DX Code of Conduct
web counter

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)

Solar Data

The Weekly Solar Data chart plots Solar Flux Index (SFI), Sunspot number (SSN) and Planetary K-Index (Kp) for the past 8 days. With 8 Planetary K-index readings each day, only the minimum, average and maximum K-index values are plotted. Note: You may click here or on the chart above to see the same data for the past month.

The Daily Solar Flux Index, Sunspot number, Planetary K-index, Solar Flux predictions and Solar Flare data used in this bulletin have been collected by KØCF from from the U.S. Department of Commerce's NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center.

The propagation graphs above are the creations of KØCF and are unique in space weather reporting.

Please Note: The graphs are high resolution .PNG files which you may view in greater detail using your browser's "zoom" feature. Alternatively, right click on the graph and select "Open Image in New Tab" to enlarge it, or "Save Image As..." to save it to your computer for further analysis.

  NASA's current view of
  the Sun at a wave-
  length of 131 Angstroms.
  This wavelength shows 
  incredible solar detail.

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

Propagation Summary
For the 8 day period from 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).

 Date   Flux   Kp 
 Jun 6 1553
 Jun 7 1553
 Jun 8 1553
 Jun 9 1552
 Date   Flux  Kp 
 Jun 10 1554
 Jun 11 1504
 Jun 12 1503
 Jun 13 1556
 Date   Flux  Kp 
 Jun 14 1555
 Jun 15 1554
 Jun 16 1604
 Jun 17 1604

Global D Region Absorption
Conditions in the D-region of the ionosphere have a dramatic effect on HF communications. The D-Region Absorption map combines the effects of solar particles and photons. Yellow to red colors on the map depict increasing signal attenuation, where the bar chart at the right displays attenuation versus frequency. Click the thumbnail below for an animated map of D-Region Absorption:
Absorption

The Aurora Borealis
The aurora is not only beautiful to see but can have a profound impact on HF and VHF radio propagation. For the HF operator, auroras can result in a complete shut-down of propagation. However, on VHF, auroras present interesting DX possibilities. Beam antennas are very desirable and should be pointed north, towards the aurora. Signals are reflected by “back-scatter” and will be distorted with a rough buzz. SSB is the best voice mode to use, but copy can be difficult. CW will have a rough buzzy sound but be perfectly copyable. Click the thumbnail below for an animated map of aurora versus time:
Auroral Oval

Highs for Cycle 25
  Solar Flux: 336 on August 8, 2024.
  Sunspots:  382 on 
August 10, 2024.

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
     Note: Start Days are in UTC, e.g. Monday at 0000 UTC is
     Sunday at 7:00 PM in the Central Daylight Saving Time zone, or
     Sunday at 6:00 PM in the Central Standard Time zone.

  Full Calendar

Contest Start End Web Site
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
     -[Contest data courtesy of the WA7BNM Contest Calendar ]