The
Eastern Iowa DX Bulletin
Number
277, June 6, 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
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
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
3A, MONACO.
Special event call sign 3A1ØØA
will be QRV from April
15th to June 30th
to commemorate the centenary of the IARU. Activity will be on 80 to 10
meters using CW, SSB, and various digital modes. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 15 April 10, 2025] (0411-0627)
3V, TUNISIA.
Jerry, SQ5HG will be QRV as 3V8SS
from June 9th to 16th.
Activity will be on 160 to 10 meters using SSB and various digital
modes. QSL to SQ5HG.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 23 June 5, 2025] (0606-0620)
5R, MADAGASCAR.
Gianpi, IK1TTD, will be QRV as 5R8TD
from Mitsio Island (AF-057) from June 4th to 11th;
see also: https://www.qsohunter.net/it/Index/353.
QSL via IK1TTD.
-[DXNL # 2461 June 4, 2025] (0606-0613)
7P, LESOTHO.
Mark, KW4XJ and Arina, KO4PZT are QRV as 7P8AB and 7P8NB, respectively,
until mid-2025.
QSL via KW4XJ.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 18 May 1, 2025] (0502-0613)
8R, GUYANA.
Aldir, PY1SAD is QRV as 8R1TM
until July 10th.
Activity is on 160 to 6 meters using CW, SSB, and various digital
modes, as well as on various Satellites, during the weekdays between
2300z and 0200z. QSL to PY1SAD.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 23 June 5, 2025] (0606-0711)
9U, BURUNDI.
Antonio IK7WUL (ex 5VØDX, TY3AA, and 9G5IK) has now received the
callsign 9UØDX
for Burundi. He plans to work during his spare time, mostly on 10m
(SSB). QSL direct via IK7WUL.
-[DXNL # 2460 May 28, 2025] (0530-0620)
9X, RWANDA.
Antonio IK7WUL (ex 5VØDX, TY3AA, and 9G5IK) has now received the
callsign 9XØDX
for Rwanda. He plans to work during his spare time, mostly on 10m
(SSB). QSL direct via IK7WUL.
-[DXNL # 2460 May 28, 2025] (0530-0620)
CE9, ANTARCTICA.
Alex, DL2ALY is QRV as DPØGVN
until December.
Activity is on 160 to 6 meters using SSB and FT8, and on Satellite
QO-100. QSL via DL4BBH.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 23 June 5, 2025] (0606-0627)
DL, GERMANY.
Special callsign DMØLIMES
will be active from May
1st to July 1st for this year's German World Heritage Day
(June 1st). Also active will be DM3LIMES
on May 31st - June
1st.
The Limes was the border line of the Roman Empire at its greatest
extent. In 2005, the remnants of the Upper German-Raetian Limes were
inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list as "Frontiers of the Roman
Empire". QSL both via the bureau.
-[425DXN # 1773 April 26, 2025] (0425-0627)
DXCC TOP TWENTY.
Here are the top 20 entities on ClubLog’s "DXCC Most Wanted" list as of
June 5, 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 June 6, 2025 (0606-0627)
EA, SPAIN.
Members of Cartagena Team will be active as AO5APA on June 1st-15th.
The special callsigns marks the 40th anniversary of the Patrulla Aguila
("Eagle Patrol"), the aerobatic demonstration team of the Spanish Air
and Space Force. QSL via EA5GTU.
-[425DXN # 1778 May 31, 2025] (0530-0620)
EA, SPAIN.
Emil, DL8JJ, is going to try an activation of Penyeta del Moro island
(EU-151) on June 7th
to 9th. QRV as EA5/DL8JJ
on 40-10m with 10W and an L-antenna. QSL via MØOXO's OQRS,
LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2461 June 4, 2025] (0606-0613)
EA8, CANARY IS.
Mike, HB9MBS plans to be QRV as EA8/HB9MBS
from Los Quemados from June
1st to 29th. QSL to HB9MBS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 22 May 29, 2025] (0530-0704)
EP, IRAN.
Special event station EP2PG
will be active on June
6th-7th
on 40, 20 and 10 meters SSB. "This is a nationwide cultural amateur
radio event dedicated to honoring the Persian Gulf - one of the oldest
and most historically significant maritime regions in the world". See https://www.qrz.com/db/EP2PG
for more information. QSL via QRZ Logbook.
-[425DXN # 1778 May 31, 2025] (0606-0613)
F, FRANCE. Celebrating IARU's 100th anniversary, Dimitri, F4DSK and Lee, F5MUX will be active as TMØIARU on June 7th-21st. They will operate mainly SSB and CW. Paper QSLs are not needed; QSL via LoTW and eQSL.
-[425DXN # 1779 June 7, 2025] (0606-0620)
F, FRANCE.
Once again the Association des Radioamateurs de la Sarthe (F6KFI) will
operate a special event station for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Look for TM24H on June 1st-15th,
with activity on various bands and modes. QSL via F6KFI.
-[425DXN # 1778 May 31, 2025] (0530-0620)
F, FRANCE.
Members of the F4KIS radio club will be active as TM41GM from May 27th to June 10th.
The suffix stands for "greve des mineurs", the strike of 100,000 miners
of Nord-Pas-de-Calais in 1941 which was one of the earliest acts of
collective resistance to Nazi occupation in France. Electronic QSLs
will be available for download on https://log-et-qsl.associations-radioamateurs.org/wp/boutique/
-[425DXN # 1777 May 24, 2025] (0523-0613)
F, FRANCE.
Special callsigns TM1ØØI,
TM1ØØA, TM1ØØR and TM1ØØU by the Radio
Club Pierre Coulon (F5KMB) celebrate the centenary of the International
Amateur Radio Union from April
12th to July 13th. QSL via eQSL only; paper cards will not
be provided.
-[425DXN # 1771 April 12, 2025] (0411-0711)
FO, FRENCH
POLYNESIA. Nobby, GØVJG, will be operating as FO/GØVJG from Bora
Bora Island (OC-067) from June
11th to 27th. QSL via MØOXO's OQRS.
-[DXNL # 2457 May 7, 2025] (0606-0627)
FO,
FRENCH POLYNESIA. Didier, F6BCW will be active as TX5U from Tikehau
(OC-066), French Polynesia from May
26th to June 8th. He will operate
CW and SSB (no FT8) on 40-6 meters. Full LoTW upload after six months.
QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1773 April 26, 2025] (0523-0613)
FS, ST. MARTIN.
John, K9EL will be active holiday style as FS/K9EL from St.
Martin (NA-105) on June
4th-18th. He will focus on 6 meters when the band is open,
with limited activity on 40-10 meters. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS
(preferred), LoTW, or via K9EL.
-[425DXN # 1778 May 31, 2025] (0530-0620)
GJ, JERSEY.
A large group of operators are QRV as MJ/OP2D until June 13th.
Activity is on 160 to 6 meters using CW, SSB, and FT8, and on Satellite
QO-100, with four stations active. QSL via MØURX's OQRS,
LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 23 June 5, 2025] (0606-0613)
HI, DOMINICAN
REPUBLIC. The Radio Club Dominicano (HI8RCD) celebrates
its 99th anniversary with the callsign HI99RCD from May 31st until June 15th.
QSL via e-mail or qrz.com.
-[DXNL # 2460 May 28, 2025] (0530-0620)
HS, THAILAND.
Special callsign HS3ØDXA
commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Thailand DX Association (E28AC
and E2X). Look for activity from May 23rd to June 21st,
on all HF bands and the 2m band, including the amateur radio
satellites. QSL via HS6MYW.
-[425DXN # 1777 May 24, 2025] (0523-0620)
I, ITALY.
Domenico, IK1MNF will be active again as IK1MNF/IA5 from
Isola d' Elba (EU-028) from early June until the end of September.
He will operate mainly SSB on 20-6 meters. QSOs will be uploaded to
LoTW and ClubLog. QSL via IK1MNF.
-[425DXN # 1778 May 31, 2025] (0606-0627)
I, ITALY.
Launched in 1904, the 'Elettra' was a two-masted steam yacht that
Guglielmo Marconi used as a floating laboratory for many experiments.
Part of her keel stands in the grounds of Villa Griffone, at Pontecchio
near Bologna, from where ARI Fidenza will be active as IY4RXO during the
Museum Ships Weekend (June
7th-8th). QSL via IQ4FE and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1778 May 31, 2025] (0606-0613)
J6,
SAINT LUCIA. Matts, SMØFPR, operates holiday-style as J6/SMØFPR from
May 26th to June 8th,
mostly on CW, some SSB. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2459 May 21, 2025] (0523-0613)
JA, JAPAN.
A group of operators are QRV as JS6UVV
from Irizaki Cape, Yonaguni Island (AS-024) until June 9th.
Activity is on the HF bands and 6 meters, as well as 2 meters, 70
centimeters, and 23 centimeters using CW, SSB, FM, FT8, and FT4. QSL
via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 23 June 5, 2025] (0606-0613)
JA, JAPAN.
Take, JI3DST will be active again as JS6RRR from Miyako
Island (AS-079) from April
23rd to June 18th. Other callsigns to be used are JI3DST/6, JJ5RBH/6 and JA3YEC/6, as well as
JI3DST/p, JJ5RBH/p and JA3YEC/p on FT8.
QSOs will be made available for ClubLog and LoTW matching on the IOTA
website. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1774 May 3, 2025] (0502-0620)
JD1/M, MINAMI
TORISHIMA. Take, JG8NQJ is QRV as JG8NQJ/JD1 until June 20th.
Activity is in his spare time on the HF bands using CW and
FT8. QSL via JA8CJY
(direct), JG8NQJ (bureau) and LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 16 April 17, 2025] (0418-0620)
KH8,
AMERICAN SAMOA. Bob, KØNR and Joyce, KØJJW will be QRV as KH8/KØNR and
KH8/KØJJW,
respectively, from May
27th to June 9th. Activity is
primarily on 20 to 10 meters using SSB, FT8, and FT4 while activating
various SOTA and POTA locations. QSL via LoTW only.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 21 May 22, 2025] (0523-0613)
KL7, ALASKA.
Neha, VU2HUM and Pineit, VU2TUM will be QRV as KL7/VU2HUM and KL7/VU2TUM,
respectively, around Prudhoe Bay and parts of southeastern Alaska from June 7th to 20th.
Activity will be on the HF and VHF/UHF bands. QSL via VU2TUM.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 23 June 5, 2025] (0606-0620)
OE, AUSTRIA.
Special callsign OE7ØOE
celebrates the Austrian
State Treaty of 70 years ago until
the end of June.
-[DXNL # 2459 May 21, 2025] (0523-0627)
ON, BELGIUM.
Special callsign OT25EPIC
by the Antwerp Port Contest Club (ON8APC) promotes this year's edition
of the Antwerp Port Epic cycling race. Look for activity from May 10th until June 9th
(the actual day of the race). QSL via ON8JJ.
-[425DXN # 1774 May 3, 2025] (0509-0613)
OX, GREENLAND.
Bo, OZ1DJJ will be active as OX3LX
from two locations on the main island of Greenland (NA-018):
Kangerlussuaq (GP47pa) on June
5th-9th, and Nuuk (GP44de) on June 10th-22nd. 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 # 1778 May 31, 2025] (0530-0627)
OY, FAROE IS.
A group of operators will be QRV as OY6FRA,
OY/W9MK, and
OY/K4LT from
June 1st to 10th.
Activity will be on 160 to 6 meters using CW, SSB, and FT8. They will
also be active as OY6A
in the upcoming ARRL Digital contest (June 7th-8th). See https://faroeis.com/
for more information. Full upload to LoTW 6 months after the
expedition. QSL all calls via WB2REM or ClubLog's OQRS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 22 May 29, 2025] (0530-0613)
PA, NETHERLANDS.
Special event station PA2Ø25NATO
will be QRV during the month
of June to highlight the 2025 NATO Summit to be held in
the Hague. QSL via bureau or direct to PA2Ø25NATO.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 22 May 29, 2025] (0530-0704)
PA, NETHERLANDS.
Peter, PD1RP is QRV with special event station PD8ØFREE until June 30th
to celebrate the 80 years of liberation since World War II. Activity is
on 40, 20, 10, and 2 meters using CW, SSB, and digital modes. QSLs sent
to all contacts via the bureau. No QSL or request needed.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 15 April 10, 2025] (0411-0627)
T8, PALAU.
Chusuke, JR1FKR is QRV as T88TJ
until June 11th.
Activity is on 40, 20, 17, 15, 10 and 6 meters using SSB, RTTY, FT8,
and FT4. This includes being an entry in the ARRL International Digital
contest (June 7th-8th). QSL to JR1FKR., LoTW
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 23 June 5, 2025] (0606-0613)
TI,
COSTA RICA. Guy, N7ZG is QRV as TI8/N7ZG from Playa
Zancudo. His length
of stay is unknown. This includes being a Single Op/All Band/High Power
entry in the CQ WPX CW contest (May 24th-25th). QSL via EA3GL.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 21 May 22, 2025] (0523-0613)
TK, CORSICA. Pascal, F6UIG will be active as TK2C from Corsica (EU-014) on June 9th-23rd. He will operate CW and SSB on 40-10 meters. He could also be QRV as TK/F6UIG/p while doing some POTA activities. QSL via F6UIG.
-[425DXN # 1779 June 7, 2025] (0606-0627)
TR, GABON.
Roland, F8EN, QRV as TR8CR
is currently one of the few active stations in the country. He plans to
celebrate his 97th birthday in Libreville and then in mid-June return
to France permanently. QSL via F6AJA.
-[DXNL # 2460 May 28, 2025] (0530-0620)
V5, NAMIBIA.
Remo, HB9SHD is QRV as V51/HB9SHD
until June 15th.
Activity is holiday style on 40 to 6 meters using SSB and various
digital modes. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 18 May 1, 2025] (0502-0620)
VE, CANADA.
To celebrate the 65th anniversary of the Dobson Trail, Canada's longest
volunteer-maintained trail, special event station VC9DT will be active
throughout June.
It will be operated by VE9ACC and friends from various locations along
the 60-kilometer trail, including several WWFF (World Wide Flora
&
Fauna) sites. Operators will be QRV on multiple bands on SSB and
FT8/FT4. See https://www.qrz.com/db/VC9DT
for award information and further details. QSL via VE9CF.
-[425DXN # 1777 May 24, 2025] (0530-0627)
VP5, TURKS
& CAICOS IS. Fabian, J69FL is QRV as VP5FL from
Providenciales Island while working here. Activity may be in his spare
time on 80 to 10 meters using SSB. QSL to J69FL.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 23 June 5, 2025] (0606-0627)
VP8, FALKLAND IS.
Gerry, G3WIP, now that he is retired, has moved from Ascension Island
(ZD8GB) to Port Stanley and plans to operate as VP8DPD from May 10th until July 12th,
mostly on 20-10m. QSL via EA5GL.
-[DXNL # 2458 May 14, 2025] (0516-0711)
YJ, VANUATU. Bob, ZL1RS will be active as YJØRS from Efate (OC-035), Vanuatu on June 11th-28th.
He will be QRV primarily on 6 meters FT8, with the main focus on
ionospheric propagation and some activity on 10 meters if the Magic
Band is closed. He will also be on 6m EME for about one hour at each
moonrise and moonset. See https://www.qsl.net/zl1rs/yj0_eme.html for more information. QSL via LoTW, ClubLog's OQRS, or via ZL1RS.
-[425DXN # 1779 June 7, 2025] (0606-0627)
ZC4, UK
SOVEREIGN BASE AREAS ON CYPRUS. Martin, MWØBRO will be
active again as ZC4GW
from Dhekelia from May
28th to June 9th. He will operate CW, some SSB and
"definitely no digital modes" on 40-6 meters. QSL via MØURX's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1777 May 24, 2025] (0523-0613)
ZL, NEW ZEALAND.
Special callsign ZL1ØØIARU
will be used by New Zealand's IARU member society, NZART, to celebrate
the 100th anniversary of the International Amateur Radio Union until July 31st.
QSOs will be uploaded to QRZ Logbook and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1776 May 17, 2025] (0516-0801)
ZL7,
CHATHAM IS. Holger, DL3IO is QRV as ZL7IO from Waitangi
(OC-038) until
June 26th
while working on equipment repairs. He may be active as a
Single Op/Single Band/Low Power 40 meter entry in the CQ WPX CW contest
(May 24th-25th). QSL via LoTW, ClubLog's OQRS
(preferred), or via DK7AO.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 21 May 22, 2025] (0523-0627)
ZP, PARAGUAY.
Vlad, OK2WX is QRV as ZP6WX
until June 8th.
Activity is on 80 to 6 meters. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 22 May 29, 2025] (0530-0613)
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 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 Thursday, May 29th through yesterday, June 5th.
The average solar flux was 144, up 9 points from the previous week,
with a weekly high of 164 on Saturday, May 31st, followed by
a low of 128 on June 5th.
The average sunspot count was 97, down by 16 from last week,
peaking at 122 on Thursday, May 29th followed by a
weekly low of 92 on June 5th.
The Planetary K-index weekly average was 5.8 with a
maximum of 8.0 on Sunday, June 1st, indicating
a severe geomagnetic storm. Yesterday's K-index maximum was 3.7 with generally quiet conditions.
Solar flare activity since May 30th has been moderate with 8
major flares, the largest of which was an M 8.1 event on Saturday, May
31st.
Propagation
Data
Major solar flares, Friday, May 30th through 1239 UTC, June 6th.
| # | Date | UTC | Mag. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jun 04 | 2329 | M 1.1 |
| 2 | Jun 03 | 1303 | M 1.5 |
| 3 | Jun 02 | 2142 | M 1.1 |
| 4 | Jun 02 | 1118 | M 3.3 |
| 5 | May 31 | 0818 | M 4.5 |
| 6 | May 31 | 0518 | M 2.4 |
| 7 | May 31 | 0005 | M 8.1 |
| 8 | May 30 | 0613 | M 3.4 |
(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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 6 | 40% | 5% | 128 |
| Jun 7 | 40% | 5% | 128 |
| Jun 8 | 40% | 5% | 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 June 2, 2025).
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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.
Glancing-Blow
CME
A
CME that left the sun 3 days ago when a magnetic filament erupted near
the sun's equator could graze Earth on June 7th.
NOAA forecasters say the glancing blow could spark G1-class
geomagnetic storms.
(Copyright © SpaceWeather.com June 6, 2025.
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 |
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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky QSO Party | Jun 7 | 1300Z | Jun 8 | 0100Z | Rules |
| ARRL Inter. Digital Contest | Jun 7 | 1800Z | Jun 8 | 2400Z | Rules |
| ARRL June VHF Contest | Jun 14 | 1800Z | Jun 16 | 0300Z | Rules |
| Stew Perry Topband Challenge | Jun 21 | 1500Z | Jun 22 | 1500Z | Rules |
| West Virginia QSO Party | Jun 21 | 1600Z | Jun 22 | 0400Z | Rules |
| ARRL Kids Day | Jun 21 | 1800Z | Jun 21 | 2359Z | Rules |
| His Maj. King of Spain Contest, SSB | Jun 28 | 1200Z | Jun 29 | 1200Z | Rules |
| ARRL Field Day | Jun 28 | 1800Z | Jun 29 | 2100Z | Rules |
| RAC Canada Day Contest | Jul 1 | 0000Z | Jul 1 | 2359Z | Rules |
| IARU HF World Championship | Jul 12 | 1200Z | Jul 13 | 1200Z | Rules |
| North American QSO Party, RTTY | Jul 19 | 1800Z | Jul 20 | 0600Z | Rules |
| CQ Worldwide VHF Contest | Jul 19 | 1800Z | Jul 20 | 2100Z | Rules |
| North American QSO Party, CW | Aug 2 | 1800Z | Aug 3 | 0600Z | Rules |
| WAE DX Contest, CW | Aug 9 | 0000Z | Aug 10 | 2359Z | Rules |
| Maryland-DC QSO Party | Aug 9 | 1400Z | Aug 10 | 0400Z | Rules |
| North American QSO Party, SSB | Aug 16 | 1800Z | Aug 17 | 0600Z | Rules |
| ARRL Rookie Roundup, RTTY | Aug 17 | 1800Z | Aug 17 | 2359Z | Rules |
| Ohio QSO Party | Aug 23 | 1600Z | Aug 24 | 0400Z | Rules |
| YO DX HF Contest | Aug 30 | 1200Z | Aug 31 | 1200Z | Rules |
| World Wide Digi DX Contest | Aug 30 | 1200Z | Aug 31 | 1200Z | Rules |
| Kansas QSO Party | Aug 30 | 1400Z | Aug 31 | 2000Z | Rules |
| Tennessee QSO Party | Sep 7 | 1700Z | Sep 8 | 0300Z | Rules |