XE - Mexico 60m band allocation

Hello,

The Mexican telecommunication regulator IFT - Instituto Federal de Telecomunicaciones has approved amateur radio operation on the new WRC-15 the 60m band allocation on secondary basis. The band is 5351.5 - 5366.5 kHz with maximum permitted power of 20W EIRP.

Mexican National Frequency Table is available here:http://cnaf.ift.org.mx/Consulta/Index

(Tnx: Paul, G4MWO, XE2O, FMRE)

It has miles of virgin beaches.Mexico has over 11,000 kilometers of coastline along the Pacific and the Atlantic, and in fact is one of the few countries in the world that has more coastline than land borders.

It has 10 times as many islands as Hawaii. According to the National Commission for Biodiversity, there are 1,365 islands scattered along the coast of Mexico. They amass an area of 5,127 km2, equivalent to 0.3 percent of the total national territory.

In most American films, Mexico appears as a desert country, full of ghost towns. However, less than 40 percent of the territory of the country is arid or semi-arid. The desert in Mexico is characterized by different types of cacti and drought-tolerant species and varies greatly in flora and fauna.

It is one the most bio-diverse countries in the world.Thanks to the heterogeneity of its terrain and the fact that it’s between the tropics, Mexico has a great variety of ecosystems. These range from high mountain cloud forests to sea bottoms abundant in coral reefs, deserts, and coastal lagoons. The territory has about 50,000 square kilometers of humid forests–equal to all of Costa Rica.

Throughout the landscape you find prehistoric ruins. As the center of hundreds of Mesoamerican cultures and civilizations such as the Maya and Aztec, Mexico, there are 187 archeological sites managed by the Institute of Anthropology and History, and still others yet to be discovered. In the Yucatan Peninsula there are more ruins than budget to unearth them (excavating a pyramid can take up to 20 years.)

The terrain is full of mountains. For some strange reason, people rarely associate Mexico with mountains. But note all the ranges: The Western Sierra Madre–essentially the considered the Rockies from the US and Canada–extends over 1,250 km from Sonora to Nayarit. Paralleling that is the eastern Sierra Madre range which spans 1,300 km from Texas to Oaxaca. The Southern Sierra Madre reaches from Jalisco to the Isthmus of Tehuantepec in Oaxaca. Finally, the jagged sierras of Chiapas and Baja California rise up through those statesas well.

73 - Petr, OK1RP

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The true about 60m band by Paul, 9H1BT

Hi all

...this new 60m band is a killer with sleepless nights and early morning rise.

The advantage of being a pensioner is I can make up for the lost sleep with naps during the day... hi.

Best wishes and 73s, Paul 9H1BT


73 - Petr, OK1RP
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TF - Iceland Retains Existing 5 MHz Allocation Till End of 2017

Hello,

Iceland Retains Existing 5 MHz Allocation Till End of 2017 instead of WRC-15 implementation following the resolution of IARU Interim Meeting in Vienna in April 2016 and related documents with the recommendation notice "It is strongly recommended that frequencies within the WRC-15 allocation only be used if there are no other frequencies available at 5 MHz under domestic (ITU-R article 4.4) permissions."

Jonas, TF3JB reports - "The Icelandic PTA decided on May 12, 2017 to extend the experimental license privileges for radio amateurs in the 5 MHz band until December 31, 2017.

The privileges are for 5260-5410 kHz, with 100W EIRP. Mode of emission: CW, USB, PSK-31 and other digital modes. The permit is the same for N and G licensees.

Currently 25 TF licensees have an experimental license on 60 meters.

73 de Jónas Bjarnason, TF3JB"

(Tnx: Paul, G4MWO, TF3JB, G3BJ, Ei3IO)

73 - Petr, OK1RP

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HB0 - Liechtenstein by Mirko, DJ1AA

Hello 60m friends,

 

I just would like to let you know that I am QRV from DXCC Liechtenstein tomorrow on monday 15th.of may 2017. I hope to can start around 13 UTC. It depends on the traffic on the 700km distance with the car.

 

My business trip is going to west Austria to the city Feldkirch. I will take the chance to drive high up to the HB0 mountains, about 1500m asl on a parking place. The location will be again Gaflei with locator JN47SD. This QTH in the mountains east of the capitol city Vaduz. My last not scheduled trip to this location I made on 10th. April 2017. I made around 60 QSOs on 60m on frequency 5.360 MHz USB around Europe. I started at 12:51 UTC and made QRT on 60m on 15:03 UTC. After the 60m activation I switched to 40m band and made again around 70 QSOs till 16:18 UTC.

The equipment for the new trip tomorrow on 60m Band will be again:

The voltage from the car:  12V battery and running Diesel engine to produce the necessary current.

Transceiver:  ICOM IC-7000, reduced power 10W,

Antenna:  A 15m long glasfieber rod as a vertical antenna, some elevated radials and random radials

To feed the antenna I use a automatic antenna tuner Smarttuner SGC - SG237. If you like, you can see my used equipment and the location on the following QRZ page:

 

https://www.qrz.com/db/HB0/DJ1AA

 

I will drive tomorrow the around 700km to the same location like you can see on the QRZ.com HB0 – pictures. It would be nice to get some more spots in the DX Cluster, because I am again limited time in HB0. I am not on vacation, I am on business trip and I have to work on Tuesday and Wednesday. So only a couple of hours you can work me, sorry, but better as nothing.

I hope to work you and please keep the USB Frequency 5,360 MHz free for that DXCC activation. Later on the day, you can find the QSOs in the online logbook on clublog and QRZ.com logbook as well.  I will upload the QSO datas to the online log later from the hotel in Feldkirch, Austria.

Thanks for the attention and have a nice weekend and meet you tomorrow on the 60m band...

Mirko, DJ1AA   >   HB0/DJ1AA   

https://www.qrz.com/db/HB0/DJ1AA

 

PS: I will upload today some more picture from the last 60m HB0 Activation give me some minutes...

(Tnx Joe, W8GEX)

73 - Petr, OK1RP

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SP - Poland on 60m band

Hi all,

the WRC-15 allocation has been implemented into new frequency table in Poland by 11th May 2017. We can expect SP callsigns on the band soon...

http://dziennikustaw.gov.pl/du/2017/920/D2017000092001.pdf

Tatra National Park

Just poking their way into the extreme south of Poland, the boundaries of the Tatra National Park play host to some of the country’s only real mountains. Between these craggy summits of rock and ice lie some of the nation’s most beautiful natural wonders – from the shimmering surface of the Morskie Okolake, to the soaring tip of Rysy (Poland’s highest peak), 2,500 meters up. Given the area’s breathtaking natural beauty, it’s no wonder that it holds that coveted UNESCO biosphere title. It’s also no surprise that it draws visitors to its dense spruce forests, winding hiking trails, snow-packed ski fields and subterranean cave systems right throughout the year.

Białowieża Forest

A wild and primeval land that straddles the border between Poland and Belarus in the country’s extreme east, Białowieża Forest is considered one of the last vestiges of virgin woodland in Europe. In total, it covers an area of more than 3,000 square kilometers and enjoys a status as a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site for its environment and untouched natural beauty. Along the endless hiking trails that wind their way deep into the forests here, visitors can spy the colossal oaks of Great Mamamuszi and the King of Nieznanowo (which soar more than 30 metres overhead), or wandering herds of the endangered European bison.

Malbork

Nestled between the Elbląg Lakes and the rolling fields of Polish Masuria, the city of Malbork is home to one of the most fascinating medieval relics in all of Europe. For history lovers, or purveyors of great human architecture, there’s arguably no spot more beautiful in all of Poland, and there are endless photo opportunities to be had between the town’s sprawling castle complexes (which together form one of the largest on the entire planet). One of the most beautiful views of the red brick fortress has got to be from the opposite banks of the Nogat River, where the red tiled keeps and towering inner buildings can be seen in all their glory.

The Masurian Lake District

A long-time favorite of domestic Polish holiday-makers, the Masurian Lake District continues to fill up with campers, hikers and sailors during the warmer months of the year, when the scintillating swathes of its famous waters glimmer in the Baltic sun. In total, the area is home to more than 2,000 individual lakes, with bodies like Śniardwy (the largest lake in Poland) and Lake Mamry drawing in the lion’s share of the crowds. There are also some beautiful rivers open for exploration, along with a number of charming towns, like Giżycko, Elk and Mikołajki.

Słowiński National Park

A pretty patchwork of pine trees, peat swamps and rolling sand dunes moving out into the swells of the Baltic Sea in northern Poland, the Słowiński National Park was first dedicated as a protected area way back in 1987. One UNESCO biosphere reserve title later and it’s now considered one of the most fascinating natural environments in the country. It’s famed for its deserted beaches, densely linked forests and rugged, windswept sand dunes that move like waves from year to year. But the beauty doesn’t stop there because Słowiński is also prime wildlife spotting territory, with oodles of migrating birds and rare mammals lurking between its borders.

73 - Petr, OK1RP
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The latest edition (No 18) of The 5 MHz Newsletter made by Paul, G4MWO

Hi All,

 

The latest edition (No 18) of The 5 MHz Newsletter made by Paul, G4MWO editor is now available for free pdf download from

 

https://tinyurl.com/ln5f2p4

 

or alternatively from the ‘External Links’ section of the Wikipedia 60m Band page

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/60-meter_band

 

or the RSGB 5 MHz page

 

http://rsgb.org/main/operating/band-plans/hf/5mhz/

 

This bumper edition includes 14 new allocations, 60m coverage of Europe, 5 MHz from a ‘postage-stamp’ garden, a report on the Blue Ham 2 exercise and Beacon news.

Many thanks to Paul, G4MWO for his excellent job and helpful bulletin.

73 - Petr, OK1RP

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VK- Australia is preparing for 60m band

THE ACMA ( Australian Communications and Media Authority) published a new Spectrum Frequency allocation document in December 2016 with an intended implementation date of 1st January 2017.

https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2016L02001/Download
 
The document includes the WRC-15 allocation from 5351.5 to 5366.5 kHz to the Amateur Radio Service on a secondary basis. Maximum Power is 15W EIRP.

There are delays with implementation of the new plan however Australian Full licence holders should get access to the 60m band during 2017. (Tnx: ACMA, WIA, G4MWO)

Australia is renowned for its great outdoors, nature and wildlife experiences. From the grandeur of the remote Kimberley; to the Tasmanian wilderness; to bird-watching in Kakadu National Park; there are plenty of ways to see Australia's unique wildlife and diverse landscapes. Here's our list of Australia's Top 10 nature experiences.

Kimberley Canyon Luxury, Western Australia
Experience the grandeur of remote Kimberley canyon country, from the barefoot luxury of Berkeley River Lodge. Explore the Mitchel Falls and King George – two of Australia’s mightiest waterfalls. Take a helicopter flight on a secret wilderness picnic and on the way back, spot turtles, crocodiles and dugongs from the air.

Tasmanian wilderness adventures, Tasmania
Take a thrilling seven-day white water rafting trip down Tasmania’s mighty Franklin River, amidst surging rapids, tranquil gorges and forests of myrtle, leatherwood and ancient Huon pine; or hike the iconic six-day Overland Track through the ruggedly beautiful Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park, staying in exclusive eco-sensitive cabins.

Swim with giant whale sharks, Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia
From April to July, swim with gentle whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef, one of the world’s greatest fringing coral reefs. Stay in a luxury tented eco-friendly camp amongst the sand dunes within Cape Range National Park. Sea-kayak amidst turquoise water or hike through the red rock gorges of the Pilbara.

Discover the world’s most spectacular reef, Queensland
Watch turtles hatch on Lady Elliott Island; swim with dwarf minke whales; snorkel with manta rays and see corals and fish of every colour with one of the many eco-accredited operators. Take a flight over the islands or sail through the Whitsundays and visit some of Australia’s most beautiful beaches.

Hang out with wildlife at Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Swim with dolphins in the turquoise waters of South Australia’s Kangaroo Island with KI Marine Adventures. Take a 4WD tour with KI Wilderness Tours to see sea lions and seals. For true indulgence try out the award-winning Southern Ocean Lodge. Kangaroo Island also produces some of Australia's finest gourmet foods.


73 - Petr, OK1RP
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HP - Panama on 60m band by Victor, HP1AVS

Hi all,

Panama ( ITU Region 2 ):

Following AN Resolution No. 10789-Telco of December 21, 2016, which was published in Official Gazette No. 28185-A of December 27 2016, the National Authority for Public Services (ASEP) of the Republic of Panama published their 2016 National Frequency Plan which contained the WRC-15 amateur secondary allocation of 5351.5 – 5366.5 kHz (p.36).[41]

(Tnx: HP1AVS, ASEP)

Because of its unique geographical position, Panama harbors a greater diversity of wildlife than any country in Central America. A natural land bridge and connecting two continents, Panama is home to many South American species as well as North American wildlife. Today about 29% of Panama's land area is protected in 14 national parks, more then a dozen forest reserves and 10 wildlife refuges. Panama hosts almost 1,000 species of birds, as well as 220 mammals and 354 reptiles and amphibians. The country also owns hundreds of islands and miles of protected coral reef, sheltering a fantastic diversity of marine life.

Panama offers visitors an excellent choice of destinations, from the remote rainforests of Darien National Park to Metropolitan Park, virtually within the capital's city limits. Birdwatchers head out to a number of world-renowned birding sites, including Cana in the Darien, the rugged Cerro Azul mountain range with stunted forest sheltering unique species.             

Have you seen a Quetzal? This majestic bird once flourished from Mexico to Panama. Now facing extreme habitat loss, it is sighted in only a few protected forests.

El Sendero los Quetzales between Boquete and Zero Punta is a stretch of dense rainforest through the Talamanca Mountain Range in central Panama. With a little bit of luck you might see one on this trail through cool and cloudy mountain forests!

For learning about marine life, there are superb snorkeling and diving opportunities in the Isla Bastimentos National Park of Bocas del Toro, with a protected coral reef and mangrove swamps. Several species of sea turtles climb onto the beaches of Bocas del Toro to lay their eggs. Snorkelers may also explore the reefs belonging to the Kuna people of San Blas, and divers will be astounded by the number of fish around Pacific islands such as Mogo Mogo in the Pearl Island group, Iguana Island and Coiba Island.


73 - Petr, OK1RP
.../-.-

PJ - Caribbean Netherlands on 60m band

Hi,

The following 60m news comes from the Branch Manager / Senior
Inspector Dutch Caribbean, Agentschap Telecom in Bonaire: 

"Recently Agentschap Telecom (AT) has updated the frequency plan for
Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba with the addition of the 60 meter band (5 351.5 - 5 366.5 kHz) for amateur radio, this with a secondary status. This means that the band may be operated by A, B or C Amateurs (full licence). The band has footnote 5.133B which limits the power in the Caribbean region of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to 25 Watt (e.i.r.p.)."

 

(Tnx: Dutch Caribbean AT, Paul, G4MWO)

The Kingdom of the Netherlands consist of four parts, the Netherlands and the Caribbean islands Aruba, Curacao and Saint Maarten. However, only Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba (the BES-islands) are special municipalities of Holland since 10 October 2010. This region is better known as the Caribbean Netherlands and represents the exotic side of Holland. Every year thousands of tourists are attracted to these islands and enjoy all kinds of (water)sports and the tropical nature and climate.

Bonaire

Bonaire is the largest of the three islands and lies north of the coast of Venezuela. The island has an international reputation as one of the best scuba diving and snorkeling resorts in the world. The people of Bonaire speak Dutch and Papiamentu. The US dollar is the local currency.

Cycle, hike or drive through the Washington Slagbaai National Park which covers 5643 hectares of the northern part of the island. Marvel at the sand dunes, dry forest and sandy beaches, which are important nesting grounds for sea turtles. You can also look out over lakes and lagoons that color pink due to the presence of thousands of flamingos. Divers can discover the underwater world of the Bonaire National Marine Park, which protects 2600 hectares of coral reefs, sea grass and mangroves. The conditions for other water sports, such as (kite)surfing and sailing, are perfect any time of the year.

Saba & St. Eustatius

Saba and St. Eustatius (the latter is also known as Statia) are islands of the northern region of the Netherlands Antilles. Though the islands are very small, Saba is 5 square miles and Statia 8.1 square miles, they offer unspoiled landscapes, historic heritage and numerous activities.

Saba is a dormant volcano that rises steeply from the ocean. With 2910 feet (887 meter) Mount Scenery is officially the highest point of the Netherlands. There aren’t many beaches at Saba, but the opportunities for scuba diving are endless and the hiking trails through the rainforest and to the top of Mount Scenery are spectacular.

Statia used to be one of the greatest trading centers in the world during the 17th and 18th century. You can still visit remains of the heyday of the Dutch West India Company. Today ecotourism is of great importance to the people of Statia. Hike with a guide to The Quill, a dormant volcano harboring a tropical rainforest. If you’re a diver than get ready for the time of your life in the marine park, which includes coral reefs, drop-offs, canyons and historical and recent wrecks.

73 - Petr, OK1RP

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Armed Forces Day Crossband Military/Amateur Radio Communications Test is May 13

The US Army, Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard will sponsor the traditional military/amateur radio communication tests on Saturday, May 13 to mark the 66th annual Armed Forces Day (AFD). Armed Forces Day is May 20, but the AFD Crossband Military-Amateur Radio event will take place a week earlier in order to avoid schedule conflicts with those attending Hamvention.

FINAL 2017 ANNUAL ARMED FORCES DAY v1.pdf

Complete information, including military stations, modes, and frequencies, is available on the US Army MARS website at, http://www.usarmymars.org/home/announcements .

The annual celebration is a unique opportunity to test two-way communication between radio amateurs and military stations (authorized under Part 97.111 of the Amateur Service rules). It features traditional military-to-amateur crossband SSB voice, CW, practice using legacy interoperability waveforms, and the opportunity for participating hams to utilize more modern military modes, such as MIL-STD Serial PSK and Automatic Link Establishment (ALE). Military stations and Amateur Radio stations are authorized to communicate directly on certain 60-meter interoperability channels - 5,330.5, 5346.5, and 5,371.5 kHz.

These tests give Amateur Radio operators and shortwave listeners a chance and a challenge to demonstrate individual technical skills and to receive recognition from the appropriate military radio station. QSL cards will be available for stations successfully contacting participating military stations.

The Armed Forces Day message will be transmitted via Military Standard radioteletype modes (MIL-STD 188-110A/B). Software is available to demodulate the military serial PSK waveform, and detailed instructions can be downloaded from, http://www.n2ckh.com/MARS_ALE_FORUM/MSDMT.html
Utilizing this mode with soundcard equipment can be challenging; review the instructions carefully.

A short practice transmission will be sent at 1930 and 2330 on May 6, 7, 10, and 12 on 13.506.5 MHz USB and 17.443.0 MHz USB.
Military FSK is Baudot at 850 Hz, 75 baud, low mark, and 2000 Hz center. Most RTTY programs can be set to decode this mode. To achieve low mark while receiving in USB, select reverse shift.

QSL cards are available for individuals that receive the Armed Forces Day test message. To receive a card, copy the printed text of the test message as received from the military station, and include it in your report. No attempt should be made to correct possible errors.

Stations copying Armed Forces Day messages transmitted from US Army and US Navy stations and requesting a QSL card, can complete the QSL report form online at, http://www.usarmymars.org/ . Stations copying the Armed Forces Day message transmitted from US Air Force stations and seeking a QSL card should send a request to Armed Forces Day Celebration, Chief, Air Force MARS, 203 W. Losey St, Scott AFB, IL 62225.

Include a transcript of the received text, time observed, frequency observed, military station call sign, your full name and Amateur Radio call sign (if applicable), full mailing address (including ZIP code).

Stations with Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) capability can contact a military station on specific half duplex crossband channels established for this purpose. ALE is a selective calling and linking method utilized by government, military, and amateur radio communications.

Military stations will scan and receive certain amateur HFLINK ALE frequencies and transmit on the corresponding military ALE frequency. Military stations will also transmit ALE station identification (soundings) on each military frequency at 30- to 90-minute intervals.

Amateur stations may scan military frequencies and monitor the soundings to build the LQA database or select the channel manually. Amateur stations will call military stations using ALE selective calling on one of the paired cross band channels.

73 - Petr, OK1RP
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