60m band plan
As you know we have access to
two channels, 5353 kHz which is SSB only and 5362 kHz which is a mixture of CW,
digimodes (less than 100 Hz in bandwidth) and SSB.
With regard to digimodes, the only modes that can be used must be less than 100 Hz in bandwidth (as negotiated with RSM). This so far has mainly meant JT9 and FT8 although any other mode less than 100 Hz wide is welcome (such as PSK-31). However to be clear this rules out JT65, and RTTY. Some EU stations have taken to trying to call us using JT65. Please do not respond and they will eventually get the message (or post on the DX cluster telling them that).
In terms of 5362 kHz it has become clear that DX operation is possible in the hours before and after sunrise and sunset. This has been predominantly using FT8, JT9 and CW. EU has the ability to call us on 5362 kHz, the US does not. Some US stations have tried to work us split by transmitting on 5357 kHz. In this instance you need to be careful in going split to make sure you are transmitting on 5362 kHz (there has been the odd occasion where this has not happened).
Because of the mixture of modes allowed, it has also become clear we need to further regulate how 5362 kHz is being used as it has been very busy and certain modes are more effective than others at certain times. Accordingly to ensure this frequency is used in an orderly fashion and taking into account the DX windows, we are proposing the following bandplan:
5362.05 kHz - 5362.75 kHz CW
5362.8 kHz - 5364.75 kHz digital modes (less 100 Hz bandwidth)
5362 kHz SSB (USB)*
*During the periods between 0500 -1200 UTC & 1600 - 2200 UTC SSB is NOT to be used. If you wish to use SSB during these times the 5353 kHz channel is still available.
With regard to digimodes, the only modes that can be used must be less than 100 Hz in bandwidth (as negotiated with RSM). This so far has mainly meant JT9 and FT8 although any other mode less than 100 Hz wide is welcome (such as PSK-31). However to be clear this rules out JT65, and RTTY. Some EU stations have taken to trying to call us using JT65. Please do not respond and they will eventually get the message (or post on the DX cluster telling them that).
In terms of 5362 kHz it has become clear that DX operation is possible in the hours before and after sunrise and sunset. This has been predominantly using FT8, JT9 and CW. EU has the ability to call us on 5362 kHz, the US does not. Some US stations have tried to work us split by transmitting on 5357 kHz. In this instance you need to be careful in going split to make sure you are transmitting on 5362 kHz (there has been the odd occasion where this has not happened).
Because of the mixture of modes allowed, it has also become clear we need to further regulate how 5362 kHz is being used as it has been very busy and certain modes are more effective than others at certain times. Accordingly to ensure this frequency is used in an orderly fashion and taking into account the DX windows, we are proposing the following bandplan:
5362.05 kHz - 5362.75 kHz CW
5362.8 kHz - 5364.75 kHz digital modes (less 100 Hz bandwidth)
5362 kHz SSB (USB)*
*During the periods between 0500 -1200 UTC & 1600 - 2200 UTC SSB is NOT to be used. If you wish to use SSB during these times the 5353 kHz channel is still available.
Mark ZL3AB
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