The
Eastern Iowa DX Bulletin
Number
307, January 2, 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 (The online archive is no
longer updated.)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
3A, MONACO.
It was expected that 3A/MMØNDX
and 3A/MMØSAJ
would be QRV from Monaco
on December 30th - January 3rd. Due to a medical emergency involving a
close family member of MMØNDX, however, the operation has been
postponed. While the trip is currently on hold, the team still intends
to be active during the low band season - likely in February - once the
situation stabilizes. New dates will be announced as soon as possible.
-[425DXN # 1809 January 3, 2026] (0102-0123)
4S, SRI LANKA.
The Amateur Radio Civil Services Network (ARCSN) will activate 4S7RCS from
Baththalangunduwa Island on January
4th-5th. This will be a small-scale operation, primarily
using digital modes. QSL direct to 4S7RCS.
-[425DXN # 1809 January 3, 2026] (0102-0109)
6Y, JAMAICA.
Lester, W8YCM, is QRV as both W8YCM/6Y
and 6Y8LV until mid-January 2026.
Activity is holiday style on 17, 12, and 10 meters using SSB. QSL
direct to W8YCM.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 50 December 11, 2025] (1212-0116)
9A, CROATIA.
To celebrate their 15th anniversary, members of the Croatian Flora
Fauna ARC (9A1WFF) will be active as 9A44FF and 9A44FF/p from January 1st until December
31st. See https://www.qrz.com/db/9A44FF
for information about the Anniversary Award.
-[425DXN # 1808 December 27, 2025] (0102-0123)
9A, CROATIA.
Tom, 9A2AA will use 9A69AA
throughout 2026
to mark his 69 years of activity on the amateur radio bands. QSL via 9A2AA.
-[425DXN # 1809 January 3, 2026] (0102-0123)
C5,
THE GAMBIA. Andre, ON7YK, is QRV as C5YK from Kotu until January 25th.
Activity is on 20 to 10 meters using SSB, RTTY, FT8, FT4, and some CW.
QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 49 December 4, 2025] (1205-0123)
CE9, ANTARCTICA.
Felix, DL5XL returns to Neumayer III and will be active again as DP1POL from January 6th to February 14th.
He will operate mainly CW on the HF bands, with some Digital modes and
SSB. QSOs will be uploaded to LoTW and ClubLog. QSL via DL1ZBO.
-[425DXN # 1803 November 22, 2025] (0102-0219)
CE9, ANTARCTICA.
George, VU2DGR, remains active as AT44I
from the Indian station Bharati (AN-016) until early 2026.
QSL direct via VU2DGR.
-[DXNL # 2491 December 31, 2025] (0102-0116)
CE9, ANTARCTICA.
Oleg, ZS1ANF, has returned to Wichaway (WAP MNB-11) and operates as ZS7ANF on 17, 15,
and 10m CW. QSL via RK1PWA.
-[DXNL # 2489 December 17, 2025] (1219-0109)
CN, MOROCCO.
Matt, SQ9NIS will be active as CN2NIS
from Morocco until
January 6th. He operates SSB on 80-10 meters. QSOs will be
uploaded to ClubLog. QSL via LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1809 January 3, 2026] (0102-0109)
CN, MOROCCO.
Members of the Association Royale des Radioamateurs du Maroc will be
active as CN35CAN
during the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, the biennial
international competition for African football (soccer) teams. Morocco
will host the tournament from December
21st to January 18th. QSL direct to CN35CAN.
-[425DXN # 1806 December 13, 2025] (1219-0123)
CT, PORTUGAL.
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of Rede dos Emissores Portugueses
(REP), Portugal's IARU member society, around fifty operators scattered
all around the country will use three special callsigns - CS26REP, CR26REP and CR3REP on January 1st-7th.
Look for activity on various bands and modes, and via QO-100.
Certificates and eQSLs will be available on https://hamaward.cloud/awards.
-[425DXN # 1807 December 20, 2025] (1226-0109)
DL, GERMANY.
DARC Team SES will be active as DL25WIKI
throughout 2026.
The special callsign celebrates the 25th anniversary of Wikipedia, The
Free Encyclopedia, founded in January 2001: "the station reflects the
spirit of free knowledge and international collaboration within the
amateur radio community. Wikipedia and amateur radio share common
values: openness, education, technical enthusiasm, and worldwide
networking". QSOs will be uploaded to LoTW and the DCL (DARC Community
Logbook). QSL cards will be sent automatically via the bureau.
-[425DXN # 1807 December 20, 2025] (0102-0130)
DL, GERMANY.
The following special event stations celebrate 100 years of the German
aviation company Lufthansa during
2026: DA1ØØLH,
DL1ØØLH, and
DK1ØØLH. QSL
via DK5ON.
-[DXNL # 2491 December 31, 2025] (0102-0123)
DL, GERMANY.
Special callsign DB1ØØFT
will be active throughout
2026
to celebrate the centenary of the Berlin Radio Tower (Funkturm), one of
the city's most iconic landmarks. The 150-meter-high steel lattice
tower occupies a prominent place in the history of radio broadcasting
in Germany, as it was used to broadcast transmissions starting in 1926.
QSL via DO2PZ.
-[425DXN # 1807 December 20, 2025] (0102-0130)
DL, GERMANY.
The special event stations DA1ØØTV
and DL1ØØTV
celebrate 100 years of television in Germany during 2026. QSL
via DK5ON.
-[DXNL # 2491 December 31, 2025] (0102-0123)
DL, GERMANY.
To commemorate the centenary of the first Kurzwellentagung (the
landmark convention for German shortwave enthusiasts held in Jena on
January 16-17, 1926) the special callsign DF1ØØKWTJ will be
active from January
1st until March 31st. QSL via the bureau.
-[425DXN # 1808 December 27, 2025] (0102-0123)
DXCC TOP TWENTY.
Here are the top 20 entities on ClubLog’s "DXCC Most Wanted" list as of
January 2, 2026:
1. P5 DPRK
(North Korea) 11.
KH4 Midway Island
2.
KH3 Johnston
Island 12.
VKØM Macquarie Island
3. KH7K Kure
Island
13.
EZ Turkmenistan
4. CEØX San Felix
Islands 14.
KP5 Desecheo Island
5. FT5/X Kerguelen
Island 15.
PYØS Saint Peter And Paul Rocks
6. BS7H Scarborough
Reef 16.
VPØS South Sandwich Islands
7. BV9P Pratas
Island 17.
YK Syria
8. YVØ Aves
Island
18.
ZL9 New Zealand Subantarctic
Islands
9. 3Y/P Peter 1
Island 19.
VKØH Heard Island
10. 3Y/B Bouvet
Island 20.
FT/T Tromelin Island
For the complete list, see
https://clublog.org/mostwanted.php
-[KØCF January 2, 2026 (0102-0123)
EA, SPAIN.
Celebrating Christmas and the New Year from the city of Vigo, EG1NV
will be active from December
2nd to January 12th. See
https://www.qrz.com/db/EG1NV
for more information. QSL via LoTW, eQSL,
and QRZ Logbook.
-[425DXN # 1804 November 29, 2025] (1128-0109)
EA8, CANARY IS.
Watch for Reno, IU3RIC operating as EA8/IU3RIC
operating from Lanzarote (AF-004) from January 1st to 9th.
-[DXNL # 2491 December 31, 2025] (0102-0109)
FK, NEW
CALEDONIA. Phil, VK3HA, is QRV as FK1TS until January 31st.
QSL to VK3HA.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 52 December 31, 2025] (0102-0130)
FO, FRENCH
POLYNESIA. Hiro, JI1JKW will be active holiday style as FO/JI1JKW from
Tikehau Atoll (OC-066), French Polynesia on January 2nd-6th.
He will operate SSB, CW and FT8 on 40-6 meters, and "some QO-100". QSL
via JI1JKW and
LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1809 January 3, 2026] (0102-0109)
FO, FRENCH
POLYNESIA. Pascal, F6HCM, is QRV as FO/F6HCM until February 5th,
from various islands in this archipelago. Activity is in his spare time
and generally on 15 meters using CW with QRP power. QSL to F6HCM.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 52 December 31, 2025] (0102-0206)
FY, FRENCH
GUIANA. Pierre-Jean, F4GPK will be active again as TO2FY from Korou,
French Guiana from December
22nd to January 15th.
Activity will be mostly on 20, 15, and 10 meters using SSB only. He
does not do paper QSLs or ClubLog. QSL only via LoTW and eQSL.
-[425DXN # 1806 December 13, 2025] (1219-0116)
G, ENGLAND.
Special callsign GB5ØPUNK
will be used by David, G3SKA "and team" to use at various times from January 1st until December
31st to celebrate 50 years of punk rock music. Updates
will be posted to https://www.facebook.com/61585208894891.
QSOs will be uploaded to ClubLog and eQSL; QSL via the bureau or direct
to GB5ØPUNK.
-[425DXN # 1809 January 3, 2026] (0102-0123)
G, ENGLAND.
Using vintage equipment manufactured by KW Electronics Ltd from the
mid-1950s to the 1970s, the GB8KW
multi-operator station will be active again over the "KW Weekend" (January 3rd-4th)
from the Cray Valley radio club's HQ in Eltham, England. Other special
callsigns are expected to be activated by collectors and restorers
across the UK during the month, notably GB2KW from Scotland.
-[425DXN # 1808 December 27, 2025] (0102-0123)
G, ENGLAND.
Members of the Humber Fortress DX Amateur Radio Club operate as GB26HNY from December 26th to January 18th.
-[DXNL # 2490 December 24, 2025] (1226-0116)
HH, HAITI.
Special event station 4V1L
is QRV during January
to commemorate Marie-Jeanne Lamartiniere, a heroine of the Haitian
Revolution. QSL via N2OO.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 52 December 31, 2025] (0102-0130)
HK, COLOMBIA and
HKØ, SAN ANDRES &
PROVIDENCIA. Christoph, DF3TJ is active from Colombia as HK4/DF3TJ until sometime in January.
"There will also be activations of HKØ/DF3TJ
from San Andres (NA-033) and Providencia (NA-049) on short term
notice", he says. QSL via ON5JC.
-[425DXN # 1808 December 27, 2025] (1226-0116)
I, ITALY.
ARI Fidenza (IQ4FE), with the patronage and historical supervision of
the Guglielmo Marconi Foundation, will use a series of special
callsigns throughout
2026,
each representing one of the "key figures who played a fundamental role
in Marconi's personal and emotional, educational and cultural,
academic, scientific and, finally, entrepreneurial development": II4GMRC (January), II4AJMR (February), II4AMRC (March), II4JDVS (April), II4ROSA (May), II4PRCE (June), II4JAFL (July), II4KEMP (August), II4PAGE (September), II4NTTI (October), II4GCLB (November) and II4SLRI (December).
Complete information about the "Marconi Supporters" award: http://www.arifidenza.it/.
QSL via LoTW, or direct only to IQ4FE.
-[425DXN # 1809 January 3, 2026] (0102-0130)
J3, GRENADA.
Rikk, WE9G is QRV as J38WG
until February 16th.
Activity is on 160 through 6 meters using mostly FT8 with some CW and
SSB. He may also activate some POTA references. QSL to WE9G, ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 52 December 31, 2025] (0102-0220)
K, UNITED STATES.
Club station W2HRU
will be QRV on January
1st-10th
to mark the 27th annual Ham Radio University educational conference.
Look for SSB activity on 80, 40 and 20 meters, as well as FT8 on
multiple bands. Detailed information on https://hamradiouniversity.org/.
QSL via LoTW, eQSL, the W2 QSL Bureau, or direct to KA2D.
-[425DXN # 1809 January 3, 2026] (0102-0109)
K, UNITED STATES.
The Straight Key Century Club's annual on-air event, commemorating the
club's founding in 2006 and celebrating the original instruments of
early radiotelegraphy (straight key, bug and cootie keys), will run on January 2nd-31st.
Look for K3Y
to be aired from the ten US call areas (K3Y/Ø through K3Y/9), plus /KH6, /KL7 and /KP4. Information on
the event and QSL instructions can be found on https://skccgroup.com/k3y/k3y.php.
-[425DXN # 1808 December 27, 2025] (0102-0130)
KHØ, MARIANA IS.
Ken, JO1VRK expects to be active as KHØ/AJ6VJ
from Saipan (OC-086), Mariana Islands from December 29th to January 3rd.
He will be QRV on 40-10 meters CW and digital modes. QSL via LOTW,
eQSL, and ClubLog's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1807 December 20, 2025] (1226-0109)
KH8, AMERICAN
SAMOA. Darren, VK4MAP is active as KH8/VK4MAP from
American Samoa for a
couple of weeks.
He started from Tutuila Island (OC-045) and he will move to the Manua
Islands (OC-077) on January 2nd or 3rd. He operates SSB, mainly on 10
meters. QSL to VK4MAP.
-[425DXN # 1809 January 3, 2026] (0102-0116)
KP5,
DESECHEO I. The Vieques Island Amateur Radio Club (NP3VI)
and the Manyana DX Foundation will sponsor the KP5/NP3VI DXpedition
to Desecheo Island, now number 14 on the DXCC Top Twenty list.
Plans are to deploy two self-sustained remote deployable
stations between January
12th and 14th. The DXpedition is expected to operate
continually for 30
days.
(Full details will be published in the January 9th
edition of the Eastern
Iowa DX Bulletin. Stay tuned!)
-[425DXN # 1808 December 27, 2025] (1226-0109)
LZ, BULGARIA.
Special callsigns LZ2Ø25ZONE
and LZ2Ø26EURO
celebrate Bulgaria's admission into the Eurozone and adoption of the
Euro as of January
1st. Also look for LZ1EURO
to be active on January
1st-6th. QSL LZ2Ø25ZONE and LZ2Ø26EURO via LZ2VP and
LZ1EURO via LZ3SCO.
-[425DXN # 1807 December 20, 2025] (1226-0109)
LZ, BULGARIA.
Radio Club Blagovestnik (LZ1KCP) will use six special callsigns during
2026 to honor various Orthodox saints: LZ1426EN (January and February),
LZ488AM (March and April),
LZ370TL (May and June), LZ67PP (July and August),
LZ936BA (September and October),
LZ911TD (November and December).
Details on the "All Saints 2026 Award" can be found at https://www.lz1kcp.com/.
QSL via the bureau or direct to P.O. Box 36, 4300 Karlovo, Bulgaria.
-[425DXN # 1809 January 3, 2026] (0102-0130)
LZ, BULGARIA.
The special event callsign LZ1KOLED
will be active from December
24th to 29th. Then, from January 1st to 6th,
the operators continue as LZ1EURO
to mark Bulgaria's entry into the Euro currency zone.
-[DXNL # 2490 December 24, 2025] (1226-0109)
OX, GREENLAND.
Michael, OX3MC,
plans to get on the air whenever time permits from December 29th to February 25th
from Pituffik Space Base (NA-018). QRV on 80-10m, mostly on SSB. QSL
via OZ QSL bureau.
-[DXNL # 2490 December 24, 2025] (1226-0227)
S2, BANGLADESH.
During 2026, the S21DX team will activate 17 grids via the QO-100
satellite. They plan to operate two stations from each grid for 2-3
days throughout the year, primarily using SSB with some CW. Grids to be
activated are NL41-NL46, NL51-NL55, and NL60-NL65. Teams will vary by
location and date. Operators mentioned are S21ACP, S21AM, S21FIA, S21HMX, S21MOB, S21RC, S21RED and S21YLJ as they will
use their personal callsigns. QSL management and LoTW availability may
differ individually. See https://s21dx.org/
for more information and updates. Also, the S21DX team will issue a
"special paper QSL card" for the event, and an Online QSL Request
System (OQRS) will be available soon.
-[425DXN # 1809 January 3, 2026] (0102-0123)
SP, POLAND.
The Dobrzycki Amateur Radio Club (SP3PDO) will use twelve special
callsigns during 2026 to honor as many different Polish saints. The
first callsign in the series, SP1894MMK
(January 1st-31st),
is for St. Maximilian Maria Kolbe (SP3RN), born on January 8, 1894, and
killed at Auschwitz in 1941. It will be followed by SP144ØSL (February), SP1Ø4ØSSZ (March), SP1865JML (April), SP192ØKW (May), SP1373JA (June), SP1183JO (July), SP19Ø5MFK (August), SP1373AB (September), SP155ØSK (October), SP1234KK (November) and SP1835JK (December). See https://radioawards.club/ses/155
for the certificates. QSL via SP3PDO.
-[425DXN # 1807 December 20, 2025] (1226-0123)
SV, GREECE.
Tom, OE4EIE operates as SV/OE4EIE
from December 21st
until January 4th.
-[DXNL # 2489 December 17, 2025] (1219-0109)
T8, PALAU.
Watch for JA6KYU, JA6EGL and JH6OPP to be active as T88HS, T88SM and T88XE respectively
on various bands and modes from the Palau Radio Club on Koror Island
(OC-009) on January
7th-15th. QSL T88HS via JA6KYU, T88SM
via JA6EGL and
T88XE via JH6OPP.
-[425DXN # 1809 January 3, 2026] (0102-0116)
TG,
GUATEMALA. Todd, AF4CZ, will be active holiday style as TG9/AF4CZ from
Guatemala from December
7th to January 5th. He will operate mainly
FT8/FT4 on 40-10 meters. QSOs will be uploaded to LoTW, eQSL and
ClubLog.
-[425DXN # 1804 November 29, 2025] (1205-0109)
TL, CENTRAL
AFRICA. Joao, CR7BNW will be active as TL8BNW from Bangui,
Central African Republic for
six months.
During his stay he will be QRV on 40, 20, 15, and 10 meter SSB and FT8.
He has already conducted some preliminary tests in preparation for his
first activity, which is scheduled for December 20th-25th.
QSL via LoTW, and QRZ.
-[425DXN # 1807 December 20, 2025] (1219-0123)
TY, BENIN.
Gerard, F5NVF will be active as TY5GG
from Benin from January
6th until April 6th. QSOs will be uploaded to ClubLog
(with Live Stream enabled). QSL via LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1809 January 3, 2026] (0102-0130)
TZ, MALI.
Jeff, TZ4AM
is QRV from Bamako and plans to be active until February
as local conditions permit. Activity is on 40 through 6 meters using
mostly CW and some SSB. QSL via KX4R.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 52 December 31, 2025] (0102-0130)
UA, EUROPEAN
RUSSIA. Special callsigns R2Ø26A, R2Ø26C, R2Ø26L, R2Ø26N, R2Ø26NY, R2Ø26S, R2Ø26X, UE26HNY and UE26NY will be
active from December
29th to January 11th for the annual "Russian New Year"
radio marathon organized by the Miller DX Club (https://mdxc.ru/)
and the Rostov Oblast branch of the Russian Amateur Radio Union (SSR).
See https://hamlog.online/club/mdxc
for the certificates. QSL via RQ7L.
-[425DXN # 1806 December 13, 2025] (1226-0116)
V4, ST. KITTS
& NEVIS. Brian, GW4DVB is QRV as V4/G4DVB from St.
Kitts until January
9th. Activity is on various HF bands. QSL direct to GW4DVB.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 52 December 31, 2025] (0102-0109)
VK, AUSTRALIA.
Special callsign AX12ØAAC
celebrates the 120th anniversary of the Australian Army Cadets (AAC) during 2026.
-[DXNL # 2491 December 31, 2025] (0102-0123)
VP6, PITCAIRN I.
Mike, WA6SVT, is QRV as VP6MC.
Of late, he has been active on 20 meters using SSB around 0200z. QSL to
WA6SVT.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 52 December 31, 2025] (0102-0123)
VP8/H,LU,CE9,HFØ,4K1,
SOUTH SHETLAND IS.
Ivo, LZ1AAW is heading to the Bulgarian Antarctic Base St. Kliment
Ohridski on Livingston Island (AN-010). He plans to be QRV as LZØA in his spare
time from approximately December
27th to February 16th.
He will operate SSB and FT8/FT4 on 20 meters and possibly other bands.
QSOs will be uploaded to LoTW after the end of the activity. QSL via LZ2UU.
-[425DXN # 1807 December 20, 2025] (1226-0213)
VU, INDIA.
Sandy, VU22DX, is QRV as AT3WWA
from Goa until
January 31st, for the World Wide Award event. QSL to VU22DX.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 52 December 31, 2025] (0102-0130)
VU, INDIA.
Bernhard, DL2GAC, is on the air as VU2BMS
until mid-January.
-[DXNL # 2490 December 24, 2025] (1226-0116)
XT, BURKINA FASO.
Max, DK1MAX will be active as XT2MAX
from Ouagadougou (IK92fh), Burkina Faso on January 4th-11th.
He will operate CW, SSB and FT8 (MSHV) on 20-6 meters ("lower bands if
noise and space allow"). QSL via LoTW, ClubLog's OQRS,
or via EA5GL.
-[425DXN # 1809 January 3, 2026] (0102-0116)
XU, CAMBODIA.
Tom, DL7BO, will be QRV as XU7GNY
from December 22nd
to January 18th. Activity will be on 160 through 6 meters
using CW, SSB, and FT8, and concentrating on the lower bands. QSL
direct via DJ4WK.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 51 December 18, 2025] (1219-0123)
YU, SERBIA.
The radio club Mihajlo Pupin YU7BCD in Pancevo celebrates its 45th
anniversary during
2026 with the callsign YU45MJA.
QSL via LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2491 December 31, 2025] (0102-0123)
YU, SERBIA.
The special event callsign YU65AEC
celebrates the 65th anniversary of the first radio club in Odzaci throughout 2026.
-[DXNL # 2487 December 3, 2025] (0102-0123)
Z6, KOSOVO.
Gabriele, HB9TSW will be active again as Z68BG from Slatina
Air Base near Pristina, Kosovo on January 8th-28th.
He will operate CW only in his spare time. QSL via LoTW, eQSL, or via HB9TSW.
-[425DXN # 1809 January 3, 2026] (0102-0130)
Z8, SOUTH SUDAN.
Diya, YI1DZ, will be QRV as Z81D
from Juba from December
14th to March 10th. Activity will be in his spare time.
QSL to YI1DZ.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 50 December 11, 2025] (1212-0116)
ZA, ALBANIA.
Tom, OE4EIE operates as ZA/OE4EIE
on December 19th and
20th, and again from January 4th to 6th.
QSL to OE4EIE.
-[DXNL # 2489 December 17, 2025] (1219-0109)
ZL, NEW ZEALAND.
The New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters (NZART) was founded
in Auckland in 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 for a period of 1 to 3 months - e.g. Ian ZL1MVL and the
Whangarei Amateur Radio Club (ZL1AM) will be using ZL1ØØMVL and ZL1ØØAM,
respectively, until
March 31st.
-[425DXN # 1808 December 27, 2025] (0102-0130)
ZL,
NEW ZEALAND. Special callsign ZL6ØPAH will be used
by Phil, ZL3PAH from
November 23rd to
February 22, 2026, to celebrate his diamond jubilee in
amateur radio. He will operate CW, RTTY, and "maybe a little SSB too"
on 80-10 meters. QSL via LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1802 November 15, 2025] (1121-0220)
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 Sunday, December 28th through yesterday, January 4th.
The average solar flux was 172, up 15 points from the previous week,
with a weekly high of 196 on Monday, December 29th, followed by
a low of 157 on January 4th.
The average sunspot count was 126, up 11 from last week,
peaking at 143 on Sunday, December 28th followed by a
weekly low of 97 on January 4th.
The Planetary K-index weekly average was 3.4 with a
maximum of 5.0 on Friday, January 2nd, indicating
a minor geomagnetic storm. Yesterday's K-index maximum was 3.3 with generally quiet conditions.
Solar flare activity since December 29th has been quiet with only
1 major flare, which was an M 7.1 event on Wednesday, December 31st.
Propagation
Data
Major solar flares, Monday, December 29th through 1906 UTC, January 5th.
| # | Date | UTC | Mag. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dec 31 | 1351 | M 7.1 |
(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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 5 | 50% | 10% | 155 |
| Jan 6 | 50% | 10% | 150 |
| Jan 7 | 50% | 10% | 145 |
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 January 5, 2026).
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The Weekend Forecast Was Wrong
Over
the weekend, two CMEs were supposed to hit Earth's magnetic field,
sparking geomagnetic storms. None of those things happened. It's a
reminder that space weather forecasting still lags Earth weather
forecasting by decades. Only a handful of spacecraft observe the sun
with in situ measurements of CMEs and the solar wind. It's like trying
to predict worldwide weather with only a few ocean buoys and a weather
balloon. Sometimes, being wrong comes with the territory.
(Copyright © SpaceWeather.com January 5, 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARRL Kids Day | Jan 3 | 1800Z | Jan 3 | 2359Z | Rules |
| ARRL RTTY Roundup | Jan 3 | 1800Z | Jan 4 | 2400Z | Rules |
| North American QSO Party, CW | Jan 10 | 1800Z | Jan 11 | 0600Z | Rules |
| North American QSO Party, SSB | Jan 17 | 1800Z | Jan 18 | 0600Z | Rules |
| ARRL January VHF Contest | Jan 17 | 1900Z | Jan 19 | 0359Z | Rules |
| CQ 160-Meter Contest, CW | Jan 23 | 2200Z | Jan 25 | 2159Z | Rules |
| REF Contest, CW | Jan 24 | 0600Z | Jan 25 | 1800Z | Rules |
| Vermont QSO Party | Feb 7 | 0000Z | Feb 8 | 2400Z | Rules |
| 10-10 Int. Winter Contest, SSB | Feb 7 | 0001Z | Feb 8 | 2359Z | Rules |
| Mexico RTTY International Contest | Feb 7 | 1200Z | Feb 8 | 2359Z | Rules |
| Minnesota QSO Party | Feb 7 | 1400Z | Feb 7 | 2400Z | Rules |
| British Columbia QSO Party | Feb 7 | 1600Z | Feb 8 | 2400Z | Rules |
| North American Sprint, CW | Feb 8 | 0000Z | Feb 8 | 0359Z | Rules |
| ARRL School Club Roundup | Feb 9 | 1300Z | Feb 13 | 2359Z | Rules |
| CQ WW RTTY WPX Contest | Feb 14 | 0000Z | Feb 15 | 2400Z | Rules |
| CQ 160-Meter Contest, SSB | Feb 20 | 2200Z | Feb 22 | 2159Z | Rules |
| ARRL Inter. DX Contest, CW | Feb 21 | 0000Z | Feb 22 | 2400Z | Rules |
| REF Contest, SSB | Feb 21 | 0600Z | Feb 22 | 1800Z | Rules |
| South Carolina QSO Party | Feb 21 | 1500Z | Feb 22 | 0159Z | Rules |
| North American QSO Party, RTTY | Feb 28 | 1800Z | Mar 1 | 0600Z | Rules |
| ARRL Inter. DX Contest, SSB | Mar 7 | 0000Z | Mar 8 | 2400Z | Rules |
| Oklahoma QSO Party | Mar 14 | 1400Z | Mar 15 | 2100Z | Rules |
| Stew Perry Topband Challenge | Mar 14 | 1500Z | Mar 15 | 1500Z | Rules |
| Idaho QSO Party | Mar 14 | 1900Z | Mar 15 | 1900Z | Rules |
| North American Sprint, RTTY | Mar 15 | 0000Z | Mar 15 | 0359Z | Rules |
| Wisconsin QSO Party | Mar 15 | 1800Z | Mar 16 | 0100Z | Rules |
| BARTG HF RTTY Contest | Mar 21 | 0200Z | Mar 23 | 0200Z | Rules |
| Russian DX Contest | Mar 21 | 1200Z | Mar 22 | 1200Z | Rules |
| Virginia QSO Party | Mar 21 | 1400Z | Mar 22 | 2400Z | Rules |
| CQ WW WPX Contest, SSB | Mar 28 | 0000Z | Mar 29 | 2400Z | Rules |
| Louisiana QSO Party | Apr 4 | 1400Z | Apr 5 | 0200Z | Rules |
| SP DX Contest | Apr 4 | 1500Z | Apr 5 | 1500Z | Rules |