Contest | Jun 7 | 1800Z | Jun 8 | 2400Z | Rules |
| ARRL June VHF Contest | Jun 14 | 1800Z | Jun 16 | 0300Z | Rules |
| Stew Perry Topband Challenge | Jun 21 | 1500Z | Jun 22 | 1500Z | Rules |
| West Virginia QSO Party | Jun 21 | 1600Z | Jun 22 | 0400Z | Rules |
| ARRL Kids Day | Jun 21 | 1800Z | Jun 21 | 2359Z | Rules |
| His Maj. King of Spain Contest, SSB | Jun 28 | 1200Z | Jun 29 | 1200Z | Rules |
| ARRL Field Day | Jun 28 | 1800Z | Jun 29 | 2100Z | Rules |
| RAC Canada Day Contest | Jul 1 | 0000Z | Jul 1 | 2359Z | Rules |
| IARU HF World Championship | Jul 12 | 1200Z | Jul 13 | 1200Z | Rules |
| North American QSO Party, RTTY | Jul 19 | 1800Z | Jul 20 | 0600Z | Rules |
| CQ Worldwide VHF Contest | Jul 19 | 1800Z | Jul 20 | 2100Z | Rules |
| North American QSO Party, CW | Aug 2 | 1800Z | Aug 3 | 0600Z | Rules |
| WAE DX Contest, CW | Aug 9 | 0000Z | Aug 10 | 2359Z | Rules |
| Maryland-DC QSO Party | Aug 9 | 1400Z | Aug 10 | 0400Z | Rules |
| North American QSO Party, SSB | Aug 16 | 1800Z | Aug 17 | 0600Z | Rules |
| ARRL Rookie Roundup, RTTY | Aug 17 | 1800Z | Aug 17 | 2359Z | Rules |
| Ohio QSO Party | Aug 23 | 1600Z | Aug 24 | 0400Z | Rules |