Good morning all! I'm seeing solar flux can vary from as low as 50 or so to as high as 300, and we're currently at 175 according to HamQSL. As a relatively new General class op, I'm wondering if this is worth firing up the rig for some 10m DX hunting this afternoon?

Background: I've got a modest antenna setup - just a simple wire dipole about 20 feet up. Been mostly sticking to 20m and 40m since getting my upgrade, but keep hearing about how great 10m can be when conditions are right.

Any advice from you Elmers would be appreciated!

Absolutely give it a shot! Typically values of 150 and more will ensure good HF band conditions, so at 175 you should have decent propagation. 10m can surprise you - I've worked Europe and South America with just 5 watts and a simple dipole when the flux was in that range. Fire it up around local noon and listen for FT8 or CW activity first to gauge band conditions.

I second that advice! Mobile stations running low power on 10 meters can communicate world wide on a daily basis when the sunspot cycle is at its peak. With your wire dipole, you might be pleasantly surprised. Even if phone contacts are tough, FT8 will let you know if the band is open. Good luck and let us know what you work!

Thanks for the encouragement, folks! Just tuned across 10m and hearing some weak FT8 signals from South America. Going to give it a proper try this afternoon when the MUF should be higher. This solar cycle has been amazing compared to when I first got licensed during the last minimum - what a difference!