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The Eastern Iowa DX Bulletin
Number 270, April 18, 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
      The bulletin is available at http://www.arrl.org
   425 DX News, A.R.I. DX Bulletin (425DXN)
      Edited by Mauro Pregliasco, I1JQJ & Valeria Pregliasco, IK1ADH
      425 DX News Home Page: https://www.425dxn.org/
      425 DX News Google Group: https://groups.google.com/g/425eng
   DX Newsletter (DXNL)
      Edited by Andreas Salder, DK5ON
      A weekly service of DARC Committee "DX", http://www.darcdxhf.de
   Propagation data is from:
      National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's
          Space Weather Prediction Center 
      Dr. Tony Phillips' SpaceWeather.com, used by permission
   Contest data courtesy of the WA7BNM Contest Calendar 



DX News

3A, MONACO. Special event call sign 3A1ØØA will be QRV from April 15th to June 30th to commemorate the centenary of the IARU. Activity will be on 80 to 10 meters using CW, SSB, and various digital modes. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 15 April 10, 2025]  (0411-0627)

3D2, FIJI. Dom, 3D2USU is active again as 3D2AJT from Nadi, Fiji Islands from March 16th until the end of April. The callsign is in memory of the late Yasuo "Zorro" Miyazawa (JH1AJT), who passed away on March 23, 2022. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1768 March 22, 2025]  (0321-0425)

3DA, KINGDOM OF ESWATINI. David, PC4K is an engineer working at the shortwave transmitter site of Trans World Radio in Manzini, eSwatini. He received his license on April 10th and will be QRV as 3DAØPA on the HF bands. QSL via LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1771 April 12, 2025]  (0411-0502)

5B, CYPRUS. Special callsigns 5B5ØCARS and 5B1ØØIARU celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Cyprus Amateur Radio Society (https://www.cyhams.org) and the centenary of the International Amateur Radio Union, respectively. Look for activity on April 15th (the official registration date of CARS), April 18th (World Amateur Radio Day), and April 25th-26th (100th anniversary of IARU and 75th anniversary of IARU Region 1). QSOs will be uploaded to QRZ.com and ClubLog. Four certificates will be available for contacts made with any of the special callsigns; see their relevant QRZ.com pages for more information.
-[425DXN # 1770 April 5, 2025]  (0411-0425)

5H, TANZANIA. Kasimir, DL2SBY will be active as 5H1KB from Zanzibar Island (AF-032), Tanzania from April 22nd to May 1st. This year he will use a small antenna and low power; he plans a return visit next year with better antennas, an amplifier and a focus on 6m. QSL via LoTW, or direct to DL2SBY.
-[425DXN # 1772 April 19, 2025]  (0418-0502)

8R, GUYANA. Aldir, PY1SAD will be active again as 8R1TM from Georgetown, Guyana from March 11th to April 26th. He will operate CW, SSB and digital modes on the HF bands and via satellite. QSL via LoTW, eQSL, QRZ Logbook, or direct to PY1SAD.
-[425DXN # 1765 March 1, 2025]  (0307-0425)

9A, CROATIA. Special event station 9A1ØØIARU will be QRV from April 1st to 30th to celebrate the centenary of the International Amateur Radio Union. QSL via operators' instructions.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 13 March 27, 2025]  (0328-0502)

A2, BOTSWANA. Luke, ZS6LUK will be QRV as A25LUK until the end of April. Activity will be on 40, 30, 20, and 10 meters using SSB and FT8. He plans to activate some POTA locations. QSL to ZS6LUK.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 14 April 3, 2025]  (0404-0502)

C5, THE GAMBIA. Operators YT3PL, YU5R and F5RAV will be QRV as C5R, with F5RAV also active as C5LT, from Kololi from April 19th to May 2nd. Activity will be on the HF bands and 6 meters using CW, SSB, FT8, and FT4, and on various Satellites. QSL C5R via YU5R, and C5LT direct to F5RAV.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 16 April 17, 2025]  (0418-0502)

C6, BAHAMAS. Chad, WE9V will be active as C6ACK while visiting "various islands" in the Bahamas from February to May. He will be QRV on 40-6m. He says he will eventually set up ClubLog. QSL via LoTW (preferred), or direct to WD9DZV.
-[425DXN # 1764 February 22, 2025]  (0221-0502)

CE, CHILE. Members of the Radio Club de Chile are QRV with special event call sign XR1ØØIARU until May 20th to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the IARU. Activity is on the HF bands. QSL via CE3AA.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 16 April 17, 2025]  (0418-0523)

CT, PORTUGAL. Celebrating World Amateur Radio Day (April 18th), the centenary of IARU and the 75th anniversary of IARU Region 1, members of the Rede dos Emissores Portugueses will operate three special callsigns on April 18th-24th: CR1IARU from the Azores (EU-175), CR3IARU from Madeira (AF-014) and CR5IARU from mainland Portugal. Certificates will be available for contacts made with any of the special callsigns see https://www.rep.pt/ for information. QSLs via CT1REP.
-[425DXN # 1771 April 12, 2025]  (0411-0425)

CX, URUGUAY. Special callsign CX1ØØIARU will be QRV by members of the Radio Club Uruguayo to celebrate the centenary of the International Amateur Radio Union on April 1st-30th. QSL via LoTW, CX1AA, or eQSL on https://www.cx1aa.org/consulta-distintivo.php.
-[425DXN # 1768 March 22, 2025]  (0328-0502)

DL, GERMANY. Celebrating World Amateur Radio Day, DARC special event callsign DA25WARD will be active from March 8th until April 27th. All QSOs will be confirmed automatically via the bureau; direct QSL via DL2VFR.
-[425DXN # 1766 March 8, 2025]  (0307-0425)

DXCC TOP TWENTY. Here are the top 20 entities on ClubLog’s "DXCC Most Wanted" list as of April 18, 2025:
   1. P5     DPRK (North Korea)  11. ZS8    Prince Edward & Marion Islands
   2. BS7H   Scarborough Reef    12. KH4    Midway Island
   3. CEØX   San Felix Islands   13. VKØM   Macquarie Island
   4. BV9P   Pratas Island       14. PYØS   Saint Peter And Paul Rocks
   5. KH7K   Kure Island         15. KP5    Desecheo Island
   6. KH3    Johnston Island     16. VPØS   South Sandwich Islands
   7. 3Y/P   Peter 1 Island      17. ZL9    New Zealand Subantarctic Islands
   8. FT5/X  Kerguelen Island    18. FK/C   Chesterfield Islands
   9. YVØ    Aves 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 April 18, 2025  (0418-0509)

E7, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA. Special event callsign E71ØØIARU is QRV until April 30th to celebrate the centenary of the IARU. Activity is on all bands and modes. QSL via bureau.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 14 April 3, 2025]  (0404-0502)

EA, SPAIN. The Union de Radioaficionados Espanoles (URE, Spain's IARU member society) will celebrate the centenary of the International Amateur Radio Union on April 15th-30th. Look for special callsigns AO1ØØIARU, AO1IARU, AO2IARU, AO3IARU, AO4IARU, AO5IARU, AO6IARU (Balearic Islands), AO7IARU, AO8IARU (Canary Islands) and AO9IARU (Ceuta & Melilla). Several awards will be available; details will be published on https://iaru100.ure.es/ in due course. QSL via EA4URE.
-[425DXN # 1766 March 8, 2025]  (0411-0502)

EI, IRELAND. Andy, G7SQW will be QRV as EJ/G7SQW from Arranmore Island (EU-121) on April 19th and 20th. Activity will be on the HF bands using SSB and various digital modes. QSL to G7SQW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 16 April 17, 2025]  (0418-0425)

ER, MOLDOVA. Special callsign ER1ØØIARU by the Amateur Radio Society of Moldova (ARM) celebrates the 100th anniversary of the IARU until April 30th. QSOs will be uploaded to LoTW, ClubLog, eQSL, QRZ Logbook and HamLog. QSL via the bureau.
-[425DXN # 1769 March 29, 2025]  (0328-0502)

F, FRANCE. Dominique, F5SJJ will be active as TM1ØØRA for the centenary of the IARU on April 18th-25th. QSL via eQSL and LoTW, paper QSLs will not be provided.
-[425DXN # 1772 April 19, 2025]  (0418-0425)

F, FRANCE. Dom, F5SJB will operate CW only as TM5RDL on April 16th-30th. The special callsign commemorates Claude-Joseph Rouget de Lisle, who on the night of April 25-26, 1792, composed the words and music of the "Chant de guerre pour l'Armee du Rhin", later known as "La Marseillaise" and adopted as France's national anthem. QSL via F5SJB.
-[425DXN # 1771 April 12, 2025]  (0411-0502)

F, FRANCE. The special event callsign TM5RDL, operated by Dominique, F5SJB, commemorates Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle, composer of the Marseillaise. QRV until April 30th.
-[DXNL # 2454 April 16, 2025]  (0418-0502)

F, FRANCE. Special callsigns TM1ØØI, TM1ØØA, TM1ØØR and TM1ØØU by the Radio Club Pierre Coulon (F5KMB) celebrate the centenary of the International Amateur Radio Union from April 12th to July 13th. QSL via eQSL only; paper cards will not be provided.
-[425DXN # 1771 April 12, 2025]  (0411-0711)

G, ENGLAND. Special callsign GBØIARU by the Radio Society of Great Britain takes part in the celebrations of the centenary of the International Amateur Radio Union. Look for activity on April 1st-30th. Be aware that GBØIARU may be activated from all of the seven different DXCC Entities in the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man). QSL via MØOXO's OQRS and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1765 March 1, 2025]  (0328-0328)

H4, SOLOMON IS. Bernhard, DL2GAC will be active again as H44MS from the Solomon Islands from February 9th to May 7th. He is usually QRV daily, with activity on 80-6 meters SSB and FT8. QSL via DL2GAC.
-[425DXN # 1761 February 1, 2025]  (0207-0509)

HC8, GALAPAGOS IS. A very large multi-national team (26 operators) will be active as HD8G from Santa Cruz, Galapagos Islands (SA-004) on April 18th-26th. Plans are to operate SSB, CW, FT8, FT4 and RTTY on 160-6 meters with 8 stations from two different operating sites. One station will be dedicated to satellite, one to EME, and one to 6 meters. See https://hd8g.com for more information, including detailed QSL policy. Full LoTW upload 12 months after the end of the DXpedition. QSL via MØURX's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1764 February 22, 2025]  (0418-0425)

HI, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC. Celebrating World Amateur Radio Day (April 18th), members of the Sociedad Dominicana de Radioaficionados (SDRA) will be active as HIØDMRA on April 1st-30th.
-[425DXN # 1769 March 29, 2025]  (0328-0502)

HS, THAILAND. Special event station HS1ØØIARU will be QRV from April 1st to 30th to celebrate the centenary of the International Amateur Radio Union. Activity will be on the HF bands, 2 meters, and various Satellites. QSL via OQRS and LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 13 March 27, 2025]  (0328-0502)

HZ, SAUDI ARABIA. Ivan, MØNMM, a pilot based in Jeddah, has now received the callsign 7Z1GD and will be active during his spare time on CW. QSL via LoTW.
-[DXNL # 2452 April 2, 2025]  (0404-0425)

I, ITALY. Markus, DJ4EL will be active holiday style as IF9/DJ4EL from the Egadi Islands (EU-054) on April 13th-23rd. He will operate SSB on 40-10 meters from SOTA and POTA sites on the islands of Favignana, Levanzo and Marettimo. Updates will be posted to https://bsky.app/profile/dj4el.bsky.social. QSL via DJ4EL, ClubLog's OQRS and LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1770 April 5, 2025]  (0411-0425)

IARU 100. More special event stations/callsigns from IARU societies celebrating the 100th anniversary of the International Amateur Radio Union include:
  * 4X1ØØIARU and 4Z1ØØIARU by the Israel Association of Radio Communication
     (IARC). QRV on April 14th-25th. QSL via 4Z5MU and LoTW.
  * 9H6IARU by the Malta Amateur Radio League (MARL). QRV throughout April and
     May. QSL via eQSL and LoTW.
  * B1ØØIARU by the Chinese Radio Amateurs Club (CRAC). QRV from April 18th to
     June 17th. Certificates on https://hamaward.cloud. QSL via BG9GXM and LoTW.
  * DX1ØØIARU from the Philippine Amateur Radio Association (PARA).
  * EY1ØØIARU by the Tajik Amateur Radio League (TARL). QRV on April 12th-30th.
     QSL via WØVTT and LoTW.
  * R1ØØIARU by Soyuz Radiolyubitelei Rossii (SRR). QRV on April 18th-27th.
  * XR1ØØIARU by the Radio Club de Chile. QRV from April 15th to May 20th.
     Digital QSLs will be available: https://www.ce3aa.cl/xr100iaru/.
-[425DXN # 1772 April 19, 2025]  (0418-0530)

IARU 100. More special event stations/callsigns from IARU societies celebrating the 100th anniversary of the International Amateur Radio Union include:
  * 4A1ØØIARU by the Federacion Mexicana de Radioexperimentadores (FMRE). QRV
     on April 8th-30th. A digital diploma will be available, see
     https://www.qrz.com/db/4A100IARU for the details. QSL via LoTW, direct
     to XE1SY, and via the bureau.
  * 7Z1ØØIARU, 8Z1ØØIARU and HZ1ØØIARU by the Saudi Amateur Radio
     Society (HZ1SAR). QRV on April 8th-30th.
  * OC1ØØIARU by the Radio Club Peruano (RCP). QRV on April 14th-20th. eQSL
     on https://www.oa4o.pe.
-[425DXN # 1771 April 12, 2025]  (0411-0502)

IARU 100. More special event stations/callsigns from IARU societies celebrating the 100th anniversary of the International Amateur Radio Union include:
   * 3A1ØØA by the Association des Radioamateurs de Monaco (ARM). QRV
      from April 15th to June 30th.
   * 9K1ØØIARU by the Kuwait Amateur Radio Society (KARS).
   * HB1ØØIARU by the Union Schweizerischer Kurzwellen-Amateure (USKA).
      QRV on April 1st-30th. A certificate will be available, see
      https://www.qrz.com/db/HB1ØØIARU for information. QSL via LoTW.
   * LZ1ØØIARU by the Bulgarian Federation of Radioamateurs (BFRA).
      QRV on April 1st-30th. A certificate will be available, see
      https://www.qrz.com/db/LZ1ØØIARU for information. QSL via the bureau.
   * OH1ØØIARU by the Finnish Amateur Radio League (SRAL) on April 1st-30th.
      QSO are uploaded to LoTW and ClubLog. QSL via the bureau or direct to OH3JR.
   * OM1ØØIARU by the Slovak Amateur Radio Association (SZR). QRV on April
      1st-30th. QSL via LoTW, eQSL, ClubLog's OQRS, or via OM2FY.
   * YL1ØØIARU by the Latvian Amateur Radio League (LRAL). QRV on April
      1st-30th. QSL via LoTW and https://qsl.services/ (paper cards will not be issued).
   * YO1ØØIARU, YP1ØØIARU, YQ1ØØIARU and YR1ØØIARU by the Romanian
      Amateur Radio Federation (FRR) QRV on April 1st-30th. A series of commemorative
      certificates is available for download on https://hamlog.online.
-[425DXN # 1770 April 5, 2025]  (0404-0502)

JA, JAPAN. Members of the Japan Amateur Radio League are QRV with special commemorative station 8K3EXPO from the 2025 Expo in Osaka, Kansai until October 13th. Activity will be on all bands. In addition, station JA3XPO is also active. QSL via operators' instructions.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 16 April 17, 2025]  (0418-0509)

JD1/M, MINAMI TORISHIMA. Take, JG8NQJ is QRV as JG8NQJ/JD1 until June 20th. Activity is in his spare time on the HF bands using CW and FT8. QSL via JA8CJY (direct), JG8NQJ (bureau) and LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 16 April 17, 2025]  (0418-0620)

LX, LUXEMBOURG. Special callsign LX1ØØIARU by the Radioamateurs du Luxembourg (RL), a founding member of IARU, celebrates the centenary of the International Amateur Radio Union until July 31st. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS.
-[425DXN # 1769 March 29, 2025]  (0328-0502)

OA, PERU. Special event call sign OC1ØØIARU will be QRV from April 14th to 20th to commemorate the centenary of the IARU. Activity will be on various bands and modes.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 15 April 10, 2025]  (0411-0425)

OHØ, ALAND IS. Ari, OH3KAV will be active as OHØKA from Kokar, Aland Islands (EU-002) on April 18th-22nd. He will operate mainly FT8 and CW on various HF bands. QSOs will be uploaded to LoTW and ClubLog. QSL via OH3KAV.
-[425DXN # 1771 April 12, 2025]  (0418-0425)

OK, CZECH REPUBLIC. Special callsigns OL1ØØIARU, OL1ØØI, OL1ØØA, OL1ØØR and OL1ØØU by the Czech Radio Club celebrate the 100th anniversary of the International Amateur Radio Union from April 15th to December 31st. A certificate will be available, see https://ol100iaru.cz/ for information. QSLs via LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1772 April 19, 2025]  (0418-0509)

ON, BELGIUM. Celebrating the centenary of the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU), the local divisions of the Belgian IARU society (UBA) will activate 28 special event stations from March 15th until May 15th: ON1ØØI, ON1ØØA, ON1ØØR, ON1ØØU, OO1ØØI, OO1ØØA, OO1ØØR, OO1ØØU, OP1ØØI, OP1ØØA, OP1ØØR, OP1ØØU, OQ1ØØI, OQ1ØØA, OQ1ØØR, OQ1ØØU, OR1ØØI, OR1ØØA, OR1ØØR, OR1ØØU, OS1ØØI, OS1ØØA, OS1ØØR, OS1ØØU, OT1ØØI, OT1ØØA, OT1ØØR, and OT1ØØU. In addition, members of the UBA Board and HF Committee will be active as OQØIARU and ORØIARU. A series of certificates will be available, see https://www.uba.be/en/news/uba-iaru-100-event for the details and the OQRS for bureau cards (TBA soon).
-[425DXN # 1764 February 22, 2025]  (0314-0516)

OX, GREENLAND. Arnold, DK1VK, puts Greenland (NA-018) on the air from April 14th to 27th as OX/DK1VK.
-[DXNL # 2453 April 9, 2025]  (0411-0502)

OZ, DENMARK. In celebration of World Amateur Radio Day, a number of Danish stations will be signing 5PØWARD/x with different suffix extensions on April 18th. An award will be available, see https://www.qrz.com/db/5p0ward for information. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS and LoTW, or via OZ1ACB.
-[425DXN # 1769 March 29, 2025]  (0418-0425)

OZ, DENMARK. Michael, OZ1CFT, and Svend Erik, OZ3ØEU, sign OZ4CHR from Christians Island (EU-030, ARLHS Christianso Light DEN-004 DEN-151; ILLW Ligthause Christianso Island DK0002; POTA DK-0217; WWFF OZFF-0300 Ertholmene) on 80-6m (CW, SSB, FT8) from April 21st to 26th. QSL via OZ3ØEU.
-[DXNL # 2454 April 16, 2025]  (0418-0425)

OZ, DENMARK. Special callsign OZ1ØØIARU by the EDR, Denmark's IARU society, celebrates the centenary of the International Amateur Radio Union on April 19th-27th. An award will be available, see https://www.qrz.com/db/OZ100IARU for the details. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS (preferred), or via the bureau to OZ1ACB.
-[425DXN # 1765 March 1, 2025]  (0418-0502)

P2, PAPUA NEW GUINEA. Xu, BG5DON is QRV as P29XZ from Port Moresby (OC-034) until May 1st. Activity is on the HF bands. QSL via EA5GL.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 15 April 10, 2025]  (0411-0502)

PA, NETHERLANDS. Peter, PD1RP is QRV with special event station PD8ØFREE until June 30th to celebrate the 80 years of liberation since World War II. Activity is on 40, 20, 10, and 2 meters using CW, SSB, and digital modes. QSLs sent to all contacts via the bureau. No QSL or request needed.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 15 April 10, 2025]  (0411-0627)

PJ4, BONAIRE. Chris, WA7RAR will be active as PJ4CB from Bonaire (SA-006) on April 17th-27th. He will operate SSB and CW on 20-10 meters, often from POTA sites. QSL via LoTW, QRZ Logbook, or direct to WA7RAR.
-[425DXN # 1771 April 12, 2025]  (0411-0502)

SV, GREECE. Special callsign SZ1ØØIARU by the Radio Amateur Association of Greece (RAAG) celebrates the centenary of the International Amateur Radio Union on April 1st-30th. Four certificates will be available: https://sv2rck.gr/SZ100IARU. QSL via the bureau or LoTW.
-[425DXN # 1768 March 22, 2025]  (0328-0502)

SV5, DODECANESE. Panos, SV8PMM will be active holiday style as J45P from Agathonisi Island, Dodecanese (EU-001) on April 17th-21st. He will run 20 watts and will operate SSB, CW and digital modes on 80-10 meters. QSL via SV8PMM; QSOs will be uploaded to ClubLog, LoTW and eQSL.
-[425DXN # 1772 April 19, 2025]  (0418-0425)

T32, E. KIRIBATI. Ken, KH6QJ is QRV as T32AZ from Kiritimati (OC-024) from April 18th to 20th. Activity will be on 80, 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters using SSB. QSL to KH6QJ.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 9 February 27, 2025]  (0418-0425)

T7, SAN MARINO. Francesco, IZ7WKI, will make San Marino available via QO-100 from April 19th to 21st as T7/IZ7WKI on SSB and digital modes. QSL via IZ7WKI, ClubLog.
-[DXNL # 2454 April 16, 2025]  (0418-0425)

T8, PALAU. Ichy, JH7IPR will be active again as T88UW from Koror (OC-009), Palau on April 16th-23rd. He will operate mainly FT8, with some CW and SSB. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS, LoTW, or JH7IPR.
-[425DXN # 1771 April 12, 2025]  (0411-0425)

TA, TURKEY. Special event station TC3WRD is active until April 30th to mark World Amateur Radio Day. QSL via LoTW.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 16 April 17, 2025]  (0418-0502)

TR, GABON. Roland, F8EN is QRV as TR8CR until mid-June. Activity is on the HF bands using only CW. QSL direct to F6AJA.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 15 April 10, 2025]  (0411-0613)

V4, ST. KITTS & NEVIS. John, W5JON will be QRV as V47JA from St. Kitts (NA-104) from April 20th to 26th. Activity will be on 160 to 6 meters using SSB and FT8. QSL direct to W5JON.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 16 April 17, 2025]  (0418-0425)

V8, BRUNEI. DJ, V85NPV has been active on 20 meters using CW around 1500z. QSL via LZ2HI.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 16 April 17, 2025]  (0418-0509)

VE, CANADA. Radio Amateurs of Canada is once again holding a "Get on the Air on World Amateur Radio Day" special event in which it encourages as many amateurs as possible to contact as many RAC stations as possible. Operating across Canada from 0000 UTC to 2359 UTC on April 18th, the RAC official stations will be VA2RAC, VA3RAC, VE1RAC, VE3RHQ, VE4RAC, VE5RAC, VE6RAC, VE7RAC, VE8RAC, VE9RAC, VO1RAC, VO2RAC, VYØRAC, VY1RAC and VY2RAC. Those contacting one or more RAC stations, on any band and mode, will be eligible for a certificate: https://www.rac.ca/certificates. QSL via LoTW or via the bureau.
-[425DXN # 1771 April 12, 2025]  (0411-0425)

VP2V, BRITISH VIRGIN IS. Ben DA1DX, Win DK9IP, Andree DL8LAS, and Lutz DM6EE, all active members of the Bavarian Contest Club, will operate as VP2VI during April. The callsign was previously assigned to Robert W. Denniston, WØDX, past IARU president (1966-1974) and among other achievements responsible for the introduction of the WARC bands (30/17/12m) in 1979. After his retirement he lived on the British Virgin Islands until his death in 2002. QSL via DJ4MX, ClubLog's OQRS.
-[DXNL # 2451 March 26, 2025]  (0328-0425)

VP9, BERMUDA. Look for Paul, VP9KF to be active again from Bermuda (NA-005) on April 14th-28th. He will operate CW only on various HF bands. See https://vp9kf.com for more information. He does not use LoTW or ClubLog. QSL direct to Paul Evans, 15 Watch Knob Lane, Swannanoa NC 28778, USA.
-[425DXN # 1771 April 12, 2025]  (0411-0502)

VU, INDIA. Special event station AT9WAR is QRV from Kerala, Kochi until April 20th from the Institute of Amateur Radio to celebrate World Amateur Radio Day. QSL via VU2NSL.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 16 April 17, 2025]  (0418-0425)

VU, INDIA. The Amateur Radio Society of India (VU2ZH) will celebrate the centenary of the International Amateur Radio Union by activating special callsign VU1IARU from April 1st to June 29th. ARSI has been a member society of IARU Region 3 since 1958. QSL via VU2ZH.
-[425DXN # 1768 March 22, 2025]  (0328-0502)

XE, MEXICO. Special event call sign 4A1ØØIARU is QRV until April 30th to commemorate the centenary of the IARU. Activity is on the HF bands using CW, SSB, SSTV, and various digital modes. QSL via XE1SY.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 15 April 10, 2025]  (0411-0502)

XU, CAMBODIA. Thomas, DL7BO is QRV as XU7O. Activity is on the HF bands. His length of stay is unknown. QSL direct to DL4WK.
-[ARRL DX Bulletin # 16 April 17, 2025]  (0418-0509)

YB, INDONESIA. Special callsigns 8A146RA, 8A146KAR, 8A146TI, and 8A146NI will be active on April 19th-21st commemorating the 146th anniversary since the birth of Raden Adjeng Kartini (1879-1904). Look for activity on the five classic bands SSB. See https://award.orari.or.id/kartini-award/2025 for the certificates. R.A. Kartini was an activist who advocated for women's rights and female education; in 1964 she was awarded the title of National Hero of Indonesia. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS, or via N2OO.
-[425DXN # 1772 April 19, 2025]  (0418-0425)

YB, INDONESIA. Special callsign 8A1ØØIARU by the Indonesian IARU society (Organisasi Amatir Radio Indonesia, ORARI) celebrates the 100th anniversary of the International Amateur Radio Union on April 1st-30th. Details of the award program will be published on https://hamaward.cloud/awards. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS, or via N2OO.
-[425DXN # 1768 March 22, 2025]  (0328-0502)

Z3, NORTH MACEDONIA. Celebrating IARU's centenary, members of the Radioamateur Society of Macedonia (Z37RSM) will be active as Z31ØØIARU until May 18th. QSL via LoTW, eQSL, QRZ Logbook.
-[425DXN # 1769 March 29, 2025]  (0328-0516)

ZL, NEW ZEALAND. Special event station ZL6ANZAC will be active from the Wrights Hill Fortress in Wellington, New Zealand for ANZAC Day (April 25th). ANZAC Day commemorates the soldiers of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who fought in Gallipoli during World War I, and all Australians and New Zealanders who have served in war and peacekeeping operations. QSL via operator's instructions.
-[425DXN # 1772 April 19, 2025]  (0418-0502)

ZS8, PRINCE EDWARD & MARION IS. Yuris, YL2GM will be active as ZS8W from Marion Island (AF-021) from April 21st to May 16th. He will be on the island as a radio engineer and a member of the SANAP station's communications equipment maintenance team. He will operate CW, SSB and FT8 on 160-6 meters. Full LoTW upload six months after the end of the DXpedition. See https://www.lral.lv/zs8w/ for more information. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS, or direct to YL2GN.
-[425DXN # 1772 April 19, 2025]  (0418-0516)




Propagation (Updated daily)

Solar Data

The Weekly Solar Data chart plots Solar Flux Index (SFI), Sunspot number (SSN) and Planetary K-Index (Kp) for the past 8 days. With 8 Planetary K-index readings each day, only the minimum, average and maximum K-index values are plotted. Note: You may click here or on the chart above to see the same data for the past month.

The Daily Solar Flux Index, Sunspot number, Planetary K-index, Solar Flux predictions and Solar Flare data used in this bulletin have been collected by KØCF from from the U.S. Department of Commerce's NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center.

The propagation graphs above are the creations of KØCF and are unique in space weather reporting.

Please Note: The graphs are high resolution .PNG files which you may view in greater detail using your browser's "zoom" feature. Alternatively, right click on the graph and select "Open Image in New Tab" to enlarge it, or "Save Image As..." to save it to your computer for further analysis.

  NASA's current view of
  the Sun at a wave-
  length of 131 Angstroms.
  This wavelength shows 
  incredible solar detail.

  Click here or on the
  image to view as a full
  screen 48-hour video
  loop. It is fascinating!
The current Sun at 131 Angstroms

Propagation Summary
For the 8 day period from Thursday, April 17th through yesterday, April 24th.

The average solar flux was 162, up 4 points from the previous week, with a weekly high of 170 on Thursday, April 24th, following a low of 151 on April 17th.

The average sunspot count was 128, up 38 from last week, peaking at 152 on Thursday, April 24th after a weekly low of 108 on April 20th.

The Planetary K-index weekly average was 4.1 with a maximum of 5.3 on Monday, April 21st, indicating a minor geomagnetic storm. Yesterday's K-index maximum was 3.7 with generally quiet conditions.

Solar flare activity since April 18th has been quiet with only 3 major flares, the largest of which was an M 4.4 event on Friday, April 18th.

Propagation Data
Major solar flares, Friday, April 18th through 1224 UTC, April 25th.

  #     Date     UTC     Mag.  
1 Apr 22  1049  M 1.3 
2 Apr 21  1837  M 1.9 
3 Apr 18  2350  M 4.4 

   (NOAA's graph of recent flare activity: GOES-X-Ray-Flux)

From the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, here are the probabilities of major solar flares and the predicted 10.7 cm Solar Flux for the next 3 days. NOAA updates this information daily.

Date  M-Flares   X-Flares   Solar Flux 
 Apr 25 40%1%170
 Apr 26 40%1%170
 Apr 27 40%1%170

Looking farther ahead, here is the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center forecast of 10.7 cm radio flux and maximum Planetary K-index (Kp) for the next 12 days. This data is updated by NOAA every Monday (last updated on April 21, 2025).

 Date   Flux   Kp 
 Apr 25 1655
 Apr 26 1653
 Apr 27 1653
 Apr 28 1702
 Date   Flux  Kp 
 Apr 29 1702
 Apr 30 1702
 May 1 1705
 May 2 1756
 Date   Flux  Kp 
 May 3 1704
 May 4 1654
 May 5 1655
 May 6 1655

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:
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:
Auroral Oval

Highs for Cycle 25
  Solar Flux: 336 on August 8, 2024.
  Sunspots:  382 on 
August 10, 2024.

The Solar Wind Has Arrived
A stream of solar wind flowing from a large hole in the sun's atmosphere is buffeting Earth's magnetosphere, setting the stage for possible geomagnetic storms on April 22nd. NOAA forecasters predict a G2-class event. Sky watchers across Canada and northern-tier US states from New York to Washington should be alert for auroras.
(Copyright © SpaceWeather.com April 22, 2025. Republished by permission.)

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
     Note: Start Days are in UTC, e.g. Monday at 0000 UTC is
     Sunday at 7:00 PM in the Central Daylight Saving Time zone, or
     Sunday at 6:00 PM in the Central Standard Time zone.

  Full Calendar

Contest Start End Web Site
Holyland DX Contest Apr 18 2100Z Apr 19 2100Z Rules
YU DX Contest Apr 19 0700Z Apr 20 0659Z Rules
Michigan QSO Party Apr 19 1600Z Apr 20 0400Z Rules
Ontario QSO Party Apr 19 1800Z Apr 20 1800Z Rules
Quebec QSO Party Apr 20 1200Z Apr 20 2200Z Rules
Florida QSO Party Apr 26 1600Z Apr 27 2159Z Rules
7th Call Area QSO Party May 3 1300Z May 4 0700Z Rules
Indiana QSO Party May 3 1600Z May 4 0400Z Rules
Delaware QSO Party May 3 1700Z May 4 2359Z Rules
New England QSO Party May 3 2000Z May 4 2400Z Rules
His Maj. King of Spain Contest, CW May 17 1200Z May 18 1200Z Rules
Arkansas QSO Party May 17 1400Z May 18 0200Z Rules
CQ WW WPX Contest, CW May 24 0000Z May 25 2400Z Rules
Kentucky QSO Party Jun 7 1300Z Jun 8 0100Z Rules
ARRL Inter. Digital Contest Jun 7 1800Z Jun 8 2400Z Rules
ARRL June VHF Contest Jun 14 1800Z Jun 16 0300Z Rules
Stew Perry Topband Challenge Jun 21 1500Z Jun 22 1500Z Rules
West Virginia QSO Party Jun 21 1600Z Jun 22 0400Z Rules
ARRL Kids Day Jun 21 1800Z Jun 21 2359Z Rules
His Maj. King of Spain Contest, SSB Jun 28 1200Z Jun 29 1200Z Rules
ARRL Field Day Jun 28 1800Z Jun 29 2100Z Rules
RAC Canada Day Contest Jul 1 0000Z Jul 1 2359Z Rules
IARU HF World Championship Jul 12 1200Z Jul 13 1200Z Rules
     -[Contest data courtesy of the WA7BNM Contest Calendar ]