The
Eastern Iowa DX Bulletin
Number
218, April 19, 2024
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
3D2, FIJI. Dom,
3Z9DX, QRV as 3D2AJT
went QRT earlier than planned, on April 17th, as the Rebel DX Group is
preparing a second operation from Conway Reef, which is expected to
start soon under the callsign 3D2CCC. This will be a 2-man activity on
160-6 meters SSB (one station), CW (two stations) and FT8/FT4 (twelve
stations). Bookmark https://www.facebook.com/rebeldxgroup/.
QSL via ClubLog's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1720 April 20, 2024] (0419-0426)
3W, VIET NAM.
Alex, KU1CW is QRV as 3W9A
and has been active on 15 meters using FT8 around 1800z. QSL to KU1CW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 15 April 11, 2024] (0412-0503)
3Y, BOUVET.
Ken, LA7GIA, has announced that 3YØK
currently no longer accepts donations as they still have not met their
target budget and need to review their financial situation.
-[DXNL # 2402 April 17, 2024] (0419-0426)
6Y, JAMAICA.
Akira, JA7FYF, continues to operate as 6Y/AC6XT from
Kingston until April
26th.
-[DXNL # 2402 April 17, 2024] (0419-0426)
7Q, MALAWI.
Don, K6ZO, and Bill, KC4D, continue to operate as 7Q6M and 7Q7WW respectively until May. For
QSL information see 7Q6M and 7Q7WW on
qrz.com.
-[DXNL # 2401 April 10, 2024] (0412-0503)
9H, MALTA. Special callsign 9H6HE is being used by the Malta
Amateur Radio League (9H1MRL) to celebrate the swearing in of Dr.
Myriam Spiteri Debono as Malta's 11th President. Look for activity from
April 15th to May 31st, on 40, 20, 15 and 10 meters SSB, CW and digital
modes. Paper QSL cards will not be available; QSL via LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1720 April 20, 2024] (0419-0531)
A5, BHUTAN.
Janusz, SP9FIH, and Leszek, SP6CIK, sign A52P and A52CI respectively
from April 19th to
May 4th. QRV from 3000m ASL on 40-6m (CW, SSB, digital
modes). For more information see: https://a5.dxpeditions.org/.
QSL for A52P via ClubLog's OQRS;
A52CI via SP6CIK or ClubLog's OQRS.
-[DXNL # 2402 April 17, 2024] (0419-0503)
A6, UNITED ARAB
EMIRATES. In recognition of World Amateur Radio Day, the
Emirates Amateur Radio Society will operate special callsign A6ØWARD from April 15th to 24th.
Also expect activity by A6ØWARD/Ø,
A6ØWARD/1,
etc. QSL A6ØWARD via EA7FTR. See https://www.qrz.com/db/A60WARD
for the QSL routes for the various suffix extensions.
-[425DXN # 1718 April 6, 2024] (0412-0426)
CEØY, EASTER I.
Ben DL6FBL, Win DK9IP and Lutz DM6EE will be active as 3GØYA from April 18th to May 6th
on their DXpedition to Easter Island (SA-001). They will operate SSB,
FT8 and CW on 160-6 meters. More information can be found on https://www.qrz.com/db/3G0YA.
QSL via ClubLog's OQRS
(preferred), or via DJ4MX.
-[425DXN # 1720 April 20, 2024] (0419-0510)
CEØY, EASTER
ISLAND. A group of operators are QRV as 3GØYA until May 6th.
Activity is on 160 to 6 meters using CW, SSB, and FT8. QSL via DJ4MX.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 16 April 18, 2024] (0419-0510)
CE9, ANTARCTICA.
Igor, RQ8K is QRV as RI1ANE
from the Base Progress, IOTA AN-016, until May 2025.
Activity is in his spare time. QSL via RN3RQ.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 16 April 18, 2024] (0419-0510)
CN, MOROCCO.
Special callsign CN99HR
marks World Amateur Radio Day and the 99th anniversary of IARU until April 21st.
QSL direct via CN8RAH.
-[DXNL # 2402 April 17, 2024] (0419-0426)
CT, PORTUGAL.
Special callsign CR5ØY
celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Carnation Revolution (April 25,
1974), which resulted in the Portuguese transition to democracy. Look
for activity to take place on various bands and modes on April 19th-25th.
A certificate will be available, see CR5ØY on
qrz.com for information. QSL via CT1REP.
-[425DXN # 1717 March 30, 2024] (0419-0426)
DL, GERMANY.
Celebrating World Amateur Radio Day, DARC special event
callsign DA24WARD
will be
active on April
1st-30th. All QSOs will be confirmed automatically via the
bureau; direct cards via DL2VFR.
-[425DXN # 1717 March 30, 2024] (0329-0503)
DL, GERMANY.
The special event callsign DAØRC
will be active around the FunkTag 2024 exhibition. QRV until April 27th
with the special DOK FTK24. Sending a card is not necessary, as there
will be an automatic bureau service and confirmations via the DARC's
DCL system. Direct cards go only via DL2VFR.
-[DXNL # 2396 March 6, 2024] (0308-0426)
DL, GERMANY.
DARC Team SES will be active as DL75AFUG,
DL75AFUV and
DP75AFUG
from March 1st until
April 30th
to mark the 75th anniversary of the first Amateurfunkgesetz (AfuG), the
German amateur radio regulations that came into force on March 23,
1949. A certificate will be available, see https://www.qrz.com/db/DP75AFUG
for information. QSL automatically via the bureau, or direct to DL2VFR.
-[425DXN # 1713 March 2, 2024] (0301-0426)
DXCC TOP TWENTY.
Here are the top 20 entities on ClubLog’s "DXCC Most Wanted" list as of
April 19, 2024:
1. P5 DPRK (North
Korea) 11. 3Y/B Bouvet Island
2. BS7H Scarborough
Reef 12.
ZS8 Prince Edward & Marion Islands
3. CEØX San Felix
Islands 13. KH4
Midway Island
4. BV9P Pratas
Island 14.
VKØM Macquarie Island
5. KH7K Kure
Island
15.
PYØS Saint Peter And Paul Rocks
6. KH3 Johnston
Island 16.
KP5 Desecheo Island
7. FT/G Glorioso
Island 17.
VPØS South Sandwich Islands
8. 3Y/P Peter 1
Island 18.
KH5 Palmyra & Jarvis Islands
9. FT5/X Kerguelen
Island 19.
ZL9 New Zealand Subantarctic Islands
10. YVØ Aves
Island
20.
FK/C Chesterfield Islands
For
the complete
list, see https://clublog.org/mostwanted.php
-[KØCF April 19, 2024] (0419-0503)
E6, NIUE.
Gavin, ZL3GAV will be QRV as E6SP
from April 16th to
28th.
Activity will be holiday style on 160 to 6 meters using SSB, SSTV, FT8,
and FT4 in DXpedition mode, with the possibility of CW and RTTY. QSL
via LoTW (preferred), or direct to EA5GL.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 15 April 11, 2024] (0412-0503)
EA, SPAIN.
The Union de Radioaficionados Espanoles, Spain's IARU member society,
was founded on April 1, 1949. Celebrating URE's 75th anniversary, a
month-long activity will take place from April 1st to 30th.
Look for
AO75URE and 18 other special stations representing the Autonomous
Communities and Autonomous Cities of the country:
AO75AN
Andalucia
AO75GA
Galicia
AO75AR
Aragon
AO75IB Islas Baleares, EA6
AO75CA
Cantabria AO75IC Islas Canarias, EA8
AO75CL
Castilla y Leon
AO75LR
La Rioja
AO75CM
Castilla-La
Mancha
AO75MA
Madrid
AO75CT
Cataluna AO75MC
Melilla and Ceuta, EA9
AO75CV
Comunidad Valenciana
AO75MU Murcia
AO75EU
Euskadi i.e. Basque Country AO75NA Navarra
AO75EX
Extremadura AO75PA
Principado de Asturias
In addition, CQ75URE
will be active from Portugal. A large number of awards will be
available: see https://75aniversario.ure.es
for detailed information, log search and OQRS (to be activated after
April 30).
-[425DXN # 1716 March 23, 2024] (0329-0503)
ER, MOLDOVA.
Special callsign ER3ØARM
celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Amateur Radio Society of Moldova
(ER1KAA). Look for activity from March 20th to April 30th. QSL via the
bureau, direct to ER3ØARM, and
LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1716 March 23, 2024] (0322-0503)
F, FRANCE.
Dominique, F5PTI will be active as TM5ØØNA
on April 14th-28th
to memorialize the 500th anniversary since the first European explorer,
Giovanni da Verrazzano, visited nowadays New York City area and named
it New Angouleme. QSL via F5PTI.
-[425DXN # 1718 April 6, 2024] (0412-0503)
F, FRANCE.
Special callsign TM83JO
will be active for fifteen days from April 16th, when
the Olympic flame is lit in Greece, until July 26th,
when the flame ends its journey by lighting the Olympic cauldron at the
Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony of. Look for activity on 80-6 meters SSB,
CW and digital modes, as well as via QO-100. QSL via the bureau, LoTW,
eQSL.
-[425DXN # 1718 April 6, 2024] (0412-0728)
FO/A, AUSTRAL I.
Jeff, K5WE and Craig, W5CCP will be active as TX7W from Raivavae
(OC-114), Austral Islands on April
16th-30th.
They will operate mainly CW and FT8 (multi stream mode, not F/H), with
some SSB, RTTY and FT4, on 160-6 meters. Depending upon a reliable
Internet connection, logs will be uploaded to ClubLog daily, and
ClubLog's Livestream will be enabled. See https://k5we.com/tx7w/
for more information and updates. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS
(preferred), LoTW, or direct to K5WE.
-[425DXN # 1711 February 17, 2024] (0412-0503)
FY, FRENCH
GUIANA. Operators at club station FY5KE are QRV as TO6ØCSG each weekend
in April, May, and June to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Guiana
Space Centre. See detailed information at TO6ØCSG.
QSL direct to FY5KE.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 14 April 4, 2024] (0405-0630)
G, ENGLAND.
The Wessex DX Group will be active as GBØWED on April 20th – 27th
for Earth Day, the global event held annually on April 22nd to
demonstrate support for environmental protection. QSL via eQSL.
-[425DXN # 1720 April 20, 2024] (0419-0426)
GM, SCOTLAND.
A group of operators will activate GBØSIC
from the Isle of Coll (EU-008) from April 15th to 20th.
QSL via GØAZE, OQRS.
-[DXNL # 2402 April 17, 2024] (0419-0426)
H4, SOLOMON IS.
Bernhard, DL2GAC will be active again as H44MS
from
Malaita (OC-047), Solomon Islands from around February 10th until April
25th. He will be QRV daily, with activity on 160-6 meters
SSB and some
FT8. He will upload his log to
ClubLog and LoTW. QSL via DL2GAC, direct
or bureau.
-[425DXN # 1707 January 20, 2024] (0209-0426)
HB, SWITZERLAND.
Celebrating the 150th anniversary of the birth of Guglielmo Marconi,
members of the USKA's Valais/Wallis Section will be active as HB15ØGM between April and December.
QSL via the bureau to HB9Y.
-[425DXN # 1719 April 13, 2024] (0412-0503)
HI, DOMINICAN
REPUBLIC. Special callsign HI18ØRD
celebrates the 180th anniversary since the Dominican Republic declared
its independence from Haiti (February 27, 1844). Look for activity on
all bands and modes beginning February
27th until April 30th. Some 25 operators from five radio
clubs will be part of the event. A certificate will be available, see https://independencia2024.org/
for information.
-[425DXN # 1713 March 2, 2024] (0301-0503)
HR, HONDURAS.
K6VHF signs HR9/K6VHF
from Roatan Island (NA-057) from April 23rd to 30th
on 160-6m, including 60m. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2402 April 17, 2024] (0419-0503)
HR, HONDURAS.
John, AD8J will be QRV as HR9/AD8J
from Roatan, IOTA NA-057, beginning
April 14th. Activity will be on 80 to 6 meters using CW,
FT8, FT4, and possibly SSB. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 15 April 11, 2024] (0412-0503)
I, ITALY.
Celebrating the 150th anniversary of the birth of Guglielmo Marconi,
special station II5OX
will be active on April
20th (0700-1500 UTC)
from the Ximenian Observatory in Florence. A radiotelegraphic station,
which was visited by Marconi, was set up at the observatory as early as
1912. QSL via IW5DPF, direct
or bureau.
-[425DXN # 1719 April 13, 2024] (0419-0426)
I, ITALY.
Claudio, IU6RVC and Marcello, IW6PLZ will be active as IL7/IU6RVC and IL7/IW6PLZ from San
Domino Island (EU-050) on April
19th-21st. QSL direct to IU6RVC.
-[425DXN # 1719 April 13, 2024] (0419-0426)
I, ITALY.
Special callsign II1GM
will be used on April
1st-30th to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth
of Guglielmo Marconi. Various operators will be QRV from different call
areas (e.g. II1GM/1,
II1GM/2, II1GM/ISØ, II1GM/IT9, etc.).
See https://www.qrz.com/db/II1GM
for more information. QSL via eQSL, or direct to IK1VHX.
-[425DXN # 1717 March 30, 2024] (0329-0503)
I, ITALY.
Celebrating the 150th anniversary of the birth of Guglielmo Marconi,
members of ARI Montegrappa (IQ3RP) will be active as II3GM from April 15th to May 15th.
QSL via operator's instructions.
-[425DXN # 1719 April 13, 2024] (0412-0517)
I,
ITALY. Members of ARI Venezia (IQ3VE) will be active as IR3POLO from
April 1st to June 30th.
The special callsign commemorates the 700th
anniversary since the death of Marco Polo, the Venetian merchant and
explorer who travelled through Asia along the Silk Road (1271-1295).
All QSOs will be confirmed automatically via the bureau.
-[425DXN # 1716 March 23, 2024] (0329-0630)
I,
ITALY. Special callsign II4CLM will be
active on April
1st-30th in
celebration of the 150th anniversary of the birth of Guglielmo Marconi.
Joining the celebrations will be IY4FGM
(the amateur radio station at
the Guglielmo Marconi Foundation) and the club stations of the 17 ARI
branches in the Emilia-Romagna region (namely IQ4AD, IQ4AX, IQ4BQ,
IQ4DJ, IQ4FA, IQ4FC, IQ4FD, IQ4FE, IQ4FH, IQ4FJ, IQ4HI, IQ4LH, IQ4PI,
IQ4RA, IQ4RE, IQ4RN and IQ4SC). Further
information, including real
time log search, can be found on https://www.150marconi.org/.
QSL via
the bureau.
-[425DXN # 1715 March 16, 2024] (0329-0503)
I, ITALY.
Members of ARI Sondrio (IQ2UL) will operate special event station II2AUT from March 25th to May 7th
for the World Autism Awareness Day. Back in 2007 the United Nations
General Assembly declared April 2nd as World Autism Awareness Day to
highlight the need to help improve the quality of life of autistic
individuals so they can lead full and meaningful lives as an integral
part of society. QSOs will be uploaded to ClubLog. QSL via the bureau
and eQSL.
-[425DXN # 1715 March 16, 2024] (0322-0510)
JA, JAPAN.
Take, JI3DST will be active again from the Miyako Islands (AS-079) from
April 24th to June
26th. Callsigns to be used are JS6RRR, JS6RRR/6, JI3DST/6, JJ5RBH/6 and JR8YLY/6 on SSB and
CW, as well as JS6RRR/p,
JI3DST/p, JJ5RBH/p and JR8YLY/p on FT8/FT4.
QSOs will be made available for ClubLog and LoTW Matching on the IOTA
website.
-[425DXN # 1720 April 20, 2024] (0419-0630)
JD1/M, MINAMI
TORISHIMA. Koutarou, JP1IHD, is going to put Chichijima
(OC-073) on the air as JD1BQP
from April 22nd
until May 3rd. QSL via JD1BQP.
-[DXNL # 2402 April 17, 2024] (0419-0503)
JD1/O, OGASAWARA.
Harry, JG7PSJ will be active again as JD1BMH from
Chichijima (AS-031) Ogasawara from April 22nd to May 4th.
He will operate CW, SSB and RTTY on 40-10 meters. Log search on http://jg7psj.starfree.jp/jd1bmh/.
He does not use LoTW or PayPal. QSL via the bureau to JD1BMH, or direct
to JG7PSJ.
-[425DXN # 1718 April 6, 2024] (0419-0503)
JD1/O, OGASAWARA.
Kou, JP1IHD will be active again as JD1BQP
from Chichijima (AS-031) Ogasawara from April 22nd to May 3rd.
He plans to operate SSB on 15-6 meters. He will upload his log to LoTW
and ClubLog. QSL via the bureau to JD1BQP, or direct to JP1IHD.
-[425DXN # 1718 April 6, 2024] (0419-0503)
JW, SVALBARD.
Kaare, LA8EKA will be active as JW8EKA
from the Svalbard Amatorradioklubb in Longyearbyen (EU-026) on April 18th-21st.
He will operate SSB and digital modes (FT8, PSK31, RTTY) on 80-10m. QSL
direct to LA8EKA.
-[425DXN # 1719 April 13, 2024] (0412-0426)
KH9, WAKE I.
Tom, NL7RR is QRV as KH9/NL7RR
until May 15th.
Activity is generally on 20 meters using SSB around 0700z. QSL direct
to NL7RR.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 16 April 18, 2024] (0419-0517)
KHØ, MARIANA IS.
JA6VQA, as WHØB, along with JA6REX and JH6HZH will be QRV from April
25th to 30th, using mainly FT8 and FT4 with some CW and SSB, on 160 to
6 meters. Listen for them as WHØB,
KHØ/JA6REX
and KHØ/W6HZH,
respectively. QSL WHØB via LoTW, eQSL and direct to JA6VQA. QSL
KHØ/JA6REX and KHØ/W6HZH via LoTW, eQSL and ClubLog's OQRS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 11 March 14, 2024] (0419-0503)
OE, AUSTRIA.
In celebration of the 150th anniversary of the birth of Guglielmo
Marconi (April 25, 1874), Enrico, OE7AFT (IZ4AFL) will be active as OE15ØGM on April 19th-28th.
He will operate CW only. QSL via LoTW, or direct to OE7AFT (SASE
or USD/EUR not required).
-[425DXN # 1718 April 6, 2024] (0419-0503)
OK,
CZECH REPUBLIC. In celebration of World Amateur Radio Day
(April 18th),
Martin, OK1RR and Slavek, OK1TN will be active as OL1WARD on April
1st-30th. They will operate CW only on the HF bands. QSL
via LoTW;
paper cards will not be available.
-[425DXN # 1715 March 16, 2024] (0329-0503)
ON, BELGIUM.
Special event station OT2Ø24EPIC
is QRV until May 19th
to promote the seventh edition of the Antwerp Port Epic cycling race.
QSL via operators' instructions.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 16 April 18, 2024] (0419-0517)
ON,
BELGIUM. Special event stations OR24WARD and OP24WARD will be
active on
all bands and modes on April
1st-30th in celebration of World Amateur
Radio Day (April 18th). A certificate will be available, see
https://www.uba.be/en/hf/awards/uba-awards.
QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
or
via eQSL.
-[425DXN # 1715 March 16, 2024] (0329-0503)
P4, ARUBA.
Peter, K1AV, is currently active as P4/K1AV
from Ariok National Park (AW-0001). He remains on the air until April 24th.
QSL via K1AV.
-[DXNL # 2402 April 17, 2024] (0419-0426)
PA, NETHERLANDS.
To mark the 75th anniversary of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization
(April 4, 1949), special event stations PA75OTAN and PA75NATO will be
active on April
1st-19th and April
20th-21st, respectively. A certificate will be available,
see https://www.qrz.com/db/PA75NATO
for information. QSLs via ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW, eQSL, or via the bureau.
Additionally, during the weekend of April 20th-21st,
several other special stations are expected to be QRV from various Cold
War locations in the Netherlands: PA6KLD,
PA75BBGB, PA75GOLF, PA75HS, PA75KLE, PA75KOC, PA75NAVO, PA75NN, PA75NSG, PA75PARE, PA75PBV, PA75YP, PC75NAVO, PD75SAS, PE75NATO, PG75NAVO and PH75NATO. (https://pa60cuba.nl/pa75navo-zendstations/).
-[425DXN # 1717 March 30, 2024] (0329-0426)
PJ4, BONAIRE.
TJ, PE1OJR will be QRV as PJ4TB
from April 13th to
28th. Activity will be on 40 to 6 meters using SSB, FT8,
and FT4. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 15 April 11, 2024] (0412-0503)
SV, GREECE.
Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Second Hellenic Republic,
several operators will be active as SX1ØØD
from April 13th to
21st. Look for activity on 160-2 meters SSB, CW and
digital modes. A certificate will be available for download on https://sv2rck.gr/SX100D/.
QSL via LoTW, eQSL, ClubLog's OQRS,
or direct to SV2GWY.
-[425DXN # 1718 April 6, 2024] (0412-0426)
SV, GREECE.
Special callsign SZØWARD
celebrates World Amateur Radio Day by the Radio Amateur Association of
Greece on April
15th-30th. Look for activity on all bands SSB, CW and
digital modes. See https://sv2rck.gr/SZ0WARD
for the certificate. QSL via the bureau and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1717 March 30, 2024] (0412-0503)
T5, SOMALIA.
Alex, IT9HRK is QRV as T5/IT9HRK
from Mogadishu. Activity is on 80 to 10 meters using all modes. His length of stay is unknown.
QSL via operators' instructions.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 14 April 4, 2024] (0405-0426)
TA, TURKEY.
In celebration of World Amateur Radio Day, members of TRAC Izmir will
be active as TC3WRD
from April 1st to
30th. A certificate will be available, see https://tadx.org/awards.
QSL via LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1717 March 30, 2024] (0329-0503)
TI, COSTA RICA.
Reiner, DL2AAZ, operates holiday-style from April 5th to 20th
as TI2/DL2AAAZ
on 40-10m (CW, SSB). QSL via DL2AAZ.
-[DXNL # 2400 April 3, 2024] (0405-0426)
TT, CHAD.
Six operators of the Italian DXpedition Team (Franco I1FQH, Alfeo
I1HJT, Tony I2PJA, Silvano I2YSB, Angelo IK2CKR and Stefano IK2HKT)
will be active as TT8RR
(SSB, CW and RTTY), TT8XX (FT8) and TT8TT
(callsign for QSOs via QO-100) from Chad on April 17th-30th.
They will run four stations on 80-6 meters, plus one station dedicated
to satellite. Operations will start on FT8 (F/H at first, and normal
mode on standard frequencies when the pileup decreases), other modes
will follow. The hottest period of the year approaches (temperatures
expected to reach 43 degrees Celsius in the shade) and the team has
already taken measures by procuring an additional backup power
generator, as the on-site generator will not be able to run 24/7. See http://www.i2ysb.com/idt/
for more information, band plan and OQRS for direct cards included. QSL
via I2YSB.
-[425DXN # 1719 April 13, 2024] (0412-0503)
V5, NAMIBIA.
Gunter, DK2WH is QRV as V51WH
near Omaruru until
April 30th. Activity is on 160 to 10 meters. QSL to DK2WH.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 15 April 11, 2024] (0412-0503)
V6, MICRONESIA.
Kevin, N4DVR is QRV as V6DVR
from Chuuk, IOTA OC-011, until
April 20th. Activity is on 20 to 10 meters using SSB. QSL
via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 16 April 18, 2024] (0419-0426)
VE, CANADA.
Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force, from
April 1st to 30th
amateur radio operators across Canada will be operating special event
stations with special callsigns such as VC3RCAF and VE3RCAF (Ontario), VC9RCAF and VE9RCAF (New
Brunswick), VE2RCAF
(Quebec), VE5RCAF
(Saskatchewan), VE6RCAF
(Alberta), VE7RCAF
(British Columbia), VO1RCAF
(Newfoundland), VY2RCAF
(Prince Edward Island). QSL via operators' instructions.
-[425DXN # 1717 March 30, 2024] (0329-0503)
VK, AUSTRALIA.
A team of six Australians (Chris VK5FR, Adam VK5GA/VK2YK, Grant VK5GR,
Ivan VK5HS, Andy VK5LA and Paul VK5PAS) will be active as VK5FIL from Flinders
Island (OC-261) on April
14th-21st.
This IOTA group has not been activated since 2013. They will operate
all modes from 160m to 70cm, including both terrestrial and satellite
modes. QSL via MØOXO's OQRS.
Bookmark https://www.vk5fil.com/
for more information and updates.
-[425DXN # 1707 January 20, 2024] (0412-0426)
VU, INDIA.
Jose, VU2JOS is QRV as AT24JOS
until April 22nd
to celebrate World Amateur Radio Day. QSL to VU2JOS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 16 April 18, 2024] (0419-0426)
VU7, LAKSHADWEEP
IS. Santhilal, VU3OQK, reports that he is planning to be
active as VU7LAL
from Lakshadweep Islands (Agatti & Kavarathi) towards the end of April through the
first weekend of May. He will be on 40, 20 and 10 meters
from both islands. QSL via VU3OQK.
-[Tnx KØJGH April 13, 2024] (0419-0510
XE, MEXICO.
Jose Manuel, XF3AB,
resides on Carmen Island (NA-135) and is active most nights on 40m and
during weekends on 10m (SSB). QSL via EA5GL.
-[DXNL # 2400 April 3, 2024] (0405-0426)
XW, LAOS.
Vincent, XW4KV
is QRV from Vang Vieng until
June 1st. Lately he has been active on 15 meters using FT8
around 1100z. QSL via F4BKV.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 12 March 21, 2024] (0322-0602)
XX9, MACAO.
Wai, XX9CM
is usually active on 17 meters using SSB around 1430 to 1900z. QSL
direct to XX9CM.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 16 April 18, 2024] (0419-0510)
YB, INDONESIA.
Special callsigns 8A145RA,
8A145KAR, 8A145TI and 8A145NI will be
active on April 20th
– 22nd commemorating the 145th anniversary since the birth
of Raden Adjeng Kartini (1879-1904). Look for activity on the five
classic bands SSB. R.A. Kartini was an activist who advocated for
women's rights and female education; in 1964 she was awarded the title
of National Hero of Indonesia. See https://award.orari.or.id/
for the certificates that will be available. QSL via LoTW, eQSL, ClubLog's OQRS,
or via N2OO.
-[425DXN # 1720 April 20, 2024] (0419-0426)
YO, ROMANIA.
Celebrating the 95th anniversary of the first amateur radio association
in Romania's Arad County, special callsigns YR95AR, YR95CC, YR95CH, YR95IN, YR95LI, YR95PE and YR95SE will be
active from February
16th until May 31st.
The event is being organized by C.S. Radioclub Admira (YO2KBQ), the
successor of the club that was established almost a century ago. See https://www.qrz.com/db/YR95AR
for more information.
-[425DXN # 1711 February 17, 2024] (0216-0531)
YU, SERBIA.
Organized amateur radio in Serbia began with the founding of the
"Society of Friends of Radio Telegraphy and Radio Telephony" on July
15, 1924 in Belgrade. Celebrating 100 years of Amateur Radio in the
region, the Amateur Radio Union of Serbia (YU1SRS) will be active as YT1ØØR and YU1ØØR from April 1st to December 1st.
A certificate will be available: https://www.radiosport.yu1srs.org.rs/.
-[425DXN # 1718 April 6, 2024] (0405-0426)
Z8, SOUTH SUDAN.
Diya, YI1DZ is QRV as Z81D
from Juba until May
31st. Activity is on 40 to 6 meters, and possibly 160 and
80 meters, using SSB and FT8. QSL via OM3JW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 16 April 18, 2024] (0419-0531)
ZS, SOUTH AFRICA.
Roberto "Bob", PB5X, operates holiday-style as ZS6/PB5X from April 12th to 21st.
QSL via PA1AW, LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2401 April 10, 2024] (0412-0426)
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.
|
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 Wednesday, April 17th through yesterday,
April 24th.
The average solar flux was 216, up 38 points from the previous week,
with a weekly high of 227 on Monday, April 22nd, followed by
a low of 199 on April 24th.
The average sunspot count was 266, up 123 from last week,
peaking at 283 on Wednesday, April 24th after a
weekly low of 199 on April 17th.
The Planetary K-index weekly average was 3.3 with a
maximum of 7.0 on Friday, April 19th, resulting
in strong geomagnetic storm conditions.
Solar flare activity since April 18th has been extremely high with 22
major flares, the largest of which was an M 3.6 event on Tuesday, April
23rd.
Propagation
Data
Major solar flares, Thursday, April 18th through 1338 UTC, April 25th.
| # | Date | UTC | Mag. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Apr 25 | 1321 | M 1.0 |
| 2 | Apr 25 | 0149 | M 1.0 |
| 3 | Apr 24 | 2259 | M 2.0 |
| 4 | Apr 24 | 2250 | M 1.1 |
| 5 | Apr 24 | 1214 | M 1.4 |
| 6 | Apr 24 | 0239 | M 1.8 |
| 7 | Apr 24 | 0029 | M 1.7 |
| 8 | Apr 23 | 1744 | M 2.9 |
| 9 | Apr 23 | 0821 | M 3.0 |
| 10 | Apr 23 | 0319 | M 3.6 |
| 11 | Apr 22 | 2116 | M 1.5 |
| 12 | Apr 22 | 1550 | M 2.8 |
| 13 | Apr 22 | 1335 | M 1.6 |
| 14 | Apr 22 | 0813 | M 1.0 |
| 15 | Apr 21 | 2152 | M 3.4 |
| 16 | Apr 21 | 1514 | M 2.2 |
| 17 | Apr 21 | 1259 | M 1.0 |
| 18 | Apr 19 | 1306 | M 1.0 |
| 19 | Apr 19 | 0453 | M 2.1 |
| 20 | Apr 18 | 2001 | M 1.6 |
| 21 | Apr 18 | 0737 | M 1.3 |
| 22 | Apr 18 | 0248 | M 2.2 |
(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 25 | 75% | 15% | 195 |
| Apr 26 | 75% | 15% | 185 |
| Apr 27 | 75% | 15% | 170 |
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 22, 2024).
|
|
|
Highs
for Cycle 25
Solar Flux: 234 on
January 15, 2023.
Sunspots: 283 on April 21, 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.net/
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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holyland DX Contest | Apr 19 | 2100Z | Apr 20 | 2100Z | Rules |
| YU DX Contest | Apr 20 | 0700Z | Apr 21 | 0659Z | Rules |
| CQMM DX Contest | Apr 20 | 0900Z | Apr 21 | 2359Z | Rules |
| Michigan QSO Party | Apr 20 | 1600Z | Apr 21 | 0400Z | Rules |
| Ontario QSO Party | Apr 20 | 1800Z | Apr 21 | 1800Z | Rules |
| ARRL Rookie Roundup, SSB | Apr 21 | 1800Z | Apr 21 | 2359Z | Rules |
| 10-10 Int. Spring Contest, Digital | Apr 27 | 0001Z | Apr 28 | 2359Z | Rules |
| SP DX RTTY Contest | Apr 27 | 1200Z | Apr 28 | 1200Z | Rules |
| Helvetia Contest | Apr 27 | 1300Z | Apr 28 | 1259Z | Rules |
| Florida QSO Party | Apr 27 | 1600Z | Apr 28 | 2159Z | Rules |
| 10-10 Int. Spring Contest, CW | May 4 | 0001Z | May 5 | 2359Z | Rules |
| 7th Call Area QSO Party | May 4 | 1300Z | May 5 | 0700Z | Rules |
| Indiana QSO Party | May 4 | 1600Z | May 5 | 0400Z | Rules |
| Delaware QSO Party | May 4 | 1700Z | May 5 | 2359Z | Rules |
| New England QSO Party | May 4 | 2000Z | May 5 | 2400Z | Rules |
| CQ-M International DX Contest | May 11 | 1200Z | May 12 | 1159Z | Rules |
| His Maj. King of Spain Contest, CW | May 18 | 1200Z | May 19 | 1200Z | Rules |
| Arkansas QSO Party | May 18 | 1400Z | May 19 | 0200Z | Rules |
| Baltic Contest | May 18 | 2100Z | May 19 | 0200Z | Rules |
| CQ WW WPX Contest, CW | May 25 | 0000Z | May 26 | 2400Z | Rules |
| Kentucky QSO Party | Jun 1 | 1300Z | Jun 2 | 0100Z | Rules |
| ARRL Inter. Digital Contest | Jun 1 | 1800Z | Jun 2 | 2400Z | Rules |
| ARRL June VHF Contest | Jun 8 | 1800Z | Jun 10 | 0300Z | Rules |
| Stew Perry Topband Challenge | Jun 15 | 1500Z | Jun 16 | 1500Z | Rules |
| West Virginia QSO Party | Jun 15 | 1600Z | Jun 16 | 0400Z | Rules |
| ARRL Kids Day | Jun 15 | 1800Z | Jun 15 | 2359Z | Rules |
| His Maj. King of Spain Contest, SSB | Jun 22 | 1200Z | Jun 23 | 1200Z | Rules |
| Ukrainian DX DIGI Contest | Jun 22 | 1200Z | Jun 23 | 1200Z | Rules |
| ARRL Field Day | Jun 22 | 1800Z | Jun 23 | 2100Z | Rules |
| RAC Canada Day Contest | Jul 1 | 0000Z | Jul 1 | 2359Z | Rules |
| IARU HF World Championship | Jul 13 | 1200Z | Jul 14 | 1200Z | Rules |
| CQ Worldwide VHF Contest | Jul 20 | 1800Z | Jul 21 | 2100Z | Rules |
| North American QSO Party, RTTY | Jul 20 | 1800Z | Jul 21 | 0559Z | Rules |