The
Eastern Iowa DX Bulletin
Number
296, October 17, 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
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 (The online archive is no
longer updated.)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
3B9, RODRIGUES I.
Kazu, MØCFW will be active as 3B9/MØCFW
from
Rodrigues Island (AF-017) on October
21st-29th. He will participate in
the CQ WW DX SSB Contest (October 25th-26th) as 3B9KW. QSL via LoTW
and ClubLog's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1797 October 11, 2025] (1017-1031)
4O, MONTENEGRO.
Luca, OE8DDX, is QRV as 4O/OE8DDX
until October 19th.
QSL to OE8DDX.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 42 October 16, 2025] (1017-1024)
5H, TANZANIA.
Maurizio, IK2GZU will be active again as 5H3MB from Tanzania
from October 16th to
November 20th,
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 # 1795 September 27, 2025] (1010-1121)
7Q,
MALAWI. Look for 7Q1A
to be active from Lilongwe, Malawi on October
18th-24th (CW and digital modes), and during the CQ WW DX
SSB Contest
(October 25th-26th)
with at least two stations. The team (7Q7CT, 7Q6M,
7Q5MLV, 7Q7EB, 7Q7JN, 7Q6UJ, 7Q8AC, and 7Q8P) "brings together the
experience of veterans and the fresh energy of a new generation, who
are the future of our hobby". See https://www.qrz.com/db/7Q1A.
QSL via
LoTW, QRZ Logbook, or direct to 7Q7CT.
-[425DXN # 1797 October 11, 2025] (1017-1031)
7X, ALGERIA.
Members of the radio club in Djelfa will join the Jamboree on the Air
event as 7W2S
until October 19th.
QSL direct.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 42 October 16, 2025] (1017-1024)
9M4,
WEST MALAYSIA. Members of Radio Club 9M4CSB will be QRV as
9M2ØCSB on
October 18th and 19th
to celebrate the club's 20th anniversary. QSL via
9M2VVH.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 42 October 16, 2025] (1017-1024)
9M4, WEST
MALAYSIA.
Members of the DX club in Kulai operate for a scout meeting as 9M4JOTA from October 10th to 20th.
See https://www.qrz.com/db/9M4JOTA.
QSL via qrz.com.
-[DXNL # 2479 October 8, 2025] (1010-1024)
C2, NAURU.
Phill, C21TS
now expects to remain on Nauru (OC-031) until November 30th.
After a 2-month leave, "I'll probably be back for a few months from
February 2026 with minimal gear", he says. He will be QRT for good no
later than June 2026. QSL via LoTW, or via MØOXO's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1795 September 27, 2025] (0926-1130)
C5,
THE GAMBIA. Luc, F5RAV as C5LT and Lui,
YT3PL/YU5R as C5R
will be
active again from the Gambia from October 18th to November 7th.
They
will operate CW, SSB and FT8/FT4 on various bands, and will participate
in the CQ WW DX SSB Contest (October 25th-26th) as C5R. Luc and Lui are
carrying on a humanitarian project to raise funds for the construction
of new classrooms for children aged between 3 and 5:
https://www.facebook.com/61572930010269.
QSL C5LT direct to F5RAV and
C5R direct to YU5R
-[425DXN # 1797 October 11, 2025] (1017-1107)
C5,
THE GAMBIA. Peter (PC3M), Maarten (PA3EYC), Tijmen
(PA3GRM), Mariette
(PA4UUS) and Gert (PA2LO) will be active as C5Y from The Gambia
on
October 23rd-29th,
including participation in the CQ WW DX SSB Contest
(October 25th-26th). They will operate primarily CW and SSB, with some
FT8/FT4 as needed. QSOs will be uploaded to LoTW and ClubLog. QSL
direct to PH3T.
-[425DXN # 1793 September 13, 2025] (1017-1031)
CE9, ANTARCTICA.
Callsign RI1ANI
was issued to Alex, UG1A for his operations during the 2025-26
Antarctic season. He will be at Progress Station from October 20th until December
5th, and at Vostok Station from December 20th on.
-[425DXN # 1798 October 18, 2025] (1017-1205)
D2,
ANGOLA. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the
independence of Angola
(November 11, 1975), team D2A
will be active from Ilha do Mussulo
(actually a peninsula near Luanda) on October 17th-28th.
Ten operators
(CT1BOL, CT1FFU, CT2GFW, CT7APE, D2ACE, D2XX, EA1ACP, EA5EL, EC1T, and
EC7R) will be QRV on 160-6 meters CW, SSB, RTTY and FT8 (MSHV), and the
QO-100 satellite with up to six stations. See
https://www.qrz.com/db/D2A
for more information. QSL via EA7FTR.
-[425DXN # 1787 August 2, 2025] (1017-1031)
DL, GERMANY.
The special event stations DC75DARC,
DD75DARC, DK75DARC, and DR75DARC continue to
celebrate DARC's 75th anniversary until the end of October.
An award program, involving QSOs with DARC members, DARC officials, and
club stations is also available via the DARC Community Logbook (DCL).
QSL for all for callsigns via DL2VFR.
-[DXNL # 2477 September 24, 2025] (0926-1031)
DXCC TOP TWENTY.
Here are the top 20 entities on ClubLog’s "DXCC Most Wanted" list as of
October 17, 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 October 17, 2025 (1017-1107)
E5/N, NORTH COOK
IS. Team E51MWA
(Robert N7QT, Jack N7JP,
James KC7EFP, Brian N9ADG, and YL operators Robin WA7CPA and Violetta
KN2P) will be active from Manihiki Atoll (OC-014), North Cook Islands
on October 9th-20th.
They will operate CW, SSB, and FT8 (F/H) on 160-10
meters with three stations. See https://www.e51mwa.com
for more
information and updates. Selective LoTW upload will be in place. QSL
via MØURX's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1787 August 2, 2025] (1003-1024)
E6, NIUE.
The Rebel DX Group has been active as E6AD from Niue
(OC-040) since
October 7th. This is a 2-man activity. "Digital is a
priority", they say, "some CW and SSB will be done from time to time".
See https://www.qrz.com/db/E6AD
for more information. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1797 October 11, 2025] (1010-1031)
EA, SPAIN.
Members of URE's Union de Radioaficionados de Cadiz (EA7URU), in
collaboration with the Rotary Club Jerez Internacional, will be active
as AO7POLIO
on October 18th-26th.
QSL via the bureau and eQSL. The special callsign marks World Polio Day
(October 24th), established by Rotary International to raise awareness
and celebrate global efforts to eradicate poliomyelitis through
vaccination.
-[425DXN # 1798 October 18, 2025] (1017-1031)
F, FRANCE.
Michel, F8GGZ will be active as TM8ØUCO
on October 12th-19th
for the 80th anniversary of UNESCO, the UN Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization that promotes cooperation in education, science,
culture and communication. He will operate SSB and CW on 80-10m. QSL
via eQSL only.
-[425DXN # 1797 October 11, 2025] (1010-1024)
FW, WALLIS
& FUTUNA IS. The DX Obsessed Group (K6VHF, KA6BIM,
W7HER, NG7E, N7JI, and NC7M) will be active as FW5K from Wallis Island
(OC-054) from October
20th to November 7th.
They will also participate in the CQ WW DX SSB Contest (October
25th-26th). QRV with 3 rigs on 160-6m. (Note from 425DXN: team members
also hold personal callsigns: K6VHF is FW1NA, KA6BIM is FW6N, W7HER is FW7H, N7JI is FW7SR and NG7E is FW7Z) See https://www.dxobsessed.org/home
for more information. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW after 6 months.
-[DXNL # 2480 October 15, 2025] (1017-1107)
FY, FRENCH
GUIANA. Renato, PY8WW, is QRV as FY/PY8WW from Saul.
Activity is on the HF bands using mostly FT8. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 42 October 16, 2025] (1017-1107)
G,
ENGLAND. Members of the 2nd Uxbridge Scout Group will be
QRV as GB2UXB
on October 18th and
19th during the Jamboree On The Air event. Activity
will be 80, 40, 20, 17, 15, 12, 10, and 6 meters using CW, SSB, FT8,
and on 2-meter D-Star. QSL via operators' instructions.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 42 October 16, 2025] (1017-1024)
GU, GUERNSEY.
Ron, G4DIY and Kev, MØTNX will be active as GPØSTH from Guernsey
(EU-114) on October
17th-19th. They will operate CW and SSB on 80-10 meters.
QSL direct to G4DIY; QSOs
will be uploaded to ClubLog, LoTW and QRZ Logbook.
-[425DXN # 1798 October 18, 2025] (1017-1024)
H4, SOLOMON IS.
Bernhard, DL2GAC, is QRV as H44MS
from Malaita Island (OC-047) until
November 25th. Activity is on 80 to 6 meters using SSB and
FT8. QSL to DL2GAC.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 41 October 9, 2025] (1010-1128)
HH, HAITI.
Members of Radio Club d'Haiti will be active as 4V1SB on October 1st-31st.
The special callsign commemorates Simon Bolivar, who led several South
American countries to independence from the Spanish Empire. Haiti
played a crucial role in Bolívar's revolutionary efforts by offering
him refuge and providing significant military support. QSL via N2OO.
-[425DXN # 1796 October 4, 2025] (1003-1031)
HKØ, SAN ANDRES
& PROVIDENCIA. Team 5KØUA (HK1T, HJ1YL,
K2BB and UUØJR, plus possibly US7UX, VA2WA and WB2AA) will be active
from San Andres Island (NA-033) from October 15th to November 3rd.
They will operate CW, SSB and FT8 on 160-10 meters, and will
participate in the CQ WW DX SSB Contest (October 25th-26th). See http://imdx.org/
for more information. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS
and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1797 October 11, 2025] (1010-1107)
HS,
THAILAND. A group of operators will be QRV as E2JOTA from
Ratchaburi on
October 18th and 19th
as part of the Jamboree On The Air event.
Activity will be on the HF bands using CW, SSB, and various digital
modes. QSL via bureau.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 42 October 16, 2025] (1017-1024)
I, ITALY.
Markus, DJ4EL will be active as IE9/DJ4EL
from Ustica Island (EU-051) on October
15th-21st. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS
and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1798 October 18, 2025] (1017-1024)
I, ITALY.
Members of ARI Gorizia (IQ3GO) will be active as II3GONG from October 1st to December 29th.
The special callsign's suffix stands for Gorizia (Italy) and Nova
Gorica (Slovenia), the first cross-border European Capital of Culture.
A certificate will be available, see https://www.qrz.com/db/II3GONG
for information. QSL via the bureau and eQSL.
-[425DXN # 1795 September 27, 2025] (0926-1024)
J7,
DOMINICA. A group is going to operate as J75A from October 20th to 29th
from Dominica (NA-101), including the CQ WW DX SSB Contest (October
25th-26th). Before and after the contest, Gil (FM5FJ) also signs J79FJ.
QSL for J75A via KU9C; J79FJ via FM5FJ.
-[DXNL # 2480 October 15, 2025] (1017-1031)
J7,
DOMINICA. Gil, FM5FJ, will be QRV as J79FJ from October 20th to 29th.
Activity will be on the HF bands using CW, SSB, and possibly FT8. This
includes being active with the J75A
team in the upcoming CQ World Wide
DX SSB contest (October 25th-26th). QSL J79FJ and J75A via KU9C.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 42 October 16, 2025] (1017-1031)
JA, JAPAN.
Take, JI3DST will be active as JS6RRR
from Miyako Island (AS-079) from September 26th until December
3rd. He will operate SSB, CW and FT8 on 40-6 meters. Other
callsigns to be used are JI3DST/6,
JJ5RBH/6, JI3DST/p and JJ5RBH/p. QSOs will
be uploaded to ClubLog and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1796 October 4, 2025] (1003-1031)
JD1/M, MINAMI
TORISHIMA.
Take, JG8NQJ has been back to the weather station on Minami Torishima
(OC-073) since September 18th, and will remain there until December,
his QSL manager reports. Take is QRV as JG8NQJ/JD1
in his limited spare time. He operates CW and some FT8 (please note
that he wants you to call with your signal report, not your grid
square). QSL via JA8CJY
(direct), JG8NQJ
(bureau) and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1794 September 20, 2025] (0919-1024)
JD1/O,
OGASAWARA. Kou, JP1IHD will be active again as JD1BQP
(https://x.com/jd1bqp)
from Chichijima (AS-031), Ogasawara from October
19th until November 2nd. Activity will be focused on 6
meters, but he
will also participate in the CQ WW DX SSB Contest (October 25th-26th).
QSOs will be uploaded to LoTW and ClubLog; QSL via JP1IHD
(direct) or
JD1BQP (bureau).
-[425DXN # 1796 October 4, 2025] (1017-1107)
K,
UNITED STATES. Radio club NI6BB aboard the USS
Iowa marks the 200th
anniversary of the US Navy from October
4th to 19th. See also
https://biara.org.
-[DXNL # 2478 October 1, 2025] (1003-1024)
KP2,
VIRGIN IS. A group of young operators will be active as NP2R from St.
Thomas, US Virgin Islands (NA-106) on October 20th-22nd.
See
https://vp2vrx.com
for more information. QSL via LoTW, eQSL, ClubLog's OQRS,
or via N4XTT.
-[425DXN # 1793 September 13, 2025] (1017-1024)
LX, LUXEMBOURG.
Special callsigns LX25GDH
(September 3rd -
October 3rd) and LX25GDG
(October 3rd -
November 3rd)
are the for Radioamateurs du Luxembourg (RL, Luxembourg's IARU society)
to mark the "Trounwiessel" - the accession to the throne of Prince
Guillaume, who is set to become Grand Duke on October 3rd upon the
abdication of his father the Grand Duke Henri. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1792 September 6, 2025] (0905-1107)
ON, BELGIUM.
The ONZ Oostkust Radioclub (ON6HC) will be active on all bands and
modes as OR81C
from October 15th to
November 14th
to commemorate the 81st anniversary of the liberation of the region of
Knokke-Heist by Canadian troops in 1944. A certificate will be
available: https://www.onz.be/or81c-award-request/.
QSL via eQSL.
-[425DXN # 1797 October 11, 2025] (1010-1114)
OX, GREENLAND.
Bo, OZ1DJJ will be active again as OX3LX
from Greenland (NA-018) from October
3rd to 21st. As always, this will be a working trip, and
he will be QRV only in his spare time. QSL via LoTW, ClubLog's OQRS
or via OZØJ.
-[425DXN # 1796 October 4, 2025] (1003-1024)
P4,
ARUBA. John, W2GD will be active again as P4ØW from Aruba
(SA-036) on
October 20th-27th.
Main activity will be during the CQ WW DX SSB
Contest (October 25th-26th); outside the contest he will be QRV on 30,
17 and 12 meters CW as time permits. QSL via LoTW, or direct to N2MM.
-[425DXN # 1797 October 11, 2025] (1017-1031)
PA, NETHERLANDS.
Volker, DL1WH will be active holiday style as PA/DL1WH from Texel
Island (EU-038) on October
11th-24th. He will operate mainly CW, with some SSB. QSL
via DL1WH.
-[425DXN # 1797 October 11, 2025] (1010-1024)
PA, NETHERLANDS.
Special callsign PA8ØVERON
celebrates the 80th anniversary of the Dutch IARU society, Vereniging
voor Experimenteel Radio Onderzoek in Nederland (VERON). QSL via PA1AW.
-[425DXN # 1796 October 4, 2025] (1003-1024)
PJ2,
CURACAO. Operators N4ML, W4IPC, KN2P, K8LG, KG5XR, DL3ON,
and EI5LA
will be QRV as PJ2/homecalls
from October 21st to
28th. Activity will
be on 160 to 6 meters, including 60, 30, 17, and 12 meters, using CW,
SSB, and FT8. They will be active as PJ2T as a
Multi/Multi entry in the
upcoming CQ World Wide DX SSB contest (October 25th-26th).
QSL all
calls via LoTW, PJ2T via KU9C.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 42 October 16, 2025] (1017-1031)
PJ2, CURACAO.
Andre, PD1DRE, is currently vacationing on Curacao (SA-099) and signs PJ2/PD1DRE until October 28th
on 40-10m (SSB, FT8), mostly during his evening and night hours. QSL
via eQSL.
-[DXNL # 2479 October 8, 2025] (1010-1031)
PJ6,
SABA & ST. EUSTATIUS. Team PJ6Y will be active
from Saba (NA-145)
on October 17th-29th.
The team will comprise 14 on-site operators
(Gregg W6IZT, Jeff NM1Y, Glenn
WØGJ, Connor KD9LSV, Robin W7YED,
Dominik DL1DJH, Alexander KC1SJR, Emilia YO8YL, Ewan N7EWN, George
YO9LIG, Marlee KC1YBR, Matus OM8ATE, Vincent PC2Y, Suzan PD3SZN), eight
of whom will be under the age of 25. The local team will be
complemented by 25-30 remote operators. There will be five stations:
three for the local operators, and two NexGenRiBs2 for remote
operation. Activity will be on 80-6 meters CW, SSB and FT8, plus
satellite. PJ6Y will also participate in the CQ WW SSB Contest (October
25th-26th). Fundraising is in progress, with the goal of covering all
expenses for the young operators. See https://pj6y2025.com
for more
information and updates. Full LoTW upload within 6 months after the
conclusion of the expedition. QSL via MØOXO's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1769 March 29, 2025] (1017-1031)
PYØS,
ST. PETER & ST. PAUL ROCKS. Ops KO8SCA, PY2XB,
AA7JV, KN4EEI,
PY5CC, and HA7RY activate St. Peter and St. Paul Rocks (SA-014) during
October and November. The actual dates will be announced later. They
will deploy Radios in Boxes (RIB) on the island and use them from
aboard a vessel. For their actual callsign and other updated
information see: http://py0s2025.com.
-[DXNL # 2478 October 1, 2025] (1003-1024)
TA, TURKEY.
Members of the Tango Alfa Ham Radio Club (YM1KE) will be active as TC29TC on October 19th-29th
to celebrate Republic Day (29 October). QSL via eQSL.
-[425DXN # 1798 October 18, 2025] (1017-1031)
TF, ICELAND.
Stephen, W4BB will be active as TF/W4BB
from Iceland from October
23rd to 27th.
His main goal is to participate in the CQ WW DX SSB Contest (October
25th-26th); outside the contest he will be QRV on 40, 20, 15 and 10
meters (he is not authorized to transmit on other bands) and on FM
satellites. QSL via LoTW, ClubLog's OQRS,
or direct to W4BB.
-[425DXN # 1798 October 18, 2025] (1017-1031)
TG,
GUATEMALA. Dwight, VE7BV will be QRV as TG9BBV from October 5th to
25th. Activity will be on 40 to 6 meters using CW, SSB,
and possibly
FT8. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 40 October 2, 2025] (1003-1024)
V5, NAMIBIA.
Wolfgang, DH3WO, is presently operating as V51WO from Outjo,
350km north of Windhoek, mostly on FT8. QSL via DL3DXX, ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2479 October 8, 2025] (1010-1024)
VP2M,
MONTSERRAT. Corey KB4YPN (VP2MPN), Ralf DL9DRA
(VP2MRL),
Irina DL8DYL
(VP2MYL),
and Stan K4SBZ (VP2MZZ)
will be active on various bands from
Gingerbread Hill, Montserrat (NA-103) on October 22nd-28th.
Franco
VP2MAA will
join them to participate in the CQ WW SSB Contest (October
25th-26th) as VP2MPN
. QSL VP2MPN via KB4YPN and
LoTW. QSL VP2MZZ via
LoTW only.
-[425DXN # 1797 October 11, 2025] (1017-1031)
VP2M, MONTSERRAT.
Franco, J88BTI, moved to Montserrat (NA-103) in mid-September and is
now active as VP2MAA
on 40-6m (CW, SSB, FT8). He hopes to set up better antennas and
integrate an amplifier into his setup by the end of the year. QRV until September 2026.
QSL via IK2DUW.
-[DXNL # 2479 October 8, 2025] (1010-1031)
VP2V,
BRITISH VIRGIN IS. A group of young operators will be
active from
Tortola, British Virgin Islands (NA-023) on October 23rd-28th.
They
will participate in the CQ WW DX SSB Contest (October 25th-26th) as
VP2VRX.
Outside the contest, look for VP2V/KC1KUG,
VP2V/N4XTT,
VP2V/W3MLJ,
and VP2V/W9RFT
to operate SSB, CW, and FT8 (MSHV) on 160-6
meters "excluding WARC". See https://vp2vrx.com for
more information.
QSL via LoTW, eQSL, ClubLog's OQRS,
or via N4XTT.
-[425DXN # 1793 September 13, 2025] (1017-1031)
XT,
BURKINA FASO. Harald, DF2WO will be active again as XT2AW from Burkina
Faso on October
4th-27th. Usually he operates CW, SSB and FT8/FT4 on
various bands, 6 meters included, and via QO-100. QSL via MØOXO's OQRS
and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1795 September 27, 2025] (1003-1031)
YJ, VANUATU.
Chris, VK2YUS is QRV as YJØCA
until October 24th.
Activity is on 40 to 10 meters using SSB. QSL direct to VK2YUS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 42 October 16, 2025] (1017-1024)
Z6, REPUBLIC OF
KOSOVO. Milan S58MU as Z68MU
and Silvo S5ØX as Z68WW
will be active from Gjilan, Kosovo from October 23rd to November 3rd.
They will operate SSB and CW on 160-10 meters, including an entry as Z68MU in the CQ WW
DX SSB Contest (October 25th-26th). On November 1st-2nd, during the
IPARC Contest (https://dl0ipa.darc.de/Contest.htm)
they will operate as Z66IPA.
QSL via S58MU.
-[425DXN # 1798 October 18, 2025] (1017-1107)
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 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, October 11th through yesterday, October 18th.
The average solar flux was 154, up 25 points from the previous week,
with a weekly high of 164 on Friday, October 17th, following
a low of 131 on October 11th.
The average sunspot count was 117, up 15 from last week,
peaking at 132 on Thursday, October 16th followed by a
weekly low of 105 on October 18th.
The Planetary K-index weekly average was 4.0 with a
maximum of 6.0 on Saturday, October 18th, indicating
a moderate geomagnetic storm.
Solar flare activity since October 12th has been very high with
22 major flares, the largest of which was an M 4.8 event on Wednesday,
October 15th.
Propagation
Data
Major solar flares, Sunday, October 12th through 1915 UTC, October 19th.
| # | Date | UTC | Mag. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oct 18 | 1051 | M 1.5 |
| 2 | Oct 18 | 0658 | M 1.3 |
| 3 | Oct 18 | 0639 | M 1.2 |
| 4 | Oct 18 | 0239 | M 1.1 |
| 5 | Oct 17 | 1905 | M 1.1 |
| 6 | Oct 17 | 1658 | M 1.2 |
| 7 | Oct 17 | 1632 | M 1.3 |
| 8 | Oct 17 | 1245 | M 1.1 |
| 9 | Oct 17 | 0128 | M 1.5 |
| 10 | Oct 16 | 1916 | M 1.1 |
| 11 | Oct 16 | 1408 | M 1.3 |
| 12 | Oct 16 | 0021 | M 1.1 |
| 13 | Oct 15 | 2228 | M 2.7 |
| 14 | Oct 15 | 1410 | M 1.1 |
| 15 | Oct 15 | 0718 | M 3.7 |
| 16 | Oct 15 | 0415 | M 4.8 |
| 17 | Oct 14 | 2036 | M 3.1 |
| 18 | Oct 14 | 1247 | M 2.0 |
| 19 | Oct 14 | 0041 | M 2.0 |
| 20 | Oct 13 | 1318 | M 1.2 |
| 21 | Oct 13 | 0919 | M 2.7 |
| 22 | Oct 13 | 0526 | 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 19 | 35% | 5% | 150 |
| Oct 20 | 35% | 5% | 155 |
| Oct 21 | 35% | 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 13, 2025).
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The
Solar Wind Is Coming
A
high-speed stream of solar wind is approaching Earth. ETA: Oct.
21st. The gaseous material is flowing from a
large equatorial hole in the sun's atmosphere, and it could
spark a G1-class
geomagnetic storm when it arrives.
(Copyright © SpaceWeather.com October 18, 2025.
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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10-10 Int. Fall Contest, CW | Oct 18 | 0001Z | Oct 19 | 2359Z | Rules |
| New York QSO Party | Oct 18 | 1400Z | Oct 19 | 0200Z | Rules |
| Worked All Germany Contest | Oct 18 | 1500Z | Oct 19 | 1459Z | Rules |
| Stew Perry Topband Challenge | Oct 18 | 1500Z | Oct 19 | 1500Z | Rules |
| Illinois QSO Party | Oct 19 | 1700Z | Oct 20 | 0100Z | Rules |
| ARRL School Club Roundup | Oct 20 | 1300Z | Oct 24 | 2359Z | Rules |
| CQ Worldwide DX Contest, SSB | Oct 25 | 0000Z | Oct 26 | 2400Z | Rules |
| ARRL Sweepstakes Contest, CW | Nov 1 | 2100Z | Nov 3 | 0300Z | Rules |
| WAE DX Contest, RTTY | Nov 8 | 0000Z | Nov 9 | 2359Z | Rules |
| 10-10 Int. Fall Contest, Digital | Nov 8 | 0001Z | Nov 9 | 2359Z | Rules |
| JIDX Phone Contest | Nov 8 | 0700Z | Nov 9 | 1300Z | Rules |
| OK/OM DX Contest, CW | Nov 8 | 1200Z | Nov 9 | 1200Z | Rules |
| ARRL Sweepstakes Contest, SSB | Nov 15 | 2100Z | Nov 17 | 0300Z | Rules |
| LZ DX Contest | Nov 22 | 1200Z | Nov 23 | 1200Z | Rules |
| North American SSB Sprint Contest | Nov 23 | 0000Z | Nov 23 | 0400Z | Rules |
| CQ Worldwide DX Contest, CW | Nov 29 | 0000Z | Nov 30 | 2400Z | Rules |
| ARRL 160-Meter Contest | Dec 5 | 2200Z | Dec 7 | 1600Z | Rules |
| ARRL 10-Meter Contest | Dec 13 | 0000Z | Dec 14 | 2359Z | Rules |
| ARRL Rookie Roundup, CW | Dec 21 | 1800Z | Dec 21 | 2359Z | Rules |
| RAC Winter Contest | Dec 27 | 0000Z | Dec 27 | 2359Z | Rules |
| Stew Perry Topband Challenge | Dec 27 | 1500Z | Dec 28 | 1500Z | Rules |
| RAEM Contest | Dec 28 | 0000Z | Dec 28 | 1159Z | Rules |
| ARRL Kids Day | Jan 3 | 1800Z | Jan 3 | 2359Z | Rules |
| ARRL RTTY Roundup | Jan 3 | 1800Z | Jan 4 | 2400Z | Rules |
| North American QSO Party, CW | Jan 10 | 1800Z | Jan 11 | 0600Z | Rules |
| North American QSO Party, SSB | Jan 17 | 1800Z | Jan 18 | 0600Z | Rules |
| ARRL January VHF Contest | Jan 17 | 1900Z | Jan 19 | 0359Z | Rules |