New Rules for 5 MHz (60 Meters) To Go Into Effect March 5

[Sam KS2AM]

The new rules for the US 5 MHz allocation have been published in the Federal Register and should be in effect on March 5.

• Increased power from 50 to 100 watts
• One new frequency added and one lost
• CW and Data modes added

ARRL article: http://www.arrl.org/news/new-rules-for-5-mhz-60-meters-to-go-into-effect-march-5
Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2012/02/03/2012-2477/amateur-radio-use-of-the-allocation-at-5-mhz


Oh yeah, if you feel compelled whine about how this is not a "real band" or how the FCC should magically grant us a wide swath of this shared spectrum you may find it easier just to post the links to similar P&M'ing that has been posted elsewhere.    

[WA3VJB]

Still no authorization for DSB, full carrier AM.

In the NPRM, the Commission proposed to authorize the use of three additional emission designators in the band: CW emission 150HA1A, which is Morse telegraphy by means of on-off keying, and data emissions 2K80J2D and 60H0J2B. In § 97.307(f)(14)(i) of the proposed rules, the Commission restricts emission designator 2K80J2D to data using PACTOR-III technique and emission designator 60H0J2B to data using PSK31 technique.

[Pete, WA2CWA]

Still no authorization for DSB, full carrier AM.

And rightly so; mode is much tooooooooooo wide and old buzzard transmissions won't cut it here.
See you on the channel.

[WB2CAU]

Still no authorization for DSB, full carrier AM.

And rightly so; mode is much tooooooooooo wide and old buzzard transmissions won't cut it here.
See you on the channel.

I'm sure that the ARRL had something to do with its exclusion.

[K7EDL]

I'm glad I didn't rush out and buy a radio which is programed to only put out 50 watts and on certain freqs.    Anyone here actually spend time on 60?

Eric

[Sam KS2AM]

Anyone here actually spend time on 60?

I was on it regularly for a couple of weeks a few years ago the the minute it opened up for amateur use. It was a lot of fun.

I'd say that the best part is that with the power/antenna restrictions everyone is on a fairly level playing field.  There were no nets, no regular nightly groups claiming ownership of the frequency, no personality clashes ... just some friendly contacts.  The jackasses that permeate parts of 75 meters aren't ever going to operate there without their leenyars and their regular group of good buddies.  


Sam




 

[W2PFY]

Oh yeah, if you feel compelled whine about how this is not a "real band" or how the FCC should magically grant us a wide swath of this shared spectrum you may find it easier just to post the links to similar P&M'ing that has been posted elsewhere.    Cheesy

Aw shucks, just when I wanted to P & M 

[Pete, WA2CWA]

Still no authorization for DSB, full carrier AM.

And rightly so; mode is much tooooooooooo wide and old buzzard transmissions won't cut it here.
See you on the channel.

I'm sure that the ARRL had something to do with its exclusion.

Actually, the National Telecommunications and Information Agency (NTIA), which administers spectrum occupied by government users--the band's primary occupants--and the FCC were the primary players in the 60 meter allocation and its operating rules.

[flintstone mop]

I'll have to give my Flex a run on 60M. I did notice that it has channelized memory (built-in) freqs for 60M.
 I'll see what happens, if it will transmit on the "new channel".................
Just checked and the Flex WILL NOT allow me to transmit on the new channel carrier of 5.357.00.
I'm sure there will be a fix from FLex how to change that.
Don't you just love the digital Whirl.........full control.......

[K2PG]

Still no authorization for DSB, full carrier AM.

Don't look a gift horse in the mouth! Most countries don't allow ANY amateur use of those frequencies. Hey, there's no authorization for SSB, suppressed carrier AM on 30 meters, either. My world won't end because I can't put a 20V-2 on those bands.

[W3GMS]

I have had a lot of fun on 60 meters.  No P&M'ing on the band and as was said, we are lucky to have those frequencies to use on a shared bases.  Anytime we get additional frequencies is a good thing. 

It will be good to work some CW stations on the band now. 

Joe, W3GMS

[k4kyv]

Still no authorization for DSB, full carrier AM.

And rightly so; mode is much tooooooooooo wide and old buzzard transmissions won't cut it here.
See you on the channel.

I'm sure that the ARRL had something to do with its exclusion.

Actually, the National Telecommunications and Information Agency (NTIA), which administers spectrum occupied by government users--the band's primary occupants--and the FCC were the primary players in the 60 meter allocation and its operating rules.

All a result of "Nine Eleven" paranoia.  The FCC was reportedly on the verge of allocating a REAL amateur band at 60m, and NTIA had agreed to go along. A debate was raging within certain quarters of the amateur community whether or not the new band would have sub-bands or be left wide open like 160m. Petitions were being prepared for submission. Then the Towers went down and the Pentagon was struck, and the rest is history. HF, which had been pretty much relegated to the dustbin of history by government agencies suddenly took on strategic importance once again.

[WU2D]

I bought a little Motorola Micom with 4 crystal channels 3 years ago and put it on 60M. It is a lot of fun and it has an awesome SSB squelch. They have a Moose and Squirrel Net on Saturdays at noon USB. Lots of weird military rigs show up. My rig came out of the Dept of the Interior as surplus.