The
Eastern Iowa DX Bulletin
Number
323, April 24, 2026
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 as conditions warrant) and a Contest Calendar of upcoming popular contests.
DX News
items are courtesy of:
The ARRL DX Bulletin
This bulletin is available via email
subscription only. See
http://www.arrl.org/bulletins
to subscribe. (The online archive is no
longer updated.)
425 DX News, A.R.I. DX Bulletin (425DXN)
Edited by Mauro Pregliasco, I1JQJ
& Valeria Pregliasco, IK1ADH
425 DX News Home Page: https://www.425dxn.org/
425 DX News Google Group: https://groups.google.com/g/425eng
DX Newsletter (DXNL)
Edited by Andreas Salder, DK5ON
A weekly service of DARC Committee
"DX", http://www.darcdxhf.de
Propagation data is from:
National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration's
Space Weather Prediction
Center
Dr. Tony Phillips' SpaceWeather.com,
used by permission
Contest data
courtesy of the WA7BNM
Contest Calendar
DX
News
3B9, RODRIGUES I.
Suvarna, VU3OPT, is QRV as 3B9G
until May 22nd.
Activity is currently focused on CW. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS
or VU3OPT.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 16 April 23, 2026] (0424-0522)
3X, GUINEA.
Elvira, 3X3A,
is QRV from the Los Islands (AF-051) until April 25th.
Recent activity has been on 12 meters using SSB. QSL via IK2WAD.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 16 April 23, 2026] (0424-0501)
4W, TIMOR-LESTE.
George, EA2TA, Christian, EA3NT and Simon, IZ7ATN are QRV as 4W/EA2TA, 4W/EA3NT, and 4W/IZ7ATN from Timor
Island (OC-148) until
April 28th. Activity is on 80 to 6 meters using CW, SSB,
and FT8. Note that 60 meters is not permitted. QSL via IZ7ATN, ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 16 April 23, 2026] (0424-0501)
5Z4, KENYA.
Paul, MMØZBH is currently active as 5Z4/MMØZBH
from Kenya until
June 15th. He operates CW, SSB and FT8 and is QRV holiday
style while volunteering at a local school. QSL via LoTW and MØOXO's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1825 April 25, 2026] (0424-0619)
6Y, JAMAICA.
It is reported that 6Y5CB
was active recently on 15 meter SSB. QSL direct to 6Y5CB.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 15 April 16, 2026] (0417-0508)
7P, LESOTHO.
Paolo IZØEVI, Diego IZØEWJ and Luca IZ6DSQ will be active as 7P8WR from Lesotho
from April 23rd to
May 1st. They will operate SSB, FT8 and FT4 on 40-10
meters. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW, or via IZØEWJ.
-[425DXN # 1821 March 28, 2026] (0417-0501)
8R,
GUYANA. Aldir, PY1SAD is again active as 8R1TM from Guyana until May
10th. He operates CW, SSB and digital modes on 160-6
meters and via
satellite, from 2300 to 0300 UTC during the week, and "full time"
during the weekends. He will also participate in the CQ MM DX Contest
(April 18th-19th). QSL via LoTW, eQSL, QRZ, or direct to PY1SAD.
-[425DXN # 1823 April 11, 2026] (0410-0515)
8R,
GUYANA. Ren, PY8WW, is active from Corriverton as 8R/PZ5TW. He is
generally QRV on FT8. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS
(preferred) or LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 14 April 9, 2026] (0410-0501)
A6, UNITED ARAB
EMIRATES.
The Emirates Amateur Radio Society participates in the "Proud of UAE"
campaign, the nationwide initiative celebrating the country's progress
and identity. Look for A6ØPE
(individual operators may append a serial number to the special
callsign: A6ØPE/Ø,
A6ØPE/1,
etc.) to be used through
May 31st. See https://www.qrz.com/db/A60PE
for the QSL routes.
-[425DXN # 1825 April 25, 2026] (0424-0529)
C5, THE GAMBIA.
Arnaud, F4AGG and Luc, F5RAV will be active as C5D (RTTY, PSK and
FT8) and C5C
(SSB and CW) from the Gambia from April 25th to May 8th.
Activity is also being planned to take place from the Bijol Island
(AF-060) sometime during their stay. When on the island, they will sign
C5B, with
activity via satellite RS-44. QSL C5D via LoTW only; QSL C5C and C5B
via LoTW, or direct to F5RAV.
-[425DXN # 1823 April 11, 2026] (0424-0508)
C9, MOZAMBIQUE.
Paulo, ZS6CRZ, is setting up in Tete as C95CRZ. QRV
currently on 10m SSB with a wire antenna and 100W and future
improvements likely. QSL via qrz.com.
-[DXNL # 2506 April 15, 2026] (0417-0508)
CE9,KC4,
ANTARCTICA. Yuri, UA1CCI is now active as RI1ANY from
Novolazarevskaya
Station, Antarctica (WWL JB59vf). He operates SSB, FT8 and FT4 via
QO-100 and on the HF bands. "He does not speak fluent English, nor does
he have pileup experience, so please be patient", R3LO says. Yuri will
be stationed at Novolazarevskaya for one year at
least. QSL via LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1823 April 11, 2026] (0410-0501)
CN, MOROCCO.
Pascal, F8NQV will be active as CN2NQV
from Sidi Rahal Chatai, Morocco from April 25th to July 11th.
Look for him on or around 7155, 14345, 18140, 21165 and 28575 kHz.
-[425DXN # 1825 April 25, 2026] (0424-0515)
D6, COMOROS.
Ivan, UR9IDX, is currently active as D6ØDX on 80-10m CW
and SSB and expects to stay until
the beginning of May. QSL via CT9/UR9IDX,
ClubLog's OQRS,
no LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2506 April 15, 2026] (0417-0501)
DL, GERMANY.
The special event station DA1ØØLENZ
(special DOK SL100) celebrates the 100th anniversary of the German
author Siegfried Lenz until
the end of August. QSLs will be sent out automatically via
the bureau.
-[DXNL # 2506 April 15, 2026] (0417-0508)
DL, GERMANY.
Special callsign DA26WARD
by the DARC Team SES promotes World Amateur Radio Day from March 1st until April 30th.
WARD is celebrated annually on April 18th, the day when the IARU was
formed in 1925. The theme for this year's WARD is "Advancing the Spirit
of Amateur Radio Through Innovation". QSL via LoTW, DK5ON, and DCL
(DARC Community Logbook).
-[425DXN # 1818 March 7, 2026] (0306-0501)
DL, GERMANY.
Celebrating a half-century of German research in Antarctica, special
callsigns DAØANT,
DM5ØANT and DP5ØANT will be
active from February
15th to April 30th. In addition, DM5ØGFS will also be
active on April
1st-30th (for the 50th anniversary of the Georg Forster
Station, established by the GDR in 1976 and decommissioned in 1993), as
well as DP2ØØGVN
(for the bicentenary of the birth of Georg von Neumayer, after whom
three German Antarctic research stations have been named). See https://50ant.hamaward.de/en/german-antarctic-research/
for complete information on the "50 Years of German Antarctic Research"
award.
-[425DXN # 1814 February 7, 2026] (0213-0501)
DXCC TOP TWENTY.
Here are the top 20 entities on ClubLog’s "DXCC Most Wanted" list as of
April 23, 2026:
1. P5 DPRK
(North Korea) 11. VKØM Macquarie
Island
2.
KH3 Johnston
Island 12.
EZ Turkmenistan
3. KH7K Kure
Island
13.
PYØS Saint Peter And Paul Rocks
4. CEØX San Felix
Islands 14. VPØS South Sandwich
Islands
5. FT5/X Kerguelen
Island 15.
3Y/B Bouvet Island
6. BS7H Scarborough
Reef 16.
YK Syria
7. 3Y/P Peter 1
Island 17.
ZL9 New Zealand Subantarctic
Islands
8. YVØ Aves
Island
18.
FT/T Tromelin Island
9. BV9P Pratas
Island 19.
VKØH Heard Island
10.
KH4 Midway
Island 20.
KH1 Baker Howland Islands
For the complete list, see
https://clublog.org/mostwanted.php
-[KØCF April 24, 2026 (0424-0515)
EX, KYRGYZSTAN.
Serge, EXØM,
is QRV on 17 meter CW and looking for North American stations. QSL via EXØM.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 15 April 16, 2026] (0417-0508)
F, FRANCE.
On March 27, 1899, Guglielmo Marconi achieved the first international
wireless transmission, sending Morse code signals between Wimereux
(near Boulogne-sur-Mer), France, and the South Foreland Lighthouse in
Dover, England. Commemorating this milestone in the history of
telecommunications, the special event station TM8DW will be active
from Wimereux on
April 25th during the International Marconi Day, and sporadically until June.
In addition, GB2DOVER,
GB2SFL and GB8DW will be
operated by the Dover Amateur Radio Club on the British side of the
Channel. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1824 April 18, 2026] (0417-0529)
F,
FRANCE. Special callsign TM1Ø1WARD by the
Reseau des Emetteurs Francais
(REF) celebrates World Amateur Radio Day from April 14th to 20th.
WARD
is observed annually on April 18th, the day when the IARU was formed in
Paris 101 years ago.
-[425DXN # 1823 April 11, 2026] (0410-0524)
FO/M, MARQUESAS
IS. Team TX9W
(F6BCW, K4VBM, K5WE, N5TEA, W5CCP and WD5COV) will be active from Hiva
Oa, Marquesas Islands (OC-027) on April 19th-30th.
They will operate CW and FT8 ("some SSB, RTTY, FT4 may be attempted")
on 160-6 meters with up to six stations. Depending upon a reliable
Internet connection, QSOs will be uploaded to ClubLog on a daily basis,
and ClubLog's Livestream will be enabled. All QSOs will be uploaded to
LoTW shortly after the DXpedition. See https://k5we.com/tx9w
for more information and updates. QSL via LoTW, ClubLog's OQRS
(preferred), or K5WE.
-[425DXN # 1813 January 31, 2026] (0417-0501)
G, ENGLAND.
A Belgian team (ON1BN, ON4AML, ON5SEL, ON6EF, ON6VJ, ON7TA, ON7VM and
ON9DJ) will be active as GB9IOW
from the Isle of Wight (EU-120) from April 28th to May 5th.
They will operate SSB, CW and digital modes on the HF bands and 6
meters, as well as on QO-100 and 23 cm moonbounce. See https://hamradioexpedition.com/
for more information. QSOs will be uploaded to ClubLog and eQSL; QSL
via ON6EF.
-[425DXN # 1823 April 11, 2026] (0424-0508)
HA, HUNGARY.
The Hungarian Amateur Radio Society (MRASZ) will commemorate the 235th
anniversary of the birth of Samuel Morse with nine special
callsigns: HA235MSE,
HA235S, HA235A, HA235M, HA235U, HA235E, HA235L, HA235O and HA235R. Look for
activity on CW and SSB on April
17th-27th. See https://mrasz.org/award-rules
for the award. QSL via LoTW and ClubLog's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1822 April 4, 2026] (0417-0501)
HL, SOUTH KOREA.
Special event station HL59KDJC
will be active on April
24th-26th during the 59th King Danjong Culture Festival,
taking place in the city of Yeongwol in Gangwon Province. QSL via HL1IBG.
-[425DXN # 1825 April 25, 2026] (0424-0501)
HS, THAILAND.
Bruce, KØBJ, is QRV as HSØZLB
until May 19th.
Activity is on the HF bands. QSL via KØBJ.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 16 April 23, 2026] (0424-0522)
I, ITALY.
Watch for IYØCG,
IYØGA
(Sardinia), IYØIMD,
IYØMMR, IYØORP, IYØTC, IY1MR, IY1SM, IY1SP, IY1TO, IY4FGM, IY5PIS, IY6GM, and IY7M to be active
during the International Marconi Day (April 25th).
IYØIMD (locator JN52VC) and IY7M (locator JN81KD) will operate also on
QO-100. These stations are affiliated to the "Coordinamento Stazioni
Marconiane Italiane" which gathers amateur radio stations operating
from historic Marconi sites located in Italy (https://csmi.altervista.org/wp/).
QSL via operators' instructions.
-[425DXN # 1824 April 18, 2026] (0424-0501)
JA, JAPAN.
Watch for JE1HXZ/6
to be active from Kuchino Island, Tokara Islands (AS-049) on April 21st-28th.
He will operate CW, SSB, RTTY and FT8/FT4 on the HF bands and 6 meters.
QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1824 April 18, 2026] (0417-0501)
JD1/M,
MINAMI TORISHIMA. Take, JG8NQJ, is active as JG8NQJ/JD1 until mid-May
during his spare time. Operation is mostly CW and FT8. QSL via JA8CJY
or LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 14 April 9, 2026] (0410-0515)
JD1/O, OGASAWARA.
Harry, JG7PSJ, will be QRV as JD1BMH
from Chichijima (AS-031) from April
26th to May 4th. Activity will be on 40 to 10 meters using
CW, SSB, and RTTY. QSL via bureau to JD1BMH or direct JG7PSJ.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 16 April 23, 2026] (0424-0508)
JT, MONGOLIA.
Vladimir, R9LR and Denis, R8LCM will be active as JTØLR from rare grid
squares in Mongolia (NN49, NN48, NN58 and possibly NN59) indicatively
from April 25th to
30th.
They will operate SSB, CW and digital modes on multiple bands and via
satellite, QO-100 included. They will be travelling by car, and during
the round trip, April 22nd to May 10th, they will be active as RT9L/m from several
Russian districts. See https://tnxqso.com/rt9l#/info
for updates. QSL via R9LR.
-[425DXN # 1821 March 28, 2026] (0424-0501)
LA, NORWAY.
Ingomar, DL9ET, Joerg, DK3JF, and Martin, DK4WM are going to pay
Morokulien a visit from April
27th until May 2nd. QRV as LG5LG (and SJ9WL) on 160-6m
(CW, SSB, RTTY, FT4/8). For further information see: https://www.qrz.com/db/LG5LG
and https://dl9et.darc.de/otterposts/morokulien-spring-2026/.
QSL via LA7TIA, LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2507 April 22, 2026] (0424-0501)
OE,
AUSTRIA. Special callsign OE26M by the Club
Amateur Radio ORF (CARO) in
cooperation with Dokumentationsarchiv Funk (Dokufunk) participates in
this year's International Marconi Day (April 25th).
Look for activity
on the HF bands SSB, CW, FT8/FT4. QSL via OE1XRW.
-[425DXN # 1823 April 11, 2026] (0424-0501)
ON, BELGIUM.
Special callsign OT26EPIC
by the Antwerp Port Contest Club (ON8APC) promotes this year's edition
of the Antwerp Port Epic cycling race. Look for activity from April 25th to May 25th
(the actual day of the race). QSL via ON8JJ.
-[425DXN # 1824 April 18, 2026] (0424-0529)
ON, BELGIUM.
Celebrating World Amateur Radio Day, members of the HF Committee and
the Board of Directors of the UBA, Belgium's IARU society, will be
active as OO26WARD
throughout April.
QSL via LoTW, eQSL, or via the bureau.
-[425DXN # 1822 April 4, 2026] (0403-0501)
P2, PAPUA NEW
GUINEA. Robin Xu, BG5DON, has returned to Port Moresby and
spends time on the air as P29XZ
during his spare time. QRV on 20-10m (FT8). The duration of his stay is
not known. At present all QSL requests will be handled via his e-mail: bitclub@163.com.
-[DXNL # 2507 April 22, 2026] (0424-0515)
PA, NETHERLANDS.
Special callsign PG75HSC
by Theo, PA3HEN celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Radio Telegraphy
Highspeed Club (HSC) until
the end of the year. Also joining the celebrations is
Artur, SP3LPR as 3Z75HSC
The club was founded in 1951 as a community within the Deutscher
Amateur Radio Club (DARC). To date, membership has grown to include
1400+ operators all over the world: http://www.highspeedclub.org.
QSL PG75HSC via PA3HEN, and
LoTW. QSL 3Z75HSC via SP3LPR.
-[425DXN # 1824 April 18, 2026] (0417-0508)
PJ4, BONAIRE.
TJ, PE1OJR is active holiday style as PJ4TB from Bonaire
(SA-006) until May
4th. He operates SSB, FT8 and FT4 on 40-6 meters. QSL via
LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1824 April 18, 2026] (0417-0508)
SØ, WESTERN
SAHARA. Naama, SØ1A, and Azman, SØ1AH, are QRV as SØ9S until the end of May
to mark the 50th anniversary of Western Sahara. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS
or LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 13 April 2, 2026] (0403-0529)
SM, SWEDEN.
Ingomar, DL9ET, Joerg, DK3JF, and Martin, DK4WM are going to pay
Morokulien a visit from April
27th until May 2nd. QRV as SJ9WL (and LG5LG) on 160-6m
(CW, SSB, RTTY, FT4/8). For further information see: https://www.qrz.com/db/SJ9WL
and https://dl9et.darc.de/otterposts/morokulien-spring-2026/.
QSL via LA7TIA, LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2507 April 22, 2026] (0424-0508)
SP, POLAND.
Celebrating the 680th anniversary of the city of Bydgoszcz, members of
the local radio club (SP2KKB) will be active as HF68ØBY, HF68ØBD and HF68ØBG on April 1st-30th.
See https://radiodyplom.pl/ses/205
for the award.
-[425DXN # 1822 April 4, 2026] (0403-0501)
SV, GREECE.
Team SX8LGT
will be active from the Kaki Kefali Lighthouse on Evia Island (not
IOTA) from April
18th to 26th. They will operate SSB, CW and FT8 on 80-10
meters. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
or via SV1ENG.
-[425DXN # 1822 April 4, 2026] (0417-0501)
SV, GREECE.
Members of the Radio Amateur Association of Western Greece are QRV with
special callsign SZ4ØA
until May 31st
to celebrate forty years of continuous presence, service, and
contribution to amateur radio. Activity is on various HF bands and
modes. QSL via ON3UN.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 12 March 26, 2026] (0327-0529)
TL,
CENTRAL AFRICA. Joao, CR7BNW, is active as TL8BNW until June.
Activity
is on 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters using SSB and FT8. For QSL info, see
TL8BNW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 14 April 9, 2026] (0410-0529)
TU, COTE
D'IVOIRE. Mat, TU5JZ,
in Abidjan is active sporadically on 40 and 10m FT8. QSL via F5HPE.
-[DXNL # 2506 April 15, 2026] (0417-0508)
UA,
EUROPEAN RUSSIA. Commemorating the 65th anniversary of
Yuri Gagarin's
historic 108-minute first flight into outer space (April 12, 1961),
members of the Miller DX Club will use several special callsigns on
April 10th-26th:
RØ65A, RØ65C, RØ65L, RØ65N, RØ65O, RØ65S, RØ65X,
RØ65Z, RØ65YG, R1Ø8YG, R1961YG, UE7YG, UE65YG, and UE65YAG. see
https://hamlog.online/club/mdxc/1800/
for the certificates. QSL for all
callsigns via RQ7L.
-[425DXN # 1821 March 28, 2026] (0410-0501)
UR, UKRAINE.
Commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant
disaster (April 26, 1986), the special callsign EN4ØCNP will be used
on April 18th-30th
from various locations across Ukraine. QSOs will be uploaded to LoTW
and QRZ.
-[425DXN # 1824 April 18, 2026] (0417-0501)
V4, ST. KITTS
& NEVIS. Markus, WW6W, will be QRV as V4/WW6W from St.
Kitts (NA-104) from April
28th to June 1st. Activity will be on 160 to 6 meters. QSL
via WW6W.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 16 April 23, 2026] (0424-0529)
V4,
ST. KITTS & NEVIS. Pete, GØTLE will be active
again as V47EM
from
St. Kitts (NA-104) from April
11th to May 1st. He will operate CW and
SSB on 80-10 meters. QSL via LoTW, ClubLog's OQRS,
or direct to GØTLE.
-[425DXN # 1822 April 4, 2026] (0410-0501)
V7,
MARSHALL IS. Paul, KA4WPX, is currently on Kwajalein
(OC-028) and shows
up on 20m several times a week (0700-0930z) as V7/KA4WPX/p or as V73AX.
The duration of his stay is not known at present.
-[DXNL # 2506 April 15, 2026] (0417-0508)
VE, CANADA.
Mike, VE2XB, is QRV as VYØZOO.
He is active from Tasiujaq/Wakeham Bay until April 25th.
He will then move to Sanikiluaq, Belcher Islands (NA-196) from April 26th to May 4th.
QSL via VE2XB.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 16 April 23, 2026] (0424-0501)
VE, CANADA.
Special callsign VX9P
honors the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Kapyong during April.
QSL via VE9CF, LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2504 April 1, 2026] (0403-0501)
VK9C, COCOS
(KEELING) IS. Mark, VK6BSA, and Deena, VK6DEE, are QRV as VK9BSA and VK9DEE,
respectively, until
May. Activity is in their spare time. QSL VK9BSA via VK6BSA and
VK9DEE via VK6DEE.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 11 March 19, 2026] (0320-0501)
VK9N, NORFOLK I.
Dom, VK2HJ, is regularly QRV as VK9HJ/p
during work assignments. He operates with 100 watts and a vertical
antenna on 20 to 10 meters. QSL via qrz.com.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 16 April 23, 2026] (0424-0515)
VP9,
BERMUDA. Watch for Paul, VP9KF to be active
again from Bermuda (NA-005)
on April 16th-30th.
He will operate CW only on various HF bands. See
https://vp9kf.com
for more information. He does not use LoTW or Club
Log. QSL direct to Paul Evans, 15 Watch Knob Lane, Swannanoa NC 28778,
USA.
-[425DXN # 1823 April 11, 2026] (0410-0501)
XU, CAMBODIA.
Thomas, DL7BO, is active as XU7O
on 160 to 6 meters using FT8. QSL via DL4WK.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 15 April 16, 2026] (0417-0508)
XW, LAOS.
Vincent, XW4KV,
is QRV on 15 meter FT8. Logs are uploaded to LoTW and ClubLog. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS
or F4BKV.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 15 April 16, 2026] (0417-0508)
YI,
IRAQ. Yousif, formerly YI1YJK, now operates as YI1CW on various HF
bands and the QO-100 satellite. QSL via QRZ.COM, or LoTW. No paper QSLs.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 15 April 16, 2026] (0417-0508)
YO,
ROMANIA. Special callsign YP1ZMR by the
Federatia Romana de
Radioamatorism (FRR) celebrates World Amateur Radio Day from April 16th
to 30th. See https://www.qrz.com/db/YP1ZMR
for information about the
award program.
-[425DXN # 1823 April 11, 2026] (0410-0501)
Z6, KOSOVO.
Team Z66SP
(namely SP1D, SP2AS, SP2HQY, SP2R, SP2RBA, and SQ2IHP) will be active
from near Pristina, Kosovo on April
23rd-28th.
They plan to operate CW, SSB and FT8 on 160-10 meters, and to
participate in the SP DX RTTY Contest. Depending on time and local
conditions, they will also be QRV on 6 meters and on QO-100. See https://z66sp.spdxc.org/
for more information. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS
and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1824 April 18, 2026] (0417-0501)
Z8,
SOUTH SUDAN. Diya, YI1DZ, has a renewed (6
months) contract with
the World Food Program and expects to return to Juba next week. Look
for him during his spare time as Z81D
on HF using SSB and FT8. QSL via
OM3JW OQRS.
-[DXNL # 2506 April 15, 2026] (0417-0508)
Propagation
The Weekly Solar Data chart plots Solar Flux Index (SFI), Sunspot number (SSN) and Planetary K-Index (Kp) for the past 8 days. With 8 Planetary K-index readings each day, only the minimum, average and maximum K-index values are plotted. Note: You may click here or on the chart above to see the same data for the past month.
The Daily Solar Flux Index, Sunspot number, Planetary
K-index,
Solar Flux predictions and Solar Flare data used in this bulletin have
been collected by
KØCF from the U.S. Department of Commerce's NOAA
Space Weather Prediction Center.
The propagation graphs above are the creations of KØCF and are unique
in space weather reporting.
Please Note: The graphs are high resolution .PNG files which you may view in greater detail using your browser's "zoom" feature. Alternatively, right click on the graph and select "Open Image in New Tab" to enlarge it, or "Save Image As..." to save it to your computer for further analysis.
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NASA's current view of the Sun at a wave- length of 131 Angstroms. This wavelength shows incredible solar detail. Click here or on the image to view as a full screen 48-hour video loop. It is fascinating! |
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Propagation
Summary
For the 8 day period from Thursday, April 16th through Thursday, April
23rd.
The average solar flux was 111, up 11 points from the previous week,
with a weekly high of 128 on Thursday, April 23rd, following
a low of 105 on April 20th.
The average sunspot count was 55, up 1 from last week,
peaking at 72 on Wednesday, April 22nd after a
weekly low of 35 on April 19th.
The Planetary K-index weekly average was 3.6 with a
maximum of 5.7 on Sunday, April 19th, indicating
a minor geomagnetic storm. The most recent K-index maximum was 3.0 with
generally quiet conditions.
Solar flare activity since April 18th has been high with 11 major
flares, the largest of which was a major X 2.5 event on Friday, April
24th.
Propagation
Data
Major solar flares, Saturday, April 18th through 1621 UTC, April 25th.
| # | Date | UTC | Mag. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Apr 25 | 0759 | M 1.3 |
| 2 | Apr 24 | 1815 | M 6.4 |
| 3 | Apr 24 | 1301 | M 1.7 |
| 4 | Apr 24 | 0907 | M 1.9 |
| 5 | Apr 24 | 0813 | X 2.5 |
| 6 | Apr 24 | 0107 | X 2.4 |
| 7 | Apr 23 | 1708 | M 4.9 |
| 8 | Apr 23 | 1400 | M 1.7 |
| 9 | Apr 23 | 0848 | M 4.3 |
| 10 | Apr 23 | 0459 | M 1.2 |
| 11 | Apr 23 | 0435 | M 1.6 |
(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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 24 | 55% | 10% | 135 |
| Apr 25 | 60% | 15% | 135 |
| Apr 26 | 60% | 15% | 132 |
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 April 20, 2026).
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X-Class Solar Flares Shatter The Quiet (Updated)
The
sun has been quiet for weeks. That ended today with two powerful
X-class solar flares. In quick succession, sunspot 4419 unleashed X2.4
(0107 UT) and X2.5 (0813 UT) explosions. Alerted by the first flare,
Austrian astrophotographer Michael Jaeger caught the second:
Both solar flares caused shortwave radio blackouts on Earth--the
first over the Pacific Ocean near Australia, and the
second
over the Persian Gulf. Anyone using shortwave radios in those areas may
have noticed loss of signal at frequencies below 20 MHz just after the
respective flares.
Both flares also hurled CMEs into
space. First-look NASA models suggest that the two storm clouds will
barely miss Earth, although we can't yet rule out at least one glancing
blow on April 26th. Stay tuned for updates!
(Copyright
© SpaceWeather.com
April 24, 2026. 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida QSO Party | Apr 25 | 1600Z | Apr 26 | 2159Z | Rules |
| 7th Call Area QSO Party | May 2 | 1300Z | May 3 | 0700Z | Rules |
| Indiana QSO Party | May 2 | 1600Z | May 3 | 0400Z | Rules |
| Delaware QSO Party | May 2 | 1700Z | May 3 | 2359Z | Rules |
| New England QSO Party | May 2 | 2000Z | May 3 | 2400Z | Rules |
| CQ-M International DX Contest | May 9 | 1200Z | May 10 | 1159Z | Rules |
| His Maj. King of Spain Contest, CW | May 16 | 1200Z | May 17 | 1200Z | Rules |
| Arkansas QSO Party | May 16 | 1400Z | May 17 | 0200Z | Rules |
| CQ WW WPX Contest, CW | May 30 | 0000Z | May 31 | 2400Z | Rules |
| Atlantic Canada QSO Party | Jun 6 | 1200Z | Jun 7 | 0200Z | Rules |
| Kentucky QSO Party | Jun 6 | 1300Z | Jun 7 | 0100Z | Rules |
| ARRL Inter. Digital Contest | Jun 6 | 1800Z | Jun 7 | 2400Z | Rules |
| ARRL June VHF Contest | Jun 13 | 1800Z | Jun 15 | 0300Z | Rules |
| All Asian DX Contest, CW | Jun 20 | 0000Z | Jun 21 | 2400Z | Rules |
| Stew Perry Topband Challenge | Jun 20 | 1500Z | Jun 21 | 1500Z | Rules |
| ARRL Kids Day | Jun 20 | 1800Z | Jun 20 | 2359Z | Rules |
| ARRL Field Day | Jun 27 | 1800Z | Jun 28 | 2100Z | Rules |
| CQ Worldwide VHF SSB/CW Contest | Jul 4 | 1200Z | Jul 5 | 1200Z | Rules |
| CQ Worldwide VHF Digital Contest | Jul 18 | 1200Z | Jul 19 | 1200Z | Rules |
| RSGB IOTA Contest | Jul 25 | 1200Z | Jul 26 | 1200Z | Rules |
| Alabama QSO Party | Jul 25 | 1500Z | Jul 26 | 0300Z | Rules |