The
Eastern Iowa DX Bulletin
Number
331, June 19, 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 (The online archive is no
longer updated.)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
5H, TANZANIA.
Chas, NK8O, will be QRV as 5H3DX
through July 2nd.
Activity will be on 40 to 6 meters using CW, FT8 and FT4. QSL
information: 5H3DX.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 23 June 11, 2026] (0612-0703)
5R, MADAGASCAR.
Kuni, JO1AEC is active as 5R8EC
from Antananarivo, Madagascar (AF-013) until June 23rd.
He operates CW only on 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters. QSL direct to JO1AEC.
-[425DXN # 1833 June 20, 2026] (0619-0626)
A6, UNITED ARAB
EMIRATES. Members of the Emirates Amateur Radio Society
will be active as A6ØPC
on June 17th-30th.
Also expect activity by A6ØPC/Ø,
A6ØPC/1,
etc. The special callsign's suffix stands for Pledge and Commitment, a
national initiative that brings together UAE citizens and residents to
express their loyalty to the nation, allegiance to its leadership, and
pride in the UAE's development journey and its humanitarian values. QSL
A6ØPC via EA7FTR; see https://www.qrz.com/db/A60PC
for the QSL routes for the various suffix extensions.
-[425DXN # 1832 June 13, 2026] (0612-0703)
C2, NAURU.
Phil, C21TS
is scheduled for a long-term presence, remaining active until June 30th.
QSL via MØOXO's OQRS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 21 May 28, 2026] (0529-0703)
C9, MOZAMBIQUE.
Vasily, R7AL, and Slav, OK8AU, have been QRV as C91RU
from Ressano Garcia since June 1st. Length of stay is unknown. Activity
is on 80 through 10 meters using CW and FT8 when time permits. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 23 June 11, 2026] (0612-0703)
CEØY, EASTER I.
Manu, CE3YMR will be active as 3GØYM
from Easter Island (SA-001) on June
20th-27th.
He will operate SSB and FT8 primarily on 40, 30 and 6 meters, with
activity on 60, 20 and 10 meters depending on local conditions. QSL
direct to CE3YMR.
-[425DXN # 1831 June 6, 2026] (0619-0626)
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] (0424-0710)
D4, CAPE VERDE.
Ger, EC1A will be active holiday style as D44EC from Sao Tiago
(AF-005), Cape Verde on June
17th-24th.
He will be QRV on 40-6 meters from his main QTH in Praia (locator
HK84), hopefully with a side trip to Fogo Island (AF-005) to activate
the locators HK75 and HK74. See https://www.d44ec.ec1a.es/
for updates. QSL via EC1A; QSOs will
be uploaded to ClubLog's OQRS
and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1832 June 13, 2026] (0612-0626)
D4, CAPE VERDE.
Olafur, TF1OL will be active as D4OL
from Boa Vista (AF-086), Cape Verde on June 12th-22nd.
He will operate FT8 and FT4 (probably using MSHV) on 80-6 meters. QSOs
will be uploaded to LoTW and QRZ.
-[425DXN # 1831 June 6, 2026] (0612-0626)
DL, GERMANY.
Special callsign DQ4ØCNP
will be active from June
12th until July 11th
to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power
Plant disaster (April 26, 1986). This activation also shines a light on
a lesser-known piece of history: the GDR (East Germany) radio amateurs
who discreetly used their stations to share information and contribute
to public health protection during the crisis. QSOs will be uploaded to
LoTW, eQSL, DCL (DARC ComCommunity Logbook), QRZ, HRDLog and ClubLog's OQRS,
or QSL direct via DL1EAL.
-[425DXN # 1832 June 13, 2026] (0612-0710)
DL, GERMANY.
Look for DF26FIFA,
DF2Ø26WM
(Weltmeisterschaft, i.e. World Championship), DF2Ø26C, DF2Ø26M and DF2Ø26U to be active
from June 10th to
July 20th
"to celebrate and accompany" the men's football (soccer) world
championship (FIFA World Cup 2026) to be held in Mexico, Canada and the
USA. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW, DCL (DARC Community Logbook), or via DK5ON.
-[425DXN # 1831 June 6, 2026] (0605-0724)
DL,
GERMANY. During June and July, the following special event
stations
(special DOK: 26WRTC) operate around the WRTC contesting event in
England: DL2Ø26W,
DL2Ø26R, DL2Ø26T, DL2Ø26C, DL26WRTC, and DLØWRTC. An
award is also available. For more information see
https://www.qrz.com/db/DL0WRTC.
QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
DK5ON, DCL,
LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2513 June 3, 2026] (0605-0724)
DXCC TOP TWENTY.
Here are the top 20 entities on ClubLog’s "DXCC Most Wanted" list as of
June 18, 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.
YK Syria
6. BS7H Scarborough
Reef 16.
ZL9 New Zealand
Subantarctic Islands
7. 3Y/P Peter 1
Island 17.
FT/T Tromelin Island
8. YVØ Aves
Island
18.
VKØH Heard Island
9. BV9P
Pratas
Island 19.
KH1 Baker Howland Islands
10.
KH4 Midway
Island 20.
FK/C
Chesterfield Islands
For the complete list, see
https://clublog.org/mostwanted.php
-[KØCF June 19, 2026 (0619-0710)
EK, ARMENIA.
Rene, DL2JRM signs EK/DL2JRM
from June 20th to
22nd on CW and SSB. QSL via DL2JRM.
-[DXNL # 2515 June 17, 2026] (0619-0626)
EY, TAJIKISTAN.
The callsigns EY35D
and EY35S
celebrate Tajikistan's independence 35 years ago. QSL via WØVTT.
-[DXNL # 2514 June 10, 2026] (0612-0703)
F, FRANCE.
Marc, F6HQP will be QRV as F6HQP/p
from Ile de Re (EU-032) from June
21st to 26th. Activity is on 40 and 20 meters using SSB,
with 15 and 10 meters a possibility if propagation allows. QSL via F6HQP, LoTW, or
QRZlog.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 24 June 18, 2026] (0619-0626)
F, FRANCE.
The radio club Rambouillet F6KKR (Departement 78, Yvelines) celebrates
its 50th anniversary with the callsign TM5ØKKR. QSL via
LoTW, QRZ.com.
-[DXNL # 2515 June 17, 2026] (0619-0710)
F, FRANCE.
Michel, F8GGZ will be active as TM23CM
(Coupe du Monde) on June
11th-25th during the FIFA World Cup's group stage. QSL via
eQSL.
-[425DXN # 1832 June 13, 2026] (0612-0626)
FK, NEW
CALEDONIA. Herve, F4MER is currently QRV as FK/F4MER. Operations
are scheduled to continue on the HF bands until August 1st.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 22 June 4, 2026] (0605-0731)
FO, FRENCH
POLYNESIA. Didier, F6BCW, plans to return as FO/F6BCW from May 5th until July 20th
from Tikehau (OC-066), this time with an amplifier and improved
antennas. QRV with 100W on 20-10m (CW, SSB). QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2508 April 29, 2026] (0501-0717)
FS,
SAINT MARTIN. John, K9EL will be active again as FS/K9EL from St.
Martin (NA-105) on June
10th-24th. He will operate CW and FT8 on 80-10
meters, but with a focus on 6 meters when the band is open. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS
(preferred), LoTW, or via K9EL.
-[425DXN # 1830 May 30, 2026] (0605-0626)
G, ENGLAND.
The BBC's historic Long Wave (LW) service, broadcast on 198 kHZ from
the Droitwich transmitting station in England and its two Scottish
sister stations (Westerglen and Burghead), will close for good at 0000
UTC on June 27th. For more than 90 years, the service provided a vital
voice that stretched across the entire UK and far into mainland Europe.
To mark the end of an era in British broadcasting, four special
callsigns will be activated between June 21st and 27th:
* GB15ØØM
by members of the RSGB and the BBC Amateur Radio Group
from any of the seven British DXCC
Entities;
* GB198END
by the Moray Firth ARS (Scotland);
* GB198KHZ
by the Stirling and District ARS (Scotland);
* GB198LW
by the Cray Valley Radio Society (England).
Full details are on https://rsgb.org/ (search
for "BBC Long Wave Shutdown"). QSL for all callsigns via MØOXO's OQRS and
LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1829 May 23, 2026] (0619-0626)
HB, SWITZERLAND.
Members of the Radio Amateur Club Swissair (HB9VC) will be active as HB2ØØLF from June 1st until July 31st.
The special callsign commemorates the 200th anniversary of the birth of
Louis Favre, the Swiss engineer who in 1872 contracted to build the
first Gotthard railway tunnel, the longest in the world at that time.
QSOs will be uploaded to LoTW and ClubLog; a certificate will be
available (see https://www.qrz.com/db/HB200LF),
but paper QSL cards will not be provided.
-[425DXN # 1829 May 23, 2026] (0529-0731)
HL, SOUTH KOREA.
A group of operators plans to put Anmyon Island (AS-080) on the air as 6M6M on June 20th to 21st, and 27th
to 29th on 6 meter CW, SSB, and FT8. QSL via DS2GWM.
-[DXNL # 2515 June 17, 2026] (0619-0703)
HP, PANAMA.
Henry, HP1CDW, celebrates his 40 years on the air with the callsign 3E4ØCDW until the
end of November. QSL via LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2513 June 3, 2026] (0605-0626)
I, ITALY.
Franco, IZ5IUY, will be active as IL7/IZ5IUY
from the Tremiti Islands (EU-050) from June 20th to July 9th.
QRV on 40-6m, 2m, and 70cm at 0500z-0630z, 1130z-1300z, and
1700z-2100z. QSL via IZ5IUY, bureau
preferred.
-[DXNL # 2515 June 17, 2026] (0619-0710)
I, ITALY.
Richard, HB9FHV, plans to operate from Elba (EU-028) until June 26th
as IA5/HB9FHV.
QSL via HB9FHV.
-[DXNL # 2515 June 17, 2026] (0619-0626)
I, ITALY.
Celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Italian Republic, II3RITN (ARI
Trento), II9RICT
(ARI Catania), IR2RAOR
(ARI Vigevano), and IR5RTSE
(ARI Toscana Sud Est) will be active on June 1st-28th.
Several other callsigns in the format II#Rxxx or IR#Rxxx are expected
to join this operating event: https://hamaward.cloud/awards.
-[425DXN # 1830 May 30, 2026] (0529-0626)
K, UNITED STATES.
Special event callsigns marking FIFA World Cup match locations are: W4C (Atlanta, GA), W1C (Boston, MA), W5C and W5D (Dallas, TX), W5C and W5H (Houston, TX), KØC (Kansas, MO), W6C (Los Angeles,
CA), K4C
(Miami, FL), W2C
(NY, NJ), WM3PEN
(Philadelphia, PA), W6S
(San Francisco, CA), and W7C
(Seattle, WA).
-[DXNL # 2514 June 10, 2026] (0612-0724)
LU, ARGENTINA.
The Radio Club QRM Belgrano (LU4AAO)
operates around the Argentine Flag Day from June 13th to 21st.
An award is also available, see. https://lu4aao.org/certificados/dia-de-la-bandera-2026
and https://www.qrz.com/db/LU4AAO.
-[DXNL # 2514 June 10, 2026] (0612-0626)
OE, AUSTRIA.
Bernhard, OE6HLF will be active as OE2Ø26WM
(Weltmeisterschaft, i.e. World Championship) on June 16th-28th,
during the FIFA World Cup's group stage featuring the Austrian national
football team. QSL via OE6HLF.
-[425DXN # 1832 June 13, 2026] (0612-0703)
OX, GREENLAND.
Bo, OZ1DJJ will be active again in his spare time as OX3LX from Greenland
as follows:
June
14th-21st Prins Christian Sund (grid GP80KB) on
Sammisoq/Christian IV Island
(NA-151)
June
22nd-24th Gander VHF site (grid GO79QX, NA-018)
While focusing on 6 and 4 meters, he will also be QRV on the HF bands.
QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW, or via OZØJ.
-[425DXN # 1831 June 6, 2026] (0612-0626)
P2,
PAPUA NEW GUINEA. Robin Xu, BG5DON, is back on the air as P29XZ. He is
limited to spare time hours, concentrates on 20 and 10m (FT8) with 10W.
QSL via BG5DON, eQSL.
-[DXNL # 2513 June 3, 2026] (0605-0626)
PJ2, CURACAO.
Frank, PH2M will be active holiday style as PJ2/PH2M from
Curacao (SA-099) on June
12th-29th. He will operate mainly FT8, plus some FT4 and
SSB, on various bands. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW, or via PH2M.
-[425DXN # 1831 June 6, 2026] (0612-0703)
SP, POLAND.
Special callsigns 3Z1ØØLKK,
HF1ØØLKK, SN1ØØLKK, SO1ØØLKK, SPØLKK, SP1ØØLKK and SQ1ØØLKK celebrate
the 100th anniversary of the Lviv Shortwave Club, founded in 1926 as
Lwowski Klub Krotkofalowcow (LKK), from June 18th to December 31st.
"The cradle of Polish Amateur Radio", LKK was one of the largest clubs
in Europe before World War II. See https://radiodyplom.pl/ses/282
for the commemorative certificate.
-[425DXN # 1833 June 20, 2026] (0619-0710)
T8, PALAU.
Nobu, JAØJHQ will be active as T88PB
from Koror (OC-009), Palau on June
19th-22nd, with main activity during the All Asian DX CW
Contest (June 20th-21st). QSL via LoTW (preferred) or direct to JAØJHQ.
-[425DXN # 1832 June 13, 2026] (0619-0626)
TJ, CAMEROON.
Darek, TJ1GD (aka TL8GD, TN8GD and TT1GD) is once again active as TJ1GD/p from
Mondoleh Island (AF-095), Cameroon until July 15th.
See https://www.qrz.com/db/TJ1GD/P
for QSL instructions.
-[425DXN # 1833 June 20, 2026] (0619-0717)
V4, ST. KITTS
& NEVIS. >>>CANCELLED<<<
John, W5JON, will QRV as V47JA from St. Kitts
(NA-104) from June
11th through June 22nd. Activity will be on various bands
using SSB and FT8. QSL via LoTW or direct to V47JA.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 23 June 11, 2026] (0612-0626)
V7, MARSHALL IS.
John, WA4IYB, is currently on Kwajalein (OC-028), stays for up to one
year, and operates as V73RJ
during his spare time. QRV on 40-10m (SSB only). QSL via LoTW, eQSL.
-[DXNL # 2514 June 10, 2026] (0612-0703)
VE, CANADA.
Pierre, VK3KTB will be active again as VYØERC from the
Eureka Amateur Radio Club station on Ellesmere Island (NA-008) from the
last week of June until
July 22nd.
Usually he operates SSB, CW and FT8 on various bands when time permits.
While enroute to Ellesmere Island, he was briefly active as VE3KTB/VYØ
from Resolute Bay on Cornwallis Island (NA-009). QSLs via MØOXO's OQRS and
LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1833 June 20, 2026] (0619-0724)
VE, CANADA.
Gabor, VE7JH, signs VB7F
during the FIFA World Cup (June
11th to July 19th). Another Canadian special event
callsign will be VC3F.
QSL via direct, bureau, ClubLog's OQRS,
eQSL.
-[DXNL # 2514 June 10, 2026] (0612-0724)
VE,
CANADA. Special callsign VC7BBD, operated by
Lhtako Dene Nation,
operates around the 50th Billy Barker Days during June and July.
-[DXNL # 2513 June 3, 2026] (0605-0724)
VP5, TURKS
& CAICOS. Nobby, GØJVG will be QRV as VP5G from June 17th to 30th.
Activity is on HF and 6 meters using CW, SSB, and FT4/8. QSL via K3TEJ.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 24 June 18, 2026] (0619-0703)
VU, INDIA.
To mark the 90th anniversary of Akashvani, Manmohan, VU3YBH, will
operate special event station AT9ØVANI
from Bhopal from May
25th to August 16th. Operation will be on 20, 15, 12, and
10 meters using SSB and FT8.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 20 May 21, 2026] (0522-0626)
XE, MEXICO.
XE1AF, Fernandez Rodriguez Angel, announces that the following special
event callsigns from Mexico will be active around the FIFA World Cup: 4A1CMX (Mexico
City), 4A1GDL
(Guadalajara), 4A1MTY
(Monterrey).
-[DXNL # 2514 June 10, 2026] (0612-0724)
ZB, GIBRALTAR.
Watch for ZB2FTY,
who celebrates 50 years of Amateur Radio on Gibraltar during 2026. QSL
direct via ZB2BU.
-[DXNL # 2514 June 10, 2026] (0612-0703)
ZD7, ST. HELENA.
Bruce, ZD7VC, is now using the callsign ZD7ZD. He is active
mostly on on SSB on 20-10m. QSL via ZD7ZD.
-[DXNL # 2515 June 17, 2026] (0619-0710)
ZL, NEW ZEALAND.
The New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters (NZART) was founded
on August 16, 1926. To celebrate their centenary, NZART members are
encouraged to use the ZM
prefix during 2026; in addition, individual operators and NZART
branches can apply to use special ZL1ØØ
callsigns (e.g. ZL1ØØAA,
ZL1ØØAM, ZL1ØØC, ZL1ØØMVL, ZL1ØØTUX). QSOs made
with ZL1ØØ stations from June
1st until August 31st count towards the ZL1ØØ Award: https://nzart.org.nz/centenary/.
-[425DXN # 1833 June 20, 2026] (0619-0710)
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.
|
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! |
 |
Propagation
Summary
For the 8 day period from Thursday, June 11th through Thursday, June
18th.
The average solar flux was 119, down 14 points from the previous week,
with a weekly high of 128 on Sunday, June 14th, followed by
a low of 111 on June 18th.
The average sunspot count was 66, down by 54 from last week,
peaking at 113 on Friday, June 12th followed by a
weekly low of 41 on June 13th.
The Planetary K-index weekly average was 3.0 with a
maximum of 5.0 on Thursday, June 11th, indicating
a minor geomagnetic storm. The most recent K-index maximum was 2.7 with
generally quiet conditions.
Solar flare activity since June 13th has been quiet with only 2
major flares, the largest of which was an M 1.3 event on Saturday, June
20th.
Propagation
Data
Major solar flares, Saturday, June 13th through 1711 UTC, June 20th.
| # | Date | UTC | Mag. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jun 20 | 1500 | M 1.1 |
| 2 | Jun 20 | 0151 | M 1.3 |
(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 19 | 15% | 1% | 112 |
| Jun 20 | 15% | 1% | 118 |
| Jun 21 | 15% | 1% | 118 |
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 15, 2026).
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|
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Seasons Will Change
This Weekend
Sunday,
June 21st, is the northern summer solstice. It will be the longest day
of the year for the Northern Hemisphere, and the official start of
summer. The situation is reversed in the south: short days and winter.
Either way, happy solstice!
(Copyright
© SpaceWeather.com
June 19, 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| IARU HF World Championship | Jul 11 | 1200Z | Jul 12 | 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 |
| North American QSO Party, CW | Aug 1 | 1800Z | Aug 2 | 0600Z | Rules |
| WAE DX Contest, CW | Aug 8 | 0000Z | Aug 9 | 2359Z | Rules |
| Maryland-DC QSO Party | Aug 8 | 1400Z | Aug 9 | 0400Z | Rules |
| North American QSO Party, SSB | Aug 15 | 1800Z | Aug 16 | 0600Z | Rules |
| NJQRP Skeeter Hunt | Aug 16 | 1700Z | Aug 16 | 2100Z | Rules |
| ARRL Rookie Roundup, RTTY | Aug 16 | 1800Z | Aug 16 | 2359Z | Rules |
| Hawaii QSO Party | Aug 22 | 0400Z | Aug 24 | 0400Z | Rules |
| YO DX HF Contest | Aug 22 | 1200Z | Aug 23 | 1200Z | Rules |
| Ohio QSO Party | Aug 22 | 1600Z | Aug 23 | 0400Z | Rules |
| All Asian DX Contest, Phone | Sep 5 | 0000Z | Sep 6 | 2400Z | Rules |
| CWOps CW Open | Sep 5 | 0000Z | Sep 5 | 2359Z | Rules |
| Tennessee QSO Party | Sep 6 | 1700Z | Sep 7 | 0300Z | Rules |
| MI QRP Labor Day CW Sprint | Sep 7 | 2300Z | Sep 8 | 0300Z | Rules |
| WAE DX Contest, SSB | Sep 12 | 0000Z | Sep 13 | 2359Z | Rules |
| Colorado QSO Party | Sep 12 | 1400Z | Sep 19 | 0359Z | Rules |
| ARRL September VHF Contest | Sep 12 | 1800Z | Sep 14 | 0300Z | Rules |
| North American Sprint, CW | Sep 13 | 0000Z | Sep 13 | 0359Z | Rules |
| Scandinavian Activity Contest, CW | Sep 19 | 1200Z | Sep 20 | 1200Z | Rules |
| Texas QSO Party | Sep 19 | 1400Z | Sep 20 | 2000Z | Rules |
| New Jersey QSO Party | Sep 19 | 1400Z | Sep 20 | 0159Z | Rules |
| Iowa QSO Party | Sep 19 | 1400Z | Sep 20 | 0200Z | Rules |
| New Hampshire QSO Party | Sep 19 | 1600Z | Sep 20 | 2200Z | Rules |
| Washington State Salmon Run | Sep 19 | 1600Z | Sep 20 | 2400Z | Rules |
| Wisconsin Parks on the Air | Sep 19 | 1600Z | Sep 19 | 2300Z | Rules |
| North American Sprint, RTTY | Sep 20 | 0000Z | Sep 20 | 0359Z | Rules |