The 5MHz (60m) Band

 Links

5MHz RSGB site
60m antenna page -coming
Beacons- useful 60m links

Introduction to 60m

The 5MHz (60m) amateur allocation spans 5 fixed frequencies and requires a NoV from the RSGB. M1KTA has such a NoV.

 From the RSGB site (link opposite):

To mark the first anniversary of the concession that allows UK amateurs to experiment on selected channels in the region of 5MHz, the RSGB 5MHz Working Group (5WG) has decided to issue this update of Operating Procedures.  This guidance note is not intended to be overly proscriptive, since that could well stifle innovation, as there is plenty of scope for experimentation within the bounds of the Notice of Variation (NoV) issued by the RadioCommunications Agency (RA).  However, the note is intended to provide a measure of uniformity in describing the station setup for those wishing to participate in the large-scale experiment to characterise inter-UK propagation.  This uniformity or consistency will help ensure that the data that is logged, sent to the 5WG for consolidation and eventual analysis will not result in undue work to get it added to the growing computer database.  It will also help minimise the number of variables being recorded – an essential requirement if we are to get meaningful results at the end of the experiment.

When our access to the 5MHz Channels was granted the RSGB launched what it termed “The Fivemegs Experiment”.  This pre-dated the formation of the 5WG that started work in November 2002.  The concept of “The Fivemegs Experiment” was that amateurs would log QSOs and SINPO signal reports with other UK amateurs and Military Cadet Stations. 

The NoVs allow The Fivemegs Experiment to run through to the minimum of the present sunspot cycle in August 2006.  The objectives of the experiment were described in the September 2002 edition of the Radio Society of Great Britain’s RadCom magazine.  The Fivemegs Experiment has since been updated, and details of what is now called the 5MHz Experiment appear in the September 2003 issue of RadCom and at the RSGB HF Committee’s 5 MHz web site at www.rsgb-hfc.org.uk/5MHz.htm. 

All participants in the experiment are expected to take part in the propagation and antenna experiments, and to exchange signal reports in the SINPO code.   Data from the logs would be combined to produce a huge database that could be analysed later in a variety of ways.  The 5WG soon found that even with the relatively small number of logs sent to it for inclusion in the database, the task of loading the logs onto the computer was enormous. This was because many of the logs had to be keyed into the computer manually, but there were also issues concerning how data was presented.  An example of this is the variety of ways in which the date can be logged – 12 April 2003, 12/4/2003, April 12^th, etc.  Thus, we have produced a new logging form, discussed below to help improve matters.  We would like all existing and new participants in the experiment to use this new logging form.

Throughout these notes, reference is made to 3kHz wide channels designated by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and centred on frequencies within the range 5250 kHz to 5450 kHz.  They are given the names FA, FB, etc.  Under a scheme agreed between the RSGB and the RadioCommunications Agency (RA), NoVs to the UK amateur radio licence may be issued for a period terminating in August 2006 in order to undertake experimental usage of these particular 5MHz channels.  Some military cadet stations from the ATC, CCF, ACF and SCC may take part in the experiments from time to time, and their authority to do so comes from the Ministry of Defence (MoD).  The channels designated by their name and centre frequency lie in a portion of the HF spectrum assigned internationally to the Fixed and Mobile services.  In the UK the MoD is the Primary User, and it is with their agreement that the Amateur Radio service is being allowed to use the channels to carry out propagation and antenna experiments. 

Table 1:           5 MHz Channel identifiers and frequencies  
  USB is preferred over LSB for this experiment

Since most amateur equipment in use is based upon a SSB transceiver, the suppressed carrier frequencies (or dial settings) have been included in the table detailed above for operation in the USB mode, the preferred option over LSB.  Operators wishing to use modes other than SSB, for example digital modes or CW, must either do so by using USB and audio signals below 3kHz, or use some method that ensures that their transmission conforms to the 3kHz wide channel.   Users of narrow-band modes such as CW and PSK31 are encouraged to operate within the bottom 300Hz of a channel since this permits the channel to be used by SSB at the same time.

Some military operators on these channels will be using the Clansman PRC320 series transceivers on USB.  Some of these transceivers use synthesisers with a 1kHz step size, thus will not be able to net accurately with amateur transmissions using USB.  Amateur stations will need to employ their RIT to receive their transmissions – the amateur station will still need to remain within the 3kHz channel as far as transmission is concerned.

Propagation Modes

Coming...

60m Speach

60m Digital

Antennas

Homebrew Equipment

60m is an ideal band for homebrewed equipment and antennas. A simple VXO controlled 1W QRP transmitter with just a handful of parts can be built "ugly" style on a piece of copper laminate in just 30 minutes. Such rigs are capable of working thousands of miles and are enormously satisfying to use. Similarly, a small direct conversion transceiver is not much more difficult.  Simple verticals and wire antennas are easy enough to fabricate using readily available supports from the local DIY shop and can be erected without help, if care is taken.