The
Eastern Iowa DX Bulletin
Number
284, July 25, 2025
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
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 (The online archive is no
longer updated.)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.
Philipp, DK6SP will be active holiday style as 3B9SP from Rodrigues
Island (AF-017) from July
28th to August 1st. He will operate CW, SSB, FT8 and maybe
some RTTY if time allows on 40-6 meters, as well as on QO-100. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
or via DK6SP.
-[425DXN # 1780 June 14, 2025] (0725-0801)
5H, TANZANIA.
Andy, 5Z4VJ will be QRV as 5H1VJ
from Zanzibar Island (AF-032) during the RSGB IOTA Contest on July 26th-27th.
QSL via MØURX's OQRS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 30 July 24, 2025] (0725-0801)
9A, CROATIA.
Special callsign 9A169TESLA
will be used until
December 31st
in celebration of the 169th anniversary of the birth of Nikola Tesla
(July 10, 1856). QSOs will be uploaded to LoTW, ClubLog, and QRZ
Logbook.
-[425DXN # 1786 July 26, 2025] (0725-0829)
9A, CROATIA.
Team 9A2L
(nine operators) will be active from Solta Island (EU-016) on July 24th-29th,
including participation in the IOTA Contest on July 26th-27th. Outside
the contest, they will be QRV also on 6m and 2m FT8. QSL via 9A3DF and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1786 July 26, 2025] (0725-0801)
9A, CROATIA.
Team 9A8DV
(IK6JNH, IK6PTH, IK6VXO, IK8UND, IT9RGY, IU6KKW, IZ6CRK and IZ6TSA)
will participate in the IOTA Contest on July 26th-27th
from Drvenik Veli (EU-016). They will operate SSB and CW. QSL via IK6VXO and
LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1786 July 26, 2025] (0725-0801)
9A, CROATIA.
OM6NM operates the RSGB IOTA Contest on July 26th-27th
as 9A/OM6NM
from Male Srakane Island (EU-136). QSL via OM2FY.
-[DXNL # 2468 July 23, 2025] (0725-0801)
9G, GHANA.
Patrick, HB9HZZ, is QRV as 9G5HZ
from Accra. Activity is mostly on 20 meters using VarAC, with some FT8
and Winlink. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 29 July 17, 2025] (0718-0808)
9M6, EAST
MALAYSIA. Team 9M8A
(12 operators) will be active from Satang Besar Island (OC-165), East
Malaysia from July
26th to August 10th,
RSGB IOTA Contest on July 26th-27th included. Outside the contest they
will operate SSB, CW, FT8 and FT4 on 80-6 meters. More information is
available on https://cqdx.my/9m8a.
QSL via LoTW, ClubLog's OQRS,
or direct to 9W8ZZK.
-[425DXN # 1784 July 12, 2025] (0725-0808)
9V, SINGAPORE.
Hugh, 9V1SA is QRV as S6ØSA
until August 9th
to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Singapore's independence. QSL
via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 30 July 24, 2025] (0725-0808)
9V, SINGAPORE.
Eric, KH6WI, is QRV as 9V1EO
for the next two years. Activity is on Satellite QO-100 using FT8 and
FT4. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 29 July 17, 2025] (0718-0808)
A3, TONGA.
Michal, OM2DX is QRV as A32DX
until July 30th.
Activity is on 60 to 6 meters using CW, SSB, and FT8. QSL to OM2DX.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 30 July 24, 2025] (0725-0801)
CN, MOROCCO.
Michel, F5LRL will be QRV as CN2DX
near Kenitra from June
25th to August 30th.
Activity is on 40 to 6 meters using CW, SSB, and FT8 generally during
his early morning (0500-1000 UTC) and evening (1800-2200 UTC) hours.
QSL via F5LRL.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 25 June 19, 2025] (0620-0829)
CT, PORTUGAL.
Special event station CR5MOOT
will be QRV from July
27th to August 3rd from Cortegaca, as part of MOOT, the
16th World Scout Mondial 2025. QSL via operators' instructions.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 30 July 24, 2025] (0725-0808)
DL, GERMANY.
DL2RNS, DL1RTL, DG2RON, DG6IMR, DL1KWK, DJ7TO, and DL7JOM activate
Usedom Island (EU-129) as DK1A
for the RSGB IOTA Contest on July
26th-27th. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS.
-[DXNL # 2468 July 23, 2025] (0725-0801)
DL, GERMANY.
Members of the local chapters in the Ruhr District of the DARC will be
active as DL25WUG
on July 16th-27th
during the FISU Summer World University Games. All QSOs will be
confirmed via the bureau; QSOs will be uploaded to LoTW, ClubLog, QRZ
Logbook and DCL.
-[425DXN # 1784 July 12, 2025] (0711-0801)
DL, GERMANY.
Special callsign DLØSOP
will be active on
July 1st-31st for the 67th edition of the Sea of Peace
Award (see https://dl0sop.darc.de/
for full details). QSL via ClubLog's OQRSS,
LoTW and eQSL.
-[425DXN # 1782 June 28, 2025] (0627-0801)
DU, PHILIPPINES.
A large group of operators will be QRV as DX7EVM/1 from Cresta
de Gallo Island (OC-244) during the RSGB IOTA Contest on July 26th-27th.
QSL direct to DX7EVM.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 30 July 24, 2025] (0725-0801)
DXCC TOP TWENTY.
Here are the top 20 entities on ClubLog’s "DXCC Most Wanted" list as of
July 24, 2025:
1. P5 DPRK
(North Korea) 11. VKØM Macquarie
Island
2. BS7H Scarborough
Reef 12.
KH4 Midway Island
3. CEØX San Felix
Islands 13. PYØS Saint Peter
And Paul Rocks
4. BV9P Pratas
Island 14.
KP5 Desecheo Island
5.
KH7K Kure
Island
15.
VPØS South Sandwich Islands
6.
KH3 Johnston
Island 16.
ZL9 New Zealand Subantarctic
Islands
7. 3Y/P Peter 1
Island 17.
FK/C Chesterfield Islands
8. FT5/X Kerguelen
Island 18.
VKØH Heard Island
9. YVØ Aves
Island
19.
FT/T Tromelin Island
10. 3Y/B Bouvet
Island 20.
EZ Turkmenistan
For the complete list, see
https://clublog.org/mostwanted.php
-[KØCF July 25, 2025 (0725-0815)
EI, IRELAND.
Gordon, G3PXT, activates Inisheer Island (EU-006) as EJ3VP for the RSGB
IOTA Contest on July
26th-27th. QSL via LoTW, eQSL.
-[DXNL # 2468 July 23, 2025] (0725-0801)
EI, IRELAND.
Look for EJ3Z
to be QRV from Inis-Bofin (EU-121) during the RSGB IOTA Contest on July 26th-27th.
QSL via EI9HQB.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 30 July 24, 2025] (0725-0801)
F, FRANCE.
Operators F8GGV, F5RAB, F4HHL, F1AKK, F4EMI, and F4FET participate as TM5K in the RSGB
IOTA Contest on July
26th-27th from the island Molene (EU-065, DIFM MA080). QSL via F8GGV.
-[DXNL # 2468 July 23, 2025] (0725-0801)
F, FRANCE.
Members of the Radio Club de Provins (F6KOP) will be active as TM5K from Molene
Island (EU-065) from July
21st to July 27th,
the end of the IOTA Contest (July 26th-27th). They will operate CW and
SSB on 80, 40, 20, 15 and 10 meters, as well as on 6 meters (also FT8).
QSL via F8GGV.
-[425DXN # 1785 July 19, 2025] (0718-0801)
F, FRANCE.
Jo, F8GDP will be active holiday style as F8GDP/p from Oleron
Island (EU-032) from July
20th to August 1st. He will operate CW and "perhaps some
FT8 from time to time" on 60, 40 and 30 meters. QSL via F8GDP.
-[425DXN # 1784 July 12, 2025] (0718-0801)
G, ENGLAND.
G3VYI G4EFT G3WRR, and G4WGE form a team as G4ALE/p for the RSGB
IOTA Contest on July
26th-27th. QSL via bureau.
-[DXNL # 2468 July 23, 2025] (0725-0801)
G, ENGLAND.
Watch for G5XV
(ops 2EØFEC, 2EØHNK, GØKPE, G1VGM, G3VPW, G3ZGC, G4LMW, G4WKY, G6ZVL,
GM4ZMU, MØDDT, and MØNPB) from the Isle of Wight (EU-120) during the
RSGB IOTA Contest on July
26th-27th. QSL via MØOXO's OQRS.
-[DXNL # 2468 July 23, 2025] (0725-0801)
G, ENGLAND.
ON6EF and ON1BN will be active as G6EFW/p
from the Isles of Scilly (EU-011) on July 25th-28th.
They will participate in the RSGB IOTA Contest on July 26th-27th. See https://www.qrz.com/db/G6EFW
for more information. QSOs will be uploaded to eQSL and QRZ Logbook.
QSL via ON6EF.
-[425DXN # 1779 June 7, 2025] (0725-0801)
GD, ISLE OF MAN.
Rich, M5RIC, operates the RSGB IOTA Contest on July 26th-27th
on SSB as MD7C.
QSL via MØOXO's OQRS.
-[DXNL # 2468 July 23, 2025] (0725-0801)
GI, NORTHERN
IRELAND. GI4FUE, MI5JYK, GI4DOH, G4LKD, and G3VCQ will be
signing GI7M
from Rathlin Island (EU-122) on July
26th-27th.
-[DXNL # 2468 July 23, 2025] (0725-0801)
GM, SCOTLAND.
A group of operators will be QRV as GM2T
from the Isle of Tiree (EU-008) during the RSGB IOTA Contest on July 26th-27th.
Activity will be on 80 to 10 meters using CW and SSB. QSL via GM4UYZ.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 30 July 24, 2025] (0725-0801)
GM, SCOTLAND.
Gordon, MMØGOR, operates the RSGB IOTA Contest on July 26th-27th
as MM1E
from Cumbrae Island (EU-123).
-[DXNL # 2468 July 23, 2025] (0725-0801)
GM, SCOTLAND.
MMØCCC, MMØGPZ, GMØEGI, GM4YXI, G4PVM, and GM3WOJ operate the RSGB IOTA
Contest as GM7V
on July 26th-27th
from Benbecula Island (EU-010). QSL via N3SL.
-[DXNL # 2468 July 23, 2025] (0725-0801)
GM, SCOTLAND.
Watch for GMØFRT/p
to be active in the RSGB IOTA Contest on July 26th-27th
from the Shetlands (EU-012). QSL via LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2468 July 23, 2025] (0725-0801)
GM, SCOTLAND.
GØDWV, G4AFF, G4LPP and MØNKR will be active as GMØFRT/p from the
Shetland Islands (EU-012) on July
23rd-28th,
IOTA Contest (July 26th-27th) included. Outside the contest they will
operate CW and SSB on 30, 17 and 12 meters, as well as FT8 on 6 and 4
meters. QSL via LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1785 July 19, 2025] (0718-0801)
HB, SWITZERLAND. The 2025 UEFA
Women's Championship will run from July 2nd to 27th
in Switzerland, and eight special event stations will be active from
the host cities throughout July:
HB2Ø25BA
(Basel),
HB2Ø25BE
(Bern),
HB2Ø25GE
(Geneve),
HB2Ø25LU
(Lucerne),
HB2Ø25SG
(St. Gallen),
HB2Ø25SI
(Sion),
HB2Ø25TH
(Thun), and
HB2Ø25ZH
(Zurich).
Certificates will be available for contacts made on CW, Phone
and/or Digital. See https://www.qrz.com/db/HB2025BA
for the details. QSL via LoTW only, paper cards will not be provided.
-[425DXN # 1782 June 28, 2025] (0627-0801)
HK, COLOMBIA.
Jorge, HK1J will be QRV as 5JØTT
from Tierra Bomba (SA-040) as a 40 meter entry in the RSGB IOTA Contest
on July 26th-27th.
QSL to HK1J.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 30 July 24, 2025] (0725-0801)
HK, COLOMBIA.
Members of the Asociacion Radioaficionados Unidos (HK4T, HK4C, HK4SSI,
HK4X) operate as 5KØT
for one week around the RSGB IOTA Contest on July 26th-27th
from Isla Fuerte (SA-078). QSL via EA5GL.
-[DXNL # 2468 July 23, 2025] (0725-0801)
HS, THAILAND.
The Asian Team Nr 3 for WRTC 2026 will be testing their equipment
during the IARU HF Championship (July 12th-13th) this year as E21WRTC. They will
also be QRV before and after the contest from July 12th until August 10th.
QSL via E21EIC, LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 28 July 10, 2025] (0711-0815)
I, ITALY.
A group of operators will be QRV as IP1X
from Gallinara Island (EU-083) and POTA IT-0203, on July 26th and 27th.
Activity will be on 80 to 10 meters using CW and SSB. They will also be
active as a Multi-2, Low Power entry in the RSGB IOTA Contest. QSL
direct to IU1JCZ.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 30 July 24, 2025] (0725-0801)
I, ITALY.
Announced participants in the RSGB IOTA Contest (July 26th-27th)
from Italian islands include:
* Alessandro, IU3EDK and Carlo, IZ1KGY as IR5C from Capraia
(EU-028). They will operate SSB. QSL via IU3EDK.
* Team II3Y
(IV3CGJ, IV3GDE, IV3GLK, IV3HWT, IV3KQM, IV3OSC,
IV3TRK and IV3VPR) from Santa Maria di Barbana
(EU-130). They
will operate SSB and CW. QSL via MØOXO's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1784 July 12, 2025] (0725-0801)
I, ITALY.
Once again team II7P
will participate in the RSGB IOTA Contest (July 26th-27th)
from Pedagna Grande (EU-091). Outside the contest there will be some
activity on 30, 17 and 12 meters, as well as on FT8 and using QRP. QSOs
will be uploaded to ClubLog, LoTW and eQSL. QSL via IK7RWE.
-[425DXN # 1785 July 19, 2025] (0725-0801)
I, ITALY.
Vin, IK7IMO, and IK4DCT activate San Pietro Island (EU-073) with the
callsign IB7V
on July 26th-27th.
QSL via IK7IMO.
-[DXNL # 2468 July 23, 2025] (0725-0801)
I, ITALY.
Marcus, DL3NC plans to be QRV as ID9/DL3NC
from Stromboli Island (ID9), EU-017, on July 24th-28th.
He will operate CW and SSB, and will participate in the IOTA Contest
(July 26th-27th). QSOs will be uploaded to ClubLog. QSL via DL3NC.
-[425DXN # 1785 July 19, 2025] (0718-0801)
I, ITALY.
Marcus, DL3NC, activates Stromboli Island (EU-017) as I/DL3NC from July 24th to 27th
for the IOTA Contest. QSL via DL3NC, ClubLog's OQRS.
-[DXNL # 2467 July 16, 2025] (0718-0801)
ISØ, SARDINIA.
Zdenek OK1DSZ, Vasek OK6RA, Tomas OK1IC, and Richard ISØJHQ (OM2TW,
OK8WW) sign IPØA
from Sardinia (EU-024) during the RSGB IOTA Contest on July 26th-27th.
QSL via OM2FY.
-[DXNL # 2468 July 23, 2025] (0725-0801)
ISØ, SARDINIA.
Eddy, DM5JBN is QRV as ISØ/DM5JBM
until July 31st.
Activity is holiday style on the HF bands. This includes being an entry
in the upcoming RSGB IOTA contest. QSL via bureau.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 29 July 17, 2025] (0718-0801)
JA, JAPAN.
Take, JA8COE,
joins the RSGB IOTA Contest on July
26th-27th from Hokkaido Island (AS-078). QSL via LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2468 July 23, 2025] (0725-0801)
JA, JAPAN.
Take, JI3DST will be active as JI3DST/1
from Shikine Island (AS-008) on July
24th-28th, IOTA Contest included. Other callsigns to be
used outside the contest are JS6RRR/1
and JS6RRR/p
(FT8/FT4) on 40-10 meters; JJ5RBH/1
and JJ5RBH/p
(FT8/FT4) on 6m, 2m and 70 cm. QSOs will be uploaded to ClubLog and
LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1783 July 5, 2025] (0718-0801)
JW, SVALBARD.
Michael, DM6MA, carries out research assignments on Svalbard during the
next years. He plans to get on the air during his spare time as JW/DM6MA. His first
stay will be at the
end of July. QRV on SSB and maybe CW from near
Longyearbyen and Ny-Alesund. QSL via DM6MA.
-[DXNL # 2468 July 23, 2025] (0725-0801)
JW, SVALBARD.
Jaroslaw, SP9HGN will be active from Svalbard (EU-026) from July 24th to August 2nd.
He will operate QRP on 40, 20, 15, 10 meters mainly SSB, and possibly
FT8 if needed. He plans to to be QRV as JW/SP9HGN/p
from three summits - Pyramiden (SOTA JW/VS-265), Mumien (JW/VS-413),
and Gronfjordfjellet (JW/MS-154), max one hour from each. QSL via LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1785 July 19, 2025] (0718-0801)
K, UNITED STATES.
Dragan, KØAP will be active as KØAP/4
from Cedar Key (NA-076) starting
on July 27th, and possibly from Okaloosa Island (NA-142)
starting on July 30th
for a couple of days. He will focus on Japan, Europe and Oceania on CW,
"but if no callers will QSY to FT8 and possibly SSB, if requested".
-[425DXN # 1786 July 26, 2025] (0725-0801)
K, UNITED STATES.
YOTA Junior Camp USA for licensed amateur radio operators under the age
of 15 will be held on July
25th-27th in West Chester (Cincinnati), Ohio (https://youthontheair.org/yotajr2025/).
Campers will operate special event station W8Y as they finish
projects, between sessions, and during free time.
-[425DXN # 1786 July 26, 2025] (0725-0801)
K, UNITED STATES.
Corey, KB4YPN, activates Tangier Island (NA-083) during the RSGB IOTA
Contest on July
26th-27th.
QSLs also count for POTA K-4582 Washington Rochambeau, K-4581 Star
Spangled Banner NHT, and K-4567 Cpt John Smith Chesapeake NHT.
-[DXNL # 2468 July 23, 2025] (0725-0801)
K, UNITED STATES.
Team K4T
will be active from Tangier Island (NA-083) on July 22nd-27th,
for POTA and for the IOTA Contest (July 26th-27th). QSL via KB4YPN and
LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1785 July 19, 2025] (0718-0801)
OE, AUSTRIA.
The special event stations OE2XXM
and OE5XXM
get on the air around the 39th international ham meeting in Gosau. QRV
during July and
September on 80, 40, 2m, and 70cm. For more information
see: https://www.qrz.com/db/oe2xxm
and https://www.qrz.com/db/oe5xxm.
QSL via bureau.
-[DXNL # 2466 July 9, 2025] (0711-0801)
OH, FINLAND.
OH2TA, SAØBYP, SMØCXU, and SMØMPV operate as OG1N from Houtskar
Island (EU-096) on July 26th-27th.
QSL via OH2TA.
-[DXNL # 2468 July 23, 2025] (0725-0801)
OX, GREENLAND.
Bo, OZ1DJJ will be active again as OX3LX
from Nuuk, Greenland (NA-018) from July 14th to 29th.
One- or two-day trips to IOTA group NA-220 are possible. As always,
this will be a working trip, and he will be QRV only in his spare time.
QSL via OZØJ, ClubLog's OQRS
and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1784 July 12, 2025] (0711-0801)
OZ, DENMARK.
Look for 5PØTA
to be active from Bornholm Island (EU-030) from July 31st to August 3rd.
Plans are "to activate all POTA parks on Bornholm within four days".
See https://www.qrz.com/db/5P0TA
for more information.
-[425DXN # 1786 July 26, 2025] (0725-0808)
PA, NETHERLANDS.
Dennis, PA2DK and Pim, PA5PR will be active as PC38EU from Texel
Island (EU-038) on July
25th-28th, including participation in the RSGB IOTA
Contest on July 26th-27th. QSL via the bureau and LOTW.
-[425DXN # 1779 June 7, 2025] (0725-0801)
PA, NETHERLANDS.
PA2G, ON4CKM, ON4EC, ON4JBS, ON5LWZ, ON6NL, ON6QR, and ON4JCO will be
active as PA2G
in the RSGB IOTA Contest on July
26th-27th from Schouwen-Duiveland (EU-146). QSL via LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2468 July 23, 2025] (0725-0801)
SM, SWEDEN.
Watch for SM7JNT
on Senoren Island (EU-138) during the RSGB IOTA Contest on July 26th-27th.
QSL via ClubLog's OQRS.
-[DXNL # 2468 July 23, 2025] (0725-0801)
SM, SWEDEN.
Joergen OZØJ, Anders OZ3ACB, Soeren OZ9U and possibly others will be
active as SM/OV2E
from Aspo Island (EU-138) on July
24th-28th, IOTA Contest included.
Outside the contest they will operate SSB, CW, and digital modes on the
HF bands and 6 meters. QSOs will be uploaded to LoTW and ClubLog. QSL
via OZØJ.
-[425DXN # 1779 June 7, 2025] (0718-0801)
SP, POLAND.
Special callsign SN92LOT
will be active on July
1st-31st
to commemorate the 92nd anniversary of the ill-fated flight of
Lithuanian pilots Steponas Darius and Stasys Girenas. On July 15, 1933,
they attempted a nonstop flight from New York City to Kaunas in a small
airplane named "Lituanica". After crossing the Atlantic Ocean, they
crashed on July 17 when they were only 400 miles short of their final
destination. QSL via SP1PMY.
-[425DXN # 1781 June 21, 2025] (0627-0801)
SV, GREECE.
Members of the Radio Amateur Association of Western Greece (SZ1A) will
operate special event station SX17ASTRO
from July 25th to
August 8th for the 17th Panhellenic Expedition of Amateur
Astronomers. A number of certificates will be available, see https://sz1a.org/en
for information.
-[425DXN # 1786 July 26, 2025] (0725-0808)
SV, GREECE.
A Greek team (SV3EXP, SV3FUP, SV2HXV, SV2JAO, SV2MIK) joins the RSGB
IOTA Contest as J48K
from Kastos Island (EU-052) on July
26th-27th. QSL via SV2JAO, ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2468 July 23, 2025] (0725-0801)
SV5, DODECANESE.
Team J45E
will be active from Kos Island (EU-001), Dodecanese on July 24th-29th,
including participation in the IOTA Contest. Outside the contest look
for activity on 80-10 meters CW, SSB and digital modes. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW, or via IZ7ATN.
-[425DXN # 1784 July 12, 2025] (0718-0801)
SV9, CRETE.
Team SX9G
(SV1DPJ, SV1ENG, SV1GE, SV1JG, SV1YU, DD2CW, GØPZA, HB9EBC and VK2IR)
will be active from Gavdos Island (EU-187) on July 24th-29th,
IOTA Contest included. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
or via ON3UN.
-[425DXN # 1779 June 7, 2025] (0718-0801)
T3Ø, WEST
KIRIBATI. Members of the Rebel DX Group are QRV as T3ØTTT from North
Tarawa until
September 8th. Activity is on 160 to 6 meters using CW,
SSB, FT8, and FT4 with up to 10 stations active. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 25 June 19, 2025] (0620-0905)
TF, ICELAND.
Nicolas, F5TGR will be active as TF/F5TGR
from Iceland from July
26th to August 9th. He will operate CW, SSB and FT8 on 40,
30, 20, 15, 12 and 10 meters. QSL via LoTW, or ClubLog's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1785 July 19, 2025] (0718-0808)
TY, BENIN.
Red, DL1BUG will be active again as TY5FR
from Cotonou, Benin from July
9th to August 6th. He will operate CW and SSB on 80-10
meters. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW, or via DL1BUG.
-[425DXN # 1783 July 5, 2025] (0704-0808)
UA, EUROPEAN
RUSSIA. Sergey, UA1ATD plans to be active as UA1ATD/p from ten
RRA (Russian Robinson Award) islands in Onega Bay (White Sea), starting
on July 20th for
10-12 days. Three islands - namely Kotkano, Bol'shoy
Kuz'min and Kondostrov - qualify also for IOTA group EU-147. See https://www.qrz.com/db/UA1ATD
for more information. Usually, Sergey operates CW on 20 meters. QSL via
ClubLog's OQRS
and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1783 July 5, 2025] (0718-0801)
V4, ST. KITTS
& NEVIS. Pete, GØTLE will be QRV as V47EM from St. Kitts
(NA-104) from July
20th to August 2nd.
Activity will be holiday style, using CW and SSB on 80 to 10 meters,
including an entry in the IOTA contest. QSL via LoTW, OQRS or GØTLE.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 28 July 10, 2025] (0718-0801)
VE, CANADA.
Look for N7BF/VY2,
WT4BT/VY2
and W6ABM/VY2
to be active from Prince Edward Island (NA-029) from July 23rd to August 4th.
They plan to participate in the IOTA Contest (July 26th-27th). QSL via N7BF, WT4BT, W6ABM.
-[425DXN # 1785 July 19, 2025] (0718-0808)
VE, CANADA.
Stuart, VA7QB, celebrates the IARU jubilee as XL7IARU during July on
CW, SSB, and FT8. QSL via VA7QB.
-[DXNL # 2461 June 4, 2025] (0627-0801)
VE, CANADA.
The NA128 Contest Group (http://www.qsl.net/na128cg)
will be active again as XM2I
from Ile-aux-Coudres (NA-128) on July 24th-27th,
IOTA Contest included. XM2I will also be used (NOT FROM NA-128) on
various bands and modes from July
12th to August 11th,
particularly during the IARU HF World Championship (July 12th-13th),
the North American QSO Party, RTTY (July 19th), the North American QSO
Party, CW (August 2nd), and the WAE DX Contest, CW (August 9th). QSL
via F5JYD; all QSOs
will be uploaded to LoTW on August 15.
-[425DXN # 1783 July 5, 2025] (0718-0801)
YB, INDONESIA.
Members of ORARI Daerah Nusa Tenggara Barat (OC-150) will be active as 8CØ8F on July 25th-27th,
during the 8th National Community Sports Festival (FORNAS VIII). QSL
direct to HA3JB.
-[425DXN # 1785 July 19, 2025] (0725-0801)
YN, NICARAGUA.
Rafael, NN3RP will operate holiday style as YN2RP from July 12th to August 5th
on 40 to 10 meters using CW, SSB, RTTY, FT8 and FT4, and maybe via FM
satellites. QSL via NN3RP, ClubLog's OQRS
or LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 28 July 10, 2025] (0711-0808)
ZL, NEW ZEALAND.
Special callsign ZL1ØØIARU
will be used by New Zealand's IARU member society, NZART, to celebrate
the 100th anniversary of the International Amateur Radio Union until July 31st.
QSOs will be uploaded to QRZ Logbook and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1776 May 17, 2025] (0516-0801)
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 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 Monday, July 21st through yesterday, July 28th.
The average solar flux was 147, down 2 points from the previous week,
with a weekly high of 156 on Thursday, July 24th, followed by
a low of 143 on July 26th.
The average sunspot count was 122, down by 33 from last week,
peaking at 137 on Thursday, July 24th after a
weekly low of 85 on July 23rd.
The Planetary K-index weekly average was 3.3 with a
maximum of 5.0 on Tuesday, July 22nd, indicating
a minor geomagnetic storm. Yesterday's K-index maximum was 3.0 with generally quiet conditions.
Solar flare activity since July 22nd has been quiet with no major flares.
Propagation
Data
Major solar flares, Tuesday, July 22nd through 1318 UTC, July 29th.
| # | Date | UTC | Mag. |
|---|---|---|---|
| None Reported | |||
(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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 29 | 25% | 5% | 145 |
| Jul 30 | 30% | 5% | 140 |
| Jul 31 | 30% | 5% | 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 July 28, 2025).
|
|
|
Big Farside Sunspot
There's a sunspot on the farside of the sun so large, it is affecting
the way the whole sun vibrates. It's the big black blob in this helioseismic image of the whole sun. The sunspot will turn to face Earth about 10 days from now.
(Copyright © SpaceWeather.com July 29, 2025.
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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RSGB IOTA Contest | Jul 26 | 1200Z | Jul 27 | 1200Z | Rules |
| North American QSO Party, CW | Aug 2 | 1800Z | Aug 3 | 0600Z | Rules |
| WAE DX Contest, CW | Aug 9 | 0000Z | Aug 10 | 2359Z | Rules |
| Maryland-DC QSO Party | Aug 9 | 1400Z | Aug 10 | 0400Z | Rules |
| North American QSO Party, SSB | Aug 16 | 1800Z | Aug 17 | 0600Z | Rules |
| ARRL Rookie Roundup, RTTY | Aug 17 | 1800Z | Aug 17 | 2359Z | Rules |
| Ohio QSO Party | Aug 23 | 1600Z | Aug 24 | 0400Z | Rules |
| YO DX HF Contest | Aug 30 | 1200Z | Aug 31 | 1200Z | Rules |
| World Wide Digi DX Contest | Aug 30 | 1200Z | Aug 31 | 1200Z | Rules |
| Kansas QSO Party | Aug 30 | 1400Z | Aug 31 | 2000Z | Rules |
| Tennessee QSO Party | Sep 7 | 1700Z | Sep 8 | 0300Z | Rules |
| ARRL September VHF Contest | Sep 13 | 1800Z | Sep 15 | 0300Z | Rules |
| Scandinavian Activity Contest, CW | Sep 20 | 1200Z | Sep 21 | 1200Z | Rules |
| New Jersey QSO Party | Sep 20 | 1400Z | Sep 21 | 0159Z | Rules |
| Texas QSO Party | Sep 20 | 1400Z | Sep 21 | 2000Z | Rules |
| Wisconsin Parks on the Air | Sep 20 | 1600Z | Sep 20 | 2300Z | Rules |
| Washington State Salmon Run | Sep 20 | 1600Z | Sep 21 | 2400Z | Rules |
| New Hampshire QSO Party | Sep 20 | 1600Z | Sep 21 | 2200Z | Rules |
| North American Sprint, RTTY | Sep 21 | 0000Z | Sep 21 | 0359Z | Rules |
| CQ Worldwide DX Contest, RTTY | Sep 27 | 0000Z | Sep 28 | 2400Z | Rules |
| Maine QSO Party | Sep 27 | 1200Z | Sep 28 | 1200Z | Rules |
| Oceania DX Contest, Phone | Oct 4 | 0600Z | Oct 5 | 0600Z | Rules |
| California QSO Party | Oct 4 | 1600Z | Oct 5 | 2200Z | Rules |
| QRP ARCI Fall QSO Party | Oct 11 | 0000Z | Oct 11 | 2359Z | Rules |
| Makrothen RTTY Contest | Oct 11 | 0000Z | Oct 12 | 1559Z | Rules |
| Nevada QSO Party | Oct 11 | 0300Z | Oct 12 | 2100Z | Rules |
| Oceania DX Contest, CW | Oct 11 | 0600Z | Oct 12 | 0600Z | Rules |
| Scandinavian Activity Contest, SSB | Oct 11 | 1200Z | Oct 12 | 1200Z | Rules |
| Arizona QSO Party | Oct 11 | 1500Z | Oct 12 | 0500Z | Rules |
| Pennsylvania QSO Party | Oct 11 | 1600Z | Oct 12 | 0400Z | Rules |
| Oct 12 | 1300Z | Oct 12 | 2200Z | ||
| South Dakota QSO Party | Oct 11 | 1800Z | Oct 12 | 1800Z | Rules |
| 10-10 Int. Fall Contest, CW | Oct 18 | 0001Z | Oct 19 | 2359Z | Rules |
| New York QSO Party | Oct 18 | 1400Z | Oct 19 | 0200Z | Rules |
| Worked All Germany Contest | Oct 18 | 1500Z | Oct 19 | 1459Z | Rules |
| Stew Perry Topband Challenge | Oct 18 | 1500Z | Oct 19 | 1500Z | Rules |
| Illinois QSO Party | Oct 19 | 1700Z | Oct 20 | 0100Z | Rules |
| ARRL School Club Roundup | Oct 20 | 1300Z | Oct 24 | 2359Z | Rules |
| CQ Worldwide DX Contest, SSB | Oct 25 | 0000Z | Oct 26 | 2400Z | Rules |