DX Code of Conduct

Solar data courtesy of:
Solar Data Banners & Widgets

web counter

The Eastern Iowa DX Bulletin
For March 17, 2023 to March 24, 2023

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 four DX bulletins listed below and other sources. Credit for the source is given at the end of each article. The articles are ordered by the entity's official callsign prefix, callsigns used are in bold, and dates of operation are highlighted in red. Hot links are provided for QSL and other information wherever possible. Articles will remain in The Bulletin while active with a 5-week maximum.

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

Quick jump to:
    Propagation
    Contest Calendar



3A, MONACO. Lorenzo, 3A2OG is a new amateur radio operator and has been active while testing various HF antennas. He is interested in using QRP and in portable operations. QSL direct.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 10 March 9, 2023]  (0310-0331)

4L, GEORGIA. Rene, DL2JRM is QRV as 4L/DL2JRM until March 20th. Activity is on 40 to 10 meters using CW. QSL to DL2JRM.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 11 March 16, 2023]  (0317-0324)

7P, LESOTHO. Schalk, ZS4Z is QRV as 7P8LL. Activity is on 80 to 2 meters, including 70 and 23 centimeters. QSL via EA7FTR.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 9 March 2, 2023]  (0303-0324)

8P, BARBADOS. Eliot, W1MJ will be active holiday style as 8P9MJ from Barbados (NA-021) on March 18th-25th. Operating QRP CW using wire antennas, he hopes "to do at least one or two Parks on the Air sessions". QSL via LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1663 March 18, 2023]  (0317-0324)

9G, GHANA. Team 9G4X (Zeev 4X4ZS, Haim 9G5AF, Curt N2ZX, George N4GRN, Joe K9UR, Gregg W6IZT, Hal W8HC, Bob W9AP and Mike WBØSND) will be active from Langma, Ghana on March 22nd-30th, including a Multi-Two entry in the CQWW WPX Phone Contest. Outside the contest they will operate five stations: three on 160-10 meters, one on 6 meters and one QRV on QO-100. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS, LoTW, or via K4NHW. The team also looks forward to working with some of the local amateurs sharing DXpedition and contest operating experiences that they hope will encourage the locals to pick up and continue after departure. The 5-element antenna for six meters will be donated to the Accra Amateur Radio Club (9G2DX) for their continued use during the 6m season.
-[425DXN # 1660 February 25, 2023]  (0317-0331)

9X, RWANDA. The Russian DXpedition Team will be active as 9X5RU from near Kigali, Rwanda from March 22nd to April 7th. The team (R5AF, R5EC, R7AL, R9LR, RT9L, RW8A, RW9JZ and UA3QLC) will be QRV on 160-6m and the QO-100 satellite, CW, SSB and FT8 with several stations and a wide range of antennas. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS and LoTW. Bookmark https://9x5ru.org/ for more information and updates.
-[425DXN # 1662 March 11, 2023]  (0317-0407)

9X, RWANDA. Eddy, OE3SEU, is currently on a caravan tour through Africa and operates as 9X3SE/p since February 26th. QRV on SSB and via QO-100. It is unknown how long he will stay in the country. QSL via LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2344 March 8, 2023]  (0310-0331)

A6, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES. The national ham organization EARS runs the special event station A6ØAP with additional designators /Ø to /15 to mark their country's astronaut program.
    A6ØAP/Ø    Op. A61Y    QSL: EA7FTR
    A6ØAP/1    Op. A61M    QSL: A61BK
    A6ØAP/2    Op. A61Q    QSL: EA7FTR
    A6ØAP/3    Op. A61FK   QSL: A61BK
    A6ØAP/4    Op. A61BK   QSL: A61BK
    A6ØAP/5    Op. A61DD   QSL: EA7FTR
    A6ØAP/6    Op. A61QQ   QSL: A61BK
    A6ØAP/7    Op. A61AY   QSL: DIRECT
    A6ØAP/8    Op. A65GC   QSL: DIRECT
    A6ØAP/9    Op. A61ZX   QSL: IZ8CLM
    A6ØAP/1Ø   Op. A65BR   QSL: DIRECT
    A6ØAP/11   Op. A61NN   QSL: EA7FTR
    A6ØAP/12   Op. A65GD   QSL: Direct
    A6ØAP/13   Op. A65GJ   QSL: Direct
    A6ØAP/14   Op. A61FJ   QSL: LZ1YE
    A6ØAP/15   Op. A61DI   QSL: EA7FTR
They remain active until the end of August. For more information see:
   https://www.mbrsc.ae/service/astronaut_prog/
QSL A6ØAP via EA7FTR.
-[DXNL # 2345 March 15, 2023]  (0317-0421)

A6, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES. Thomas, DL2RMC is QRV as A65CW until the end of September. He is active on 80 to 6 meters using CW and FT8. This includes activity on Satellite QO-100. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 9 March 2, 2023]  (0303-0331)

C2, NAURU. Phill, FK1TS will be on Nauru (OC-031) for six days (March 18th-24th) and plans to be QRV as C21TS: in the "worst case scenario, I might pop up on 6m and 10m only with a mobile whip", he says, but he hopes to be able to "string up some wire". He will operate FT8 only, using MSHV on secondaries in multi stream mode. QSL via LoTW. He might be moving to Nauru for an extended period, sometime after June this year. See https://www.qrz.com/db/C21TS for updates.
-[425DXN # 1663 March 18, 2023]  (0317-0324)

C6, BAHAMAS. Steve, KG4LJB is active holiday style as C6AJB from Eleuthera (NA-001), Bahamas until March 24th. He operates FT8 and SSB. QSL via LoTW ("I do not have the time or resources to issue paper QSL cards").
-[425DXN # 1663 March 18, 2023]  (0317-0324)

CT3, MADEIRA ISLANDS. Look for CT9/DD8ZX, CT9/DF7EE and CT9/DJ9KM to be active from Madeira (AF-014) on March 22nd-28th. Helmut, DF7EE will participate in the CQ WW WPX SSB Contest as CQ3W. QSL CT9/DD8ZX and CT9/DJ9KM via LoTW or home calls; QSL CQ3W and CT9/DF7EE via LoTW or ClubLog's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1662 March 11, 2023]  (0317-0331)

CYØ, SABLE ISLAND. After a delay of almost 3 years, the CYØS DXpedition to Sable Island is now due to take place from March 20th to 30th. The team consists of: Jay K4ZLE, Craig K9CT, Lou N2TU, John W2GD, Dan W4DKS, Glenn WØGJ, Murray WA4DAN, and Lee WW2DX. They plan to set up 3 rigs for 160-6m (including 60m) and 2m EME. QSL via WA4DAN, OQRS, LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2345 March 15, 2023]  (0317-0331)

D4, CAPE VERDE. Luca, HB9OBD will be active holiday style as D44KIT from Sal Island (AF-086), Cape Verde from March 8th to April 5th. He will operate SSB and FT8 on 40, 20, 15 and 10 meters. QSL via LoTW, eQSL, or via EB7DX.
-[425DXN # 1661 March 4, 2023]  (0303-0407)

D6, COMOROS. Hiro, JF1OCQ will be active as D67AA from Comoros (AF- 007) on March 10th-22nd. He will operate SSB, CW, FT8 (F/H) and FT4 on 160-10 meters (see https://www.qrz.com/db/D67AA for the band plan). QSL via LoTW (preferred) or direct to JF1OCQ; he will upload his log also to ClubLog and other platforms.
-[425DXN # 1661 March 4, 2023]  (0310-0324)

DL, GERMANY. The DARC club V22 runs the special event station DM775NB (special DOK NB775) to mark the 775th anniversary of the city Neubrandenburg in 2023. QSL via bureau or direct to DM6RAC.
-[DXNL # 2345 March 15, 2023]  (0317-0407)

DU, PHILIPPINES. Jacek, SP5APW will be QRV as DU1/SP5APW from the Babuyan Islands, IOTA OC-092, from March 18th to 26th. Activity will be on 40 to 10 meters using SSB and FT8. QSL to SP5APW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 11 March 16, 2023]  (0317-0331)

DXCC TOP TWENTY. Here are the top 20 entities on ClubLog’s "DXCC Most Wanted" list, last updated March 12, 2023:
   1. P5     DPRK (North Korea)  11. FT5/X  Kerguelen Island
   2. 3Y/B   Bouvet Island       12. YVØ    Aves Island
   3. FT5/W  Crozet Island       13. VKØM   Macquarie Island
   4. BS7H   Scarborough Reef    14. ZS8    Prince Edward & Marion Islands
   5. CEØX   San Felix Islands   15. KH4    Midway Island
   6. BV9P   Pratas Island       16. PYØS   Saint Peter And Paul Rocks
   7. KH7K   Kure Island         17. PYØT   Trindade & Martim Vaz Islands
   8. KH3    Johnston Island     18. KP5    Desecheo Island
   9. 3Y/P   Peter 1 Island      19. VP8S   South Sandwich Islands
  10. FT/G   Glorioso Island     20. KH5    Palmyra & Jarvis Islands
For the complete list, see https://clublog.org/mostwanted.php
-[KØCF March 17, 2023]  (0317-0331)

EA, SPAIN. The Radio Club de Henares operates the special event station AO25AH during March to draw attention to the Spanish Amateur Radio Historical Archive EA4DO, established in 1998.
-[DXNL # 2345 March 15, 2023]  (0317-0407)

EA, SPAIN. Look for EG4IF, EG1GURU, EG2GURU, EG3GURU, EG4GURU, EG5GURU and EG7GURU to be QRV from various SOTA locations during March. This activity is a tribute to Jose-Antonio Gurutzarri "Guru" Jauregi (EA2IF), an outstanding personality of the Summits On The Air program, who passed away on March 11, 2022. QSL cards will not be provided; see https://sites.google.com/view/ea2if-memorial for the certificate that will be available.
-[425DXN # 1660 February 25, 2023]  (0224-0331)

EX, KYRGYZSTAN. Bob, DU7ET (VQ9ET) will be QRV from Bishkek as EXØET for five weeks starting February 22nd. After this he will return to the Philippines. QSL direct to DU7ET.
-[DXNL # 2342 February 22, 2023]  (0224-0331)

FG, GUADELOUPE. Jean-Luc, F1ULQ will be active as TO1Q from Guadeloupe (NA-102) starting on March 20th for a couple of weeks. He will operate SSB and FT8 on 80-6m, and will participate in the CQ WW WPX SSB Contest. QSL via LoTW, ClubLog's OQRS or via F1ULQ.
-[425DXN # 1663 March 18, 2023]  (0317-0407)

FG, GUADELOUPE. Gildas, F6HMQ and Michel, F6GWV are QRV as FG/F6HMQ and FG/F6GWV respectively until March 26th. They will be active as TO3Z in the ARRL International SSB DX contest and the upcoming CQ World Wide WPX SSB contest. QSL to home calls, and TO3Z via F6HMQ.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 9 March 2, 2023]  (0303-0324)

FG, GUADELOUPE. Philippe, F1DUZ, operates as FG4KH until March 8th, including the REF SSB contest (February 25th-26th) and the ARRL DX SSB Contest (March 4th-5th). QSL via F1DUZ, LoTW, eQSL.
-[DXNL # 2341 February 15, 2023]  (0217-0312)

FM, MARTINIQUE. Miguel, EA1BP will be active as FM/EA1BP from Martinique (NA-107) on March 21st-28th. He will operate SSB with a focus on 17 and 12m and will participate in the CQ WW WPX SSB Contest as TO7O. QSL via LoTW, or via EA1BP. [TNX NG3K]
-[425DXN # 1662 March 11, 2023]  (0317-0331)

FO/M, MARQUESAS ISLANDS. The "Magnet" is heading to the Marquesas Islands (OC- 027), where she is expected to arrive around March 18th and stay until March 30th. Plans are for George, AA7JV and Mike, KN4EEI "to put ashore a small DXpedition with three stations": one full power station will be operated locally on 160-10 meters CW and SSB; two 100-watt stations will be operated remotely on 80-6 meters FT8. Bookmark https://www.qrz.com/db/AA7JV for updates.
-[425DXN # 1661 March 4, 2023]  (0317-0331)

FR, REUNION. Stephane, F5UOW will be active holiday style as FR/F5UOW from Reunion Island (AF-016) on March 9th-27th. He operates CW. QSL via LoTW, "not bureau".
-[425DXN # 1662 March 11, 2023]  (0310-0331)

FS, SAINT MARTIN. Tom, AA9A, will be active as PJ7AA from March 3rd until April 1st on 80-10m (CW, SSB, FT8). QSL via AA9A, OQRS, LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2343 March 1, 2023]  (0303-0331)

G, ENGLAND. Special callsign GB75MM draws attention to the first Morris Minor car production 75 years ago. It was the first automobile brand in Great Britain produced in the millions. QRV until March 28th. QSL via GB75MM or via GØAIH.
-[DXNL # 2345 March 15, 2023]  (0317-0331)

GI, NORTHERN IRELAND. Special callsigns GB1PAT and GB2PAT are the for members of the Bushvalley Amateur Radio Club (MNØGKL) to use on March 1st-28th to celebrate Saint Patrick's Day. QSLs via LoTW only. Three certificates will be available for making contact with both callsigns on different bands, see https://www.qrz.com/db/GB1PAT.
-[425DXN # 1661 March 4, 2023]  (0303-0331)

HI, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC. Members of the Loma del Toro DX Club will be QRV as HIØLT from Isla Cabras, IOTA NA-122, from March 12th to 19th. Activity will be on 160 to 2 meters using CW, SSB, RTTY, FT8, and FT4. QSL via EB7DX.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 10 March 9, 2023]  (0310-0324)

HKØ, SAN ANDRES AND PROVIDENCIA. Alex, DK8FD will be QRV as HKØ/DK8FD from Providencia, IOTA NA-033, from March 20th to 25th. QSL to DK8FD.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 11 March 16, 2023]  (0317-0324)

HP, PANAMA. VA3QR will be active as HP3/VA3QR from March 11th to 20th on 80-10m (SSB, FT8) with 100W. QSL via VA3QR, LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2344 March 8, 2023]  (0310-0324)

I, ITALY. Celebrating the centenary of the Italian Air Force (March 28, 1923), a large number of special callsigns will be active from March 20th to June 20th: IIØAQN, IIØBPL, IIØCMP, IIØFRO, IIØGUI, IIØLAT, IIØMVV, IIØPDM, IIØRMC, II1CAM, II2MIL, II2VNG, II3AFT, II3AVI, II3BLN, II3GOR, II3IST, II4PNF, II5PIS, II5PON, II6PES, II7BRI, II7LEG, II8RCL, II8REG, II8VVL, II9CMS, II9CTF, II9CVT, II9PAB, II9SIG, II9TMM, IO5LUT, IO9MAR, IY1TO. The activity is organized by the Associazione Radioamatori Italiani (ARI) in collaboration with the Air Force General Staff; each callsign represents a place that had or still has significant importance in the ITAAF history. A certificate will be available; see https://www.ari.it/images/stories/diplomi/centenarioam23.pdf for information.
-[425DXN # 1663 March 18, 2023]  (0317-0407)

J8, SAINT VINCENT. Thomas, F4HPX will be active holiday style as J8/AG7JQ from "several islands" within Saint Vincent and the Grenadines sometime in March. He will operate mainly SSB, with some FT8/FT4 "when tired" and maybe "a bit of automated (sorry) CW" on 40-10 meters. QSL via F4HPX (direct or bureau), LoTW and eQSL.
-[425DXN # 1660 February 25, 2023]  (0224-0324)

JD1/M, MINAMI TORISHIMA. Take, JG8NQJ will be QRV as JG8NQJ/JD1 beginning March 15th and expects to be here for two months while on work assignment. Activity will be in his spare time on the HF bands using mainly CW with some FT8. QSL direct to JA8CJY.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 10 March 9, 2023]  (0310-0414)

JD1/O, OGASAWARA. Look for JD1BOI (QSL via JI1LET and LoTW) and JD1BON (QSL via JA1UII and LoTW) to be active from Chichijima (AS-031), Ogasawara on March 9th-24th. They will operate CW, SSB and digital modes (RTTY, FT8, FT4) on 160-6 meters.
-[425DXN # 1661 March 4, 2023]  (0303-0324)

PJ2, CURACAO. Andy, DK5ON will be active again as PJ2/DK5ON from Curacao (SA-099) on March 4th-22nd. He will operate SSB, CW and digital modes on 160-6 meters. QSL via LoTW, ClubLog's OQRS, or via DK5ON (direct or bureau). [TNX NG3K]
-[425DXN # 1660 February 25, 2023]  (0224-0324)

PJ4, BONAIRE. John, KK9A will be QRV as PJ4/KK9A from March 21st to 27th. Activity will be on 80 to 10 meters using CW and SSB. This includes being active as PJ4R in the upcoming CQ World Wide WPX SSB contest. QSL via WD9DZV.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 11 March 16, 2023]  (0317-0331)

PJ7, SINT MAARTEN. Tom, AA9A will be active again as PJ7AA from Sint Maarten (NA-105) from March 3rd to April 1st. Usually he operates CW, SSB and FT8 on 80- 10 meters. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS, LoTW or direct to AA9A.
-[425DXN # 1659 February 18, 2023]  (0303-0331)

PZ, SURINAME. Harrie, PA3EHS is QRV as PZ5HS from Para until March 25th. Activity is on the HF bands using SSB, JT6, and FT8. QSL via PA3EHS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 10 March 9, 2023]  (0310-0324)

S7, SEYCHELLES. Dieter, AEØBF is QRV as S79/AEØBF until March 19th. Activity is on 40 to 10 meters. He has currently been active on 12 and 10 meters. QSL via DJ2EH.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 11 March 16, 2023]  (0317-0324)

SU, EGYPT. Ahmed, 9K2QA is QRV as SU9GA from Cairo. He is active on 80 to 10 meters. QSL via 9K2QA.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 11 March 16, 2023]  (0317-0407)

SV, GREECE. The Greek section of the international 5th Ocean Club organizes an operating event during the second half of March around the special event callsign SX41D. QSL via bureau.
-[DXNL # 2345 March 15, 2023]  (0317-0331)

T3Ø, WESTERN KIRIBATI. Soon the Rebel DX Group (including Kam, T3Ø/T33KC, who is already setting up antennas) will be active as T3ØUN from North Tarawa, West Kiribati (OC-017) for about five weeks. Plans are to be QRV on 160-6 meters with two CW operators, one SSB operator and seven FT8 stations. Note that it will be quite possible to see two FT8 stations on the same band at the same time on two frequencies (one operating on the standard frequency, and the other operating F/H on a different frequency - e.g. 14074 and 14090). QSL exclusively via ClubLog's OQRS. See https://www.facebook.com/rebeldxgroup for updates.
-[425DXN # 1663 March 18, 2023]  (0317-0407)

V2, ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA. Bud, AA3B will be QRV as V26K from Antigua from March 21st to 27th. Activity will be on the HF bands using mostly CW. He will be a Single Op/All Band/High Power entry in the upcoming CQ World Wide WPX SSB contest. QSL to AA3B.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 11 March 16, 2023]  (0317-0331)

V4, SAINT KITTS & NEVIS. Bob, N4RF, signs V4/N4RF between March 19th and April 1st. QRV on 160-10m, mostly on CW, some SSB and FT8. QSL via N4RF, LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2345 March 15, 2023]  (0317-0331)

VE, CANADA. Pierre, VE3KTB is QRV as VYØERC from Eureka station on Ellesmere Island, IOTA NA-008, until April 13th. Activity is in his spare time on 20 to 12 meters using CW, SSB, and FT8, and possibly on some of the FM Satellites. QSL via MØOXO’s OQRS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 11 March 16, 2023]  (0317-0414)

VK, AUSTRALIA. Special event station VI1ØØMB will be QRV from February 26th to February 25th, 2024 to celebrate 100 years of the Manly-Warringah Radio Society. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 8 February 23, 2023]  (0224-0324)

VK9N, NORFOLK ISLAND. Chris VK3QB, Luke VK3HJ, Alan VK6CQ and Patrick VK2PN, along with guest operators Matt KØBBC and Tom VK3FTOM, will be active as VK9NT from Norfolk Island (OC-005) on March 17th-31st. They will operate CW, SSB and FT8 on 160-10 meters and "some basic 6m" with up to three stations and will participate in the CQ WW WPX SSB Contest as VJ9N. QSL via MØOXO's OQRS and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1659 February 18, 2023]  (0317-0331)

VK9W, WILLIS ISLAND. Sands, VK9WX is here until April. Activity is in his spare time on 80 to 10 meters. QSL via MØOXO.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 9 March 2, 2023]  (0303-0331)

VP5, TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS. John AF3K, Ross, W2TT and Diane, KA3FCE will be QRV as VP5/AF3K, VP5/W2TT, and VP5/KA3FCE, respectively, from Providenciales, IOTA NA-002, from March 22nd to 29th. Activity will be on the HF bands using CW, SSB, and various digital modes. They will be active as VP5P in the upcoming CQ World Wide WPX SSB contest. QSL VP5/AF3K, VP5/W2TT, and VP5P via N2OO,and VP5/KA3FCE direct via W2TT. All logs will be uploaded to LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 11 March 16, 2023]  (0317-0331)

VP5, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS. John, N9EAJ is QRV as VP5/N9EAJ from Grand Turk, IOTA NA-003, until March 22nd. Activity is on the HF bands using mostly SSB with some CW. He will make a side trip to the Columbus Landfall National Park for a Parks on The Air activation. QSL via ClubLog’s OQRS, LoTW or direct to N9EAJ.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 10 March 9, 2023]  (0310-0324)

VU, INDIA. Special event station AT2G2Ø is QRV from Gurugram until June 2nd to promote greater international cooperation through amateur radio in conjunction with the G2Ø summit being held in New Delhi on September 9th and 10. QSL via operator's instructions.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 10 March 9, 2023]  (0310-0414)

XE, MEXICO. Special callsign 4BØT will be used until the end of June. "As its name implies, it is a semi-automated station or bot that uses the WSJT-Z program", Ramon XE1KK says. "The goal of the experiment is to test different scripts of the program while pointing the antenna in unusual directions and at different times". 4BØT will primarily operate on 10 and 12 meters FT4, and on 6 meters FT8. QSL via LoTW only.
-[425DXN # 1661 March 4, 2023]  (0303-0324)

YJ, VANUATU. Chris, VK2YUS should be back on Efate Island, IOTA OC-035, and plans to be active as YJØCA from March 18th to 28th. Activity will be on 40 to 10 meters using SSB. QSL direct to VK2YUS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 11 March 16, 2023]  (0317-0331)



Propagation

Solar Data
The Weekly Solar Data chart plots Solar Flux Index (SFI), Sunspot number and Planetary K-Index for the past 7 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.

With activity on the sun diminishing, the Eastern Iowa DX Bulletin Propagation section will only be updated when warranted until further notice.

  The very active Sun,
  current view from NASA.

  This image is at a wave-  
  length of 131 Angstroms.

  Click on the image to
  view as a 48-hour video
  loop. It is fascinating!
The current Sun at 131 Angstroms

Propagation Notes (As of 10:33 AM  03/17/2023)
Solar flux readings have been on a slow decline during the past week, ranging from the weekly high of 179 on March 9th to a low of 135 on March 16th. The sunspot count weekly high was 135 on March 10th and 12th and the low was 84 on the 16th. Geomagnetic conditions have been relatively quiet except for a coronal mass ejection (CME) impact on March 15th causing the Kp index to hit 6.

Solar activity has declined this week, as reflected in the absence of significant flares until this morning at 1507 UTC. There is only a 1% probability of an X-flare in the next 48 hours.

Propagation conditions remain very good, with good DX on all the HF bands from 20 through 10 meters. The CME impact on March 15th resulted in a 6 Meter opening to South America. There have also been some nice openings on 10.

NOAA's predicted solar flux is 135, 140, 138, and 135 on March 17th-20th, then 132 on March 21st-22nd, 130 on March 23rd and 155 on March 24th.


Favorite Propagation web sites
  Excellent Maximum Usable Frequency map: https://prop.kc2g.com/
  https://www.spaceweather.com/
  https://www.solarham.net/
  https://dx.qsl.net/propagation/

Highs for Cycle 25
  Solar Flux: 234 on January 15, 2023.
  Sunspots:  209 on February 11, 2023.


Solar Flares This Week (As of 11:06 PM  03/19/2023)

Date UTC Mag.
 Mar 20, 2023  0148  M 1.2 
 Mar 17, 2023   1507   M 1.0 



Selected Upcoming Contests

Contest Start End Web Site
BARTG HF RTTY Contest Mar 18 0200Z Mar 20 0200Z Rules
Russian DX Contest Mar 18 1200Z Mar 19 1200Z Rules
CQ WW WPX Contest, SSB Mar 25 0000Z Mar 26 2400Z Rules
Louisiana QSO Party Apr 1 1400Z Apr 2 0200Z Rules
SP DX Contest Apr 1 1500Z Apr 2 1500Z Rules
JIDX CW Contest Apr 8 0700Z Apr 9 1300Z Rules
New Mexico QSO Party Apr 8 1400Z Apr 9 0200Z Rules
Georgia QSO Party Apr 8 1800Z Apr 9 2359Z Rules
YU DX Contest Apr 15 0700Z Apr 16 0659Z Rules
CQMM DX Contest Apr 15 0900Z Apr 16 2359Z Rules
Michigan QSO Party Apr 15 1600Z Apr 16 0400Z Rules
Ontario QSO Party Apr 15 1800Z Apr 16 1800Z Rules
ARRL Rookie Roundup, SSB Apr 16 1800Z Apr 16 2359Z Rules
Florida QSO Party Apr 29 1600Z Apr 30 2159Z Rules
10-10 Int. Spring Contest, CW May 6 0001Z May 7 2359Z Rules
ARI International DX Contest May 6 1200Z May 7 1159Z Rules
7th Call Area QSO Party May 6 1300Z May 7 0700Z Rules
Indiana QSO Party May 6 1600Z May 7 0400Z Rules
Delaware QSO Party May 6 1700Z May 7 2359Z Rules
New England QSO Party May 6 2000Z May 7 2400Z Rules
CQ-M International DX Contest May 13 1200Z May 14 1159Z Rules