[SFDXA] 60 Meters: One Week Later

[Bill]

    60 Meters: One Week Later

*TAGS:* 60 meter <http://www.arrl.org/news/search/Tag.name:60%20meter>, 
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transceivers <http://www.arrl.org/news/search/Tag.name:transceivers>
03/12/2012

On March 5 amateurs were granted new privileges on the 60 meter band. 
The effective radiated power level was increased from 50 to 100 W, along 
with the ability to use CW and the digital modes PACTOR III and PSK31.

The response thus far has been enthusiastic with all five 60 meter 
channels buzzing with activity. Sideband operators in particular have 
welcomed the 3 dB power boost. Many have reported substantially improved 
range, especially in noisy conditions. Sideband DX activity on 5403.5 
(Channel 5) has increased significantly.

CW and PSK31 operators are making good use of the new privileges as 
well, but are reminded that their transmissions must take place on the 
/channel center/ frequencies as specified by the FCC:

*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*

"CW operators seem to have little problem figuring how where they need 
to transmit, but some PSK31 operators are reading the text of the *FCC 
Report and Order* 
<http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2011/db1118/FCC-11-171A1.pdf> 
and coming away a bit confused," said Dan Henderson, N1ND, ARRL 
Regulatory Information Manager. "The R&O states, 'We adopt a modified 
instruction for PSK31 channel use to correct an error introduced in the 
/NPRM/. To have a PSK31 signal transmitted on the center frequency, the 
control operator should not set the carrier frequency to the center 
frequency but should instead set the carrier frequency 1.5 kHz below the 
center frequency (i.e., the same as for phone and data emissions).'

"The word /'carrier'/ in this context means the suppressed carrier 
frequency of a transceiver when operated in the USB mode, but some have 
taken it to mean the PSK31 signal itself. They read this text and come 
to the conclusion that the PSK31 signal should be 1.5 kHz below the 
channel center. They are mistaken. The PSK31 signal /must be in the 
center of the channel/."

Hams are advised to carefully check not only their PSK31 software, but 
also their transceivers to make sure the radios are not shifting PSK31 
signal frequencies during digital operation. The same is true for CW 
operators who may be using transceivers that have an automatic CW offset 
when operating in that mode.

Henderson notes that a few PSK31 operators appear to have missed the 
injunction to transmit only one signal per channel. "We've seen some 
guys deliberately starting conversations above or below the center 
frequency when the center frequency is already occupied with another 
PSK31 QSO or a CW transmission," Henderson said. "Not only is this in 
violation of the requirement to be at the channel center frequency, it 
also violates the restriction that mandates only one signal per channel. 
If you want to operate but you hear someone already using the channel, 
you have to try a different channel or check back later. Remember, we 
have only one operating frequency on each channel. This is not a 
situation where you can squeeze multiple signals within the channel 
based on the belief that it is okay because a PSK signal is so narrow."

Some ARRL Official Observers have reported the use of Minimum-Shift 
Keying RTTY, Contestia and other digital modes on 60 meters. "By a 
strict reading of the R&O some of these transmissions may not be in 
technical violation of FCC rules, but they not in line with the National 
Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) request," 
Henderson said. "The NTIA administers these frequencies, not the FCC, so 
their request that digital enthusiasts restrict themselves to PSK31 and 
PACTOR III is a prevailing guideline."

"The confusion arises because many amateurs mistakenly believe that the 
FCC controls all of the radio spectrum in the US. That is incorrect. The 
NTIA controls frequencies that are allocated to governmental users, 
including FEMA, DHS, and the military. The five channels on the 60-meter 
band are under the direction of the NTIA. The FCC has worked with the 
NTIA to, in essence, 'negotiate' a secondary allocation for amateurs on 
that band. Amateurs need to keep in mind that the NTIA is the body that 
will either support the expansion of our privileges at some future date, 
or request that the FCC pull the plug on 60 meter Amateur Radio activity 
entirely. The NTIA is most definitely listening and non-compliant 
behavior puts our use of the band in jeopardy. Fortunately, instances of 
non-compliance appear to be isolated."

To date there have been no reports of PACTOR III activity on 60 meters. 
PACTOR III is restricted to live keyboard-to-keyboard use only.

http://www.arrl.org/news/60-meters-one-week-later

For more information, see the *60 Meter FAQ page* 
<http://www.arrl.org/60-meter-faq> on the ARRL Web.