The
Eastern Iowa DX Bulletin
Number
320, April 3, 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 (The online archive is no
longer updated.)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 (OMØGA), will be QRV as 3B9N from April 4th to May 22nd. Activity will be on 20, 15, and 10 meters using CW. QSL via VU3OPT.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 13 April 2, 2026] (0403-0522)
8P, BARBADOS. Lloyd, K2JVX, will be QRV as 8P9KX from April 6th to 9th. Activity will be on 40 and 20 meters using SSB. QSL via K2JVX.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 13 April 2, 2026] (0403-0410)
8R, GUYANA. Renato, PY8WW, is QRV holiday style as 8R/PZ5TW from Corriverton until April 5th. Activity is on 80 through 10 meters using CW, SSB, and digital modes. QSL via PY8WW, ClubLog's OQRS or LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 13 April 2, 2026] (0403-0410)
9G, GHANA.
The Italian DXpedition Team's activity from Ghana is scheduled to start
during the first half
of April (dates TBA). The team will be QRV on 160-6 meters
as 9G5RR
(CW, SSB and RTTY) and 9G5CC
(FT8, not Fox & Hound) from Busua Beach on the mainland.
Activity from Abokwa Island (AF-084) will depend on weather and sea
conditions. Plans are for two operators to be as 9G5ZP on 15 meters
daily, from morning to evening. They will operate CW, SSB and FT8. More
information, including the link to I2YSB's OQRS, can be found on https://www.i2ysb.com/idt/index.php.
All QSLs direct to I2YSB.
-[425DXN # 1816 February 21, 2026] (0327-0417)
C6, BAHAMAS.
Paul, WA4PAW, operates as C6APS
until April 12th
on 20-10m (CW, SSB, FT8). QSL via WA4PAW, ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2502 March 18, 2026] (0320-0417)
CE9,KC4, ANTARCTICA. Ramon, LU1DMZ, is QRV as LU1DMZ/Z from the Orcadas base on Laurie Island (AN-008) until the end of 2026. QSL info unknown.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 13 April 2, 2026] (0403-0424)
CE9,KC4, ANTARCTICA. Tom, VK2TBC, is QRV as VKØTBC from the Casey base on the Bailey peninsula (AN-016) until the end of 2026. QSL via VK2TBC.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 13 April 2, 2026] (0403-0424)
CEØY, EASTER I. Max, DJ4EL, is QRV from Easter Island (SA-001) as CEØY/DJ4EL until April 11th. Activity is holiday style on 20 through 10 meters using SSB. QSL via via
ClubLog's OQRS
and LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 13 April 2, 2026] (0403-0410)
D4, CAPE VERDE.
Frank, DL1IL, plans a holiday-style activation of two Cape Verde
islands (AF-005) for the end
of March to mid-April as D41IL. QRV with 10W
on CW. QSL via DL1IL, eQSL,
e-mail.
-[DXNL # 2499 February 25, 2026] (0327-0417)
DL, GERMANY. Special callsign DA2ØØGVN (special DOK 200GVN) celebrates the 200th anniversary of the birth of polar explorer Georg von Neumayer from April 1st until July 31st on HF, VHF and via QO-100. QSL via DK5ON, DCL, LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2504 April 1, 2026] (0403-0424)
DL, GERMANY. Special callsign DM5ØGFS
(special DOK 50GFS) commemorates the opening of the first German
Antarctic station (Georg Forster) by the German Democratic Republic
(GDR) in 1976. QRV from April 1st to July 31st on HF, VHF and via QO-100. QSL via DK5ON, DCL, LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2504 April 1, 2026] (0403-0424)
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 2, 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 3, 2026 (0403-0424)
E5/S, SOUTH COOK
IS. Frank, DJ5NQ is currently active holiday style as E51ANQ from
Rarotonga (OC-013), South Cook Islands. He can operate SSB and CW on
80-10 meters. QSL via DJ5NQ.
-[425DXN # 1820 March 21, 2026] (0320-0410)
EA, SPAIN. Special event station AO75ØSJ
celebrates the 750th anniversary of Saint George patron saint of the
city of Alcoy. Look for activity on 160-6 meters SSB, CW and digital
modes on April 6th-26th. See https://ao750sj.ure.es/ for the award program. QSL via LoTW and eQSL, paper cards will not be issued.
-[425DXN # 1822 April 4, 2026] (0403-0424)
EA8, CANARY IS.
Markus, DA2DX, operates holiday-style as EA8/DA2DX from March 30th to April 6th
from Fuerteventura (AF-004) on CW, SSB, RTTY, FT4/8. QSL via DA2DX, ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2503 March 25, 2026] (0327-0410)
EK, ARMENIA. A group of operators will be QRV as EKØW on April 4th. Activity will be on the HF bands. QSL info unknown.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 13 April 2, 2026] (0403-0410)
F, FRANCE.
The radio club APRA Wingles (Pas de Calais) celebrates
France's second female astronaut Sophie Adenot (KJ5LTN) with the
callsign TM62SA
until June.
-[DXNL # 2502 March 18, 2026] (0320-0424)
F, FRANCE.
The radio club Rambouillet F6KKR celebrates its 50th anniversary with
the callsign TM5ØKKR
on Saturdays only
from March until June.
-[DXNL # 2499 February 25, 2026] (0306-0410)
FO, FRENCH POLYNESIA. Didier, F6BCW has been active as FO/F6BCW from Tikehau Atoll (OC-066), French Polynesia since March 28th, and will remain there until April 10th.
He operates CW and SSB on 80-6 meters. After joining the TX9W team
(Marquesas Islands, April 19th-30th), he will be back on Tikehau from May 5th to July 20th. QSL FO/F6BCW via LoTW and ClubLog's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1822 April 4, 2026] (0403-0410)
H4, SOLOMON IS.
Bernhard, DL2GAC, will be QRV as H44MS
from Manakwai Village on Malaita Island (OC-047) from January 18th to April 15th.
Activity will be on the HF bands. QSL to DL2GAC.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 2 January 15, 2026] (0116-0417)
I, ITALY.
For the third year in a row, members of ARI Sondrio (IQ2UL) will
operate the special event station II2AUT
from March 28th to
April 12th for the World Autism Awareness Day.
Click the image below for more informatiion. A certificate
will be available on https://hamaward.cloud/awards.
-[425DXN # 1821 March 28, 2026] (0327-0417)
J7, DOMINICA. Brennan, N4QX, will be QRV as J79QX from April 5th to 11th. Activity will be on FM satellites. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 13 April 2, 2026] (0403-0410)
JD1/M, MINAMI
TORISHIMA. Take, JG8NQJ/JD1
expects to be back to the weather station on Minami Torishima (OC-073)
from February 26th
until mid-May.
In his limited spare time, he will operate mainly CW with some FT8
(note that he wants you to call with your signal report, not your grid
square). QSL via JA8CJY
(direct), JG8NQJ (bureau) and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1815 February 14, 2026] (0220-0508)
K, UNITED STATES.
Special callsign W2A
will be active on April
1st-7th for the fourth World Autism Awareness Week Special
Event. See https://www.qrz.com/db/W2A
for more information. Also, for more informatiion about World Autism
Awareness, click the image below. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS
only.
-[425DXN # 1821 March 28, 2026] (0327-0410)
LZ, BULGARIA. The radio club Blagovestnik (LZ1KCP) continues to honor the memory of Bulgarian saints in 2026:
* LZ488AM (March-April),
* LZ37ØTL (May-June),
* LZ67PP (July-August),
* LZ936BA (September-October), and
* LZ911TD (November-December).
-[DXNL # 2504 April 1, 2026] (0403-0424)
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)
ON, BELGIUM.
Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Belgian National Railway
Company (NMBS/SNCB), special station OT26B is active until December 31st.
The line between Brussels and Mechelen, opened on May 5, 1835, was the
first steam-powered public railway in continental Europe. QSL via OR4K.
-[425DXN # 1821 March 28, 2026] (0327-0424)
PA, NETHERLANDS. Special callsign PI26WT and others (PAØ1WT, PAØ2WT, PDØ1WT, PDØ2WT, PDØ3WT, PDØ4WT, PDØ5WT, PDØ7WT, PDØ9WT) will be active on April 7th-21st for the Dutch Radio Group's Water Tower Event. Several certificates will be available, see https://dutchradiogroup.com/ for detailed information.
-[425DXN # 1821 March 28, 2026] (0403-0424)
PA,
NETHERLANDS. Dutch special callsigns PA26WAAD, PB26WAAD, PC26WAAD,
PD26WAAD, PE26WAAD, PG26WAAD and PH26WAAD will be in
use from March
20th to April 5th for the World Autism Awareness Day. See
https://www.qrz.com/db/PA26WAAD
for the award. 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. QSL via NL10743,
LoTW and eQSL.
-[425DXN # 1819 March 14, 2026] (0320-0410)
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)
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.
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)
SV, GREECE.
Members of the Hellenic Naval Amateur Radio Club (HNARC) will be active
as SZ465CG
from March 19th to
April 18th. They will operate CW, FT8/FT4 and some SSB on
80-10 meters, as well as via QO-100. See https://www.qrz.com/db/SZ465CG
for more information.
-[425DXN # 1820 March 21, 2026] (0320-0417)
T31, C. KIRIBATI.
The Rebel DX Group is expected on the air from Kanton Island (OC-043)
as T31TTT
for about 2 weeks, beginning
March 25th until April 8th. Due to newly introduced access
restrictions, this may be the last visit and activation for some time.
QRV on all bands on digital modes, SSB, CW. See also https://www.qrz.com/db/T31TTT.
QSL only via ClubLog's OQRS.
-[DXNL # 2503 March 25, 2026] (0327-0410)
TJ, CAMEROON. Father Darek, TJ1GD is active as TJ1GD/p
from Mondoleh Island (AF-095). This operation is a tribute to Stefan
Szolc-Rogozinski, the Polish explorer born on April 14, 1861, who
established a research station there in 1883. "To honor his legacy",
Darek says, "I will aim to be active from Mondoleh Island every April
in the coming years". This IOTA group has been activated only once (by
TJ3MC/p back in 2004). See https://www.qrz.com/db/TJ1GD/P for more information. QSL TJ1GD/p via ClubLog's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1822 April 4, 2026] (0403-0424)
TN, CONGO. Darek, HF3GD, is QRV as TN8GD from Brazzaville. Activity is on 160 through 6 meters using CW, SSB, and FT8. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 13 April 2, 2026] (0403-0424)
TY, BENIN.
Red, DL1BUG is QRV as TY5FR
from Cotonou until
April 5th. Activity is on 80 through 10 meters using CW
and SSB. QSL to DL1BUG, ClubLog's OQRS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 9 March 5, 2026] (0306-0410)
TY, BENIN.
Gerard, F5NVF, is QRV as TY5GG
until April 6th.
Activity is on the HF bands. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 4 January 29, 2026] (0130-0410)
UA, EUROPEAN RUSSIA. Members of the Miller DX Club use the callsigns R2Ø14NC, R1996VK, R1994YU from April 6th to 9th for the Space activity days. QSL via RQ7L.
-[DXNL # 2504 April 1, 2026] (0403-0410)
UA, EUROPEAN RUSSIA.
Commemorating the 65th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin's first space
flight, 18 special event stations will be active on April 3rd-15th: R65CTC (Moscow Oblast), R65MCC (Moscow Oblast), R65RKC (Kaluga Oblast), R65RKP (Arkhangelsk Oblast), R65RKV (Amur Oblast), R65YAG (Chuvash Republic), RG65KG (Kaluga Oblast), RG65KK (Krasnoyarsk Krai), RG65KO (Komi Republic), RG65MO (Moscow Oblast), RG65NN (Nizhny Novgorod Oblast), RG65OB (Orenburg Oblast), RG65SA (Saratov Oblast), RG65SM (Smolensk Oblast), RG65SV (Sverdlovsk Oblast), RG65TB (Tambov Oblast), RG65TO (Tomsk Oblast), RG65VO (Vologda Oblast). See https://hamlog.online/club/srr/1796/ for the award, issued by the Russian Amateur Radio Union (SRR).
-[425DXN # 1822 April 4, 2026] (0403-0417)
UR, UKRAINE. Nick, US8AR, celebrates his 50 years on the air with the callsign EM5ØAR.
-[DXNL # 2504 April 1, 2026] (0403-0424)
UR, UKRAINE. Special callsign EO8ØF celebrates the 80th anniversary of the Palace of Children and Youth in Izmail.
-[DXNL # 2504 April 1, 2026] (0403-0424)
UR, UKRAINE. The special event callsigns EM1ØØW and EN1ØØWLKK celebrate the centenary of the Lviv Shortwave Club in 1926.
-[DXNL # 2504 April 1, 2026] (0403-0424)
V4, ST. KITTS
& NEVIS. Janusz, SP9FIH will be active as V4/SP9FIH and V47K from New Castle
on Nevis Island (NA-104) from March
23rd to April 18th. He will operate SSB, FT8, FT4 and
"maybe RTTY" on 30, 20, 17, 15, 12, 10 and 6 meters. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS
and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1820 March 21, 2026] (0320-0417)
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)
VP8/O,LU, SOUTH
ORKNEY IS. Ramon, LU1DMZ plans to be active as LU1DMZ/Z and LU1ZA from Base
Orcadas on Laurie Island (AN 008) during all of 2026.
Activity is in his spare time. QSL via operator’s instructions.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 12 March 26, 2026] (0327-0417)
YO, ROMANIA.
Special callsign YR1ØØRC
celebrates the centenary of Radioclubul Craiova (March 18, 1926),
Romania's first amateur radio club. Look for activity from March 16th to September 30th.
A certificate will be available on https://hamlog.online/club/romania/1786/.
-[425DXN # 1820 March 21, 2026] (0320-0424)
ZD7, ST. HELENA.
Jun, JL8AQH is QRV as ZD7AQH.
Activity is on 40 through 10 meters using CW. His length of stay is
unknown. QSL direct to JL8AQH.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 12 March 26, 2026] (0327-0417)
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, March 26th through Thursday, April
2nd.
The average solar flux was 150, up 25 points from the previous week,
with a weekly high of 162 on Saturday, March 28th, followed by
a low of 140 on April 2nd.
The average sunspot count was 136, up 51 from last week,
peaking at 152 on Thursday, April 2nd after a
weekly low of 113 on March 26th.
The Planetary K-index weekly average was 3.4 with a
maximum of 5.7 on Thursday, April 2nd, indicating
a minor geomagnetic storm.
Solar flare activity since March 27th has been low with 5 major flares,
the largest of which was a major X 1.4 event on Monday, March 30th.
Propagation
Data
Major solar flares, Friday, March 27th through 1544 UTC, April 3rd.
| # | Date | UTC | Mag. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Apr 03 | 1250 | M 1.3 |
| 2 | Apr 03 | 0756 | M 1.3 |
| 3 | Apr 02 | 1815 | M 3.5 |
| 4 | Mar 30 | 0319 | X 1.4 |
| 5 | Mar 28 | 0416 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 3 | 55% | 20% | 140 |
| Apr 4 | 55% | 20% | 135 |
| Apr 5 | 55% | 20% | 140 |
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 March 30, 2026).
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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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana QSO Party | Apr 4 | 1400Z | Apr 5 | 0200Z | Rules |
| SP DX Contest | Apr 4 | 1500Z | Apr 5 | 1500Z | Rules |
| QRP ARCI Spring QSO Party | Apr 11 | 0000Z | Apr 11 | 2359Z | Rules |
| JIDX CW Contest | Apr 11 | 0700Z | Apr 12 | 1300Z | Rules |
| OK/OM DX Contest, SSB | Apr 11 | 1200Z | Apr 12 | 1159Z | Rules |
| New Mexico QSO Party | Apr 11 | 1400Z | Apr 12 | 0200Z | Rules |
| Georgia QSO Party | Apr 11 | 1800Z | Apr 12 | 2359Z | Rules |
| CQMM DX Contest | Apr 18 | 0900Z | Apr 19 | 2359Z | Rules |
| Michigan QSO Party | Apr 18 | 1600Z | Apr 19 | 0400Z | Rules |
| Ontario QSO Party | Apr 18 | 1800Z | Apr 19 | 1800Z | Rules |
| Quebec QSO Party | Apr 19 | 1200Z | Apr 19 | 2200Z | Rules |
| ARRL Rookie Roundup, SSB | Apr 19 | 1800Z | Apr 19 | 2359Z | Rules |
| 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 |