The Purpose & Use of 60 Meters

 Welcome To The Piedmont 60 Meters Net !


In USA, 60 Meters the 5 MHz channels for ham radio were specifically requested, justified, and approved primarily for Emergency and Disaster Communications. The stated justification is the need for NVIS and regional disaster response communications to fill in the propagation gap between 40 meters and 80 meters.

Effective today, US amateurs have new privileges on the 60 meter band. In addition to an increase in effective radiated power from 50 to 100 W, hams can now transmit CW and PSK31 on the following channel-center frequencies:

Channel 1: 5332.0 kHz

Channel 2: 5348.0 kHz

Channel 3: 5358.5 kHz

Channel 4: 5373.0 kHz

Channel 5: 5405.0 kHz

Amateurs can also transmit Upper Sideband voice and PACTOR III on the following suppressed carrier frequencies (the frequencies typically shown on transceiver displays):

Channel 1: 5330.5 kHz

Channel 2: 5346.5 kHz

Channel 3: 5357.0 kHz

Channel 4: 5371.5 kHz

Channel 5: 5403.5 kHz

60 Meters A Brief History

In May, 2003, a long-awaited FCC Report and Order (R&O) in ET Docket 02-98 granted US amateurs secondary access to five discrete channels in the vicinity of 5 MHz. The atypical amateur allocation became available to US amateurs on July 3, 2003. The limited spectrum and stringent operating requirements mean amateurs must demonstrate their best behavior and operating skills if the Amateur Service ever hopes to get an actual band segment at 60 meters.
As ARRL CEO David Sumner, K1ZZ, put it: "In terms of Amateur Radio spectrum, we usually say, 'Use it or lose it.' The watchword for 60-meter operators should be, 'Misuse it and lose it.'" Sumner predicted that, over time, amateurs "will develop a record of disciplined, responsible use of the five channels in the public interest that will justify another look at these rather severe initial restrictions."
The FCC grant followed a period of experimental operation on 5 MHz under the WA2XSY Part 5 license granted to ARRL. The channelized scheme is similar to the 5-MHz experimental operation under way in the United Kingdom.
The FCC  changed one frequency effective March 5, 2012 and now grants amateurs access to channels centered on 5332, 5348, 5358.5, 5373, and 5405 kHz. The last channel is common to the UK amateur 5-MHz experimental band plan.
This new allocation presents some new twists in amateur HF operation as well as some unfamiliar technical demands. The channelized format was the result of a compromise between the National Telecommunications and Information Agency (NTIA), which administers spectrum occupied by government users--the band's primary occupants--and the FCC. The channels are available to General and higher class licensees.
Originally, amateurs could only operate upper-sideband voice (emission 2K8J3E) at a maximum of 50 W effective radiated power (ERP) and an audio bandwidth not exceeding 2.8 kHz. The power level chaged to 100 W PEP ERP and permissible emission types changed effective March 5, 2012.
You will find the latest information and the ARRL's Recommended Practices useful.

A New Exciting Addition to the Piedmont 60 Meters Net

Again Greetings to Everyone !

I have posted this before but I want to post this again to get the word out about this new addition to the Piedmont 60 Meters Net.


If you check into the net at least 1 time, we will consider you as a regular member of the Piedmont 60 Meters Net !  Everyone on the net is considered family !
 

I like to say, this is a fun net !
We meet every Monday night at 8:30 PM / 00:30 UTC
Frequency:
Primary - 5.330.50 Mhz.
1st. Alternate - 5.346.50 Mhz.
2nd. Alternate - 5.357.00 Mhz.
3rd. Alternate - 5.371.50 Mhz.

Those who can only check in by Winlink RMS Express due to they can hear the net but can not transmit will also get a certificate also on your 10th. check in.
Send all Winlink RMS Express digital check ins to ( N4MIU ).
We will only count one check in per net. Either by voice or digital from a single station.

Jerry Brewer / N4MIU
Piedmont 60 Meters Net Manager

Again, Welcome To The Piedmont 60 Meters Net !

Greetings Everyone !

Again, I am real excited about the Piedmont 60 Meters Net !
This will be a fun net for everyone in many ways.

First, we are getting to use the designated channels in the 60 Meters band to communicate on.
These designated channel do not have the interference that you will find on the 80, 75, or 40 Meters band.
Also we are only allowed to work the USB and do not transmit no more than 100 watts of power into a 0 gain antenna.  This will help to keep the frequencies clear and help keep the interference down.

Second, this is a good place for new Hams in HF communications to start.  They will not be walked over or shoved around like on the other bands.  The new HF Hams can experiment with their new HF radios too.

Third, for those who likes to work QRP, this is the place for you.  With low noise most of the time and very little interference, you can work stations with 5 watts of power !

Forth, for those who like to go after the ARRL "WAS" award ( Work All States ), 60 Meters will again be a good place to get your WAS Award.

Last but not least, the channels on 60 Meters will be good to use in case there is a emergency and emergency traffic needs to be passed.

So hop in and join the fun every Monday night at 8:00 PM
Frequency:  5.330.50 Mhz USB  ( Primmary )
                   1st. Alternate:  5.346.50 Mhz. USB
                   2 nd. Alternate:  5.357.00 Mhz. USB
                   3 rd. Alternate:  5.371.50 Mhz. USB

We will also have time for a good ragchew and for those who wants to contact a DX station !
So, Come On And Join The Fun !