[ADXA] 60-Meter Follow Up

[w5zn at w5zn.org]

Steve N4JQQ and I were just discussing 60-meters and he observed that the current FT8 frequency channel of 5357 KHz will be removed from the current five as only four of the five frequency channels will be retained. This is because 5357 KHz falls within the new allocation of 5351.5 to 5366.5 KHz but there is one MAJOR catch – operating on 5357 KHz under the new allocation will no longer allow 100 watts ERP and must be reduced to 10 watts ERP (actually 9 point something but close enuf). 

 

So, once the new allocation becomes effective you (we) 60-meter FT8 folks will have to crank it back!! Also note this is “ERP” which is referenced to a dipole so if you’re using a gain antenna you must to scale it back even further. Who uses a gain antenna on 60-meters??

 

Also as a follow up to my previous 30-meter note and the 200 watt PEP power limit, this is PEP, not ERP. If it were ERP you folks with the BIG 30-meter antennas would have to scale it back quite a bit, but since it is PEP you’re OK! 😊

 

73 Joel W5ZN

 

From: adxa-bounces at mailman.qth.net <adxa-bounces at mailman.qth.net> On Behalf Of w5znjoel at gmail.com
Sent: Friday, December 12, 2025 7:43 AM
To: adxa at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [ADXA] 60-Meter Follow Up

 

If I sound like I’m beating a dead horse, I am because it is important that we ADXA folks understand 60-meters and the power limits in place, and those for the expanded allocation forthcoming. It makes no difference what others may do. If Tommy wants to jump off a cliff, let him, you don’t have to follow (wise statement I heard from my mom on multiple occasions). 

 

The following is from the ARRL website:

 

“Amateurs are cautioned that this allocation is strictly on a secondary basis, and amateurs must avoid interfering with non-amateur stations using this spectrum. This obligation includes the responsibility to monitor for such stations using appropriate receiver bandwidths. The FCC emphasized that “allowing amateur operations in this band while fully protecting incumbent primary Federal operations is our priority, and even intermittent interference in this band could jeopardize important Federal operations.” 

 

The Commission left open ARRL’s 2017 Petition for Rulemaking <https://www.arrl.org/news/fcc-invites-comments-on-arrl-petition-to-allocate-new-5-mhz-band>  to implement this WRC allocation (RM-11785), stating that “we expect the Commission may address any necessary power adjustments for the new 15 kilohertz international allocation in that proceeding.” ARRL will be observing operations in the new band to evaluate the effect of the 9.15-watt limit and already has been monitoring the regulations and experiences of amateurs in other countries.”

 

By the way, you do know there is a power limit of 200 watts PEP on 30 meters in the USA, don’t you??? Same reason.

 

73 Joel W5ZN

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