User:KarikaSlayer/60-meter band

The 60 meter (5 MHz) band is an amateur radio allocation originally only available in a few countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Ireland and Iceland. However, in the last few years, more countries' telecommunications administrations, together with their government and military users, have permitted Amateur Radio operation in the 5 MHz area on a short or longer term basis on either discrete channels or a frequency-wide allocation. Where two-way communication is authorised on 60m, it has generally been within the frequency range 5250 – 5450 kHz, but the whole of this range is not necessarily available and allocations vary significantly from country-to-country.

In most, though not all, countries, the allocation is channelized at present. Voice operation generally uses to facilitate inter-communication with other, non-amateur, band users if necessary. In the United States it is mandatory.

Amateur equipment made in Japan and surrounding countries often did not support this allocation, since it is not currently available in those countries. However it is usually possible to modify commercial amateur equipment to work correctly on these frequencies within the terms of the individual's licensing conditions. More recently, commercial amateur radio equipment manufactured in Asia destined for the North American market has begun to include provisions for 60 meters.

60 meter band propagation, beacons and markers
Lying approximately halfway between the 80-meter (3.5 MHz) and the 40 meters (7 MHz) amateur bands, the 60 meter band forms a communication bridge when propagation effects make use of the 80 or 40 meter bands impossible for local-to-medium distance communications – often needed in emergency communication scenarios where there is no existing normal communications infrastructure or it is devastated. Less affected by D-Layer absorption than 80m, the 60 meter band is an ideal candidate for NVIS – Near Vertical Incidence Skywave, the most commonly used technique capable of providing seamless local-to-medium distance HF communications

A number of radio propagation beacons are active on 5 MHz, some of which produce a sequence of varying power levels. Most of these transmit continuously, but some personal beacons are activated as required. Online Ionograms produced by your local Ionosonde are also useful for determining band state and the Critical Frequency information needed for successful NVIS. In the United Kingdom, currently three beacons transmit sequentially on the hour and each subsequent 15 minutes using CW. In addition, individual WSPR beacon experiments using powers as low as 1 watt in the UK have led to reception reports from the USA and Middle East.

60 meter band in the United Kingdom
This 5 MHz frequency segment is in what is known as the '60 meter band' and is the subject of active research due to its propagation properties. In the UK, this research is colloquially known as the 'Five Megs Experiment' and commenced in August 2002. Access to the frequencies designated in the UK is via a 'Notice of Variation' ( NoV ) to a 'Full' Amateur Radio Licence issued by UK regulator Ofcom. There are a few additional restrictions ( e.g. mobile or maritime mobile operation is not currently permitted ) and power output is limited to 200 watts PEP. Instructions on amateur radio 60m operations in the UK are provided in the RSGB '5 MHz' web pages and at the Ofcom web site. The seven 3 kHz-wide 'channels' used for 60m in the UK are:

The Summits on the Air ( SOTA ) programme uses 5 MHz for a number of activations, with considerable activity from some operators.

As well as Voice and CW, the band in the UK is also used for Digital Communications in modes such as PSK31, Olivia, MFSK, MT63, SSTV and Hellschreiber - success being shown with most modes, despite the problems that can result from ionospheric distortion, particularly to the phase of the signal.

In the UK, 5 MHz is also used for the weekly RSGB ( Radio Society of Great Britain ) GB2RS news bulletin broadcast. The transmission takes place on 5403.5 kHz USB at 1230 hrs local time on Sundays. The results show that 5 MHz provides a reliable vehicle for a national news broadcast. After the news a net is carried out with signal reports in SINPO code exchanged. This data and that from other 5 MHz contacts is fed into the 5 MHz coordinator for analysis, preferably using the UK 5 MHz Logging programme, written by Alan Messenger, G0TLK.

This band is unique in the United Kingdom insofar as UK 5 MHz NoV holders may also communicate under controlled operating conditions on the seven channels with stations of UK Military Cadet Youth Organisations. Some of these station operators may be using military transceivers with 1 kHz step size synthesisers [ e.g. certain versions of the Clansman PRC320 series ] and thus will not be able to net accurately with amateur transmissions using USB. Amateur stations will need to employ their RIT to receive their transmissions – the amateur station will still need to remain within the 3 kHz channel. ( Source: RSGB 5 MHz Operating Procedure )

Originally, two-letter identifiers for each UK channel were used, as it was believed the Cadet stations were not permitted to mention frequencies over the air, however this has proved not to be the case and so they are no longer required on air. ( Source: RSGB 5 MHz Experiment FAQs - http://www.rsgb.org/spectrumforum/hf/faq.php#q5 )

The HF Team of RAYNET ( Radio Amateurs' Emergency Network - the UK's Amateur Radio Emergency Communications body ) includes 5 MHz in its regular series of HF Nets ( See RAYNET Link below )

The 5 MHz band has proved to support reliable intra-UK communication using low power and NVIS ( Near Vertical Incidence Skywave ) antennas under daylight conditions, but can be greatly affected by solar disturbances. The unique, channelized nature of the band, together with relatively light levels of activity and interference experienced, no doubt enhance this aspect.

60 meter band in the USA ( & Dependencies )
The 60 meter band became available to US radio amateurs in 2003. Only USB voice communications are authorized. Specifically, data communications are not allowed. The five 'channels' used for 60m in the USA are:

Instructions on amateur radio operations on 60m in the USA are provided in the "60M - Frequently Asked Questions" document, prepared by the ARRL.

60 meter band in other countries
Global communication is possible during grey line and night time ionospheric conditions with reports of 70 plus countries having been worked from the UK alone.

In all, radio amateurs from approximately 90 countries have been active on 5 MHz at one time or another since the availability of the band to amateur radio.

Radio amateurs from many countries that do not have transmit access to 60m monitor the band and post their reports of stations heard on http://www.dxwatch.com/dxsd1/dxsd1.php?f=5 and several similar sites.

Bahraini General Class licensees ( all 'A9' prefixed stations ) are authorised to use two specific 3.0 kHz channel assignments with centre frequencies 5373 kHz and 5405 kHz. The corresponding Upper Side Band (USB) carrier frequencies are 5371.5 kHz and 5403.5 kHz. These frequencies are assigned to the amateur service on a secondary non interference basis for propagation experiments. Such stations shall not cause harmful interference to stations of other administrations operating in accordance with the ITU Radio Regulations. The maximum mean power of any amateur station shall not exceed 27 dBW (500 Watts). ( Source: A92IO [ EI3IO ] June 2011 and Bahrain Amateur Licence Schedule ).

The Cayman Islands' 60m authorizations became effective on March 29, 2010 and in common with other amateur licensing aspects on the Islands, follow the US 5 MHz allocation and conditions ( Source: ZF1EJ )

In the Czech Republic, reporting on the 5 MHz special licence situation there, Petr, OK1RP, says that his current licence is valid until the end of 2011. The 60m band in 'OK land' ( Czech Republic ) is limited to: 5258.5 - 5261.5 kHz ( i.e. a 3 kHz wide channel, centred on 5260 kHz ). Maximum Effective Radiated Power ( E.R.P. ) is 100W. The licences are experimental and are only on a secondary basis with Czech Ministry of Defence permission. Only 2 locations can be used and these must be stated in the licence document. Also, according to information from the Czech Telecommunication Institute, the number of the 60m band experimental licences is limited ( no information on how many, but possibly 10-20 could be expected ). At the end of the year, a summary report on the results of the experiments must be sent to the Czech Telecommunication Institute. ( source: IARU Reg. I 60m Update [ see 'External Links' ] and OK1RP E-Mail )

In Finland, Club stations may apply for authorization to operate on seven 5 MHz channels with maximum power of 50 Watts on USB only. The USB dial frequencies for Finland are: 5288.6, 5298.6, 5330.6, 5346.6, 5366.6, 5371.6, 5398.6 kHz. ( Source: See IARU Region 1 60m Update )

The Greenland Telecommunications Authority permitted operation on seven 5 MHz channels. These are the same as the UK channels. SSB, CW and digital modes are allowed ( Source: OX3XR )

In Portugal, the telecommunications regulator, ANACOM, together with the military of that country, permits 5 Mhz operation on a secondary, non-interference basis on three channels 5288.5, 5371.5 and 5403.5 kHz, using CW and SSB for Propagation and Emergency Communication coverage tests. The frequency 5288.5 kHz was added in June 2011 at the same time as the special permit duration was extended to one year. Application is by individual request to ANACOM. Further news, logs and official reports of previous operational periods can be viewed on the '5 MHz - Cinco Megahertz' pages of REP, the Portuguese National Amateur Radio Society's website - http://www.rep.pt/ ''( Source: CT1EEB, IARU Region 1 Website http://www.iaru-r1.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=784:60m-allocation-in-portugal&catid=53:spectrum ) ''

Republic of Ireland stations received permission to operate experimentally on the band in 2008, the first licence being issued on October 17.( source: IRTS News ) 3 kHz Center frequencies 5280, 5400 and 5405 kHz. Listen only is permitted on 5290 ( for UK beacons ). Communications with non-Amateur stations ( i.e. UK cadets ) is not permitted. ( Application form: http://www.comreg.ie/publications/radio_experimenter_licence__additional_authorisation_powers_or_frequencies.583.103148.p.html )

Amateurs in St. Lucia also received permission to operate on 5 MHz on a Secondary basis. The channels allocated are the same as those used by the USA, with 50W Max. ERP, SSB only.( source: St. Lucia National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission, 'Technical Standards for Amateur Radio Service' document )

Frequency Allocations rather than Channels
In Bangladesh from 2005, the band 5250 – 5310 kHz was allocated nationally to the amateur service on a secondary basis for propagation experiments. Stations of the amateur service in Bangladesh shall not cause harmful interference to any station operating in accordance with the ITU Radio Regulations, which in this case will be of a governmental or commercial nature. All modes are permitted ( source: Bangladesh Telecomms Administration NFAP )

In July 2010, Croatian Amateurs were given special licence access to 5 MHz on an individual, experimental basis until 30 May 2011. It permits operation from 5260 – 5410 kHz on all modes. Further news is awaited.

Stations in Denmark ( including The Faroe Islands ) used to use channels, but as from 1 Jan 2010 they have been granted the spectrum 5250 – 5450 kHz, with secondary status, 1KW erp, and all-mode. As of 2011, Danish amateur stations of a lower licence level are also allowed under this permission but with lower power. Each station has to apply for the special research licence for a year at a time. As of February 2011 more than 105 stations have been registered. ( acc. the Danish ITST )

The Grenada communications regulator - the National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission ( NTRC ) permits 60m operation from 5250 – 5450 kHz. Their General licensees are permitted up to 500W p.e.p. and Advanced licensees 1 kW p.e.p. Modes include SSB and CW. ( Source: NTRC )

Icelandic amateur stations were given from December 13, 2010, permission for continued access to 5 MHz and were granted 150 kHz in the 5260 – 5410 kHz band, as a replacement for the eight fixed channels previously permitted. Maximum power allowed on 5 MHz is 100W ( 20 dBW ).

In Norway, initially eight channels in the 60m band were available for Emergency and Emergency Preparedness use. However, on November 6, 2009, the band 5260 – 5410 kHz was opened for general Amateur Radio use. The allocation is secondary and power is limited to 100 watts. The band was one of the HF bands used in June 2011 during a communications emergency https://www.nrrl.no/component/content/article/1-latest-news/258--nrrl-nodsamband-aktivert

Somalia - the Somalian Ministry of Information, Telecommunications & Culture permits non-channelised 5 MHz/60 Meter operation. Upper Sideband [USB] must be used and the allocation is from 5060 – 5450 kHz. All modes are allowed and the maximum power permitted is 3 kW on a non-interference basis.

Trinidad & Tobago has the band 5250 – 5450 kHz allocated on a secondary basis to the Amateur service. Maximum output power is 1.5 kW ( source 9Y4NED )

Occasional Permissions
Whilst most of the 60 meter operations listed in this article are either on a permanent secondary or experimental period basis, there are occasions when access is granted either on a one-off very limited time frame or for specific dates and times.

Probably the most well-known of these is 5 MHz operation from Canada authorised by regulator Industry Canada, when the Marconi Radio Club is permitted operation at various specific pre-announced times. Frequencies used have included 5260, 5269, 5280, 5290, 5319, 5400 and 5405 kHz, CW and SSB, 100W maximum power.

Other authorised 5 MHz operations have been reported such as Ascension Island, Belize, Bulgaria, Colombia, Ghana, Honduras, Kenya, Kiribati, Russia and Turkey ( see HFLink below ). Some Amateur Radio DXpeditions have been permitted access to 5 MHz, although the ARRL ( American Radio Relay League ) has expressed concern that over-emphasis on 'DX' activities could be counter-productive to the eventual obtaining of an ITU Amateur allocation at 5 MHz http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter?issue=2007-04-06

Emergencies Only
In certain countries, Amateur access to frequencies in 5 MHz is on an emergency or search & rescue basis only. In addition, Amateur callsigns may not always be used, nor Amateur equipment. Currently these countries are :-

AUSTRALIA : WICEN ( Wireless Institute of Australia Civil Emergency Network ) stations are allocated the frequencies 5102.0 and 5355.0 kHz for emergencies. Non-amateur callsigns [ e.g. AXF404 & AXF405 ] are used together with ACMA (Australian Communications & Media Authority) type approved radio equipment such as the commercial HF SSB transceivers [ e.g. Codan or Barrett ] normally used for Outback communications in the VKS737 Australian HF network - which serves remote travellers.

NEW ZEALAND : The two frequencies 5320 and 5395 kHz USB, 2K8 bandwidth, are available only for AREC ( the Amateur Radio Emergency Communications section of the NZ National Amateur Radio Society NZARTS ) operations. The special AREC Callsigns must be used ( source: NZARTS website http://www.nzart.org.nz/council/policies/2009-access-to-5-mhz/ )

USA - STATE OF ALASKA : In addition to previously mentioned USA 60m Amateur channels, the frequency 5167.5 kHz USB is available for emergency communications within the state of Alaska and it may be used "for tests and training drills necessary to ensure the establishment, operation, and maintenance of emergency communication systems."