DX Code of Conduct

The Eastern Iowa DX Bulletin
Number 244, October 18, 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

3B9, RODRIGUES I. Kazu, MØCFW is QRV as 3B9/MØCFW until November 27th. Activity is on the HF bands. He will be active as 3B9KW in the upcoming CQ WW DX SSB Contest (October 26th-27th), and the CQ WW DX CW Contest (November 23rd-24th). QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 39 October 17, 2024]  (1018-1129)

3D2/R, ROTUMA I. Antoine, 3D2AG, will leave for Rotuma on October 19th for a research trip lasting three to four weeks (depending on the timing of the return boat in November). In his spare time, he will operate mostly CW and SSB as 3D2AG/p on 160-6 meters, with a focus on the higher bands. He hopes to complete the setup and be on the air by October 25th, so that he can participate in the CQ WW DX SSB Contest (October 26th-27th). Please note that while on the island he will not have access to the Internet, and that for CW he will use a manual iambic paddle and paper logs, which will be digitized after the trip. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1746 October 19, 2024]  (1018-1115)

3D2/R, ROTUMA I. Members of the Rebel DX Group are QRV as 3D2V and 3D22 until October 30th. Activity is on 160 to 10 meters using primarily FT8 in the SuperFox and MSHV modes. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 37 October 3, 2024]  (1004-1101)

5H, TANZANIA. Maurizio, IK2GZU will be active again as 5H3MB from Tanzania from October 10th to November 11th, while doing volunteer work at a local school. 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 # 1741 September 14, 2024]  (1004-1115)

5R, MADAGASCAR. Janusz, SP9FIH as 5R8WE and Leszek, SP6CIK as 5R8CI will be active from Nosy Be (AF-057), Madagascar from October 23rd to November 6th. They will operate CW, SSB and FT8 (also SuperFox for 5R8CI) on 40-10 meters with two stations and a focus on 12 and 10 meters. QSLs via ClubLog's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1743 September 28, 2024]  (1018-1108)

5R, MADAGASCAR. Eric, F6ICX will be active again as 5R8IC from Sainte-Marie Island (AF-090), Madagascar from October 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)

5V, TOGO. Antonio, IK7WUL, has moved from Benin (TY2AA) to Togo and will be active as 5VØDX during his spare time, mostly on SSB. The duration of his stay is unknown at present. QSL via IK7WUL.
-[DXNL # 2427 October 9, 2024]  (1011-1101)

7P, LESOTHO. Bernie, ZS4TX and John, ZS6JON will be activating Lesotho on 70 cm EME using the callsign 7P8Z from grid KG30. "We will do two moon passes", Dennis says, "starting Friday October 18th at 1800 UTC (moonrise) and ending Sunday October 20th at 0500 UTC (moonset). Also included are some Satellite passes - we will work the ISS (if available), RS-44 and SO-50". QSL via PA3CMC and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1745 October 12, 2024]  (1018-1025)

7Q, MALAWI. Vasco 7Q7CT, Jorge CT1BOL, Vasco D2ACE and Fran EC7R will be active as 7Q1 (just Seven Quebec One) from Lilongwe, Malawi from October 23rd to November 2nd, including an entry in the CQ WW DX SSB Contest (October 26th-27th). QSL via EA7FTR.
-[425DXN # 1745 October 12, 2024]  (1018-1101)

8R, GUYANA. Aldir, PY1SAD will be active as 8R1TM from Georgetown, Guyana from October 12th to November 24th. He will operate CW, SSB and digital modes on all bands and via satellite. QSL via LoTW, eQSL, QRZ Logbook, or direct to PY1SAD.
-[425DXN # 1743 September 28, 2024]  (1011-1129)

9M6, EAST MALAYSIA. Saty, JE1JKL will be active again as 9M6NA from Labuan Island (OC-133), East Malaysia from October 23rd to November 25th. He will participate in the CQ WW DX SSB Contest (October 26th-27th) (SOAB LP) and the CQ WW DX CW Contest (November 23rd-24th) (SOAB HP). QSL via LoTW and ClubLog's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1745 October 12, 2024]  (1018-1129)

9X, RWANDA. Harald, DF2WO will be QRV as 9X2AW from Kigali from October 9th to 23rd. Activity will be on the HF bands and 6 meters. He will also have equipment for Satellite QO-100. QSL via MØOXO's OQRS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 37 October 3, 2024]  (1004-1025)

C2, NAURU. A large German team (DG2RON, DJ5IW, DJ7TO, DJ9KH, DK3CG, DK5WL, DL1KWK, DL2RNS, DL4SVA, DL6KAC, DL6KVA, DL7JOM, DL7VEE and DL8LAS) will be active as C21MM from Nauru (OC-031) on October 11th to 27th: six team members will arrive on October 11th, the rest of the team will arrive on October 14th for another 12 days. Plans are to operate CW, SSB, FT8 and RTTY on 160-6 meters with five stations. On FT8 they will be using MSHV multi-stream, but "there is a possibility for using SuperFox-WSJT-X too". More information, QSL policy included, can be found on https://c21mm.mydx.de/. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS (preferred), or via DL4SVA.
-[425DXN # 1735 August 3, 2024]  (1011-1101)

C9, MOZAMBIQUE. Gus CX2AM, Bert CX3AN and Rainer CX8FB will be active as C91BV from Mozambique on October 17th-24th. They will operate CW and SSB with two stations on 40-6 meters. QSL via EB7DX.
-[425DXN # 1737 August 17, 2024]  (1011-1025)

CE9, ANTARCTICA. David, F4FKT, operates as FT4YM from Dumont d'Urville Base on Petrel Island until March 2025 and as FT4YM/p from the bases Concordia, Little Dome C, and Cape Prud'homme. QSL via F4FKT or F5PFP.
-[DXNL # 2427 October 9, 2024]  (1011-1101)

D4, CAPE VERDE. Claudio, HB9OAU will be QRV as D44OA from Sal Island (AF-086) from October 24th to November 5th. Activity will be holiday style on 40 to 6 meters using CW and SSB. This includes being an entry in the upcoming CQ WW DX SSB contest (October 26th-27th). QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 39 October 17, 2024]  (1018-1108)

DXCC TOP TWENTY. Here are the top 20 entities on ClubLog’s "DXCC Most Wanted" list as of October 16, 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 October 18, 2024  (1018-1108)

E6, NIUE. Jacek, SP5EAQ will be QRV as E6AQ from October 22nd to November 9th. This includes being an entry in the upcoming CQ WW DX SSB contest (October 26th-27th). QSL via SP7DQR.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 39 October 17, 2024]  (1018-1108)

EA, SPAIN. Markus, DJ4EL will be active as EA5/DJ4EL from the islands of Benidorm, Escombreras and Tabarca (all part of IOTA group EU-093) on October 17th-25th. Updates will be posted to https://x.com/rapanuiman. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS (preferred) and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1743 September 28, 2024]  (1011-1025)

EA, SPAIN. Special callsigns EG3AMCUP (from September 15th to October 14th) and AO3AMCUP (from October 15th to October 28th) will be used by members of URE's Unio de Radioaficionats de Barcelona i Baix Llobregat (EA3MM) during the 37th America's Cup. A certificate will be available, see https://www.ure.es/diploma-cq-americas-cup-2024/ for information. QSL via EA3MM, LoTW, eQSL and QRZ Logbook.
-[425DXN # 1742 September 21, 2024]  (0920-1101)

EA, SPAIN. Special event station EG2AMCUP is QRV until October 29th during the 37th America's Cup being held in Barcelona. QSL via EA3MM, ClubLog's OQRS, LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 35 September 19, 2024]  (0920-1101)

F, FRANCE. To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Wingles during WWII (September 2, 1944), the local radio club (F4KLR) will be active as TM8ØLW on August 31st, September 2nd and for another 13 days until November 9th. All SSB and CW QSOs will be confirmed automatically via the bureau and eQSL; FT8 QSOs will be confirmed via eQSL.
-[425DXN # 1738 August 24, 2024]  (0830-1108)

FG, GUADELOUPE. Philippe, F1DUZ, will be active as FG4KH from October 22nd to November 6th. For the CQ WW DX SSB Contest (October 26th-27th) he will be joined by M5RIC, GW4XUM, K1XX, and W1MD using the contest callsign TO2X. QSL via LoTW, eQSL, or via F1DUZ.
-[DXNL # 2428 October 16, 2024]  (1018-1108)

FO, FRENCH POLYNESIA. Fred, DH5FS will be active as FO/DH5FS from French Polynesia from October 4th-23rd as follows:
   October  4th-11th  Manihi (OC-131)
   October 11th-18th  Rangiroa (OC-066)
   October 18th-23th  Tikehau (OC-066)
He will operate CW and FT8 on 20-10 meters. Updates will be posted to https://mastodon.radio/@dh5fs. QSL via DH5FS.
-[425DXN # 1744 October 5, 2024]  (1004-1025)

FR, REUNION I. Stephane, F5UOW will be active holiday style as FR/F5UOW from Reunion Island (AF-016) on October 9th-28th. He will operate CW only on 17-10 meters. QSL only via LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1743 September 28, 2024]  (1004-1101)

GM, SCOTLAND. Special event station GB2ZL (Scotland) will operate CW only on October 1st-28th to mark the 100th anniversary of the first amateur radio contact between Great Britain and New Zealand (October 18, 1924). See https://www.qrz.com/db/GB2ZL for more information. QSL via LoTW only.
-[425DXN # 1742 September 21, 2024]  (0927-1101)

HL, SOUTH KOREA. Members of the Korean Amateur Radio League (KARL) will be active as HL24KARL on October 20th during the KARL Field Day. All QSOs will be confirmed automatically via the bureau and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1745 October 12, 2024]  (1018-1025)

HR, HONDURAS. K1XM, K2TR, KQ1F, N2WQ and W1UE will participate in the CQ WW DX SSB Contest (October 26th-27th) as HQ9X from Roatan Island (NA-057), Honduras. They will be there on October 19th-29th, with "some operation" also from October 29th until November 15th. QSL via KQ1F.
-[425DXN # 1746 October 19, 2024]  (1018-1115)

HS, THAILAND. Special event station HS19IARU will be active from October 12th to November 10th for the 19th IARU Region 3 Conference to be hosted in Bangkok by the Radio Amateur Society of Thailand (November 4th-8th, https://www.iarur3conf2024.org). QSL via LoTW and ClubLog's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1745 October 12, 2024]  (1011-1115)

I, ITALY. The United Nations Global Service Centre ARC (4U1GSC) in Brindisi is active again as 4U24OCT until the end of October. The special callsign marks United Nations Day (October 24). DXCC wise, it counts for Italy. QSL via 9A2AA.
-[425DXN # 1746 October 19, 2024]  (1018-1101)

I, ITALY. Special callsign II6PRES will be in use from October 12th to 27th to celebrate the 50th anniversary of ARI San Benedetto del Tronto (IQ6SB). QSL via IK6XEJ.
-[425DXN # 1745 October 12, 2024]  (1011-1101)

I, ITALY. Members of ARI Bologna will be active as II4RCDN from October 1st to December 31st. The special callsign marks the 60th Anniversary of the Northern Cross Radio Telescope, one of the largest transit radio telescopes in the world. Gianfranco Sinigaglia (I4BBE, SK), after whom the Bologna ARI Section is named, was a professor of radioastronomy and applied electronics at the Physics Institute of Bologna University, and responsible for the electronics of the Northern Cross. A certificate will be available, see https://www.qrz.com/db/II4RCDN for information. QSL via IZ4FUE.
-[425DXN # 1744 October 5, 2024]  (1004-1025)

I, ITALY. Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the start of regular radio broadcasting in Italy (October 6, 1924), ARI local branches across Italy will be using special callsigns from October 1st to 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)

J6, ST. LUCIA. Steve, NY3B will be active again as J68SS from St Lucia (NA-108) on October 22nd-29th. He will be one of the J62K operators during the CQ WW DX SSB Contest (October 26th-27th). QSOs will be uploaded also to ClubLog, eQSL and QRZ Logbook. QSL via NY3B and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1746 October 19, 2024]  (1018-1101)

J6, ST. LUCIA. Watch for J68HZ (K9HZ), J68CN (WØCN), J68KC (WA4PGM), J68SS (NY3B), and J69DS to be active on Saint Lucia (NA-108) from October 21st to 27th as J62K. They will operate in the CQ WW DX SSB Contest (October 26th-27th). QSL J62K via LoTW (preferred) or direct to K9HZ.
-[DXNL # 2428 October 16, 2024]  (1018-1101)

J8, ST. VINCENT. Special event call sign J8AA is active until January 31, 2025, for contest activity. Look for Franco, J88BTI who will be QRV as J8AA as a Single Op/All Band, except 160 meters, entry in the Oceania DX SSB contest (October 5th-6th). QSL via EA5GL.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 37 October 3, 2024]  (1004-1025)

JA, JAPAN. Take, JI3DST is active as JS6RRR from Miyako Island (AS-079) until November 25th, including activity during the CQ WW DX SSB and CW contests. Other callsigns to be used are JI3DST/6, JJ5RBH/6 and JR8YLY/6 on CW and SSB, as well as JI3DST/p, JJ5RBH/p and JR8YLY/p on FT8. QSOs will be made available for ClubLog and LoTW Matching on the IOTA website.
-[425DXN # 1744 October 5, 2024]  (1004-1129)

JD1/O, OGASAWARA. Koutarou, JP1IHD will be QRV as JD1BQP from Chichijima Island (AS-031) from October 21st to November 3rd. Activity will be on 15 to 6 meters using SSB, FT8, and FT4. This includes an entry in the upcoming CQ WW DX SSB contest (October 26th-27th). QSL direct to JP1IHD.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 39 October 17, 2024]  (1018-1108)

K, UNITED STATES. The Radio Club of Tacoma invites everyone to watch for the. elusive Bigfoot, whose presence on the bands is via special event stations W7B, W7I, W7G, W7F, W7O, and W7T from October 17th to 20th. Awards are available as well, beginning with just one contact with one of these stations, a Big Stomp endorsement for repeated contacts on different days, and a Full Stomp endorsement for working all stations. For details, see https://www.qrz.com/db/W7B.
-[DXNL # 2428 October 16, 2024]  (1018-1025)

KHØ, MARIANA IS. Harry, JG7PSJ will be active holiday style as WHØRU from Saipan, Mariana Islands (OC-086) on October 11th-20th. He will operate CW, SSB and RTTY on 40-10 meters. QSL via LoTW, or direct to JG7PSJ.
-[425DXN # 1744 October 5, 2024]  (1011-1025)

PA, NETHERLANDS. Volker, DL1WH will be active holiday style as PA/DL1WH/p from Ameland Island (EU-038) on October 12th-26th. He will operate CW and some SSB. QSL via DL1WH.
-[425DXN # 1744 October 5, 2024]  (1011-1025)

PA, NETHERLANDS. Special callsign PH8ØLIB will be in use from various locations from September 11th until November 10th to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of southern Netherlands in the autumn of 1944. Activity will be on 80-10 meters SSB, CW and digital modes. See https://www.qrz.com/db/PH80LIB for detailed information. QSL via the bureau.
-[425DXN # 1740 September 7, 2024]  (0906-1108)

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)

PY, BRAZIL. Team ZW8C will be active from Santa Isabel Island (SA-025) on October 17th-19th. They will operate SSB, CW and FT8 on 80-6 meters, plus SSB, FM and FT8 on 144 MHz and SSB on the QO-100 satellite. QSL via LoTW, PP5AA (bureau) or PS8PL (direct).
-[425DXN # 1744 October 5, 2024]  (1011-1025)

PYØF, FERNANDO DE NORONHA. Ben, DA1DX (ex DL6FBL), Mark (DK2CX), Paul (DL5CW), Wolf (OE2VEL), and Renner (PY7RP) remain active as PXØFF from Fernando de Noronha (SA-003) until October 21st. QRV on 160-6m, including 60m, on CW, SSB, FT8 (MSHV). QSL via DJ4MX.
-[DXNL # 2427 October 9, 2024]  (1011-1025)

PZ, SURINAME. Members of the Royal Netherlands Army Signal Regiment (PI4VBD) will be active again as PZ5JT during the annual Jungle Warfare Training course in Suriname for a few weeks in October-November. The operators will be QRV in their spare time on 40, 20, 17, 15 and 10m SSB using military equipment. QSL direct to PI4VBD.
-[425DXN # 1743 September 28, 2024]  (1018-1122)

SV, GREECE. Special callsign SX8ØFF will be used from various locations (including Crete as SV9/SX8ØFF) on October 1st-31st. The purpose of this activity is to honor the 80 fallen Greek firefighters and aerial firefighting crews who lost their lives in the line of duty. QSL via LoTW, eQSL and QRZ Logbook; paper cards will not be available.
-[425DXN # 1743 September 28, 2024]  (0927-1101)

SV5, DODECANESE. The Dodecanese Radio Amateur Association (SZ5RDS) will be active as SX5Ø2GM on October 18th-20th to highlight the presence of Fra' John T. Dunlap in Rhodes, which marks the first official visit of a Grand Master of the Order of Malta to the island since 1522. QSL via LoTW only.
-[425DXN # 1745 October 12, 2024]  (1018-1025)

SV9, CRETE. Christian, OE3DEC, signs SV9/OE3DEC from near Heraklion from October 18th to 26th.
-[DXNL # 2428 October 16, 2024]  (1018-1025)

TA, TURKEY. Special event station TC1Ø1TC is QRV until October 29th to commemorate the founding of the Turkish republic 101 years ago. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 39 October 17, 2024]  (1018-1101)

TI9, COCOS I. Sources report that Jose, TI2JJP, is currently active from Cocos Island (NA-012) as TI9/TI2JJP. During an early period of FT8 operation he erroneously signed TI9/I2JJP and is working on correcting that mistake. So far, he has been active on 10m.
-[DXNL # 2428 October 16, 2024]  (1018-1108)

UA, EUROPEAN RUSSIA. Oleg, RD1A, is a member of the Severnyy Polyus crew and will drift freely around the Arctic until September 2025 and operate as RI42SP. The vessel's exact position can be tracked here: https://goradar.ru/vessels_map.php?imo=273295970
-[DXNL # 2427 October 9, 2024]  (1011-1101)

V4, ST. KITTS & NEVIS. Gary, GØFWX will be active again as V47FWX from St Kitts (NA-104) on October 16th-23rd. QSL via MØURX's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1746 October 19, 2024]  (1018-1025)

V4, ST. KITTS & NEVIS. Yuri, VE3DZ will be active as V4/VE3DZ from St. Kitts (NA-104) from October 23rd to November 3rd. He will participate in the CQ WW DX SSB Contest (October 26th-27th) as V48K. QSL via LoTW, ClubLog's OQRS, or via VE3DZ.
-[425DXN # 1745 October 12, 2024]  (1018-1108)

V5, NAMIBIA. Gunter, DK2WH is QRV as V51WH from Omaruru until November 12th. Activity is on 160 to 10 meters, including 60 meters, using SSB, FT8, and possibly CW. He will be active as V55Y in various contests. QSL to DK2WH.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 35 September 19, 2024]  (0920-1115)

V7, MARSHALL IS. Don, KW7R is QRV as V73KW until September 2025. Activity is in his spare time on the HF bands using mostly CW and FT8. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 39 October 17, 2024]  (1018-1108)

VE, CANADA. Andy, VE1ANF will be active as VE1ANF/9 from Lameque Island (NA-068) on October 18th-20th. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS, LoTW, or VE1ANF.
-[425DXN # 1746 October 19, 2024]  (1018-1025)

VK9N, NORFOLK I. Nick, VK2DX is QRV as VK9DX and has been active on 10 meters using SSB around 0845 to 0915z. QSL to VK2DX.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 37 October 3, 2024]  (1004-1025)

VP2M, MONTSERRAT. K2DM as VP2MDM, NØSMX as VP2MMX and ND8L as VP2MMM will be active from Montserrat (NA-103) on October 23rd-28th. They will participate in the CQ WW DX SSB Contest (October 26th-27th) as VP2MDM. Outside the contest they will operate "a lot of FT8/FT4 and a bit of CW" using their individual callsigns. QSL via LoTW, or direct to K2DM.
-[425DXN # 1745 October 12, 2024]  (1018-1101)

VU, INDIA. Ajay, VU3FYK is QRV as AU2JOTA until October 20th with a group of scouts for Jamboree On The Air. QSL via operators' instructions.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 39 October 17, 2024]  (1018-1025)

VU, INDIA. Special event station AT78I is QRV until November 13th to celebrate 78 years of independence for India. Activity is on the HF bands using CW and SSB. QSL via VU2JOS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 31 August 22, 2024]  (0823-1115)

XV, VIET NAM. Callsign 3W3B went QRT permanently on October 10th. "After 14 years of fun it was time to renew my license to comply with new Government Regulations", Bruce says. His new callsign is XV9B, but his QSL routes remain unchanged: via LoTW (preferred), or via E21EIC.
-[425DXN # 1745 October 12, 2024]  (1011-1025)

YJ, VANUATU. Chris, VK2YUS will be QRV as YJØCA from Efate Island (OC-035) from October 23rd to November 4th. Activity will be on 40 to 10 meters using SSB. This includes an entry in the upcoming CQ WW DX SSB contest (October 26th-27th). QSL direct to VK2YUS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 39 October 17, 2024]  (1018-1108)

YJ, VANUATU. Team YJØVV (namely N4VGE, K4QQG, K1NZ and K2SAV) will be active from Efate (OC-035), Vanuatu on October 16th-29th. They will operate SSB, CW and digital modes (also FT8 SuperFox) on 160-6 meters with two high power stations and a choice of seven antennas and will participate in the CQ WW DX SSB Contest (October 26th-27th). QSOs will be uploaded to ClubLog and LoTW. QSL via K4NHW.
-[425DXN # 1743 September 28, 2024]  (1011-1101)

ZD9, TRISTAN DA CUNHA & GOUGH I. Lance, W7GJ, operating as ZD9GJ had dismantled and packed all his equipment on September 29th, ready to leave Tristan da Cunha on October 1st. However, adverse sea conditions have delayed his departure. "The forecast for the departure of the MV 'Lance' is now next Wednesday October 10th", he says. "I have decided to instead stay here for an additional 2-1/2 weeks until October 27th and try to return on the little MFV Edinburgh". He is rebuilding the 6m antenna and station.
-[425DXN # 1744 October 5, 2024]  (1004-1025)

ZF, CAYMAN IS. Christopher, AE6Z, plans to operate with a QRP rig as ZF2XX, mostly on CW, from October 20th to 25th. QSL via AE6Z.
-[DXNL # 2428 October 16, 2024]  (1018-1025)

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)

ZL7, CHATHAM IS. Holger, ZL3IO will be QRV as ZL7DX from October 15th to 31st. Activity will be on the HF bands. This includes being active as ZL7IO in the upcoming CQ World Wide DX SSB contest (October 26th-27th). QSL to ZL3IO.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 38 October 10, 2024]  (1011-1101)




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 Monday, October 14th through yesterday, October 21st.

The average solar flux was 167, down 43 points from the previous week, with a weekly high of 182 on Monday, October 14th, followed by a low of 162 on October 20th.

The average sunspot count was 134, up 5 from last week, peaking at 168 on Monday, October 21st after a weekly low of 101 on October 19th.

The Planetary K-index weekly average was 3.5 with a maximum of 4.7 on Saturday, October 19th, resulting in generally quiet geomagnetic conditions. Yesterday's K-index maximum was 2.0 with generally quiet conditions.

Solar flare activity since October 15th has been very high with 16 major flares, the largest of which was an M 6.5 event on Saturday, October 19th.

Propagation Data
Major solar flares, Tuesday, October 15th through 1243 UTC, October 22nd.

  #     Date     UTC     Mag.  
1 Oct 19  1434  M 1.7 
2 Oct 19  0656  M 6.5 
3 Oct 18  1938  M 4.8 
4 Oct 18  1736  M 1.1 
5 Oct 17  0505  M 2.4 
6 Oct 16  1500  M 1.3 
7 Oct 16  1442  M 1.3 
8 Oct 16  1327  M 1.5 
9 Oct 16  0516  M 2.8 
10 Oct 16  0344  M 3.7 
11 Oct 16  0319  M 3.0 
12 Oct 15  1833  M 2.1 
13 Oct 15  1818  M 1.7 
14 Oct 15  1006  M 1.3 
15 Oct 15  0227  M 1.1 
16 Oct 15  0213  M 1.9 

   (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 
 Oct 22 40%5%165
 Oct 23 40%5%165
 Oct 24 40%5%160

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 October 21, 2024).

 Date   Flux   Kp 
 Oct 22 1654
 Oct 23 1603
 Oct 24 1553
 Oct 25 1502
 Date   Flux  Kp 
 Oct 26 1502
 Oct 27 1552
 Oct 28 1652
 Oct 29 1702
 Date   Flux  Kp 
 Oct 30 1702
 Oct 31 1752
 Nov 1 1802
 Nov 2 1852

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.

The Sun is Taking a Quick Break
Solar Max is hard work. Just ask the sun. After flaring almost without pause for the past 10 months, the sun is taking a quick break. Solar activity has been low for the past 48 hours with no flares stronger than category C. The quiet won't last. Solar Max is expected to continue for at least another year; flaring should resume shortly.
(Copyright © SpaceWeather.com October 22, 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
10-10 Int. Fall Contest, CW Oct 19 0001Z Oct 20 2359Z Rules
New York QSO Party Oct 19 1400Z Oct 20 0200Z Rules
Stew Perry Topband Challenge Oct 19 1500Z Oct 20 1500Z Rules
Illinois QSO Party Oct 20 1700Z Oct 21 0100Z Rules
ARRL School Club Roundup Oct 21 1300Z Oct 25 2359Z Rules
CQ Worldwide DX Contest, SSB Oct 26 0000Z Oct 27 2400Z Rules
Ukrainian DX Contest Nov 2 1200Z Nov 3 1200Z Rules
ARRL Sweepstakes Contest, CW Nov 2 2100Z Nov 4 0300Z Rules
WAE DX Contest, RTTY Nov 9 0000Z Nov 10 2359Z Rules
10-10 Int. Fall Contest, Digital Nov 9 0001Z Nov 10 2359Z Rules
JIDX Phone Contest Nov 9 0700Z Nov 10 1300Z Rules
OK/OM DX Contest, CW Nov 9 1200Z Nov 10 1200Z Rules
North American SSB Sprint Contest Nov 10 0000Z Nov 10 0400Z Rules
LZ DX Contest Nov 16 1200Z Nov 17 1200Z Rules
ARRL Sweepstakes Contest, SSB Nov 16 2100Z Nov 18 0300Z Rules
CQ Worldwide DX Contest, CW Nov 23 0000Z Nov 24 2400Z Rules
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
     -[Contest data courtesy of the WA7BNM Contest Calendar ]