Episode XX: 2024 DX Season Kickoff and May Aurora Opening chat with Bill Hepburn

The VHF DX Podcast

In the 2024 DX season kickoff episode of the VHF DX Podcast, Nick and Bryce host the show from Bryce's home on Cape Cod, enjoying a rare outdoor recording session on a pleasant afternoon.

The highlight of the episode is a discussion about the rare Aurora opening on May 10th, which provided an exceptional opportunity for DXing. This event was particularly notable because it allowed for receptions as far south as Key Largo, FL, and other southern locations, which is highly unusual for aurora propagation. Nick and Bryce reflect on their experiences during the opening, the stations they logged, and the overall rarity of such an event.

The episode also features an interview with Bill Hepburn, a valued member of the VHF DX community who already starred in a previous episode regarding his Tropospheric Forecast Predictions. Bill explains the different types of solar storms and their impacts on DXing, with a focus on geomagnetic storms that produce auroras. He provides insights into the KP and BZ indices, which are used to monitor geomagnetic activity and predict aurora conditions. The discussion covers the technical aspects of aurora-induced DXing and tips for enthusiasts on how to maximize their chances of successful reception during such events. We also speculate with Bill on the potential for similar events in the near future, considering the current solar activity.

Bryce and Nick also return with a tech corner discussion, including new SDR offerings from Airspy and SDRPlay, the new Sky Blue 9 element FM antenna, new RabbitEars.Info FM autologger and OpenRadio FM DX Webserver setups.

73s and Good DX to everyone!