DX Code of Conduct

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)

Solar Data

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!
The current Sun at 131 Angstroms

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).

 Date   Flux   Kp 
 Dec 4 1702
 Dec 5 1702
 Dec 6 1702
 Dec 7 1752
 Date   Flux  Kp 
 Dec 8 1752
 Dec 9 1852
 Dec 10 1954
 Dec 11 2004
 Date   Flux  Kp 
 Dec 12 2004
 Dec 13 2054
 Dec 14 2053
 Dec 15 2052

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:
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:
Auroral Oval

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
     Note: Start Days are in UTC, e.g. Monday at 0000 UTC is
     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
     -[Contest data courtesy of the WA7BNM Contest Calendar ]