Initially in July 2003 when 60m channels were approved in the frequency spectrum designated for emergency radio communications from 5330.5 to 5405, our 5 fixed channels had specific frequencies in those 5 channels for SSB and later CW, CW being 1.5KC above the SSB center passband. And the ONLY digital at that time was mainly RTTY and some PSK.. The RTTY was designated to be on the SSB frequency if used. 

By mutual agreement among the early 60m users, since many guys were in nightly USB conversations on channel 5 (5403.5), they agreed to going down to channel 4 SSB frequency, 5371.5 and let us work DX on channel 5. Occasionally we would do CW DXing on 5373 (channel 4 CW), not bothering the USB guys 1.5kc below us.. All worked out for many years and we seldom used channel 1-3 for anything, tho channel 3 started to be used more by nightly chatters.

Seldom was RTTY used. CW came into play later in March 2012 with a power increase to 100 watts ERP at the antenna. Now, more DXers came aboard and all heck broke loose with DXing and interference that the FCC never expected. THAT is why the ARRL has refused to accept QSLs on 60m for any ARRL awards from day one and I agree 100%!!

THEN the advent of the technical improved FT modes came into being in the past 3 years or so and K5FUV was correct in saying there was no specified approval of it for the “emergency” 60m band. It just settled on the USB frequency of channel 3, perhaps to stay away from channel 4 and 5.. And it took the same frequency that RTTY would have been on, 5357. Unfortunately, the wavering signal extended up to 5358.5 and also destroyed CW listening on channel 3. So, being only on 4 channels without FT interference, the proposal for a VFO 15kc band started being discussed. That has not been settled yet.

Remember initially 60m had only SSB and 50 watts allowed. When CW came into being in 2012 , the power went up to 100 watts ERP AT the antenna.  No 5-6 dB gain antennas were being used. If you had a 3 dB gain antenna you had to LOWER your power to an ERP of 50 watts at the antenna, meaning ½ the power output but you got an effective signal output of 100w to a dipole and more directional for DX areas!!

Complicated to many users and things got worse when guys used an AMPLIFIER and some were using 200-500 watts output. I shall not mention those callsigns but you could tell when they came on because they were 10 dB stronger than the 100 watts ERP guys.. ON and on and on we could discuss the old  days. Just hope 60m gets straightened out. And like others have said, I will lay off 60m again for now and see what happens. Again, it is an emergency band primarily.

TU for the valid comments by others. K5FUV brought some good thoughts and I agree.

Hope the above historical nature of 60m is more understandable now. I put it as simple as I cud for any newcomers!! Hi Hi  Being around the 60m issues since the July 3, 2003 start has been ever changing for sure.. 😊

San YY

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