IK0EFR team member SX9C Crete Is. EU-015
for CQ WPX SSB contest 
26-27 marzo 2016
http://www.aripg.it/

Heard Island DXpedition news

The VK0EK team are now on their way to Heard Island.
The team left Cape Town on March 10th onboard the famous 'Braveheart' which was recently used by the VP8STI/VP8SGI team earlier this year. The voyage to Heard Island will be about 10 days.

The operators are currently active as ZL/ZS9HI/MM from Braveheart. Activity has been mainly on CW on 30/15/10 meters. Several press releases were sent out and posted on their Web page over past week detailing the VK0EK team's preparations for Heard Island. This includes many pictures being posted.

All press releases can be views at: http://vk0ek.org
The dates and titles of the press releases are as follows:

March 5th: Cape Town Preparations: Meet the Braveheart!
March 6th: Preparing the HDT Airbeam Tents
March 7th: How to Get in the VK0EK Log (Pt. 7) - How to Handle DQRM
March 7th: How Clean is Clean?
March 8th: VK0EK Passes Inspection!
March 9th: DASH! Gets Ready for the VK0EK Adventure!
March 9th: VK0EK and Some Very Cool Science!
March 9th: Loading the Braveheart
March 10th: Getting Ready to Leave
March 10th: The Braveheart is Leaving Cape Town Right Now!
March 10th: Huge Thanks to Paul, ZS1S and All ZS Hams!
March 10th: ZL/ZS9HI/MM on the Air
March 11th: Geography and Weather on the Way to Heard Island
March 11th: Band Plan and Other Odds and Ends
March 12th: DO4DXA Posts Audio of VK0EK 15M CW
March 12th: “Gentle Swells as We Track 2 Days Out of Cape Town” . . .
March 13th: ZS6BMN Reports WSPR from ZS9HI!

http://www.southgatearc.org/news/2016/march/heard_island_dxpedition_news.htm#.VulJE33hDcu
http://vk0ek.org/

XU7AKC – Rong Sanloem Isl, AS-133

Jacek, SP5APW will be active from Rong Sanloem AS-133 as XU7AKC 

between April 12-19, 2016.

QRV on HF bands from the Secret Paradise Resort with clear path to NA and EU.

Webpage

http://www.dx-world.net/xu7akc-rong-sanloem-isl-as-133/

EUROPEAN ROS CLUB Y LA SECCION LOCAL DE URE DE NOVELDA organiza

El diploma Día Mundial del Radioaficionado

1.- El diploma podrá ser solicitado por cualquier radioaficionado y SWL


2.- Podrá obtener el Diploma todo el que acredite un mínimo de 2 contactos con la estacion EG5WRD

3.- El diploma se concederá en MODO DIGITALES ,SSB Y CW.

4.- Serán válidos los QSO realizados con entre el 08 de ABRIL  a las 00:00 horas UTC y el 19 de ABRIL a las 23:59 horas UTC de 2016.

5.- Las bandas de aplicación serán las de 2, 6, 10, 12, 15, 17, 20, 30, 40, 80 ó 160 metros, .

6.-Las listas tienen que enviarse  por correo electrónico, en formato Adif o Cabrillo a la dirección;

diplomas@europeanrosclub.com

Mandar nombre y apellidos para la confección del diploma

7.-El diploma se remitirá por e-mail en tamaño DIN A4 en formato JPEG.

8.- QSL solamente via e-qsl y via lotw

9.-Estas bases no son definitivas y pueden ser modificadas en cualquier momento por la organización del diploma siempre que existan motivos para ello. Las decisiones que adopte la organización del  diploma, para el correcto funcionamiento del mismo, deberán ser acatadas por el participante.

http://www.europeanrosclub.com/

5V7D – Togo

German ops DF1AI, DL5MEV, DL6MFK & DL9MBI 
will be active from Lome, Togo as 5V7D 

between March 24 to April 12, 2016.

QRV on 80-10m, SSB/CW/RTTY. QSL via DL9MBI.

http://www.dx-world.net/5v7d-togo/

8Q7NC

Noel F6BGC will be active as 8Q7NC from Maldives Islands - 

12 to 22 March 2016.

For 2016, I will answer to all direct QSL with SAE and Green Stamp (s).

Logs will be on LoTW and ClubLog within 3 months after my return.

 http://www.qrz.com/db/8Q7NC

9Y/K2HVN Tobago Island

Bill, K2HVN will be active from Tobago Island (IOTA SA-009) 
14 - 26 April 2016 as 9Y/K2HVN.
He will operate on 40 - 10m CW, SSB.
QSL via home call.
Ads for direct QSL:
WILLIAM L JANSEN, 1530 Central Church Road, Dover, DE 19904, USA.
http://dxnews.com/

V47JA, St. Kitts Is.

John V47JA- W5JON

Operaré de nuevo 

desde Calypso Bay 

en las islas 

St Kitts del 14 de marzo 

al 12 de abril 2016. Participaré en el 

CQ WPX Ssb contest los días 26 y 27 de marzo.

QRV de 6 a 160mts 

( incluyendo 6mts) eb Ssb.

Qsl sólo vía directa W5JON o LOTW. ( TNX ADXO ).

73´s, Luis EA1CS
http://ea1cs.blogspot.com/

ZV2CO Comprida Island

ZV2CO Comprida Island: PY2DS, PU2XIZ, PU2KKE, PU2LJH, PU2KFL and PU2LEW will be active from Comprida Island (IOTA SA-024) 15 - 17 April 2016 as ZV2CO.
They will operate on 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m SSB, CW, Digital modes.
QSL via PY2DS.
Ads for direct QSL:
MURILO ROGERIO RODRIGUES, PO BOX 487, ITU-SP, 13300-970, Brazil.
http://dxnews.com/zv2co/

S9BK Sao Tome and Principe

He will be active from Sao Tome Island (IOTA AF-023) 25 Febrary - 7 March 2016, 12 - 24 March 2016 and from Principe Island (IOTA AF-044) 7 - 12 March 2016.
QSL via home call.
Ads for direct QSL:
Bruno Knuchel, HB9BEI, Bahnhofstrasse 9, 2575 Taeuffelen, Switzerland.
DXCC Country - Sao Tome and Principe.
WAZ Zone - CQ 36.
ITU Zone - 47.
RSGB IOTA:
Sao Tome Island - IOTA AF-023.
Principe Island - IOTA AF-044.
QTH Locator - JJ30.
http://dxnews.com/s9bk/

VK9CK Team / 11 marzo 2016

El equipo listo y preparado para la salida en unas pocas horas.

Estamos muy emocionados y no podemos esperar!

Si alguno de vosotros podéis hacernos alguna grabación de audio,

nos gustaría tener una copia si es posible, enviar

a vk9ck-audio@dipperdx.com

Esperamos veros en el pile up.!

73´s, Luis EA1CS

http://ea1cs.blogspot.com.es/2016/03/vk9ck-cocos-keeling-is.html?utm_content=bufferaa5d5&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

DX News from the ARRL

11 March, 2016

This week's bulletin was made possible with information provided by F6BCG, QRZ DX, OPDX, The Daily DX, DXNL, Contest Corral from QST and the ARRL Contest Calendar and WA7BNM web sites. Thanks to all.

EQUATORIAL GUINEA, 3C. Kenneth, LA7GIA is QRV as 3C7GIA from Malabo on Bioko Island, IOTA AF-010, until March 21. Activity is on 80 to 10 meters using CW and SSB. QSL direct to home call.

VIET NAM, 3W. Bert, DK2BR is QRV as 3W2BR from Con Son Island, IOTA AS-130, until March 26. Activity is on 40 to 10 meters using SSB, RTTY and PSK31. QSL direct to home call.

UGANDA, 5X. Jay, K4ZLE is QRV as 5X2A until March 19 from several locations. Activity is on 40, 30, 20 and 17 meters using CW and RTTY. QSL direct to home call.

MALDIVES, 8Q. Noel, F6BGC will be QRV as 8Q7NC from Thulhagiri Island, IOTA AS-013, from March 12 to 22. Activity will be holiday style on 40 to 6 meters using CW, SSB and RTTY. QSL direct to home call.

BOTSWANA, A2. Mark, G4RCD is QRV as A25MC from Gaborone until March 16. Activity is on the HF bands. This includes activity in the RSGB Commonwealth CW Contest. QSL to home call.

BHUTAN, A5. Nobu, JA0JHQ will be QRV as A52NH from Paro from March 17 to 21. Activity is on 160 to 6 meters using CW and SSB. QSL direct to home call.

ANGOLA, D2. Paulo, CT1ITE is QRV as D2/CT1ITE until the end of March. He is active on 80 to 10 meters, and possibly 160 meters, using CW and SSB. QSL to home call.

MARQUESAS ISLAND, FO. A group of operators are QRV as TX7EU from Nuku Hiva, IOTA OC-027, until March 15. Activity is with two stations on 40 to 10 meters using CW, SSB and various digital modes. QSL via DK2AMM.

ISLE OF MAN, GD. John, GW4SKA plans to be QRV as GD4SKA from March 15 to 23. Activity will be on 80 to 10 meters using RTTY and PSK.
This includes an entry as GD0A in the upcoming BARTG HF RTTY contest. QSL via M0OXO.

GRENADA, J3. Bob, G3PJT is QRV as J34G until March 24. Activity is on 80 to 10 meters using mostly CW. This includes an entry in the RSGB Commonwealth CW contest. QSL direct to home call.

DOMINICA, J7. Nigel, G3TXF is QRV as J79XF until March 13. Activity is on the HF bands. This includes an entry in the RSGB Commonwealth CW contest. QSL via operator's instructions.

EAST KIRIBATI, T32. Ken, KH6QJ is QRV as T32AZ from Christmas Island until the end of the month. Activity is on 80, 40, 20, 15 and 10 meters using SSB. This includes entries in the upcoming Central Asia, Russian and CQ World Wide WPX SSB Contests. QSL to home call.

PALAU, T8. Kiyoshi, JA0EKI is QRV as T88XH from Koror Island, IOTA OC-009, until March 15. Activity is on 160 to 6 meters using CW, SSB, RTTY and JT65. QSL to home call.

TURKEY, TA. Special event call sign TC101SO will be QRV from March 14 to December 31 to commemorate Corporal Seyit, born in 1889 in Havran, Balikesir. Activity will be on 20, 15 and 10 meters using SSB. QSL via TA3AER.

ST. KITTS AND NEVIS, V4. John, W5JON will be QRV as V47JA from Calypso Bay from March 14 to April 12. Activity will be on 160 to 6 meters using SSB. This includes an entry in the upcoming CQ World Wide WPX SSB contest. QSL direct to home call.

COCOS (KEELING) ISLANDS, VK9C. A group of operators will be QRV as VK9CK from March 15 to 26. Activity will be on 160 to 10 meters using CW, SSB and RTTY. QSL via LA6OP.

BERMUDA, VP9. Mike, G3VYI is QRV as VP9/G3VYI until March 15.
Activity is mainly on the low bands during his evening hours. This includes being active in the RSGB Commonwealth CW contest. QSL to home call.

INDONESIA, YB. Jim, PA3HIW is QRV as YB9/PA3HIW from Bali until March 22. Activity is on 20 and 17 meters. QSL to home call.

THIS WEEKEND ON THE RADIO
The North American RTTY Sprint, AWA John Rollins Memorial DX CW Contest, NCCC RTTY Sprint, QRP CW Fox Hunt, NCCC CW Sprint, Nauryz DX Contest, RSGB Commonwealth CW Contest, SKCC Weekend CW Sprintathon, South America 10 Meter Contest, Oklahoma QSO Party, AGCW QRP CW Contest, Stew Perry Topband CW Challenge, EA PSK63 Contest, TESLA Memorial HF CW Contest, QCWA QSO Party, Idaho QSO Party, UBA 2-Meter Spring Contest, WAB 3.5 MHz Phone and Wisconsin QSO Party will certainly keep contesters busy this upcoming weekend.

The CLARA Chatter Party is scheduled for March 15. The RSGB 80-Meter Club CW Championship, Phone Fray, QRP CW Fox Hunt and CWops Mini-CWT CW Test are scheduled for March 16.

The ARRL National Parks on the Air event runs during all of 2016 to mark the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service.

Please see March 2016 QST, page 83, and the ARRL and WA7BNM contest web sites for details

Bases Concurso EAPSK63

http://concursos.ure.es/eapsk63/bases/

DX NEWS by DX WORLD.net

DX bulletin 138     10/03/2016 
By ON9CFG HF manager UBA DX WORLD 
team member ON9CFG@telenet.be 
http://www.dx-world.net/bulletins/DX_138.pdf

Tony's 10 Metre Band Report

March 10, 2016 3

The usual story, poor to fair during the week but really plus, plus at the weekend for the contest. 3XY1T favourite till Friday then T32CO (East Kiribati), PJ4G (Bonaire) and PZ5W (Suriname) came galloping through. Most popular DX (three or more contacts, any mode) Monday DX: 3XY1T, H44MS, CX9BU, K7KPH, ZP6ARO, KP4WQ, HK1NA. Spotters: IK2HKT, K7XC, SV7GBR, H44MS, ZW1M, TI2DYP, RK7C, N7DB, K7KPH, F6FMX . Tuesday DX: 3XY1T, P40L, ET7L, LU1ZI, ZP6DYA, P40AUA, AO5MDC, PJ4/N2BA, VK5CE/6, PY8WW, EA8YV, PY4CK, YV1JGT, VU2SMN, HK1T, 9W6EZ, 3B8HD, YN7SU, PY2NGN, H44MS, VK6RO, R70RAA, PY2VI, PU4ABA, PT9AL, P40UAU, OD5SK, C6ANM, PU2WDX, PP5EI, HZ1HZ, CX6DZ, A61NN, 3B8DB. Spotters: OZ9QV, IK2HKT, ZW1M, WB7BBI, RW9UB, PU2LEW, W3LPL, K5MTY, W6LAX, VK5CE, RK7C, NK3Y, KI4FSZ, WA2HMM, W2WNC, UY7VV, UY2LT, SP3HLM, PY3PC, PU2XIZ, OK1MIQ, N7DB, N3TP, IK7LKK, 5A1AL . Wednesday DX: 3XY1T, FW5JJ, C92CC, PZ5W, J88LE, VP2MMF, P40AUA, CX7SS, P4/VE8DX, ZL1BYZ, PY3TM, PY2DZ, P40L, T32TR, LU5FC, YN7SU, VE6BTC, PY2VA, OD5SK, 8R1/K9KX, WV8CQ, VP2V/K6TOP, PU8WKM, PU5CHR, KP4NS, CE3KHZ, W1IDP, VK4MA, PY4NY, PY2NGN, PY2LED, PY1CML, PU4ABA, PT9BCN/B, H44MS, DU3LA, CX9BU. Spotters: FW5JJ, IK2HKT, DK2EA, CA3SOC, W3LPL, WB7BBI, WA6SCW, OZ9QV, KI4FSZ, ZP6SKY, WA2HMM, PY3PC, PY2PAL, PU2LEW, K2IOF, JF1SNL, CE4CBJ, ZW1M, ZP6ARO, VK5MTM, VK2HV, R9LM, PY2VI, PU2RDB, PU1KDX, KG5FII, KE4WXC, K2ADA, EB7HQE, AB5NX . Thursday DX: 3XY1T, FW5JJ, CE2LML, T32WW, P40L, P29LL, C92CC, KH6/NA2U, T32SB, CE2SQE, WH6WI, C92JR, C6ANA, 8R1/K9KX, ZV451RIO, ZV1WSA, ZL1BYZ, VU2SMN, VK8NSB, VK6LC, PY3OR, PU5AEC, PP5EI, P40AUA, CT3IQ, CD1LEW, 7P8DJ, ZP6AKY, ZP5BVK, YN5RN, W6WQA, SM6UQL, SM4L, PU5SSR, OZ7KJ, JM7OLW, IK2HKT, H44MS, CX8TC, BG6IMK. Spotters: FW5JJ, IK2HKT, SM5EPO, W5PR, W3LPL, VK2HV, UA9CDC, N8XGS, KW7D, JF1SNL, F4CXO, PU1KDX, 9W6EZ, W3ZKY, W3BAY, VK3JEF, UA9UDX, SV1JRS, PY3PC, PY2VOA, PU5SSR, OZ9QV, OZ7KJ, LU6FLZ, KQ6PK, KM4PKV, KE0HQZ, BG6IMK . Friday DX: T32CO, XQ6OA, TX7EU, ZL1BYZ, R44YETI/9, HZ1PS, V26M, ZP5AZL, T32LJ, EP2LMA, A93JA, CX8DS, CX3DAM, CE1PTT, C6ANA, 3XY1T, V55DX, CE2LML, PY3KN, LW5DPG, CA7CAQ, VK6AKT, RX0F, P29LL, LU1ZI, KP4/N6MJ, ZV451RIO, VK6ADF, V73NS, PY5AB, PY4RR, PG0DX, P4/VE8DX, OM1DK, YD9SBP, WH6WI, VK8NSB, TI5/N4YDU, RA9YKE, PU5ETC, PU4ABA, PU2WDX, OK2EW, LW2DOD, LU4DPL, KC4TVZ/B, K4BRA, JY9FC, HS0ZME, HS0ZLM, HK1T, FO4BM, DS3EXX, CX7SS, CE1OEB, BU2BV, BG6IMK, 4X429DS. Spotters: PG0DX, W3LPL, PU5SSR, JF1NUV, HA9AL, YD9SBP, W4UDX, VK2HV, PU1KDX, ZW1M, PU6WJG, OZ9QV, N7DB, W6KGO, UA9URM, OK2EW, KG5HEN, KA7ARC, WB7BBI, W8ZST, VE6BTC, PU2KKE, PP5AM, JG2TKH, DL8MAE, DK2EA, WB1DXD, RX3DLH, PY2KG, PU8PSF, PU1JAM, PD2BA, N5GE, LU4DPL, K4TTZ, K2OF, JH1BNC, JF1SNL, F5XX, EP2LMA . 20 reported contacts or more during the contest. Saturday DX: PJ4G, PX5E, CV7S, P40L, TX7EU, PX2B, LU5FC, HK1NA, PY2NDX, NP2J, T32FS, HK1T, P40M, KP2M, ZP6A, ZY3X, VP2MMF, V55DX, YN5Z, KP3Z, TO66R, PS2T, CR2X, PJ2T, C91IJ, XE1B, KH7M, KP2XX, ZM4T, TI5W, FH/IK5ZUI, 6Y1LZ, TO5A, PZ5W, LW4EF, CE3CT, T32AZ, 4S7RTG, W3LPL, PR5D, LT1F, LO7H, WP2AA, AH6RE, ZY5A, PW5T, YV1KK, XR2K, V26M, PY2UD, P29LL, II9P, CV3D, W5PR, PY2BK, NP2P, EP2LMA, 8P6ET, J62DX, VP2VGG, WE3C, 9A1A, 6Y6Y. Spotters: K5TR, WK1Q, NK8N, K3OQ, WO1N, N1PSX, W8ZST, K1RV, K5ZO, W3LPL, KS2G, WT9U, N4WW, N4PD, K2DEG, NF9V, W4EE, VE4EA, HA5PP, PG0DX, K1FE, NR4C, N3FJP, N5KDV, K0JPL, AD1C, W3DQ, K0PC, TM6M, KJ4DVR, KE2D, K3WJV, AI6O, WR4F, WA6SCW, W2DLT, VA2QR, K5TQ, AF7Z, AC7JM, NT0AF, K5ZD, K4TTZ, W9YK, N1QEH, AB3WS . Sunday DX: PZ5W, 4S7BBG, PX5E, PJ4G, 6Y6Y, P40L, PX2B, V26M, T32MU, NP2J, CR2X, XE1B, TI2OY, C6ANM, CV7S, CR6K, C91IJ, W3LPL, 4S7RTG, HK1T, AH6RE, 5D3A, CQ8M, KP2M, XQ3PC, LU5FC, FG4KH, EF8R, 6W1SR, VY2TT, KP2XX, ED7P, CT1DVV, C6ANA, 9A1A, VP2VGG, TI5M, LU7VCH, YN5Z, LU1ICX. Spotters: K1RV, N5KDV, K5TR, KE2D, NF9V, WB8VLC, W2DLT, PG0DX, WF5X, K3OQ, AB3WS, N3MAV, AD1C, VE4EA, WX3B, W4EE, W2CG, K3LR, WA6SCW, N3XL, KF7PBM, HA5PP, CR5U, ZP9CTS, AF7Z, W9YK, NK8N, N2WKS, VE7NZ, K8ND, K7GSE, N4PD, JA7SWL, HA9AL . Contests: Information from WA7BMN http://www.southgatearc.org/bands/10metres/2016/march/march_10.htm#.VuFlO33hDcu

IOTA News from the Deutscher Amateur Radio Club

9 March, 2016

Island activities:

IOTA-QRGs
CW: 28040 24920 21040 18098 14040 10114 7030 3530 kHz
SSB: 28560 28460 24950 21260 18128 14260 7055 3760 kHz

AF-014; CT3, Madeira Archipelago: Hardy/DL3KWF and Rosel/DL3KWR
will be active between March 11 and April 7 from Madeira signing
CT9/homecalls. QRV after 16z on the WARC bands (CW only), with a
change of QTH after the first two weeks. QSL via h/c (d/B).
http://www.dl3kwr.de/

AS-013; 8Q, Maldive Islands: Noel/F6BGC spends a holiday on Thulhagiri Island from the 12th to 22nd. QRV as 8Q7NC on 40-6m (SSB, CW, RTTY). QSL via F6BGC (d/B), LoTW, CLubLog. http://f8kcf.free.fr/

AS-130; 3W, South China Sea Coast South group: Bert/DK2BR will be
active holiday-style between March 10 and 26 from Con Son Island
(3WFF-0011). QRV as 3W2BR on 40-10m on SSB, RTTY, and PSK31 running 100W and verticals. QSL via DK2BR (d).

EU-028; I*5, Toscana (Tuscany) Region group: Giovanni/IK3JLV and
Cale/IW3ILP are going to activate Capraia Island (IIA T035, WLOTA
0545, ARLHS ITA-127, WW Loc. JN43wb) from the 10th to 13th, signing
IA5/homecalls. QRV on HF, mostly CW. QSl via homecalls (d/B).

EU-116; GD/MD, Isle of Man: John/GW4SKA plans to operate as GD4SKA from the Isle of Man (WW Loc. IO74qb) between the 15th and 23rd. QRV on 80-10m on RTTY and PSK, also for the BARTG HF RTTY Contest (with the call GD0A). Logs will be put to ClubLog daily, QSL via
M0OXO.

EU-138; SM7, Blekinge County group: Fred/SM7DAY/p will be active
from Senoren Island between March 12 and 18 on HF (CW, SSB, PSK).
QSL via SM7DAY (d/B).

NA-085; W4, Florida State North West (Bay to Wakulla County) group:
Taylor/KM4KFB activates St. George Island (USi FL-007S) between the
13th and 16th as KM4KFB/p on 80-10m (SSB). QSL via h/c (d).

NA-100; V2, Antigua and Barbuda: Babs/DL7AFS and Lot/DJ7ZG operate
again as V21ZG from Antigua and Barbuda. QRV from March 8 to 22 on
80-6m (SSB, digital modes). QSL via DL7AFS (d/B), ClubLog, LoTW.
http://www.qsl.net/dl7afs/

NA-213; W4, Alabama State group: Erik/N5WR is going to put Dauphin
Island (USi AL002S) on the air from March 11 to 18 as N5WR/4. QRV
on HF (mostly CW). QSL via N5WR (d/B).

OC-009; T8, Palau Islands: Kiyoshi/JA0EKI will be active as T88XH from Koror Island between March 9 and 15 on 160-6m (SSB, CW, RTTY, JT65). QSL via JA0EKI (d/B).

OC-086; KH0, Northern Mariana Islands: Yutaka/JH1MLO is going to
operate from Saipan (WW Loc.QK25vg). QRV holiday-style between the
7th and 11th as KH0/JH1MLO. QSL via h/c (d/B).

Compiled by Andreas, DK5ONDeutscher Amateur Radio Club
e-mail: iota@dxhf.darc.de

RSGB IOTA website

Check-out the latest IOTA News bulletin from OPDX

http://www.southgatearc.org/iota/darc/index.htm#.VuAQ6n3hDcu

San Andrés island

We are planning our operation from March 6 to March 21, 2016. We hope that band conditions will be good enough that our signal will be outstanding on all bands. We think this will be a lot of fun for everyone. We encourage other Polish DX’ers to organize even more ambitious future DXpeditions with even more operators.
http://www.5j0p.com/en/home/

Propagation de K7RA

5 March, 2016ARLP010

Average daily sunspot numbers over our reporting week (February 25 through March 2) were marginally higher than the previous seven days, going from 37.9 to 41.4, while average daily solar flux was down by just one point, to 92.9.

Average planetary A index changed from 10.1 to 5.9 and average mid-latitude A index went from 12.6 to 5.3., so it was a quiet week with stable geomagnetic conditions.

Predicted solar flux from USAF/NOAA for the near term is 100 on March 4-7, 105 on March 8-13, 100 on March 14-15, 95 on March 16-20 and then bottoming out at 90 on March 21-26. Flux values then peak at 115 on March 30-31.

The planetary A index prediction shows 12, 15, 20, 15 and 10 on March 4-8, then 8 on March 9-11, 5 on March 12 and 12 on March 13.
The predicted A index then makes a huge jump to 30 on March 14-16.

This perhaps is from a recurring coronal hole, because on April 10-12 the A index again goes to 30. Note that in mid-February there were similar numbers on February 17-19 of 38, 34 and 29.

Petr Kolman, OK1MGW of the Czech Propagation Interest Group (actually they call it the Propagation Interested Group, but I suspect Interest Group is a better translation to standard American English) sent his outlook for geomagnetic conditions. He says to expect quiet to unsettled conditions on March 4, quiet to active March 5-6, quiet to unsettled March 7-8, quiet to active March 9-10, quiet to unsettled March 11-12, quiet to active March 13, active to disturbed March 14-16, quiet to active March 17, mostly quiet March 18-19, quiet on March 20-21, mostly quiet March 22-24, quiet March 25-26, quiet to unsettled March 27, quiet to active March 28-29, and quiet to unsettled March 30.

Petr expects an increase in solar wind on March 5-6, 9-10, 13-16 and 27-29. Notice that his expected active to disturbed conditions on March 14-16 lines up with the prediction for an A index of 30 on those same dates from USAF/NOAA.

February is done, so let's examine our 3-month moving average of sunspot numbers.

According to our own data, cycle 24 peaked with a 3-month moving average of 146.4 and 148.2 centered on February and March of 2014.

Four months later the moving average centered on July 2014 was 109.2, and December 2014 was 107.8. January 2015 was 98.2, the first time the average was below 100 since September 2013. July 2015 was 69.1, December 2015 was 55.4, and the latest number centered on January 2016 was 53.5. The moving average centered on January is an arithmetic average of daily sunspot numbers from December 1, 2015 through February 29, 2016. Adding all sunspot numbers for those days totals 4,868 and divided by 91 days yields an average of 53.4945 or 53.5.

The last time the average was at this level was February 2011, five years ago, when it was 55.7.

The ARRL International SSB DX Contest is this weekend, and it runs from 0000 UTC March 5 through 2359 UTC March 6.
See http://www.arrl.org/arrl-dx for details.

Eric Guzman, NP3A had a comment on N0JK's note about what a difference a year makes on 10 meters. Eric wrote "I think is not only 10 meters. This February I will complete one year of monthly reports using our Club Skimmer KP3Z data.

Comparing the 2015 to 2016 tally for the ARRL DX CW Contest, 80 meter activity was down 9 percent, 40 was up 9 percent, 20 meters down 20 percent, 15 meters down 75 percent and 10 meters down 89 percent. I believe this is just the number of call signs copied, but it was 14,503 on 10 meters last year, and only 1,644 this year."

Eric notes, "Full SH5 reports for both weekends can be found here:
http://www.np3a.com/website/index.php/skimmer-sh5

Huge difference on 15 meters as well. Of course there are other factors that affect these numbers like participation, but in general propagation is the main factor."

Thanks Eric. 40 meters was the only band with an increased count, and with propagation down on 10, 15 and 20 meters, where else would you go?

If you would like to make a comment or have a tip for our readers, email the author at, k7ra@arrl.net

For more information concerning radio propagation, see the ARRL Technical Information Service at
http://arrl.org/propagation-of-rf-signals.

For an explanation of the numbers used in this bulletin, see
http://arrl.org/the-sun-the-earth-the-ionosphere.

An archive of past propagation bulletins is at
http://arrl.org/w1aw-bulletins-archive-propagation.

More good information and tutorials on propagation are at 
http://k9la.us/

My own archives of the NOAA/USAF daily 45 day forecast for solar flux and planetary A index are in downloadable spreadsheet format at
http://bit.ly/1VOqf9B and http://bit.ly/1DcpaC5 .

Click on "Download this file" to download the archive and ignore the
security warning about file format. Pop-up blockers may suppress
download.

Monthly propagation charts between four USA regions and twelve overseas locations are at http://arrl.org/propagation.

Instructions for starting or ending email distribution of ARRL bulletins are at http://arrl.org/bulletins.

Sunspot numbers for February 25 through March 2 were 26, 41, 37, 38, 44, 39, and 65, with a mean of 41.4. 10.7 cm flux was 91.7, 89, 90.4, 93.2, 90.9, 96.8, and 98.2, with a mean of 92.9. Estimated planetary A indices were 5, 7, 4, 4, 5, 9, and 7, with a mean of 5.9. Estimated mid- latitude A indices were 6, 5, 3, 4, 4, 8, and 7, with a mean of 5.3.

• All propagation reports can be found at:
http://www.southgatearc.org/propagation

IOTA News from OPDX

5 March, 2016

Island activities:

AS-142. Operators Vasily/R7AL and XYL Anastasia, Vasily/RA1ZZ, Alexandr/RA3AV and Yury/UD0XAA will be active as UE23RRC from Kambalnyy Island (Toporkov) [RR-13-14] between August 9-14th. The special callsign, UE23RRC, is being used to celebrate the 23rd anniversary of the Russian Robinson Club (RRC). They will have two
stations on the HF Bands. QSL via ClubLog. For more details, see:
http://www.as142.org

EU-038. Marcel, PD5MVH, will once again be active as PD5MVH/p from
Ameland Island (ARLHS NET-001) between now and March 19th.
Activity will include the ARRL DX SSB Contest (March 5-6th).
QSL via PD5MVH, direct or by the Bureau.

EU-085. (Update/Reminder) Operators Mike/UA1QV and Mike/RW3FS will be active as RI1PA from the Russian Kolguyev Island between March
5-19th. Activity will be on the HF bands. QSL via UA1QV, direct
or by the Bureau.

NA-057. Dave, VE3VSM, is now active as VE3VSM/HR9 from Roatan Island until March 6th. Activity will be QRP on 40/20/15 meters using CW. Also, look for him in the ARRL DX SSB Contest (March 5-6th).
QSL via his home callsign or LoTW.

SA-071. Members of the Curva do Rio Group (CDR) will be active as
PR2DX from As Ilhas Island between March 17-19th. Operators
mentioned are Tony/PY2DX, Billy/PY2LCD, Raimundo/PU2VJI and
Paco/PU2UAF. Activity will be on 80-10 meters using CW, SSB and RTTY. QSL via PY2LCD or ClubLog's OQRS.

Check-out the latest IOTA News from the Deutscher Amateur Radio Club

http://www.southgatearc.org/iota/opdx/index.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+AmateurRadioNews+%28Southgate+Amateur+Radio+News%29#.VtrTF33hDcs

THIS WEEKEND ON THE RADIO

DX News from the ARRL

4 March, 2016

This week's bulletin was made possible with information provided by QRZ DX, OPDX, The Daily DX, DXNL, Contest Corral from QST and the ARRL Contest Calendar and WA7BNM web sites. Thanks to all.

EQUATORIAL GUINEA, 3C. Kenneth, LA7GIA is QRV as 3C7GIA from Malabo on Bioko Island, IOTA AF-010, until March 13. Activity is on 80 to 10 meters using CW and SSB. QSL direct to home call.

TUNISIA, 3V. Ash, KF5EYY will be QRV as 3V8SS in the ARRL International SSB DX contest. QSL via LX1NO.

SRI LANKA, 4S. A group of operators are QRV as 4S7BBG until March 9. Activity is on 80 to 10 meters plus EME on 2 meters and 70 cm.
QSL via OM2FY.

JAMAICA, 6Y. Robert, N4GU, Dan, W0CN, Kyle, WA4PGM and Everett, WZ8P will be QRV as 6Y6Y in the ARRL International SSB DX contest. QSL via operators' instructions.

BARBADOS, 8P. Charles, 8P6ET will be QRV in the ARRL International SSB DX contest as an All Band entry. QSL via KU9C.

MALDIVES, 8Q. Wolfgang, OE1MWW is QRV as 8Q7WK until March 12. Activity is holiday style on all bands. QSL to home call.

BAHRAIN, A9. Max, KE5JA will be QRV as A93JA in the ARRL International SSB DX contest as an All Band entry. QSL to home call.

BAHAMAS, C6. Ken, AG2K is QRV as C6AKE from New Providence Island, IOTA NA-001, March 6. Activity is holiday style. This includes an entry in the ARRL International SSB DX contest. QSL via operator's instructions.

CHILE, CE. Members of the Antofagasta Contest Group will be QRV as CB1H in the ARRL International SSB DX contest. QSL via CE1DY.

ANGOLA, D2. Paulo, CT1ITE is QRV as D2/CT1ITE until the end of March. Activity is in his spare time on 80 to 10 meters, and possibly 160 meters, using CW and SSB. QSL to home call.

CAPE VERDE, D4. Massimo, IZ4DPV will be QRV as D4C in the ARRL International SSB DX contest. QSL direct via HB9DUR.

CANARY ISLANDS, EA8. Romeo, S59M will be QRV as ED8M from La Palma, IOTA AF-004, in the ARRL International SSB DX contest. QSL via W3HNK.

ETHIOPIA, ET. Members of the ET7L team are QRV until April 12. QSL via US0LW.

MARQUESAS ISLANDS, FO. Ernoe, DK2AMM, Hans, DL2JGN, Tom, GM4FDM and Ronald, PA3EWP are QRV as TX7EU from Nuku-Hiva Island, IOTA OC-027, until March 15. Activity is on 40 to 10 meters using CW, SSB and various digital modes. QSL via DK2AMM.

SAN ANDRES AND PROVIDENCIA, HK0. A group of operators will be QRV as 5J0P from San Andres Island, IOTA NA-033, from March 6 to 21. Activity will be on the HF bands and 6 meters. QSL via SP6IXF.

ARUBA, P4. Ken, VE3LA is QRV as P4/VE8DX until March 8. He will be active as P40M in the ARRL International SSB DX contest. QSL both calls direct via LY5W.

BONAIRE, PJ4. Noah, K2NG, David, NA2AA and Brooke, N2BA are QRV as PJ4/home calls. They will be active as PJ4G in the ARRL International SSB DX contest. QSL PJ4G via WA2NHA and all others direct to home calls.

SURINAME, PZ. Matthew, K0BBC and Ronald, N0AT are QRV as PZ5W from Lelydorp until March 8. This includes an entry in the ARRL International SSB DX contest. QSL via N0AT.

SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE, S9. Bruno, HB9BEI is QRV as S9BK from both islands until March 7. Activity is on the HF bands. QSL to home call.

COSTA RICA, TI. Kamal, N3KS, Andrius, LY7Z and Nathan, N4YDU are QRV as TI5/home calls. They will be active as TI5W in the ARRL International SSB DX contest. QSL TI5W direct via N3YIM and all others via operators' instructions.

ST. KITTS AND NEVIS, V4. Eric, KB1EHE will be QRV as V4/KB1EHE from St. Kitts from March 9 to 13. Activity will be holiday style on 80 to 10 meters using SSB. QSL direct to home call.

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS, VP2V. Kevin, K6TOP is QRV as VP2V/K6TOP until March 7. Activity is on 40 to 10 meters using CW. He will be active as VP2VGG in the ARRL International SSB DX contest. QSL via operator's instructions.

INDONESIA, YB. Operator YB0NDT will be a Single Op/Single Band on 40 meter entry in the ARRL International SSB DX contest. QSL via operator's instructions.

VENEZUELA, YV. Members of the Radio Club Venezolano Casa Regional Maracay are QRV using special call sign YW315MCY to celebrate the founding of Maracay 315 years ago. QSL via YV4AA.

THIS WEEKEND ON THE RADIO
The ARRL International SSB DX Contest, NCCC RTTY Sprint, QRP 80-Meter CW Fox Hunt, NCCC CW Sprint, Wake-Up. QRP CW Sprint, Open Ukraine RTTY Championship, UBA Spring 80-Meter CW Contest, DARC 10-Meter Digital Contest and the SARL Hamnet 40-Meter SSB Simulated Emergency Contest will certainly keep contesters busy this upcoming weekend.

The RSGB 80-Meter Club Data Championship is scheduled for March 7.
The ARS Spartan CW Sprint is scheduled for March 8.
The AWA John Rollins Memorial DX CW Contest, Phone Fray, CWops Mini-CWT Test and QRP 40-Meter CW Fox Hunt are scheduled for March 9.

The ARRL National Parks on the Air event runs during all of 2016 to mark the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service.

Please see March 2016 QST, page 83, and the ARRL and WA7BNM contest web sites for details

http://www.southgatearc.org/dxnews/index.htm#.VtmDCH3hDcv

TX7EU Marquesas DXpedition 2016 (IOTA OC-027)

We (Ernoe DK2AMM, Hans DL6JGN, Tom GM4FDM and Ron PA3EWP) are glad to inform you that our group will be on from the Marquesas Islands - French Polynesia (IOTA OC-027). The operate period is of March 2nd to March 15th 2016.

The coordinates: 08^o52' S, 140^o06' W

The Marquesas Islands are a group of volcanic islands in French Polynesia, an overseas collectivity of France in the southern Pacific Ocean. The group is one of the most remote in the world, located about 1.371 km northeast of Tahiti and about 4.800 km away from the west coast of Mexico, the nearest continental land mass. Nuku Hiva being the second largest island in the entire territory, after Tahiti. With the exception of Motu One, all the islands of the Marquesas are of volcanic origin.

http://www.marquesas2016.de/