The
Eastern Iowa DX Bulletin
Number
291, September 12, 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 (The online archive is no
longer updated.)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
3CØ, ANNOBON I.
OPERATION
CANCELED! While waiting to depart for Annobon Island
(AF-39), YL2GM and EA5EL
have been active as 3C3W
from Bioko Island (AF-010), Equatorial Guinea since September 1st. It
has turned out that there are not only ferry services to Annobon, but
also irregular flights. Their plan is therefore to be QRV from Bioko until September 5th,
and then fly to Annobon (3CØW)
on the following day - barring changes to their flight schedule. Full
LoTW upload after six months. Bookmark https://lral.lv/3c0w_3c3w_2025/
for more information. QSLs via ClubLog's OQRS
(preferred), or direct to YL2GN.
-[425DXN # 1792 September 6, 2025] (0905-0919)
5H, TANZANIA.
Chas, NK8O will be QRV as 5H3DX
from August 31st to
September 21st. Activity will be in his spare time on 30
to 10 meters using CW, FT8, and FT4. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 34 August 21, 2025] (0822-0926)
8R, GUYANA.
Aldir, PY1SAD, is QRV as 8R1TM
until September 23rd.
Activity is on 160 to 10 meters using CW, SSB, and various digital
modes. This includes some Satellite activity as well. QSL to PY1SAD, LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 33 August 14, 2025] (0815-0926)
9M2, WEST
MALAYSIA. The following calls will be on air throughout September
to celebrate "Malaysia Day": 9M25MS
(Sabah) and 9M25MQ
(Sarawak).
-[DXNL # 2475 September 10, 2025] (0912-1003)
9M2, WEST
MALAYSIA. Jacek, SP5APW, will be QRV as 9M2/SP5APW from
Tioman Island (AS-046) from September
9th to 16th. His focus will be on 6 meters. QSL to SP5APW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 36 September 4, 2025] (0905-0919)
9M2, WEST
MALAYSIA. In celebration of Malaysia's national holiday,
special event stations 9M25MA,
9M25MB, 9M25MC, 9M25MD, 9M25MJ, 9M25MK, 9M25MM, 9M25MN, 9M25MP, 9M25MR, 9M25MT, and 9M25MW are QRV until September 30th.
QSL via operators' instructions.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 33 August 14, 2025] (0815-1003)
9M2, WEST
MALAYSIA.
Celebrating the 68th anniversary of Malaysia's independence (August 31,
1957), members of Terengganu DX (West Malaysia) will be active as 9M1957M from August 1st to September 30th.
They will operate SSB, CW and FT8 on 80-10 meters. QSL direct to 9M2RDX (see https://www.qrz.com/db/9M1957M).
-[425DXN # 1785 July 19, 2025] (0801-1003)
9M6, EAST
MALAYSIA. Members of the Amateur Radio Club Sarawak will
be QRV with special event station 9M8BARF
from September 1st
to 15th to highlight the 12th Borneo Amateur Radio
Festival being held in Kuching. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
or direct to 9M8HAZ.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 35 August 28, 2025] (0829-0919)
9M6, EAST
MALAYSIA. In celebration of Malaysia's national holiday,
special event stations 9M25MS
and 9M25MQ
are QRV from Sabah and Sarawak, respectively until September 30th.
QSL via operators' instructions.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 33 August 14, 2025] (0815-1003)
9X, RWANDA.
Harald, DF2WO will be QRV as 9X2AW
from Kigali from September
1st to 21st. Activity will be on various HF bands and 6
meters using CW, SSB, FT8, and FT4, and on Satellite QO-100. QSL via MØOXO's OQRS and
LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 35 August 28, 2025] (0829-0926)
A2, BOTSWANA.
Benjamin, DB2LS is QRV as A25LS.
Activity is on the HF bands using SSB and FT8. QSL to DB2LS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 36 September 4, 2025] (0905-0926)
CE, CHILE. The
Day of Asturias and its patron saint, Santina de Covadonga will be
celebrated on air for the 41st time from September 1st to 14th.
CB1SDC will
be active from Chile. See https://santina.dxfun.com
for more information. QSL via EA1AUM.
-[DXNL # 2474 September 3, 2025] (0905-0919)
CO, CUBA.
The Cuban DX Group (GDXC) celebrates their 45th anniversary on September 7th. Many
members of the group will be active throughout the month of
September,
including CO1ND, CO2XN, CO2AN, CO2II, CO2QU, CO2TZ, CO2BK, CO2AJ,
CO2AV, CO2JD, CM2JR, CO5MK, CO6SRS, CO6RQ, CO6DE, CO6HZ, CO7YOD, CM7WF,
CO7NL, CO7WT, CO7MTL, CO8ZZ, CO8VW, CM8JFL, CO8WN, CO8TDL, CO8DFC,
CM8TCL, CO8SJ, EA7JTP, KR4DWD, NA7L, EA8XNX, HK6DOS, HA3JB, OZ1IKY,
KP4SX and W1RCR. An award is available for 10/15/20 stations
(Bronze/Silver/Gold) and can be applied for by email at gdxc@frcuba.cu
-[DXNL # 2474 September 3, 2025] (0905-1003)
CX, URUGUAY.
Special event callsign CW2ØØDI
is for members of Radio Club Uruguayo to celebrate the bicentennial of
Uruguayan declaration of independence (August 25, 1825) from August 20th to September 18th.
QSL via the bureau, LoTW, or direct to CX1AA.
-[425DXN # 1789 August 16, 2025] (0815-0919)
DXCC TOP TWENTY.
Here are the top 20 entities on ClubLog’s "DXCC Most Wanted" list as of
September 12, 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 September 12, 2025 (0912-1003)
E4, PALESTINE.
OM2DX, OM2IB, OM2ZZ, OM3RG, and some more operators are still going
forward with their plans for operating from Bethlehem during September
as E44OM,
depending on the security situations. QRV on HF, as many bands and
modes as possible. QSL via OM2DX.
-[DXNL # 2473 August 27, 2025] (0829-0926)
EA, SPAIN.
Special callsigns EG1SDC-EG9SDC
(September 1st-7th),
EH1SDC-EH9SDC
(September 8th–14th),
and EG41SDC
(September 1st-14th)
will be active to commemorate Day of Asturias and the principality's
patron saint, popularly known as the Santina de Covadonga. This is the
41st edition of the 'SDC' special event. Also active will be CB1SDC from Chile (September 1st-14th).
See https://santina.dxfun.com/
for more information, including on-line logs and downloadable
certificates. QSL for all callsigns via EA1AUM, LoTW
and eQSL.
-[425DXN # 1790 August 23, 2025] (0829-0919)
EX, KYRGYZSTAN.
Peter, DK3RN will be active as EX/DK3RN
until the end of
September. His activity focuses on the HF bands 10m-40m on
SSB, CW and FT8. QSL via DK3RN.
-[DXNL # 2474 September 3, 2025] (0905-1003)
FP, SAINT-PIERRE
& MIQUELON. The Radio Club de Provins (F6KOP) will
be active as FP5KE
from Ile aux Marins, Saint-Pierre et Miquelon (NA-032) on September 15th-26th.
The team will be QRV on 160-6 meters CW, SSB, RTTY and FT8 (MSHV) with
eight stations; also planned are operations via EME (2m) and satellite
(RS-44 and QO-100, if possible). More information can be found on https://fp5ke.wordpress.com.
Also bookmark https://www.facebook.com/fp5ke
for updates. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW, or via F5GSJ.
-[425DXN # 1788 August 9, 2025] (0912-0926)
G, ENGLAND.
Celebrating the 45th anniversary of the first Camel Trophy, special
event station GB45CT
will be active on September
12th-14th,
primarily on 40 and 20 meters SSB. The operators have all been part of
the CT Communications Team for multiple events. Camel Trophy was an
offroad vehicle-oriented competition that was held annually between
1980 and 2000. See https://www.qrz.com/db/GB45CT
for more information.
-[425DXN # 1792 September 6, 2025] (0912-0919)
GM, SCOTLAND.
Paul, G4PVM will be active holiday style as GM4PVM from Isle of
West Burra, Shetland Islands (EU-012) on September 13th-18th.
He will operate CW and SSB on 40-10 meters. QSOs will be uploaded to
LoTW, ClubLog and eQSL; paper cards will not be provided.
-[425DXN # 1792 September 6, 2025] (0912-0919)
H4, SOLOMON IS.
Bernhard, DL2GAC, will be back on the air as H44MS from Malaita
Island (OC-047) from September
2025 to April 2026.
-[DXNL # 2473 August 27, 2025] (0829-0919)
HA, HUNGARY.
During September, HA4ØMATRA,
operated by the Vak Bottyan Radio Club (HA6KVC), marks the 40th
anniversary of the Matra Landscape Protection Area. For more
information see: http://www.bnpi.hu.
-[DXNL # 2473 August 27, 2025] (0829-0926)
HK, COLOMBIA.
Lothar, DK8LRF, will be back on the bands as HK3JCL from September 3rd until May 15th
next year. QSL via DK8LRF.
-[DXNL # 2471 August 13, 2025] (0829-0926)
HL, SOUTH KOREA.
Members of the Gwangju DX Club (6LØNJ) will be active as D73G from Imja
Island (AS-060) until
September 14th. They will operate CW, SSB and FT8/FT4 on
various bands, from 160m to 70cm. QSL via 6LØNJ, ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW, eQSL and QRZ Logbook.
-[425DXN # 1791 August 30, 2025] (0912-0919)
HZ, SAUDI ARABIA.
Special callsigns HZ95ND,
7Z95ND and 8Z95ND are for the
Saudi Amateur Radio Society (HZ1SAR) to celebrate Saudi National Day on
September 4th-23rd.
QSOs will be uploaded to ClubLog. Based on the number of lunar years,
Saudi National Day commemorates the renaming of the Kingdom of Nejd and
Hejaz to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (September 23, 1932). National
societies from Gulf Cooperation Council's neighboring countries are
expected to join the celebrations and be active around September 23rd,
including the Bahrain Amateur Radio Society (A91ARS), the Kuwait
Amateur Radio Society (9K9KSA),
the Royal Omani Amateur Radio Society (A43KSA) and the
Emirates Amateur Radio Society (A6ØARS).
-[425DXN # 1792 September 6, 2025] (0905-0926)
I, ITALY.
Celebrating 130 years of radio and IARU's centenary, several special
callsigns will be in use from September
15th to October 15th: IIØIARU
(Sardinia), II1IARU,
II2IARU, II3IARU, II4IARU, II5IARU, II6IARU, II7IARU, II8IARU, II9IARU, IRØIARU, IR2IARU, IR3IARU, IR7IARU and IR8IARU, as well as II1RVCO, II2RBUS, II3RTRE, IR2RGAL, IR2RIMV and IR2RMAG. See https://www.ari.it/
for more information. Certificates and eQSLs will be available on
HamAward.
-[425DXN # 1793 September 13, 2025] (0912-1017)
I, ITALY.
Domenico, IK1MNF will sign IA5/IK1MNF
until the end of
September from Elba (EU-028). QSL via IK1MNF.
-[DXNL # 2474 September 3, 2025] (0905-1003)
JW, SVALBARD.
Tom, LA6VDA, is QRV as JW6VDA
from Spitsbergen Island (EU-026) until September 22nd.
Activity is holiday style on the HF bands using SSB, FT8, and FT4. QSL
via LoTW and ClubLog's OQRS.
Do not send direct QSLs by mail.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 37 September 11, 2025] (0912-0926)
K, UNITED STATES.
Simon, G7WKX will sign W6/G7WKX
from mid-September until
early October.
He's planning several POTA, WWFF and SOTA operations from California
and would be happy to work European stations. Up to date information
will be posted on his QRZ.com profile.
-[DXNL # 2475 September 10, 2025] (0912-1003)
K, UNITED STATES.
Organized by the Citrus Belt ARC, the 26th annual Route 66 On The Air
special event celebrates the historic US Highway 66. Twenty-three
amateur radio stations using 1x1 callsigns (W6A-W6W) will be QRV
from cities along the "Mother Road" on September 6th-14th.
In addition, W6Y
will be an Aeronautical Rover station operating from the air on 2
meters simplex (146.490). See https://w6jbt.org/ for
complete information about the event, QSL routes included.
-[425DXN # 1791 August 30, 2025] (0905-0919)
KH2, GUAM.
Rikk, WE9G will be active as WE9G/KH2
from Guam (OC-026) on September
11th-26th.
This will be a SO2R (Single Operator 2 Radios) activity "doing mostly
digital FT with some SSB & CW", he says."160-6m will be
attempted".
QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW, or via WE9G.
-[425DXN # 1791 August 30, 2025] (0905-0926)
LA, NORWAY.
Special callsigns LA1ØØIARU,
LB1ØØIARU
and LM1ØØIARU
(the latter operated by NRRL staff and elected officials) are for the
Norwegian Radio Relay League to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the
International Amateur Radio Union.
-[425DXN # 1791 August 30, 2025] (0829-0919)
LA, NORWAY.
Frank DL2SWW and Gabi DF9TM will be QRV as LG5LG and SJ9WL from
Morokulien on the border between Sweden and Norway. QSL via LA7TIA.
-[DXNL # 2474 September 3, 2025] (0905-0926)
LA, NORWAY.
Heli, DDØVR, and his wife Bigi, DE3WBR, are going on a trip through
Sweden, Finland and Norway and plan to activate IOTA references from
August 29th to
September 29th: Norway: Mageroya (Finnmark County West
Group, EU-044) and Vestvaagoy (Lofoten Islands Group, EU-076). QRV as LA/DDØVR on 80-6m.
QSL via DDØVR.
-[DXNL # 2473 August 27, 2025] (0829-0926)
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)
OH, FINLAND.
Heli, DDØVR, and his wife Bigi, DE3WBR, are going on a trip through
Sweden, Finland and Norway and plan to activate IOTA references from August 29th to September 29th:
Finland: Radio Arcala Station OH8X
(no IOTA). QRV as OH/DDØVR
on 80-6m. QSL via DDØVR.
-[DXNL # 2473 August 27, 2025] (0829-0926)
OHØ, ALAND I.
Torsten, DL4APJ and Udo, DL2AQI will sign OHØ/DL4APJ and OHØ/DL2AQI
respectively from Aland Island (EU-002), on HF and via OQ-100. QSL via DL4APJ and DL2AQI, eQSL,
LoTW or ClubLog's OQRS.
Website https://aland2025.wordpress.com/.
-[DXNL # 2475 September 10, 2025] (0912-1003)
OX, GREENLAND.
Bo, OZ1DJJ will be active again as OX3LX
from Nuuk, Greenland (NA-018) from September 4th to 16th.
One- or two-day trips to IOTA group NA-220 are possible. As always,
this will be a working trip, and he will be QRV only in his spare time.
QSL via OZØJ, ClubLog's OQRS
and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1792 September 6, 2025] (0905-0919)
PA, NETHERLANDS.
*Dutch Lighthouse Hunt* This event takes place during September
from Dutch lighthouses with various callsigns:
First group:
PA1LIGHTHOUSE -
Haamstede (PA7Q)
PD1LIGHTHOUSE -
Texel Island (PD2TX)
PD2LIGHTHOUSE -
Breskens (PD2XX)
PD3LIGHTHOUSE - Hoek
van Holland (PD2WCW)
PD4LIGHTHOUSE -
Marken (PD4JOH)
PD5LIGHTHOUSE -
Westkapelle (PD2AE
PD6LIGHTHOUSE -
Marken (PDØTM)
PD9LIGHTHOUSE -
Maasvlakte (PD9RW).
Second group:
PAØ1LH, PDØ1LH, PDØ2LH, PDØ3LH, PDØ4LH, PDØ5LH, PDØ6LH, PDØ7LH,
PDØ8LH, PDØ9LH, PDØØLH.
For more information and the award rules see: https://dutchradiogroup.com/
-[DXNL # 2473 August 27, 2025] (0829-0926)
PJ2, CURACAO.
Gabor, HA3JB, will be QRV as PJ2/HA3JB
from September 16th
to 26th.
Activity will be on 80 to 6 meters using all modes. This includes being
an entry in the upcoming CQ WW RTTY contest (September 27th-28th). QSL
via HA3JB OQRS and
LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 37 September 11, 2025] (0912-0926)
PJ7, SINT
MAARTEN. Czech DXpedition team members OK1FCJ, OK2ZA,
OK2ZC, OK6DJ and OM5ZW will be active as PJ7K from Sint
Maarten (NA-105) until
September 22nd. They will operate CW, SSB, FT8 and RTTY on
160-6 meters, and via satellite. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS
(preferred), LoTW, or OK6DJ.
-[425DXN # 1789 August 16, 2025] (0912-0926)
PY, BRAZIL.
Special callsign PV2Ø3BR
is for members of the Liga de Amadores Brasileiros de Radio Emissao
(LABRE) to celebrate the 203rd anniversary of Brazil's independence on September 5th-15th.
Activity will be on all bands and modes and via satellite. QSL via LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1791 August 30, 2025] (0905-0919)
SM, SWEDEN.
Eight special callsigns (7S1ØØSSA,
8S1ØØSSA, SB1ØØSSA, SC1ØØSSA, SD1ØØSSA, SE1ØØSSA, SF1ØØSSA and SM1ØØSSA) will be in
use from September
10th to October 12th
in celebration on the 100th anniversary of the Foreningen Sveriges
Sandareamatorer (SSA), Sweden's IARU member society. Look for activity
on 160-6 meters CW, SSB and digital modes. Details of the award program
will be published on https://hamaward.cloud/awards.
-[425DXN # 1791 August 30, 2025] (0905-1017)
SM, SWEDEN.
Frank DL2SWW and Gabi DF9TM will be QRV as LG5LG and SJ9WL from
Morokulien on the border between Sweden and Norway. QSL via LA7TIA.
-[DXNL # 2474 September 3, 2025] (0905-0926)
SM, SWEDEN.
Heli, DDØVR, and his wife Bigi, DE3WBR, are going on a trip through
Sweden, Finland and Norway and plan to activate IOTA references from August 29th to September 29th:
Sweden: Oeland (Kalmar County Group, EU-037) and Gotland (Gotland
County Group, EU-020). QRV as SM/DDØVR
on 80-6m. QSL via DDØVR.
-[DXNL # 2473 August 27, 2025] (0829-0926)
SP, POLAND,
and G, ENGLAND.
Thirty special event callsigns from Poland and the UK will celebrate
the 85th anniversary of "Polish Wings in the Battle of Britain",
commemorating the Polish Air Force squadrons that fought alongside the
Royal Air Force during World War II.
Active callsigns:
SP3ØØRAF, GB3ØØRAF, SP3Ø5RAF, GB3Ø5RAF, SP315RAF,
GB315RAF
SP3Ø1RAF, GB3Ø1RAF, SP3Ø6RAF, GB3Ø6RAF, SP316RAF,
GB316RAF
SP3Ø2RAF, GB3Ø2RAF, SP3Ø7RAF, GB3Ø7RAF, SP317RAF,
GB317RAF
SP3Ø3RAF, GB3Ø3RAF, SP3Ø8RAF, GB3Ø8RAF, SP318RAF,
GB318RAF
SP3Ø4RAF, GB3Ø4RAF, SP3Ø9RAF, GB3Ø9RAF, SP663RAF,
GB663RAF
The event is organized by the Polish Amateur Radio clubs, MØKKN and
MØSQC and co-organized by the PZK. Active from September
1st to 28th. More information: https://www.rafpolishairforce85.pl/home.
Certificates and eQSL: https://hamaward.cloud/awards
-[DXNL # 2474 September 3, 2025] (0905-0926)
SV, GREECE.
The Salamis Radio Team will be active as SX8AJX from Salamina
Island (EU-075) on September
16th-30th. Plans are to operate CW, SSB and digital modes
on the HF bands and via satellite. See https://www.qrz.com/db/SX8AJX
for more information. QSOs will be uploaded to LoTW and ClubLog's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1793 September 13, 2025] (0912-1003)
SV, GREECE.
Adrian, M1LCR will be QRV as SV8/M1LCR/p
from Paxos Island (EU-052) on September
2nd to 13th.
Activity will be holiday style on 80 to 6 meters using SSB and RTTY,
with main activity occurring during the upcoming IARU Region 1 Field
Day. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 35 August 28, 2025] (0829-0919)
SV5, DODECANESE.
Claudio, HB9OAU, will be QRV as SV5/HB9OAU
from Karpathos Island (EU-001) from September 13th to 25th.
Activity will be on 40 to 6 meters using CW and SSB. QSL via LoTW or
direct to HB9OAU.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 37 September 11, 2025] (0912-0926)
TJ, CAMEROON.
Darek, SP3GDH is QRV as TJ1GD
while here working on humanitarian missions. He has been active in his
spare time on 40 to 10 meters using FT8. This includes some activity on
Satellite QO-100. QSL via SP3EOL.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 35 August 28, 2025] (0829-0919)
TZ, MALI.
Jeff, K1MMB will be QRV as TZ4AM
from September
through December. Activity will be on 80 to 6 meters using
CW and SSB. Look for the TZ4AM/B beacon on 50050.5 kHz. QSL via KX4R.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 35 August 28, 2025] (0829-0926)
UAØ, ASIATIC
RUSSIA.
Commemorating the 500th anniversary since Russian diplomat Dmitrij
Gerasimov first proposed the idea of a sea route connecting Europe and
China via the Arctic Ocean, special callsign R5ØØSMP (Severnogo
Morskogo Puti, i.e. Northern Sea Route) will be QRV from September 10th to October 10th.
Also active will be seven memorial stations from the regions along
whose coasts Gerasimov had imagined it would be possible to reach Asia:
R5ØØO
(Arkhangelsk Oblast), R5ØØM
(Murmansk Oblast), R5ØØX
(Komi Republic), R5ØØK
(Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug), R5ØØZ
(Kamchatka Krai), R5ØØF
(Sakhalin Oblast), R5ØØL
(Primorsky Krai). Gerasimov's geographical hypothesis was recorded by
the Italian humanist Paolo Giovio in 1525. See https://hamlog.online/club/srr/1604/
for the certificate. All QSOs will be confirmed automatically via the
bureau. QSL manager for all stations is RN3RQ.
-[425DXN # 1793 September 13, 2025] (0912-1010)
UAØ, ASIATIC
RUSSIA. Oleg, RD1A, continues to operate as RI42SP/mm from
aboard the vessel North Pole during
September. QSL via RN3RQ.
-[DXNL # 2473 August 27, 2025] (0829-0926)
V4, ST. KITTS
& NEVIS. Thomas, KØYA and Antoinette, W5RCX will
operate as V4/KØYA
and V4/W5RCX
respectively from St. Kitts & Nevis (NA-104), from the QTH of
V47JA. QSL via LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2475 September 10, 2025] (0912-1003)
V6, MICRONESIA.
Masa, JM1LBO has been active again as V63SC from Pohnpei
(OC-010), Micronesia since September 10th, and will remain there until September 15th.
QSL via JM1LBO.
-[425DXN # 1793 September 13, 2025] (0912-0919)
V7, MARSHALL IS.
John, K5GDE, is QRV as V73WW
from Kwajalein (OC-028) until
January 2026. He is active on 40 to 10 meters using FT8.
QSL via K5GDE and LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 37 September 11, 2025] (0912-1003)
VE, CANADA.
Mike, VE2XB will sign VYØZOO
from Flaherty Island (NA-196), Nunavut on September 12th-14th.
This IOTA was last activated in 2016. QSL via VE2XB.
-[DXNL # 2475 September 10, 2025] (0912-0919)
VP2M, MONTSERRAT.
Franco, J88BTI will be active as VP2MAA
from Montserrat (NA-103) on September
11th-17th.
The primary objective of this trip is to finalize the arrangements for
his relocation, as he expects to depart Saint Vincent in late September
to take up a position in Montserrat for approximately a year. QSL via IK2DUW.
-[425DXN # 1793 September 13, 2025] (0912-0919)
VP9, BERMUDA.
Dave, G4OSY is QRV as VP9/G4OSY
until September 14th.
Activity is on 160 to 60 meters using CW and SSB. QSL direct to G4OSY.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 36 September 4, 2025] (0905-0919)
VK, AUSTRALIA.
Paul, VK5PAS will be active as VI8POL
on September
13th-29th to celebrate Australia's 8th annual National
Police Week. QSL via VK5PAS, LoTW
and eQSL.
-[425DXN # 1792 September 6, 2025] (0912-1003)
VK9N, NORFOLK I.
Chris, VK3QB, Luke, VK3HJ, and Alan, VK6CQ, will be QRV as VK9NT from September 14th to 27th.
Activity will be on 40 to 6 meters using mostly CW and FT8. QSL via MØOXO's OQRS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 37 September 11, 2025] (0912-0926)
VQ9, CHAGOS.
Larry, KI6LT, plans to be QRV as VQ9LH
from Diego Garcia (AF-006) beginning
mid-September. Activity will be on 40, 20, 15, and 10
meters SSB. QSL via KI6LT.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 37 September 11, 2025] (0912-1003)
XW, LAOS.
Simon, HSØZIB is QRV as XWØLP
from Luang Prabang. Activity is on 12 and 10 meters and may soon be on
40 meters. QSL via MØOXO's OQRS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 35 August 28, 2025] (0829-0919)
YI, IRAQ.
Antonio, IZ5WPZ, is QRV as YI9WPZ
until the end of
November 2025. QSL via IZ5WTV.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 37 September 11, 2025] (0912-1003)
YO, ROMANIA.
Members of the radio club YO6KGS will bring the special callsign YR16ØØVT on air until March 2026
to bring attention to the 1600 km long Via Transilvanica, a
long-distance trail for walking, cycling and horse riding. QSL via eQSL.
-[DXNL # 2474 September 3, 2025] (0905-0926)
YO, ROMANIA.
Members of the Federatia Romana de Radioamatorism (FRR) will be active
as YO2Ø25ENESCU
from August 24th to
September 21st,
during the George Enescu International Festival and Competition. Held
in Bucharest since 1958, the Festival honors and celebrates the memory,
the music and the personality of Romanian composer, pianist, violinist
and conductor George Enescu (1881-1955). Certificates and eQSL will be
available on https://hamlog.online/.
-[425DXN # 1789 August 16, 2025] (0822-0926)
Z8, SOUTH SUDAN.
Diya, YI1DZ will operate as Z81D
from Juba until
September 15th, mostly during the weekends and on SSB/FT8.
QSL via OM3JW.
-[DXNL # 2474 September 3, 2025] (0905-0919)
ZL, NEW ZEALAND.
Members of the New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters are QRV
with special call sign ZL1ØØC
until August 2026
in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the club's founding. QSL via
bureau.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 36 September 4, 2025] (0905-0926)
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.
|
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 Sunday, September 7th through yesterday, September 14th.
The average solar flux was 119, down 48 points from the previous week,
with a weekly high of 133 on Sunday, September 7th, followed by
a low of 114 on September 12th.
The average sunspot count was 80, down by 53 from last week,
peaking at 99 on Tuesday, September 9th followed by a
weekly low of 43 on September 13th.
The Planetary K-index weekly average was 3.9 with a
maximum of 5.7 on Tuesday, September 9th, indicating
a minor geomagnetic storm. Yesterday's K-index maximum was 5.0 with a minor geomagnetic storm.
Solar flare activity since September 8th has been quiet with no major flares.
Propagation
Data
Major solar flares, Monday, September 8th through 1524 UTC, September 15th.
| # | Date | UTC | Mag. |
|---|---|---|---|
| None Reported | |||
(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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 15 | 25% | 1% | 125 |
| Sep 16 | 25% | 1% | 120 |
| Sep 17 | 25% | 1% | 125 |
Looking farther ahead, here is the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center forecast of 10.7 cm radio flux and maximum Planetary K-index (Kp) for the next 12 days. This data is updated by NOAA every Monday (last updated on September 15, 2025).
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Strong Geomagnetic Storm
A fast-moving stream of solar wind hit Earth on Sept. 14th, sparking an unexpectedly strong G3-class geomagnetic storm. Overnight (Sept. 14-15), auroras appeared in the USA as far south as Colorado. The storm is subsiding now, but it's not over. Minor (G1) to moderate (G2) storms are possible throughout Sept. 15th.
"Wow, I wasn't expecting a
show of this magnitude!" says Lauri Kangas, who took this picture from
Amethyst Bay (Lake Superior), Ontario:
"Lots of movement and colour were visible to the
naked eye, and the corona overhead was writhing like a snake! It was
absolutely gorgeous," says Kangas.
The stream of solar wind responsible for this storm is flowing from a butterfly-shaped hole in the sun's atmosphere. Normally, the stream might cause no more than a G1-class storm, but it has been amplified by the "Russell-McPherron effect," which links the magnetic fields of the sun and Earth during weeks around equinoxes.
(Copyright © SpaceWeather.com September 15, 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARRL September VHF Contest | Sep 13 | 1800Z | Sep 15 | 0300Z | Rules |
| Scandinavian Activity Contest, CW | Sep 20 | 1200Z | Sep 21 | 1200Z | Rules |
| Iowa QSO Party | Sep 20 | 1400Z | Sep 21 | 0200Z | Rules |
| New Jersey QSO Party | Sep 20 | 1400Z | Sep 21 | 0159Z | Rules |
| Texas QSO Party | Sep 20 | 1400Z | Sep 21 | 2000Z | Rules |
| Wisconsin Parks on the Air | Sep 20 | 1600Z | Sep 20 | 2300Z | Rules |
| Washington State Salmon Run | Sep 20 | 1600Z | Sep 21 | 2400Z | Rules |
| New Hampshire QSO Party | Sep 20 | 1600Z | Sep 21 | 2200Z | Rules |
| North American Sprint, RTTY | Sep 21 | 0000Z | Sep 21 | 0359Z | Rules |
| CQ Worldwide DX Contest, RTTY | Sep 27 | 0000Z | Sep 28 | 2400Z | Rules |
| Maine QSO Party | Sep 27 | 1200Z | Sep 28 | 1200Z | Rules |
| Oceania DX Contest, Phone | Oct 4 | 0600Z | Oct 5 | 0600Z | Rules |
| California QSO Party | Oct 4 | 1600Z | Oct 5 | 2200Z | Rules |
| QRP ARCI Fall QSO Party | Oct 11 | 0000Z | Oct 11 | 2359Z | Rules |
| Makrothen RTTY Contest | Oct 11 | 0000Z | Oct 12 | 1559Z | Rules |
| Nevada QSO Party | Oct 11 | 0300Z | Oct 12 | 2100Z | Rules |
| Oceania DX Contest, CW | Oct 11 | 0600Z | Oct 12 | 0600Z | Rules |
| Scandinavian Activity Contest, SSB | Oct 11 | 1200Z | Oct 12 | 1200Z | Rules |
| Arizona QSO Party | Oct 11 | 1500Z | Oct 12 | 0500Z | Rules |
| Pennsylvania QSO Party | Oct 11 | 1600Z | Oct 12 | 0400Z | Rules |
| Oct 12 | 1300Z | Oct 12 | 2200Z | ||
| South Dakota QSO Party | Oct 11 | 1800Z | Oct 12 | 1800Z | Rules |
| 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 |