The
Eastern Iowa DX Bulletin
Number
315, February 27, 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 (The online archive is no
longer updated.)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
3B8, MAURITIUS.
Matt, DL5PT, is QRV as 3B8/DL5PT
from Flic-en-Flac until
the end of March. Activity is in his spare time on 20
through 10 meters using FT8. QSL to DL5PT.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 4 January 29, 2026] (0130-0327)
3B8, MAURITIUS I. Suvarna, VU3OPT (OMØGA) is currently QRV as 3B8G from Mauritius Island (AF-049) until March 30th. He operates CW and has been reported on 20, 15 and especially 10 meters so far. See https://www.9n7ga.com/ for more information.
-[425DXN # 1817 February 28, 2026] (0227-0403)
3Y, BOUVET. The 3YØK
team departed Cape Town on February 21st aboard the Argus and arrived
at Bouvet on February 27th at around 0830 UTC after a somewhat bumpy
voyage. The weather and sea state is still not favorable for us to
start going onshore today, the team reports. During our daily
meeting today with the captain, pilots and expedition crew, we
discussed the weather forecast. During the last few days, we have
stayed in an area with adverse weather and waves up to 8-10 meters,
which is the reason for us slowing down the speed. The vessel is
handling the sea very well and we are all satisfied with that. We are
currently looking into a weather window on Saturday and Sunday, and as
long as the conditions don't change, it is likely we will make an
effort to go onshore this weekend. The pilots and crew are ready and
confident in the machine, and we will now start our final preparations.
At this stage we cannot tell when we will be on the air. The main
priority is to focus on the upcoming weather windows, get the gear and
people onto the island and secure the camp with tents and provisions -
before the radio/antenna installation starts. Our pilot James, KB2FMH
will inform all when we are QRV.
-[425DXN # 1817 February 28, 2026] (0227-0313)
4S, SRI LANKA.
Peter, DCØKK is QRV as 4S7KKG
until March 31st.
Activity is on 60 through 6 meters using FT8, and on Satellite QO-100.
QSL to DCØKK, ClubLog's OQRS,
LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 3 January 22, 2026] (0123-0403)
5N, NIGERIA. Bodo, DF8DX, is due to perform service tasks at the Voice of Nigeria Broadcasting site from March 1st to 10th. QRV as 5N7QBR with 100W and possibly the large BC transmit antennas. Bodo also uses the QO-100 satellite. QSL via DF8DX, ClubLog's OQRS, LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2499 February 25, 2026] (0227-0313)
8Q, MALDIVES. Lubo, OM5ZW and Laco, OM4WM will be QRV as 8Q7ZW from Thulusdhoo Island (AS-013) from February 28th to March 12th. Activity will be on 160 through 10 meters using CW, SSB, RTTY, and FT8. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS, LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 8 February 26, 2026] (0227-0313)
9G, GHANA. Arno, DL1CW, planned to continue operating as 9G5ZZ until March 3rd but is now off the air due to a broken transceiver. His operating permit is good until 2031 and he hopes to return to Ghana eventually for more QSOs.
-[DXNL # 2499 February 25, 2026] (0227-0303)
9M2, WEST MALAYSIA. Mike, 9M2/KM9D has been casual operating from Teluk Kelubi Beach on Rebak Island (AS-058), West Malaysia since February 13th. Length of stay unknown. He operates CW low power (10 watts) on various bands. QSL via LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1817 February 28, 2026] (0227-0320)
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)
DL, GERMANY.
To celebrate the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games Milano Cortina
2026, the DARC Team SES will be active as DD2Ø26OWG (February 1st - March 1st)
and DD2Ø26WPG
(March 1st - April 1st).
QSL via DK5ON, LoTW and
DCL (DARC Community Logbook).
-[425DXN # 1811 January 17, 2026] (0130-0403)
DU, PHILIPPINES.
Bob, KB7TX, is QRV as DU9/KB7TX
from Mindanao (OC-130) until
March 1st. Activity is on 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters using
CW and SSB. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 5 February 5, 2026] (0206-0306)
DXCC TOP TWENTY.
Here are the top 20 entities on ClubLog’s "DXCC Most Wanted" list as of
February 26, 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. 3Y/P Peter 1
Island 17.
YK Syria
8. YVØ Aves
Island
18. ZL9 New Zealand Subantarctic
Islands
9. BV9P Pratas
Island 19.
FT/T Tromelin Island
10. 3Y/B Bouvet
Island 20.
VKØH Heard Island
For the complete list, see
https://clublog.org/mostwanted.php
-[KØCF February 27, 2026 (0227-0320)
EA8, CANARY IS. Jeff, VA3QSL, is now active as EA8/VA3QSL until March 8th. QSL via VA3QSL, LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2499 February 25, 2026] (0227-0313)
ET, ETHIOPIA. Ken, K4ZW, is expected on the air as ET3AA (CW exclusively) until March 2nd during his spare time. QSL via N2OO.
-[DXNL # 2499 February 25, 2026] (0227-0306)
ET, ETHIOPIA.
Ethiopian Amateur Radio Society station ET3AA has been
active on 30 meters FT8 between 0400 and 0530z. QSL via N2OO.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 7 February 19, 2026] (0220-0313)
F, FRANCE.
Francois, F8DVD will be active as TM23AAW
from February 16th
to March 2nd
to promote the 23rd Antarctic Activity Week (February 16th-22nd). He
will be QRV on 40-10 meters from his home QTH in France. QSL via F8DVD and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1814 February 7, 2026] (0213-0306)
FJ, ST.
BARTHELEMY. Andreas, DK6AS is QRV as FJ/DK6AS until
sometime in March.
Activity is on 80 through 6 meters using CW, FT8, and FT4. This
includes being an entry in the ARRL CW DX contest (February 21st-22nd).
QSL via DK6AS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 7 February 19, 2026] (0220-0313)
FM, MARTINIQUE.
Francis, F6BWJ, is QRV as FM/F6BWJ
from Sainte Luce until
March 23rd. Activity is mostly on 12 and 10 meters using
CW. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 6 February 12, 2026] (0213-0327)
FY, FRENCH
GUIANA. Yves, F5PRU and also 6W1TA, relocated to French
Guiana some years ago and now plans to get back on the air as FY8BP with plans for
activating rare locations in the country on CW, SSB, and maybe also
digital modes. QSL via 6W1TA or REF
bureau.
-[DXNL # 2497 February 11, 2026] (0213-0306)
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)
HI, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC. Flavio, IW2NEF will be active holiday style as HI7/IW2NEF from Bayahibe, Dominican Republic (NA-096) from February 28th to March 7th. He will operate SSB and FT8/FT4 on 40-6 meters. QSL direct to IK2DUW.
-[425DXN # 1817 February 28, 2026] (0227-0306)
I, ITALY.
Members of ARI Milano, ARI Cadore and ARI Brunico/Bruneck will activate
four special callsigns II2WOG,
II3COR, II3WOG, and II3BIA from February 6th to March 22nd
for the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games Milano Cortina 2026.
Certificates and eQSLs will be available on https://hamaward.cloud/.
QSL II2WOG via IQ2MI, II3COR
via IQ3DD, II3WOG
and II3BIA via IQ3ED).
-[425DXN # 1810 January 10, 2026] (0206-0327)
J5, GUINEA-BISSAU. A group of operators are QRV as J51A from Bubaque Island (AF-020) until March 15th. Activity is on 160 to 6 meters using CW, SSB, and FT8. See https://www.qrz.com/db/J51A for updates. QSL via DJ4MX or ClubLog's OQRS.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 8 February 26, 2026] (0227-0320)
J7, DOMINICA. Haluk, TA2LE will be QRV as J79H from March 2026 until March 2027. Details will be posted on his website at https://j79h.ta2le.tr/. QSL via LoTW and ClubLog's OQRS.
-[DXNL # 2499 February 25, 2026] (0227-0320)
JA, JAPAN.
Moto, JA1GZV will be active again as JS6UKY/6 from Miyako
Island (AS-079) and Okinawa Island (AS-017) from February 24th to March 6th.
He will operate CW on or around 7011, 10123, 14011, 18075, 21011,
24897, and 28011 kHz. QSL via JS6UKY (bureau), eQSL, or direct to JA1GZV.
-[425DXN # 1816 February 21, 2026] (0220-0306)
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)
KH6, HAWAII.
Fred, NA2U will be QRV as KH7M
in both ARRL International DX contests: CW on February 21st-22nd
and SSB on March
7th-8th. QSL direct to NA2U.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 7 February 19, 2026] (0220-0313)
KP5, DESECHEO. Due to adverse weather conditions, the Desecheo DXpedition KP5/NP3VI will extend their activity to March 3rd.
-[DXNL # 2499 February 25, 2026] (0227-0306)
LU, ARGENTINA. Members of the Radio Club QRM Belgrano will be active as LU4AAO and other callsigns from February 28th to March 8th to celebrate the club's 58th anniversary. See http://lu4aao.org/58_aniv_lu4aao.htm for more information. Awards and a special QSL are available.
-[425DXN # 1816 February 21, 2026] (0227-0313)
OZ, DENMARK. Special callsign OZ1ØØOZ commemorates the first licensed Danish amateur radio activity 100 years ago. QRV March 1st to 8th. For more information see: https://www.qrz.com/db/OZ100OZ. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS (preferred), or OZ1ACB.
-[DXNL # 2499 February 25, 2026] (0227-0313)
PJ2, CURACAO.
Andre, PD1DRE will be active again as PJ2/PD1DRE from
Curacao (SA-099) from January
26th to March 4th. He operates SSB and FT8/FT4. QSL via
eQSL.
-[425DXN # 1812 January 24, 2026] (0123-0306)
PJ2, CURACAO.
Thaire, W2APF will be active as PJ2/W2APF
from Curacao (SA-099) from January
22nd to March 31st. He will operate CW, SSB and FT8 on
80-10 meters. QSL via LoTW, or direct to W2APF.
-[425DXN # 1811 January 17, 2026] (0116-0403)
T8, PALAU. Watch for Mune/JI3DNN (T88CZ), Kuni/JH3LSS/JA1CJA (T88DK) and Masu/JA3AVO (T88MB) operating from the VIP Guest Hotel on Koror Island (OC-009) from February 25th to March 5th.
-[DXNL # 2499 February 25, 2026] (0227-0306)
T8, PALAU.
Czech DXpedition Team members OK1BOA, OK2ZA, OK3RM and OK6DJ will be
active as T8OK
from Palau on March
4th-19th. They will operate CW, FT8, SSB and RTTY on
160-10 meters, plus 6m. Full LoTW upload after six months. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS
(preferred), or via OK6DJ.
-[425DXN # 1815 February 14, 2026] (0227-0320)
TL, CENTRAL
AFRICA. Joao, CR7BNW, is QRV as TL8BNW until June 1st.
Pending the arrival of new equipment this weekend, he plans to upgrade
his station's capabilities for a specialized run on 160 meters. From February 4th to 14th,
he will temporarily modify his dipole antenna to focus exclusively on 160m
SSB and digital modes. After that period, he will reconfigure the
dipole to restore its standard multi-band functionality, returning to
his regular operations on 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters using SSB
and FT8. QSL via LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1813 January 31, 2026] (0130-0306)
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)
TZ, MALI.
Ulmar, DK1CE will be active again as TZ1CE from Bamako,
Mali from February
10th to March 1st.
He will operate mainly SSB and FT8, with a focus on 160m FT8, 80m FT8
and 6 meters. QSOs will be uploaded to Club Log on a daily basis, and
to LoTW after the operation. QSL via DK1CE.
-[425DXN # 1814 February 7, 2026] (0206-0306)
V4, ST. KITTS
& NEVIS. Chris, WA7RAR will be active as V4/WA7RAR from St.
Kitts (NA-104) from February
21st to March 7th.
He will operate SSB and CW on 20-10 meters, also with portable activity
from various POTA sites. QSL via LoTW, QRZ Logbook, or direct to WA7RAR.
-[425DXN # 1815 February 14, 2026] (0220-0306)
V4, ST. KITTS
& NEVIS. Tom, KØYA and his wife Toni, W5RCX will
be active again as V4/KØYA
and V4/W5RCX
from St. Kitts (NA-104) from February
4th to March 9th. Activity will be holiday style on 160-6
meters CW, SSB, FT8, FT4. Look for Tom to participate as V47Y in both legs of
the ARRL International DX Contest, CW (February 21st-22nd) and SSB
(March 7th-8th). QSL via LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1813 January 31, 2026] (0130-0313)
V5, NAMIBIA. Gunter, DK2WH is QRV as V51WH near Omaruru until March 24th. Activity is on 160 to 6 meters, including 60 meters. QSL to DK2WH.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 8 February 26, 2026] (0227-0327)
VE, CANADA. Pierre, VK3KTB will be active again as VYØERC from the Eureka Amateur Radio Club station on Ellesmere Island (NA-008) from March 5th to April 1st. He operates SSB, CW and FT8 on various bands when time permits. QSL via MØOXO's OQRS and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1817 February 28, 2026] (0227-0403)
VP2E, ANGUILLA. Jacek MØPLX, Janusz SP9FIH, and teenager Adrian SQ2RAD will be active as VP2ELX, VP2EWE, VP2EAD and respectively from Anguilla (NA-022) on March 3-20. They will operate SSB, CW and digital modes on 160-6 meters. See https://vp2.dxpeditions.org/ for more information. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1815 February 14, 2026] (0227-0320)
VP2M, MONTSERRAT. Chuck, KG9N had to cancel his planned activity as VP2MCV.
-[DXNL # 2499 February 25, 2026] (0227-0306)
VP5, TURKS
& CAICOS IS. John, N5VOF, and his sons Josiah,
WD5JR, and Isaiah, KJ5CMP, are active until February 23rd
from Caicos (NA-002), signing VP5/N5VOF,
VP5/WD5JR
and VP5/KJ5CMP
from various POTA locations. QRV on 80 through 6 meters on CW and SSB.
QSL with SASE to N5VOF.
-[DXNL # 2498 February 18, 2026] (0220-0306)
VP9, BERMUDA. Darrell, AB2E will be active as AB2E/VP9 from Bermuda (NA-005) on March 4th-10th. Main activity will be as VP9I
during the ARRL DX SSB Contest (March 7th-8th). Before and after the
contest he will operate CW, RTTY and FT8 with a focus on the low and
WARC bands. QSL AB2E/VP9 via LoTW, or direct to AB2E; QSL VP9I via WW3S.
-[425DXN # 1817 February 28, 2026] (0227-0313)
XU, CAMBODIA. Members of radio club XU7AMO plan to introduce a group of students to amateur radio until March 2nd.
Activity is with a focus on Satellite QO-100, and LEO Satellites RS-44,
SO-50, and FO-29. Club operators plan to demonstrate CW, SSB, and
various digital modes as well. QSL via NØMMA.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 8 February 26, 2026] (0227-0306)
YU, SERBIA. Special event station YT17ØTESLA celebrates Nikola Tesla's 170th birthday until the end of the year.
-[DXNL # 2499 February 25, 2026] (0227-0320)
Z6, KOSOVO. DL2JRM visits Kosovo as Z66BCC from February 27th to March 2nd. QSL via DL2JRM.
-[DXNL # 2494 January 21, 2026] (0227-0306)
Z8, SOUTH SUDAN. Diya, YI1DZ, after a brief vacation in Bagdad, returns to Juba and resumes his activities as Z81D on SSB and FT8, 80-10 meters, including 60 meters. QSL via OM3JW.
-[DXNL # 2499 February 25, 2026] (0227-0320)
ZC4, UK SOVEREIGN BASE AREAS ON CYPRUS. A five-man team (GM2TT, GM2WW, GM3JIM, GM5YTT, and GM6DX) will be active as ZC4C and ZC4Z from the UK Sovereign Base Areas on Cyprus on March 4th-11th.
They will run 2-3 stations on 80-10 meters CW, SSB, RTTY, FT8/FT4
(MSHV) and maybe even SSTV. QSOs will be uploaded to LoTW and ClubLog.
-[425DXN # 1817 February 28, 2026] (0227-0313)
Propagation
The Weekly Solar Data chart plots Solar Flux Index (SFI), Sunspot number (SSN) and Planetary K-Index (Kp) for the past 8 days. With 8 Planetary K-index readings each day, only the minimum, average and maximum K-index values are plotted. Note: You may click here or on the chart above to see the same data for the past month.
The Daily Solar Flux Index, Sunspot number, Planetary
K-index,
Solar Flux predictions and Solar Flare data used in this bulletin have
been collected by
KØCF from the U.S. Department of Commerce's NOAA
Space Weather Prediction Center.
The propagation graphs above are the creations of KØCF and are unique
in space weather reporting.
Please Note: The graphs are high resolution .PNG files which you may view in greater detail using your browser's "zoom" feature. Alternatively, right click on the graph and select "Open Image in New Tab" to enlarge it, or "Save Image As..." to save it to your computer for further analysis.
|
NASA's current view of the Sun at a wave- length of 131 Angstroms. This wavelength shows incredible solar detail. Click here or on the image to view as a full screen 48-hour video loop. It is fascinating! |
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Propagation
Summary
For the 8 day period from Thursday, February 19th through Thursday, February 26th.
The average solar flux was 116, down 2 points from the previous week,
with a weekly high of 130 on Thursday, February 26th, following
a low of 108 on February 23rd.
The average sunspot count was 16, down by 39 from last week,
peaking at 43 on Thursday, February 26th after a
weekly low of 0 on February 24th.
The Planetary K-index weekly average was 4.2 with a
maximum of 5.3 on Sunday, February 22nd, indicating
a minor geomagnetic storm. The most recent K-index maximum was 4.0 with generally quiet conditions.
Solar flare activity since February 20th has been quiet with only
1 major flare, which was an M 2.3 event on Wednesday, February 25th.
Propagation
Data
Major solar flares, Friday, February 20th through 1446 UTC, February 27th.
| # | Date | UTC | Mag. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Feb 25 | 1559 | M 2.3 |
(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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 27 | 25% | 5% | 132 |
| Feb 28 | 25% | 5% | 132 |
| Mar 1 | 25% | 5% | 132 |
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 February 23, 2026).
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|
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A Minor CME Is Coming
A magnetic filament on the sun erupted Feb. 25th, hurling a minor CME toward Earth. NOAA models suggest it will arrive late on Feb. 28th, sparking, at most, G1-class geomagnetic storms. Arctic sky watchers should be alert for auroras mixed with moonlight.
(Copyright
© SpaceWeather.com
February 27, 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |