📡 The Zero-Beat Journal: North American Ham Radio Briefing 📰

Mid-November 2025

From the desk of our amateur radio columnist:

Mid-November 2025 finds the amateur radio hobby in a period of intense and consequential activity. We are operating in a high-risk, high-reward environment defined by a volatile solar maximum. This activity is simultaneously opening rare propagation paths on the higher bands while unleashing massive, show-stopping X-class solar flares that can wipe out HF communications in an instant.

It is a time of profound duality. While operators battle these solar storms to log rare DX, foundational shifts are occurring on the ground. In the United States, a critical legislative battle is underway to secure the future of antenna installations in restricted communities, framing amateur radio as a vital national public safety asset. In Canada, a massive government investment in amateur radio for emergency services provides a powerful, external validation of the hobby's role in critical infrastructure.

This report is structured as three in-depth dispatches, each focusing on a key vertical of interest to the active North American operator: the global hunt for rare DX, the specific regulatory and operational news impacting Canadian hams, and the legislative and celebratory events defining the hobby in the United States.

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🗺️ The DX Chaser's Digest: Pileups, Problems, and Planning for 2026

I. Introduction: The Thrill of the Chase in a Volatile Solar Climate ☀️

For the dedicated DX chaser, the current solar conditions are the dominant environmental factor governing all activity. Solar activity has reached high levels, driven by a series of powerful solar flares erupting from the sun as Solar Cycle 25 approaches its maximum intensity.

This is not a theoretical phenomenon; it has had direct, immediate consequences for operators in North America. On November 4, 2025, the sun unleashed a pair of X-class flares: an X1.8 flare from Sunspot Region 4274, followed hours later by an X1.1 flare. The first and larger X1.8 flare peaked at 12:34 PM EST (1734 GMT), squarely when the sun was facing the Western Hemisphere. The result was an immediate R3 (Strong) radio blackout across all of North and South America.

For any ham on the air at that moment, this meant a sudden and total disruption of high-frequency (HF) communications. These X-ray events cause ionization in the D-layer of the ionosphere, leading to the degradation or complete absorption of radio signals, primarily impacting the 3 to 30 MHz bands. This was followed by an even more powerful X5.1-class flare on November 11, the largest this year, which impacted communications across Europe and Africa.

This volatility creates a high-risk, high-reward environment for DXing. The high solar flux is opening higher bands (15m, 12m, and 10m) for spectacular global contacts. However, the same active regions responsible for this good fortune are also throwing coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and X-ray flares that can, and do, wipe out propagation for hours at a time. DXing in late 2025 has become a game of skill, patience, and timing, heightening the excitement of successfully logging a rare station through the solar noise.

II. On the Air Now: A Global Tour (November 2025) 🌍

Despite the volatile solar conditions, the bands are alive with activity from rare and desirable locations. This section provides a tour of major DXpeditions currently active or imminent in mid-November 2025, based on reports from DX-World.net and DXNews.com.

Africa

Africa is currently the most active continent for major DXpeditions, giving chasers a chance to fill band-slots for several high-demand entities.

• 9U1RU (Burundi): A large, multi-national team from RUDXT is active from Burundi until November 20. This is a major operation, running multiple stations on 160m through 6m, covering CW, SSB, and Digital modes. As of early November, they had already logged over 102,000 QSOs, indicating the high demand for this entity and the team's significant on-air presence.
• TY5FR (Benin): Red, DL1BUG, is conducting a classic "holiday-style" DXpedition from Cotonou from November 15 to December 11. The operation is focused on 80-10m, including 60m, using CW and SSB with an IC-7300 at 100 watts and a G5RV antenna. This operation will include an entry in the CQWW DX CW Contest.
• V51WH & V55Y (Namibia): Gunter, DK2WH, is active from a well-equipped farm station near Omaruru for a long-term stay, lasting from November 20, 2025, until March 24, 2026. With an Optibeam 9-5 on a 15m mast, this station will be a consistent source of contacts from Namibia on 160m-6m.

Asia/Pacific

The Pacific and Asia are also represented, with a desirable IOTA (Islands on the Air) activation upcoming.

• XU7RRC (Cambodia): A significant multi-operator DXpedition is scheduled for November 25 to December 3 from Koh Ta Kiev Island (IOTA AS-133). This team, composed of members from the Russian Robinson Club and Miller DX Club, will be active on 80-10m using CW, SSB, and FT8, making this a prime target for both DXCC and IOTA chasers.
• T2JK (Tuvalu): Aki, JK1JXZ, is active from Funafuti from November 15-21. In a sign of the times, this operation is focused entirely on 80-6m FT8, providing an opportunity for digital-mode operators to log this Pacific entity.

Caribbean (Contest-Focused)

With the CQWW DX CW contest at the end of November, the Caribbean is lighting up with stations positioning themselves for a win.

• PJ5C (Sint Eustatius): The team of Peter (PA4O) and Ad (PA8AD) are returning to Sint Eustatius from November 23 to December 1. Their activation is explicitly planned to participate in the CQWW CW contest, where they will be a sought-after multiplier.
• V47JA (St Kitts): Jon, W5JON, is active from Calypso Bay from November 17-23, providing pre-contest contacts on CW, SSB, and FT8.

III. Case Study: When a DXpedition Becomes a "Pileup of Things Going Wrong" ⛈️

In late October, Amateur Radio Newsline ran a "KICKER" story titled: "ON DXPEDITION, A PILEUP OF THINGS GOING WRONG". This lighthearted segment touched on the logistical nightmares that plague DXpeditions. Currently, the 9U1RU team in Burundi is living this narrative in real-time, and their reports provide a crucial, sobering counter-narrative to the chaser's experience.

From the chaser's end, a DXpedition is just a signal on the band. When that signal fades (QSB) or disappears, the operator in North America might blame the solar flares or a sudden change in propagation. The reality "on the DX end" is often far more complex and grueling. The 9U1RU team has been transparent about their immense struggles.

Their "biggest problem from day one" has been electrical power. The commercial grid fails three or four times daily. The locally sourced, used diesel generators are unreliable and cannot power the entire station. This has forced the team to cut their power amplifier output to 250-300W and prioritize keeping the FT8 digital mode stations on the air, as they draw less power and can remain operational. Operators looking for extra power when conditions are poor often rely on high-quality linear amplifiers to punch through the QRM.

Beyond power, the team is battling a hostile environment. Their QTH (location) is at 2,340 meters above sea level, where they are exposed to high winds that have "lost" their 80-meter vertical antenna on two separate occasions, requiring emergency repairs. The weather is volatile, with sunny conditions suddenly turning to black clouds, high winds, torrential rain, and even hail.

This combination of failing power and severe weather has a direct impact on their on-air time. On top of this, they reported "terrible" low-band conditions, with one night of operating on 80 meters yielding only 16 QSOs with Europe and zero contacts on 160 meters.

This is the unseen struggle of the DXpeditioner. That signal that a chaser in North America heard fade away may not have been a victim of the X1.8 flare. It may have vanished because the commercial grid failed again, a generator ran out of fuel, or the operator had to suddenly run outside in a hailstorm to re-guy the 80-meter antenna. This context is vital for understanding the immense effort behind every QSO.

IV. The 2026 Horizon: Planning for the "Big Ones" 💰

While hams are busy chasing current activations, the DX community is already planning for two of the most-anticipated, large-scale DXpeditions of 2026. These operations require years of planning and immense budgets, and both are already generating significant news.

3Y0K (Bouvet Island) ❄️

Bouvet Island, a desolate, ice-covered volcanic island in the South Atlantic, is one of the most-wanted DXCC entities on the planet, currently ranked #10 by Club Log. The 3Y0K team is planning a massive $1.7 million operation in February 2026. The plan involves departing from Cape Town, South Africa, on February 1, 2026, and establishing two separate camps on the island, with one camp specifically positioned for better propagation paths to North America.

This DXpedition has already faced significant internal drama, providing a rare and public glimpse into the immense financial risks of top-tier DXing. A press release in late October 2025 revealed that "multiple members defaulted on... contractual obligations," refusing to pay their share and exposing the project to a large financial shortfall and potential cancellation. To save the DXpedition, the current team members contributed an additional $150,000 of their personal funds. This is a stunning development, illustrating that these large-scale operations are no longer amateur hobbies but massive, high-risk logistical and financial endeavors.

CY0S (Sable Island) 🇨🇦

For North American hams, the premier upcoming DXpedition is the CY0S activation of Sable Island in March 2026. A team of seasoned operators, including WA4DAN and W0GJ, will be active from March 19-31, 2026.

The significance of Sable Island is not just its propagation, but its rarity of access. Sable Island is a remote, windswept sandbar that is designated as a Canadian National Park Reserve. Access is strictly controlled by Parks Canada, with no commercial flights and no harbors. The primary obstacle to activating CY0S is not propagation or cost, but bureaucracy.

This difficulty is why CY0S ranks as the #59 most-wanted DXCC entity overall, and is even more desirable in Asia (Top 20) and Europe (Top 30). The team itself has warned that this "may be the last Sable Island activation for many years" due to the increasing difficulty of accessing sensitive environmental areas. This activation is a critical, and perhaps fleeting, opportunity for DXers worldwide to log this rare Canadian entity.

V. New Tools for the Hunt: Navigating the Volatile Bands with DXLook.com 📈

The solar volatility that is causing both R3 blackouts and fantastic band openings requires new tools for operators to see what is actually happening on the bands in real-time. A new web-based tool, DXLook.com, has launched a "Realtime View" and "Statistics Dashboard" perfectly suited for this environment.

This new dashboard aggregates live, real-time propagation data from three key sources: WSPRnet, PSK Reporter, and the Reverse Beacon Network (RBN). It synthesizes this data to show operators which bands are most active, the top callsigns being heard, and mode-specific trends for CW, SSB, and Digital.

This tool directly answers the operational questions raised by the current environment. When a ham's 20-meter band suddenly goes dead, is it the R3 blackout from an X-class flare? Is it a local problem, like the 9U1RU team's generator failing? Or is the band simply closed for that specific path? A tool like DXLook provides an immediate, data-driven answer by visualizing all reported signal paths, allowing an operator to distinguish between a solar event, a DX-side problem, or a normal propagation lull. This allows for smarter, more efficient operating in a challenging and dynamic solar maximum.

VI. Table: Active & Upcoming Major DXpeditions (November 2025 - March 2026)

The following table synthesizes data on the most significant DXpeditions for DXCC chasers and IOTA enthusiasts, active from mid-November 2025 through the first quarter of 2026.

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🇨🇦 The Canadian Ham's Frequency: ISED Exams, ACS Funding, and Regulatory Shifts

I. Introduction: A Season of Foundational Change for Canadian Amateurs

Amateur radio in Canada is experiencing a period of profound structural change in late 2025. This is not a matter of new on-air trends, but of foundational shifts in the hobby's relationship with the government and in the very process of how new hams are licensed. A major government investment is validating amateur radio as a critical piece of national infrastructure, while the regulatory bodies are simultaneously modernizing the rules for entry and operation. These developments will define the future of the hobby in Canada for years to come.

II. Major Investment in Emergency Preparedness: Ontario ACS Receives $545,000 💰🚨

The most significant news for Canadian hams is a massive financial investment from the Ontario government into amateur radio emergency preparedness. Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC) is receiving $545,000 as part of a larger $10 million emergency preparedness grant program from the province.

This funding is specifically earmarked to bolster RAC's Auxiliary Communications Service (ACS). The funds are designated for three key goals: to "recruit and retain volunteers," to "upgrade skills," and to "prepare teams for deployment" within Ontario.

This development is a powerful, tangible validation of amateur radio's role in public safety. This is not a small grant to a hobby club; it is a significant financial investment from a major government body, treating RAC as a critical infrastructure partner. The goal of the funding is to ensure a "sustainable volunteer workforce" capable of providing "reliable communication during emergencies".

This investment does not come in a vacuum. It follows demonstrated proof of concept by Canadian hams. During the recent threat from Hurricane Melissa in late October 2025, RAC was actively monitoring the storm's path and working the international weather nets, reinforcing the service's capability and commitment. This $545,000 grant represents a major win for RAC and a powerful argument for the hobby's continued relevance in an official, professional capacity.

III. The New Bar for Entry: ISED Updates Basic Exam Question Bank 📚

Parallel to the professionalization of its emergency communications wing, Canada's regulating body is modernizing the entry requirements for all new amateurs. Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) implemented a mandatory, updated question bank for the Basic Amateur Radio Exam, which became effective on July 15, 2025.

This means that all new candidates taking the test and all accredited examiners administering it must use this new exam. To support this transition, ISED has also released new "Reference Material for Amateur Radio Exam – Basic Qualification". This material includes a set of labelled formulas and block diagrams for candidates to use as a study aid, and an identical unlabelled set that candidates are permitted to use as an aid while writing the exam.

This administrative change has an immediate on-the-ground impact. Local clubs and training organizations across the country are now integrating this new standard. For example, the Vancouver Emergency Community Telecommunications Organization (VECTOR) is holding its ISED Basic and Advanced Certificate courses in October/November 2025 based on this new curriculum. Similarly, the Hope, BC amateur radio club has scheduled courses for November 2025 that will utilize the new exam bank. Once licensed, new amateurs often look to quality, affordable gear to get on the air, making starter handheld transceivers like those from Retevis a popular choice. This update ensures that all future Canadian hams are being tested on a current, relevant, and standardized body of technical knowledge.

IV. De-Regulation or Re-Alignment? Clarifying the "License" News

A recent flurry of news headlines has created significant confusion regarding the status of radio licenses in Canada. It is critical for amateurs to understand the two separate, parallel regulatory changes that occurred.

First, on October 24, 2025, Amateur Radio Newsline (ARNL) and other outlets reported: "CANADA ELIMINATES EXPIRATION DATES FOR BROADCAST RADIO LICENSES". This news is correct, but it originates from the CRTC (Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission) and applies only to commercial broadcasting stations (i.e., AM and FM radio stations). This was part of a CRTC policy to "reduce regulatory burden" on commercial broadcasters and has no bearing on amateur radio.

An amateur radio operator seeing that headline might mistakenly believe their amateur license is now "indefinite." This is not the case.

However, a second and separate regulatory change occurred that does affect amateurs. This change came from ISED, the regulator for the amateur radio service. ISED's "Regulation Amending the Radiocommunication Regulations" eliminated the requirement for a radio licence document.

The practical result is a streamlining of paperwork, not the creation of a "lifetime license" as seen in the broadcast sector. Under the new ISED rules, to operate an amateur station in Canada, an individual now only needs two things:

1. An Amateur Radio Operator Certificate with Basic qualifications.
2. A call sign assigned by the Minister.

This change simplifies the regulatory landscape by removing an administrative document, but it does not alter the fundamental structure of the amateur service or its qualifications.

V. On the Air from VE/VY: Contests and Publications

For active Canadian operators, two immediate items of interest are on the calendar.

• RAC Canada Winter Contest: The next major domestic contest, the RAC Canada Winter Contest, is scheduled for Saturday, December 20, 2025. This is a prime opportunity for hams across all provinces and territories to get on the air and work each other.
• eTCA is Available: The November-December 2025 issue of eTCA (The Canadian Amateur), RAC's official magazine, is now available for members. This issue contains important follow-ups from the RAC Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in September, including the President's Report and the 2024 Financial Statements.

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🇺🇸 The View from the States: The HOA Battle, ISS Celebrations, and Solar Storms

I. Introduction: A Call to Action—On the Air and in Washington 🏛️

For amateur radio operators in the United States, November 2025 is defined by three major concurrent themes. The first is a critical legislative call to action, as the ARRL launches a grassroots campaign to secure the hobby's future against antenna restrictions. The second is a joyous global celebration, inviting all hams to look to the skies and celebrate 25 years of amateur radio on the International Space Station. Finally, the third is a "shack-level" report on the direct, tangible impacts of the violent solar maximum on daily operations across the continental US.

II. The War at Home: ARRL's Campaign for the Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act

The most important domestic issue for US hams is the legislative battle over antenna rights. The ARRL (The National Association for Amateur Radio®) has launched a "nationwide grassroots campaign" to secure the passage of the bipartisan Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act. This legislation, introduced as S.459 in the Senate and H.R.1094 in the House, is designed to accomplish one critical goal: to prevent restrictive Homeowners' Association (HOA) rules that prohibit or severely limit the installation of amateur radio antennas.

The core of this legislative push is a strategic and well-founded narrative. The ARRL and the bill's sponsors, Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), are framing this not as a hobbyist's convenience, but as a vital matter of public safety and emergency preparedness.

Senator Wicker stated that in an emergency, warnings from amateur radio operators "can mean the difference between life and death," and the Act would "remove unnecessary roadblocks that could help keep communities safe". Senator Blumenthal echoed this, noting that hams provide "vital, often life-saving information, which shouldn't be hindered by prohibitive rules".

This public safety narrative is not theoretical; it is backed by recent, tangible proof. In late October 2025, during the response to Hurricane Melissa, amateur radio operators were a critical part of the data-gathering network. The Hurricane Watch Net (HWN) and the VoIP Hurricane Net were activated, with operators in the affected areas relaying real-time weather data—including maximum sustained winds, barometric pressure, and storm surge reports—directly to WX4NHC, the amateur radio station at the National Hurricane Center.

This creates a powerful and logical argument for legislators:

1. Amateur radio operators provide life-saving, real-time data to the National Hurricane Center during disasters, when other systems fail.
2. They cannot provide this vital service if restrictive HOA rules prevent them from installing "the antennas necessary to serve their... communities".
3. Therefore, passing the Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act is a matter of national public safety and community resilience.

The ARRL is urging all US licensees to participate in this grassroots campaign by contacting their congressional representatives through an online tool, to build co-sponsors and push the bill toward passage.

III. Celebrating 25 Years of Ham Radio in Space: The ARISS SSTV Spacetacular 🛰️

Shifting from the "work" of legislation to the "play" of the hobby, a major global event is underway to celebrate a remarkable milestone. Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

The program's history dates back to November 13, 2000, when ISS Expedition 1 Commander Bill Shepherd, KD5GSL, made the inaugural ham radio contact from the station. Since then, ARISS has become one of the hobby's most visible and inspiring programs, connecting students and hams on Earth with astronauts in orbit.

To mark the 25th anniversary, ARISS is holding a special "SSTV Spacetacular" event from November 12-20, 2025. During this period, the ISS is transmitting a series of 12 commemorative Slow Scan Television (SSTV) images. This event invites participation from scouts, students, and amateur radio operators worldwide. Participants can receive and decode these images using simple VHF receivers and free software. Those who upload their received images to the ARISS SSTV gallery will earn a commemorative electronic award certificate. This is a highly accessible and engaging event that builds community and positively showcases the hobby to the public.

IV. Shack-Level Report: Solar Blackouts and FCC Actions

While operators are tracking legislation and downloading images from space, their daily operations are being directly affected by the sun and the actions of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

The Sun's Direct Impact on US Operators ☀️

The X1.8 solar flare on November 4 had a direct and immediate impact on hams in the United States. Because the flare peaked at 12:34 PM EST, it was aimed squarely at North and South America, triggering an R3 (Strong) radio blackout.

For a ham in the US, this meant that any attempt to operate on the HF bands (3-30 MHz) in the middle of the day was met with silence. Signals were not just weak; they were absorbed by the ionized D-layer. This event, and the subsequent X5.1 flare, are concrete examples of how the solar maximum is not just a source of good propagation, but also a significant operational hazard that can shut down communications without warning.

FCC Enforcement & Policy

The FCC has also been active in ways that impact the hobby:

• Enforcement: The FCC has been actively enforcing Part 97 rules. It recently charged a ham operator (KA2FPZ) with illegal 40-meter operation for making unauthorized one-way broadcasts and, significantly, for denial of an FCC inspection. This serves as a stark reminder of the commission's authority and the rules of the service.
• Industry Impact (A Ripple Effect): In a move not directly aimed at amateur radio but with potential downstream consequences, the FCC denied approval for four Chinese-owned electronics laboratories. Many of the popular, low-cost handheld transceivers (HTs), mobile radios, and Software Defined Radios (SDRs) that have lowered the barrier to entry for new hams originate from such labs. Quality, type-accepted equipment, such as those found on the Retevis page, remains a priority for operators. This action signals a stricter regulatory environment that could disrupt the supply chain or increase the cost of popular, low-cost amateur gear in the future.
• Government Operations: A potential government shutdown, which would have suspended most FCC operations (including license processing) on October 1, 2025, was averted, allowing the commission to continue normal operations.

V. On-Air Tributes: Honoring Veterans 🎖️

Finally, in a strong tradition of public service and patriotism that ties back to the themes of the HOA bill, numerous special event stations are active on the air for Veterans Day 2025. The ARRL has highlighted several of these stations, giving US operators immediate on-air targets to commemorate the holiday. These stations include:

• WM3PEN (Philadelphia, PA): Honoring the Continental Marines Birthday, operating Nov 8-12.
• W2B (Bedford, VA): Operating on November 11 from the National D-Day Memorial, primarily on 14.275 MHz.
• KA4TAL (Conway, SC): The Horry Post 111 American Legion ARC, operating Nov 11 on 14.255, 7.264, 14.275, and 7.185 MHz.
• WJ4DD (Jacksonville, FL): The Orleck Amateur Radio Society, operating Nov 11-12 on 7.225 and 14.250 MHz.

These special events provide a fitting conclusion, demonstrating the hobby's vibrant community and its strong, unwavering connection to public service.