Tips on working 60m by Scott, NA4IT

Tips On Working 60 Meters

James "Scott" Duckworth (NA4IT) on April 7, 2004

I have been amazed at the conditions on 60 meters, the "channelized" band opened up to amateurs in the US by the FCC. The conditions on this band can go from "local" of a couple of hundred miles to across the US. And at times, you can hear it all at the same time!

Here's a few tips I have found that help when working this band:

(1) Make sure you are on the proper freqs. Your VFO should read the following: 5.330.5, 5.346.5, 5.366.5, 5.371.5, or 5.403.5. These freqs are all UPPER SIDEBAND! It is best if you put them in memory, and leave the VFO locked.

(2) There is no room for "enhanced audio". Your signal needs to be just a normal signal.

(3) Effective Radiated Power (ERP) must be NO MORE THAN 50 Watts! A simple dipole is the best answer with 50 watts at the rig. Mine is up at the apex at 40 ft and slopes down each leg to about 20 ft.

(4) Filtering is necessary for reception. DSP works really well, and a good notch, as well as the use of your RX IF shift helps.

(5) Courtesy abounds on this band. Ragchewers will stand by for DX contacts or a state hunter readily, and the same is appreciated.

(6) Here in East TN, the 5.366.5 frequency is useless. We are secondary users on 60 meters, and there is some type of data transmission there almost 24 hours a day.

Final thoughts:

(1) 60 meters is not for everybody.
(2) I believe if the current operating practices prevail on 60 meters, we could see the FCC open up more frequencies in the future.
(3) 50 watts is more than adequate for communication on this band. It also helps to keep everyone "even".
(4) Listen to it before you open up your rig. It may not be for you.

73, NA4IT Scott

OK1RP comment:
Well the point 1) is a bit in opposite to my article about OSA technique but we will see what will be the best for efficient DXing on Tropical band.

73 - Petr, OK1RP