[PPRAANet] FW: ARESCO: "60" Meter band

Tue, 1 Jul 2003 15:24:53 -0600

PPARES, PPRAA Members --

In a few days we get some new "60" meter channelized privileges, HOWEVER,
there are strings attached -- a bunch by amateur standards.  The article
below was forwarded out to the ARESCO reflector by ARESCO Training
Coordinator, Pat Lambert, W�IPL.

Our operation on the 60 meter band as a secondary user is on a trial basis,
so it is extremely important that everyone who intends to utilize this new
resource understand the rules of the road -- things as simple as active
carrier antenna tuning are not allowed, so be sure to read this information
before attempting to operate on the new band allocation.

73  Wes K�HBZ

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected]
[mailto:[email protected]]On Behalf Of Pat Lambert - W0IPL
Sent: Tuesday, July 01, 2003 11:17 AM
To: Colorado ARES
Subject: ARESCO: "60" Meter band

I got the following from the EMCOMM West bulletin. Please read at least
most of it before you find fault, because he leads you "down the path"
before detailing the errors.
--------

�THE 60 METER BAND OPERATOR'S GUIDE� -  Ed Ewell, K7DXV

(Print, clip and laminate this handy TABLE for your wallet)
---------------------------------------------------------
| Nominal Channel      Amateur Tuning Frequency (Dial)  |
|   5332kHz              5330.5kHz                      |
|   5348kHz              5346.5kHz                      |
|   5368kHz              5366.5kHz                      |
|   5373kHz              5371.5kHz                      |
|   5405kHz              5403.5kHz (common US/UK)       |
---------------------------------------------------------

   In a few days the long awaited 60 meter operation will be allowed
to amateur radio operators.  Effective midnight (12 AM) local time
on July 3, 2003 we will be on a new frequency allocation.  This new
allocation presents some new requirements that we need  to accommodate as
well as some specific technical demands.
   Let us begin by getting on the air on one of these new channels. We have
our antenna installed, hooked up to the radio, and our radio dial is set to
the Tuning Frequency of 5330.5 kHz, the radio will operate on the Channel
Center frequency of 5332 kHz. The radio is set for USB (upper side band).
Now we apply carrier power to the antenna to allow us to tune for minimum
SWR (standing waves reflected).  After the antenna tuner is adjusted, or
the tuning is complete we are ready to begin transmitting right?  WRONG, we
have violated the F.C.C. rules by transmitting a carrier on the frequency
of 5330.5 kHz.
   This frequency is where the suppressed carrier is located, however the
center-channel frequency we are authorized to operate on is 5332 kHz USB
voice (emission 2K8J3E). We are not permitted to transmit a carrier on the
60 meter channels at any time.  Transmitter testing, tuning, and setting
power levels must be done with a dummy load or with no antenna connected.
   Antenna tuning must be done with an antenna analyzer, or antenna built to
the normal dipole specifications determined by the antenna formula. You can
monitor your SWR while transmitting SSB and carefully adjust the antenna
length a few inches at a time to get the SWR to the proper level. The
transmitted signal can only be SSB voice.  You can not use a tone
on SSB to tune up.  We can only use voice. Most automatic tuners send a
carrier over the air for tuning, this is not recommended.  Skilled amateurs
can tune antenna tuners by monitoring receiver noise or other signals to
tune an antenna tuner before transmitting.
   If you have designed your antenna to be resonant on one of the center
channels. The antenna should work well on the other channels without tuning
or other modification.
   The best antenna configuration would be to have a dedicated antenna and
tuner for the 60 meter channels. The use of an antenna switch would allow
this antenna to be connected to the proper radio.  If you use a dedicated
(resonant) dipole type of antenna the antenna tuner would not be necessary,
as the SWR would be within limits if the antenna is properly tuned.
   As an amateur radio operator I have to decide if the 60 meter band is
where I would like to operate, and do I want to work DX, rag chew (long
conversations and round tables); or, is my interest in handling traffic, or
providing emergency communications?
   Is my transmitter accurate and properly calibrated?  Can I measure the
output power (PEP)?  Do I have the proper modulation levels and audio
frequency response to meet the requirements of the F.C.C. rules for 60
meters?   Are my normal operating procedures and practices disciplined, and
can I demonstrate that my operation is responsible, and can I cooperate
with other stations on the 60 meter band?  Am I willing to consult an
experienced amateur radio operator or technician to verify if my radio and
antenna will work in the 60 meter band?
   The 60 meter channels are a wonderful gift and a valuable and important
band for the amateur radio community.  We received the authority to operate
on just these five channels through many hours of careful planning and
cooperation with other organizations.  The FCC has stipulated that the five
channels are a domestic allocation, and not available to the world.
Federal government stations are the primary user in this band and the
amateur radio community is considered to be a secondary user.  THIS IS A
TEST, and as amateurs we must yield to other users, and at no time
interfere with the primary service.
   If you hear some government station on one of the designated five
channels, do not ask them to leave the frequency since they are the primary
user. You will probably not hear this very often, but do not be surprised.
   To pass the TEST, we must show that we are efficient, trained, and
disciplined amateur radio operators.  Perhaps in the future we may receive
additional frequencies, however we have to prove that we are skilled
amateur radio operators.
   Can you modify your radio transmitters or transceivers?  Yes.  You may
clip the diode, remove or install a jumper, but you must be sure the radio
will meet the requirements for operating on the designated Channel Center
(Nominal) channel.
   In review: The radio must be stable, and accurate when tuned to the
channel.  You must have a peak reading watt meter, and know how to operate
the radio you plan to use.  We must remind control operators and station
trustees that they are fully responsible for the proper operation of the
stations of which they are in control.  Stations at EOCs (Emergency
Operations Centers) may have multiple operators operating under one station
license, and they must be trained and qualified to operate their radio
equipment.  Any violations will come to the control operator and trustee.
The five channels in the 60 meter are easily monitored by the FCC, NTIA and
OO's (Official Observers).  Any discrepancy or violation
will bring immediate notification.  Since we radio amateurs are secondary
users, any problems will be reported by the primary users.
   I am ready to come up on a channel in the 60 meter band, and you should
be properly prepared to operate with out any problems.  See you there.
Ed 73 K7DXV