SB QST @ ARL $ARLB011
ARLB011 DXing on 60 meters has a downside, ARRL advises

ZCZC AG11
QST de W1AW  
ARRL Bulletin 11  ARLB011
From ARRL Headquarters  
Newington CT  April 5, 2007
To all radio amateurs 

SB QST ARL ARLB011
ARLB011 DXing on 60 meters has a downside, ARRL advises

The ARRL is expressing concern that negative consequences could
result from chasing DX on 60 meters. Some DXpeditions have announced
plans to operate on Amateur Radio's only channelized band, where
amateur operations hold secondary status to fixed service
operations, including some US government stations. ARRL CEO David
Sumner, K1ZZ, says that while it's legal for DXpeditions to operate
on the 5-MHz band provided the licensing administration extends
privileges there, DX pileups on 60 meters pose the potential for
real and unique problems.

''US amateurs are limited to five channels on 60 meters, USB only,
maximum effective radiated power (ERP) of 50 W, audio bandwidth not
exceeding 2.8 kHz, and not all of the channels are useable because
of ongoing fixed service operation,'' Sumner points out. Upon request
of a primary service user, Sumner says, it's ''absolutely imperative''
that hams be prepared to relinquish any 60-meter channel
immediately. This means constantly monitoring the transmitting
channel. Hams also must not exceed the radiated power limit, he
stressed.

Not all countries authorize amateur operation on 60 meters.
Transmitting on a 5 MHz frequency without authorization not only
breaks the law but jeopardizes the operator's continued
participation in the ARRL DXCC program. Five MHz cards submitted for
DXCC may not be accepted for credit without evidence the operation
was authorized.

Sumner emphasized that causing harmful interference to fixed and
mobile service stations could jeopardize even the existing, limited
privileges as well as the chances of increasing those privileges on
a domestic basis, plus any possibility of obtaining an international
allocation on 60 meters.
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