60-Meters, A Model For The Future!
from
Brian Brachel, K8LQ
on
June 26, 2003
View comments about this article!
60-Meters, A Model For The Future!
By, Brian Brachel, K8LQ
60 Meters, here we come! Beginning July 3, 2003, all US amateurs General Class and higher will be allowed to transmit in the 5 MHz range! While that's great news, it gets even better.
FCC is sick and tired of receiving complaints about interference to ham radio QSOs. They're fully aware of the common practice of moving one's HF radio communications directly inside the passband of an existing QSO. FCC observes stations moving in as close as 1 kHz and typically 2 kHz; and then complaining about interference. It was once hoped operators would abide by the long established understanding that single sideband QSO spacing of at least 3 kHz is good amateur practice. But very few amateurs recognize this anymore, or understand the reasons for it. Therefore, FCC has taken innovative steps to reduce interference on 60 Meters.
Rather than an old fashioned band of frequencies, 60 Meters provides a modern allocation of five radio channels. Channelized amateur radio is here; and it's about time. Examine the authorized channels and you will note they are spaced as far apart as 32 kHz (channels 4 and 5) and at minimum there is 5 kHz spacing (channels 3 and 4). Adjacent channel QRM from fellow amateurs is about to become a thing of the past!
Finally, the term "channel" will gain prominence and respect in the amateur community. The memory channel feature on modern transceivers will really pay off by simulating the channel selection technology already popular in other radio services. Of course, crystal controlled channels should be the ultimate goal for all bands. This will bring a refreshing sense of order to regular amateur communications with the added benefit of positively impacting the American economy. American crystal manufacturers suffered undue financial hardship with the advent of VFO and PLL technology. As demand for crystals goes up, more jobs will be created, making life better for us all. Jan's Crystals will be among those in the Fortune 500 family. Amateur Radio Operator's can be proud, that we as a group helped a long established American Company attain new levels of prosperity!
Photo 1 shows a style of crystal with a proven track record in ham shacks. Plug and unplug functionality is enhanced due to the large profile and substantial pins. This is the classic FT243 crystal case.
On 60 Meters, FCC solved the problem of extremely inconsiderate single sideband operators using more bandwidth than necessary. Emissions may not exceed 2.8 kHz bandwidths and just to be on the safe side, ARRL is recommending 2.6 kHz. Furthermore, the only authorized mode will be upper sideband phone, 2K8J3E. Radio equipment manufacturers please note: continuous wave emissions are not authorized. There is no need for CW mode, key jack, 500 Hz IF filtering or notch filters for rejection of heterodynes. A new generation of simplified HF transceivers may be in the offing. It is hoped busy lights will be included, indicating a channel is in use, and allowing the operator to easily locate unused channels without bothering to listen. Market entry from brands such as Cobra, Ranger and Uniden is a distinct possibility. Circuit features like PA, ANL, Clarifier and Range Boost are also on the drawing boards.
Photo 2 shows a prototype of the simplified HF transceiver concept referred to in the text. Note the convenient switch for selecting all five 60-meter channels. Sorry, this unit is not yet certified for sale in the US. It must meet Rigid Commission Technical Criterion. (RCTC)
Enhanced SSB enthusiasts, AMers, CW and Data operators did not fare well with the 60-Meter announcement. However, the QRP community is delighted! All operations are limited to a maximum of 50 watts ERP relative to a 0dB-gain antenna. At long last, amateur HF operation must meet the Effective Radiated Power specification. Let's hope ERP will eventually be applied to the entire amateur service and eliminate excessively strong signals from stations using gain antennas and powerful amplifiers. How to calculate your ERP will be covered in a future article, as 60-meter aerials are long and cumbersome. It will take a real ham to figure this all out. We will make it a truly a snap to figure out!
While the nay sayers keep predicting the demise of amateur radio, this operator strongly disagrees. FCC took much-needed steps to un-do the wrongs of the past and put amateur radio on track toward a more efficient and better-managed radio service. The time has come for Channels, Specified Modes, Signal Bandwidth Restrictions, Low Power Limits and no CW.
The future of amateur radio has arrived.
The Phrase: "can you hear me now" will take on a new level of significance as we have real, ham radio fun!
On July 3... I will be trying to hear you on 60-Meters!
This article has expired. No more comments may be added.
|
60-Meters, A Model For The Future:
|
|
|
by W4CNG on June 6, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Yes we have a chance to use something and make more out of it than we had in the beginning. All 60 meter frequencies will be Channelized, that is the way the band is set-up, real simple. It also has one mode, USB. There were not complaints about 30 meters, so why now on 60 meters? The folks in the negative side of the coin need to get hold of their anger, go outside and put it to work in the yard, like putting up an 83ft dipole antenna. We cannot use the band yet, and there is more mis-informed garbage floating out there than what was in the Love Canal. Take a step back, look at what you are spewing, get your act in gear, and join us on 60 meters on July 3, 2003 at 00:00 local time. See you there. Problem children should just stay on the side until you see if you can play in the 60 meter yard without acting nasty. Heck the rest of the world is already listening!
Steve W4CNG
|
| |
|
RE: 60-Meters, A Model For The Future:
|
|
|
by K1OU on June 8, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
Brian, I hope you realize that with your sardonic wit, you will be incurring the wrath of many an orange hat-wearing, anal-retentive, ARRL sycophant who lives for tropical depressions. Personally, I can't wait for a 60 meter HT. It will be a lot of fun coordinating the local Women's Christian Temperance Union parade on HF!
|
| |
|
RE: 60-Meters, A Model For The Future:
|
|
|
by K8LQ on June 8, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
From the K1OU EHAM Profile:
I would like to try the following new things in ham radio in the next 10 years...
I would love to have the ability to go to a hamfest sometime and not have to cringe at ass cracks, cover my nose, or laugh at somebody trying to sell a TR4 for $400.00.
K1OU you are truly a man among men!
I'll see you at the WCTU parade. I'll be the one holding my nose and laughing.
CU on the bands!
de K8LQ
|
| |
|
RE: 60-Meters, A Model For The Future:
|
|
|
by K1OU on June 8, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
Brian, shame on you. I have heard you on more than one occasion doing things that are anathema to normal operating practice. Things such as, but not limited to: having a loud, easily discernible signal. Having fun etherizing said signal, modulated with witty repartee and a perspective. Having the signal strategically placed as to not lessen the pleasure of other operators. Knowing your rights end where another person's begin. You should really know better. You should strive be a stiff, uptight, protocol-driven operator who feels that all roundtables should be directed, that a G5RV and 100 watts on 75 is okay during the most challenging conditions, and thought that challenges the norm is frightening and seditious.
|
| |
|
RE: 60-Meters, A Model For The Future:
|
|
|
by KV4BL on June 26, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
Good Article!!!!...and good posts, also! It's nice to find that there are some hams out there with a sense of humour, especially ones with a somewhat warped sense of humour! This thread rocks!!! 73, Ray KV4BL
|
| |
|
60-Meters, A Model For The Future!
|
|
|
by W8CAR on June 26, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
Okay, I checked my calendar and it's not April. This should have been in the April issue of QST -OH, that's right, they don't do that anymore. Channels, we don need no stinking channels! Great article and I'm now looking at where I can hack a hole on my HF rig to allow the installation of 5 xtals. I have on order 1000 dollars worth of test equipment to check my bandwidth and frequency accuracy. But I refuse to put up an antenna-well actually my wife said, "if you put up one more antenna....."
|
| |
|
RE: 60-Meters, A Model For The Future!
|
|
|
by WS4V on June 26, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Funny stuff, Brian. I like your sense of humor. But I wasn't sure of that last picture. Is that you or a glasses wearing Lamar Alexander straining to hear those faint 60 meter signals?
Think I'll pass on 60 meters...
|
| |
|
60-Meters, A Model For The Future!
|
|
|
by KY6R on June 26, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
10-4 good buddy . . . . if'n you scratch the innards of them there crystals with a number 2 pencil, you can change channels and save big $$
|
| |
|
60-Meters, A Model For The Future!
|
|
|
by N0RQ on June 26, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
That is the most hilarious thing I've read in quite a while! Thanks for making my morning, Brian. (And see you on 60m...)
|
| |
|
RE: 60-Meters, A Model For The Future:
|
|
|
by KA5N on June 26, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
It's getting harder and harder to tell whether some eHam articles are tongue-in-cheek or rocks-in-head.
Allen KA5N
|
| |
|
60-Meters, A Model For The Future!
|
|
|
by WA4ET on June 26, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
60 meters, WHY bother, IMHO its about useless. If this is the wave of the future, sell your equipment now, while you can get a return on your investment
|
| |
|
RE: 60-Meters, A Model For The Future!
|
|
|
by K8LQ on June 26, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
90 percent of this article is owed to that Comic Genius of Mike Wingfield W8MW (Fear of Soldering).
He let me use my face in the article but it was his channel A crystal!
I'll take 10 percent credit for some terrible commentary!
CU Gud Buddys on 60!
Brian (comeonback) K8LQ
|
| |
|
RE: 60-Meters, A Model For The Future:
|
|
|
by K0BG on June 26, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
This article was posted too late. It should have been posted on April First.
Alan, KØBG
|
| |
|
RE: 60-Meters, A Model For The Future:
|
|
|
by KE4MOB on June 26, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Wonder how long it's going to be before manufacturers offer retrofit instructions to go from VFOs to XTALs?
Step 1: Remove VFO knob and cut off shaft flush with the front panel.
Step 2: Pour Super Glue into VFO encoder assembly...
Nice pictures...so what's the price on that rig? Probably around $1200, I'd suppose.
Steve, KE4MOB
|
| |
|
60-Meters, A Model For The Future!
|
|
|
by K8NQC on June 26, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
This is a fine article Brian and I plan on joining you on the new band.
I see only one problem in the article. There was NEVER a "long standing understanding" that 3.0 khz was a good operating practice for SSB. Some had proposed this and hoped that others would not come within 3 khz of their frequency, but that was only wishful thinking. Some spoke of the 3.0 khz as if it were gospel. The arguments made many points but were never resolved. When the bands are not crowded, we can enjoy our wider filters but under crowded conditions, we have to narrow up our receiving windows and use the 1.8 khz filter. Stations on our fringe can comfortably maintain s QSO only one khz from our QSO without much of a problem. QSB on the bands will often put some interference in our passbands. On popular operating events such as Field Day, we are lucky to have a 1.0 khz open window.
The problem of complaints about bandwith intrusion is more with the complaints than the intrusions. It is not practical to expect "open channel" on HF. Energy is better spent using directional antennas, receiving skills, and lower power transmissions to keep QRM to a minimum.
I think the 5 mhz experiment will teach us a few things. It will be fun to participate.
73, Bill
|
| |
|
RE: 60-Meters, A Model For The Future!
|
|
|
by N2MG on June 26, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Who says hams can't be funny?!
Mike N2MG
webmaster
|
| |
|
RE: 60-Meters, A Model For The Future!
|
|
|
by AD6WL on June 26, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Channels are a great idea. I can turn in this FT-1000MP Mark V and get a nifty little 5 channel radio. On the downside though they should have given us more channels. Perhaps 40 channels would be enough. I will be listening for you on channels 1 thru 5 next week as soon as I can figure out the dbd of my rain gutters to calculate the ERP.
Recommended channel use:
Ch 1. Calling channel
Ch 2. Emergency channel, just like ch 9 CB
Ch 3. Net channel
Ch 4. Rag chewing channel
Ch 5. DX window
|
| |
|
RE: 60-Meters, A Model For The Future!
|
|
|
by N3HKN on June 26, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Excellent article....
I agree that channels and ERP are needed to place some control on hams who either try to ourspend, or out-shout, or both, other hams. A new band is easy. Messing with an existing band such as 20 meters would be a nihghtmare due to the strong DX usage. The international bodies whould have to agree, not just the FCC. The majority of the "functioning" hams will be pushing up daisies before that happens!
Dick N3HKN
|
| |
|
60-Meters, A Model For The Future!
|
|
|
by KE5V on June 26, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
Great Article! Very informative. I can't wait to get my hands on one of those simplified HF transceivers. The prototype looks great, but it may be a little too complicated. Needs a built-in antenna, stereo receiver, and fewer and bigger buttons and knobs. It would also address my main beef with ham radio: HR is just too darn complicated! Wires running everywhere, poles in the backyard for huge and mostly worthless antennas, copper rods stuck in the ground for who-knows-what reason, seperate power supply boxes just to get the darn radio to power up (my clock radio doesn't need one, why should my HF transceiver?), and so many knobs that my wife can't figure out how to work it when I'm not around (she likes to listen to the AM commercial stations on my Yaesu FT1000-D, that's why I bought it). After seeing the prototype, I'm gonna wait to buy a few of those IC-7800's to have around the house.
|
| |
|
60-Meters, A Model For The Future!
|
|
|
by KY6R on June 26, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
Hey - where can I get me one of them "Drifty Sixty" transceivers just like yours? I couldn't find em' on eBay . . . . .
|
| |
|
RE: 60-Meters, A Model For The Future:
|
|
|
by W3JJH on June 26, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
There's an old proverb that instructs us not to look a gift horse in the mouth.
On 3 July, 2003, at 0400Z, I will we able to operate on a piece of the spectrum previously denied to me. None of my prior operating privileges will go away. All that seems to be a net gain to me.
Considering that the 5-MHz spectrum belongs to the Feds and that there's a war on, I'm pleasantly surprised that they're letting us play in their sandbox at all. Yes, we have to operate on fixed channels--just like the government users. Yes, we have to use USB--just like the government users. And yes, we are secondary users--unlike the government. If you remember your amateur radio history, you'll recall that the reason we have a Morse code requirement for HF operation is so that we could be compatible with government radio operations during the early years of the last century.
I'm thankful to have any bit of spectrum we can get. Rather than complain that the NTIA only gave us five channels on 60m, we should be concerned about losing big chucks of the VHF and UHF spectrum to threats from land moble operators, synthetic aperature radars, and WiFi. PLC should be a much greater concern than the fact that a new allocation shared with the Feds requires us to be compatible with their existing users.
|
| |
|
RE: 60-Meters, A Model For The Future:
|
|
|
by WA9SVD on June 26, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Don't look a gift horse... WHERE?
At least he did a good PhotoShop job on the Crystal Holder! But I agree, it should have been reserved for 1 April.
|
| |
|
RE: 60-Meters, A Model For The Future!
|
|
|
by K3WA on June 26, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
CB is channelized. How well does it work there?
|
| |
|
60-Meters, A Model For The Future!
|
|
|
by K8AG on June 26, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Somehow I fail to see the benefit in "channelizing" a band and restricting operating modes beyond a test period to see if we can behave ourselves. It puts more restrictions on us and pushes us that much further from a radio service of trained technicians and engineers toward appliance operation and CB like behavior.
I, like many other hams, am still a component wrestling soldering iron wielding putzer. We putz with a new receiver or antenna or transmitter. Some of us are rock bound, and some not. Channelization of ham bands in general will mean that getting a legal signal on the air will require more and more technology, beyond the means of the simple experimenter.
The bands will get noisier as new "lite" ops come aboard. That is the way it will be. So if it makes things a little more difficult for hams to swap gall bladder stories, remember guys its still a hobby. If you really need to contact somebody, that is what the telephone is for.
Or is this channelization an attempt to show how "out of control" the ham bands are so they can sell them to the highest commercial bidder and leave us with Part-15?
John Pawlicki, K8AG
|
| |
|
RE: 60-Meters, A Model For The Future!
|
|
|
by W3JJH on June 26, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
The 60m band isn't really our turf. For example, 5.370 MHz and 5.400 MHz are allocated for high-power, long-haul links for the DoD. Do you think they're going to move? The NTIA doesn't have to let us in. We should be happy to receive access to more spectrum whenever we can get it.
It's not a plot to channelize ham radio. It's a way of letting us in to a chunk of the spectrum that is already channelized.
It's not a plot to limit us to one particular for of emission. We are secondary users. We have to be compatible with the primary users so that they can tells if we are causing interference. There's a war going on. If the DoD or Homeland Security folks on 60m need a channel I'm on, they should have it.
|
| |
|
60-Meters, A Model For The Future!
|
|
|
by IM4UKWIDCATS on June 26, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
break break channel 1
Brian, you are a warpped individual.
Perhaps the FCC should have held this anouncement for 01APR04
|
| |
|
60-Meters, A Model For The Future!
|
|
|
by WN3VAW on June 26, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Brian,
Congratulations, a masterpiece of sardonic humor!
Only sad note is how many of the responders either (a) failed to notice how firmly your tongue was in cheek, and/or (b) are simply using this article to continue arguing the same tired arguments that no one else (except those others with the same tired arguments) is paying any attention to anymore. But such is life on eHam.
73, ron wn3vaw
|
| |
|
RE: 60-Meters, A Model For The Future!
|
|
|
by N8IK on June 26, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
AD6WL,
Can I be a net control on your channel 5 frequency? I'll start a list - please call now with last 2 letters of your call sign only.
73 de Ian
|
| |
|
RE: 60-Meters, A Model For The Future!
|
|
|
by KB0NLY on June 26, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Absolutely HILARIOUS!! Its about time some more humor made its way onto Eham, the same old boring debates were starting to make me go elsewhere when i had time to surf the net.
Really enjoyed it!
Now, where can i get some radios to modify and sell on eBay as 60 meter mobiles. LOL!!
|
| |
|
RE: 60-Meters, A Model For The Future!
|
|
|
by AD6WL on June 26, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Ian, you can have a net on ch 5 if it is a DX net otherwise Nets should be limited to ch 3. You are correct though that the last two are all that is required. Just keep holaring your last two until net control puts you on a list and says good contact. And then you can put it in the log.
73 de Jim
|
| |
|
RE: 60-Meters, A Model For The Future!
|
|
|
by K9PO on June 26, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
I understand that channel 3 will be the calling frequency and all hams are requested to go to the appropriate channel for the type of communication they will be having after making initial contact such as:
Channel 1: for complaints about the ARRL and how they messed up ham radio also smokey reports
Channel 2: For discussion on how long a half wave antenna really is for 60m and the best way to 'buy' a mic with the connector already attached so as to avoind soldering and other technical matters.
Channel 4: Discussion of medical aliments that are bothing you, someone else, no one imparticular, it is just that Dr. offices are so much fun to talk about
Channel 5: Is the Net frequency. You will only hear static until you try and use this then someone will rudely tell you the frequency is in use and you must 'Change Channels' (hey new band new opwords).
BTW for the channel 5 operations we need to coordinate who will be listening and policing the channel so that we have 24/ coverage. Any one wish to start up a sign up sheet?
Scott
|
| |
|
RE: 60-Meters, A Model For The Future!
|
|
|
by W3DCG on June 26, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
No CW! What?!?!
Last I checked, Channels conjured up images of Broadcast Television, VHF, and of course,
Citizens Band radio!
Thanks for the pictures.
I get it now.
73!
You ARE hilarious!
I'll remember this article for years!
|
| |
|
RE: 60-Meters, A Model For The Future!
|
|
|
by N6AJR on June 26, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
Wow, now I have a use for that 20 pounds of crystals I have in the garage. I will have lots of channels available.....whooo hooo. I even have a piee of glass and some crystal grinding abrasive to trim to my "spot" on the air waves. Dig out thos arc 5's and gonsets.. where is my Two 'er.. I am ready.. yeaaaa !!!
|
| |
|
RE: 60-Meters, A Model For The Future!
|
|
|
by KQ6YF on June 26, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Brian!
How can I modify the 5 channel wonder for an S meter?
|
| |
|
60-Meters, A Model For The Future!
|
|
|
by N4QA on June 26, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Love those pix, Brian! I'm also LMAO !
Hey! Since FCC says we only have to stay within channel freq limits...
If we all talk REAL SLOOOOOWW and in our deepest bass voices...shoot, we could have two, non-overlapping QSOs simultaneously within each channel !
Let's call it X2...er, I mean /2 technology...
See y'all on sixty !
|
| |
|
60-Meters, A Model For The Future!
|
|
|
by N8MMZ on June 27, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
So do we use Q, or 10-XX prosigns? Are roger beeps allowed too?
73's or is that "10-4 Good Buddy"
Cheers'
Jonathan N8MMZ
|
| |
|
RE: 60-Meters, A Model For The Future!
|
|
|
by KL7IPV on June 27, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
I think the newly assigned channels should be numbered " 1-3-5-7-9 " just to leave room for any new additions in between the assignments. And then it becomes much easier to remember Channel 9. It makes the transition from CB to HAM so much easier too. And hey, we can break down 10 meters into channels 41 thru 100. That way the "freebanders" and new hams wont need to learn anything more than keep tuning up the band. How simple can this get? And you thought the FCC wasn't paying attention........
73
Frank
KL7IPV
|
| |
|
Channel 1-calling frequency
|
|
|
by NE0P on June 27, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Remember what we have learned from VHF/UHF operations. If Channel 1 is the calling frequency channel, then everyone is forbidden from operating there. You just listen, and wonder why the band never opens.
|
| |
|
RE: 60-Meters, A Model For The Future!
|
|
|
by N4QA on June 27, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
No, wait...
Inspiration struck me in the ...shower this morning...
So that we wouldn't need TWO xtals per channel:
Bass and Alto ops in the LUSB.
Tenor and Suprano in the UUSB.
That covers the entire choir!
We'll need LP filters xmit & receive for LUSB...
HP filters for UUSB...
|
| |
|
RE: 60-Meters, A Model For The Future!
|
|
|
by K8LQ on June 27, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
This indeed is music to my ears.....Is music allowed???
|
| |
|
RE: 60-Meters, A Model For The Future!
|
|
|
by KQ6YF on June 27, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
All kidding aside (but only for a moment), this isn't much of a present from the FCC. We would have been better off if the FCC just tacked another 25khz. onto the top of the 75 meter band. Propagation (and band noise) at 60 meters is a lot more like 75m than 40m. If you don't believe this and live outside of Colorado, try tuning in WWV at 5.0 mhz. at various times of the day. Any advantage that 60m may have over 75m is probably wiped out by the 50 watt ERP limit, at least for long haul work.
Oh, BTW, sometime in 1967, June, I think, there was an article in QST describing the construction of a little 75 meter mono-band sideband transceiver that just happens to produce about 50 watts PEP out. With some tight audio filtering, this rig *might* be 60 meter compliant, if recrystaled to generate USB. Tubes are still remarkably easy to come by via e-Bay. Just do a search. Those low frequency rocks in those FT-243 holders might be another story...
73 all
|
| |
|
RE: 60-Meters, A Model For The Future:
|
|
|
by W8AD on June 27, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Hey, wait a minute! We feel slighted here at Alpha Delta because no one has asked for a ready built 60 meter antenna. Due to the requirements of proving a zero gain dipole in order to maintain the full 50 watts RF, we have invested $50,000.00 in a 60 meter antenna design and test range.
Also, this new dipole will retail at $400.00 each because some commercial users might buy it and they're used to spending $400.00 for a hammer or toilet seat (remember?. Also, due to the projected popularity of 60 meters, we're gearing up to build 100,000 of these units so no one will have to wait to get one. Just good business. We're accepting advance orders now. Model DX-YuvBeenHad!
Have fun,
Don, W8AD
|
| |
|
RE: 60-Meters, A Model For The Future:
|
|
|
by AD6WL on June 27, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
W8AD, I have an Alpha Delta DX-B that I want to use for 60 meters. What is the gain for it? I'm sure you can test it out at your test range. I need complete documentation so that I can operate on 60 meters in full compliance with NTIA standards.
73, Jim
AD6WL
|
| |
|
60-Meters, A Model For The Future!
|
|
|
by NN4DF on June 27, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Since the FCC left out the requirement of a "roger beep," the equipment manufacturers will have to make that an optional add-in board on all new rigs.
Also, QSY is no longer valid so the new Q-signal of QFC will be used to politely direct someone to a different channel when they interfere with the 47 other QSOs already in progress on that channel ... Oh yeah, you're not supposed to use Q-signals on phone. OK, just use the plain language equivalent!
Dave
|
| |
|
RE: 60-Meters, A Model For The Future!
|
|
|
by W5HTW on June 27, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
I'm waiting to see what 'really' happens. Come midnight (local) July 3, how many hams will try the band? And how many will hear a darned thing over the QRN? And how many will be directly on frequency? And how many will be running under 1500 watts? And how many will be on LSB? And how many will be yelling "I got here first and this is my damned channel" or "this is a net channel so move offa here?" And how many will be whistling and blowing into the microphone? And how many will be speaking Spanish and making the government scramble to find a Spanish interpreter so they can be sure he/she is obeying the rules? And how many will be wannabe Rush Limbaughs, or will be playing the harmonica, or patching in the Voice of Maine?
Me thinks this is a disaster waiting to happen, knowing the needs of so many hams to run high power. Hope I'm wrong, but as the expression goes, I've never seen a good trainwreck, so I'll be listening. Well, OK, I may not be listening at midnight, as I'm an old man and I get sleepy! But when I awaken from my nap, I'll turn on the radio!
73
ed
|
| |
|
RE: 60-Meters, A Model For The Future:
|
|
|
by W8AD on June 27, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
To Jim, AD6WL,
The gain of the DX-B is so high on 60 meters, you'll be limited to 115.8 milliwatts of RF. Complete documentation is in the mail. See you on channel 3!!!
Don, W8AD
|
| |
|
RE: 60-Meters, A Model For The Future:
|
|
|
by K8LQ on June 27, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Jim and Don...please make that Channel 1. Channel 3 is reserved for Net Use only. You wrote the Damn specs Jim...you should no better!
BTW Don that 50K test range paid off for you. Put me on the list for one of them there antennies!
Brian K8LQ
|
| |
|
60-Meters, A Model For The Future!
|
|
|
by WA8QNN on June 27, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Now I know what to do with with my $10.00 inheritance (they didn't like me that much). Invest in an up and coming crystal company and maybe some no. 2 pencils.
Larry
|
| |
|
RE: 60-Meters, A Model For The Future!
|
|
|
by NG1J on June 27, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
I can't wait to see the packet/telnet DX spots:
"DX CH1 A51/NG1J QSX Ch3,4"
|
| |
|
RE: 60-Meters, A Model For The Future!
|
|
|
by KQ6YF on June 27, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Even with top designers like Brian and Alpha Delta, the prospects for making money on equipment for these new channels is somewhat doubtful. Perhaps we should petition the FCC to allow Technician class ops (pluses or minuses) access to these new frequencies. Real radio, I say! Give 'em a taste of HF and they'll forget all about 2M and FM!
|
| |
|
60-Meters, A Model For The Future!
|
|
|
by N4QA on June 27, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
My apologies, ladies, for misspelling Soprano this morning.
See, I was in a hurry and 'Love Child' was playing on the radio, followed by a Pizza Hut commercial.
Well, with all those 'Supremes' around...I didn't stand a chance...
This has worried me ALL DAY!
There...I feel better now...
|
| |
|
RE: 60-Meters, A Model For The Future!
|
|
|
by K8LQ on June 27, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
N4QA you made me feel guilty....a couple of posts ago I said no... not know. I should have said know.
Ya know??? As Popeye would say: Ooooo How embarasskink
Now I feel better to...too!
Brian K8LQ
|
| |
|
60-Meters, A Model For The Future!
|
|
|
by KY6R on June 27, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
I can hear the cops yelling on each channel already: "He's listening up, UP, er, I mean HERE!" . .
|
| |
|
RE: 60-Meters, A Model For The Future!
|
|
|
by N8MMZ on June 27, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Breaker, breaker 05 you all got your ears on?
Thanks Dave, NN4DF. You are indeed correct about not using Q codes on vx. Some of us old cw guys can't get it out of our heads though when we scoot over to the phone bands.
I suspect manufacturers better take some hints from the CB industry. Roger beeps are a good option. I also prefer echo microphones. I suppose that handles are allowed too, just as long as proper amateur radio identification is provided in the contact at the specified 10 minute intervals.
Since 5 channels Divided by Scores of amateurs wanting to use them (Is this wishful thinking) = big chaos. I dusted off my old sears roebuck CB manual and found that the following voice codes can be "useful to reduce crowding in cb [ham radio] channels."
10-1 = Receiving poorly
10-2 = Receiving well
10-3 = Stop transmitting
10-4 = Message received
10-5 = Relay message to _____
10-6 = Busy, please stand by
10-7 = Out of service, leaving the air
10-8 = In service, subject to call
10-9 = Repeat message
10-10 = Transmission completed, standing by
10-11 = Talking too rapidly
10-12 = Visitors present
10-13 = Advise Weather/Road conditions
10-16 = Make pick up at _____
10-17 = Urgent business
10-18 = Anything for us?
10-19 = Nothing for you, return to base
10-20 = My location is _____
10-21 = Call by telephone
10-22 = Report in person to
10-23 = Stand by
10-24 = Completed last assignment
10-25 = Can you contact _____
10-26 = Disregard last information
10-27 = I am moving to channel _____
10-28 = Identify your station
10-29 = Time is up for contact
10-30 = Does not conform to FCC rules
10-32 = I will give you a radio check
10-33 = Emergency Traffic
10-34 = Trouble at this station
10-35 = Confidential information
10-36 = Correct time is
10-37 = Wrecker needed at
10-38 = Ambulance needed at
10-39 = Your message delivered
10-41 = Please turn to channel
10-42 = Traffic accident at
10-43 = Traffic tie up at
10-44 = I have a message for you
10-45 = All units within range please report
10-50 = Break channel
10-60 = What is next message number?
10-62 = Unable to copy, use phone
10-63 = Net directed to
10-64 = Net clear
10-65 = Awaiting your next message/assignment
10-67 = All units comply
10-70 = Fire at _____
10-71 = Proceed with transmission in sequence
10-77 = Negative contact
10-81 = Reserve hotel room for ______
10-82 = Reserve room for _____
10-84 = My telephone number is ______
10-85 = My address is _____
10-91 = Talk closer to the microphone
10-93 = Check my frequency on this channel
10-94 = Please give me a long count (1-10)
10-99 = Mission completed, all units secure
10-200 = Police needed at _____
Since these are "public domain codes" I am sure that the FCC would not consider them codes or ciphers. Feel free to cut out this listing and paste it at your operating position.
Seriously, I consider this a slap in the face of decent ham radio operators. I sincerely hope that this mode of operation (channelized) does not catch on. If hf, vhf, uhf, shf bands are channelized, why not move the entire ham service to the General Restricted Radiotelephone Service, or FMRS? Just lodge a fee and give the user a cutout license with the purchace of their "ham" radio.
Sorry, just a little venting from an old timer.
Cheers'
Jonathan <- NAME
N8MMZ <-CALL SIGN
Big Daddy Dr. J <-60 METER HANDLE
Over and out Good Buddies! I'll catch you on the flip side.
|
| |
|
60-Meters, A Model For The Future!
|
|
|
by KB7PWJ on June 27, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Boy, I dig that old 11 meter rig! You got me right in the dinosaur radio-loving heart. If I had a radio like that, I'd get on CB. Just imagine the QSOs:
"Ya say yer usin' what, good buddy?"
"Tubes, man. This rig has tubes in it."
"Tubes o' what? Toothpaste?"
Man, you think us brasspounders are catching hell on the ham bands these days, just wait 'til I key down on Channel 11.
"TTS A BIG T4 GUD BUDDY DE KB7PWJ _AR_ K
Ho-lay, they'd burn my house down.
TNX FB LAF!
|
| |
|
RE: 60-Meters, A Model For The Future!
|
|
|
by KL7IPV on June 28, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
I took out my old Eico CB and took out the crystals. Then I took one apart and smeared number 2 pencil lead all over it. When I put the crystal back in, it wasn't transmitting on 60 meters yet. I also STILL heard the Cbers on 11 meters. What am I doing wrong? Do you think the old Eico just wont get down to 60 meters? Does it need MORE number 2 lead? Rats, I just remembered it is only AM too. Anyone have a way to make it USB? I gotta get that fixed.
73
Frank
KL7IPV
|
| |
|
60-Meters, A Model For The Future!
|
|
|
Anonymous post on June 28, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
I hope everything you predict is never to come. You should be in sales or politics.
|
| |
|
60-Meters, A Model For The Future!
|
|
|
by W7ITC on June 28, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
A model for the future or a mistake from the past.
I keep telling myself Hamradio is not like CB radio.
Now on 60 meters we have channelization. So we all have to pay for the operating practices of others.
I run AM with vintage equipment. The AM segments of the bands are well known. These old transmitters are
not frequency agile. Time after time we have an
old fashion round table going only to have somebody
running SSB move in on the frequency. We know they can hear our carriers so do they move, hell no they just dial in their notch filters and hit their DSP buttons kill the heterodyne and iqnore us, complaining about
those #$&^*!!^* AM'ers taking up to much bandwidth.
So instead of so much of 60 meters we get 5 channels.
|
| |
|
60-Meters, A Model For The Future!
|
|
|
by W7ITC on June 28, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Now that I have the first gallon of coffee ingested for the morning I realize that reading with pre-caffeine squinty eyes doesn't work very well. I wonder what it would take to put one of My Heathkit
lunch Boxes on 60 meters. Hmmmm...60 meter freebanders. 8^)
|
| |
|
60-Meters, A Model For The Future!
|
|
|
by KG4GON on June 29, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
True humor, unfortunately, is rooted in truth. The restrictions of the 60 meter >allocation< don't automatically mean the end of ham radio as we know it. But if you don't think that there are some who would use this precedent to change ham radio, and worse, to limit us to smaller channeled "bands", then all you have to do is look at your local regional planning organization to realize how "precedence" is used to supercede even our governmental structures of constitutional and elected government . Those who want to change things for their selfish motives rarely use proper means to make their changes, but are patient enough to wait for apathy, bureaucracy, and little known precedence setting 'rules" that may go unnoticed for years until they can use, or twist them to their advantage.
KG4GON
"Just because I'm paranoid, doesn't mean someone isn't out to get me."
|
| |
|
60-Meters, A Model For The Future!
|
|
|
by KU5HLS on June 30, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
Nice commentary!! Since I just passed my General test, and will be taking the code portion soon, I will be looking forward to the "challenge" of 60 meters. I was just wondering if it will be possible to modify my old 11 meter rig? It already has xtals, and is only a 5 channel set.
|
| |
|
RE: 60-Meters, A Model For The Future:
|
|
|
by WB5AXJ on June 30, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
Sounds to me like the CB ers have finly got another band look out
|
| |
|
RE: 60-Meters, A Model For The Future:
|
|
|
by W5HTW on July 1, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Sounds to me like the CB ers have finly got another band look out
Maybe a whole bunch of them?
|
| |
|
RE: 60-Meters, A Model For The Future:
|
|
|
by K3UOD on July 2, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Hmmm... Channelization works for the military, the marine radio services (HF & VHF), the aviation radio service, business band, fixed point to point, public service, broadcasting, cell phones, and also CB and FRS. The only down side I see is that there are only five channels. That will hopefully change in the future.
USB only? That makes us compliant with the rest of the HF world.
Just 50 Watts? That's all I ever ran in my AM days back in the 60s. I had a lot of good contacts on 75 and 40 with 50 Watts.
Some people just love to complain. If you don't like 60M, just stay on 75 talking about your latest doctor visit.
Me, I'm looking forward to giving it a try.
|
| |
|
60-Meters, A Model For The Future!
|
|
|
by KB9OJS on July 2, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
What a waste. Looks like the hams got the short end of the stick again. Channels? What a joke. Yep, its gonna be real nice when the "channels" are clogged solid and knowbody can use them. I guess the only way to use the band when all the channels are full is to step right over the top of everyone like CB. The FCC and OO's are gonna have a field day writing notices for the people tuning up out of band and people bleeding outside of the allowed bandwith. USB on 60 meters? I thought below 10 mhz we all used LSB. I guess it's the Radio eqivelent to the Porta john at the NASCAR race, all five of them are occupied and there is a huge waiting line to use them!
This band is as weird as a three dollar bill!
I don't know whether to call CQ or BREAKER, BREAKER.
Just another two cents from just one man of many.
73's de John Bunyan, KB9OJS Amateur Extra
|
| |
|
60-Meters, A Model For The Future!
|
|
|
by KE2IV on July 2, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Thank you, Brian.
A few weeks ago when I posted an article pointing out that the 60M allocation was NOT the best thing since sliced bread - the ill- and uninformed "masses" here on eHam excoriated me!
Guess they hadn't read the fine print regarding not just channels, but highly restrictive emission widths (with only SSB premitted) and a maximum of 50W ERP!
Oh, and let's not forget the antenna restrictions and the enhanced logging requirements.
Oh, you hadn't heard of those constraints either?
Too many hams apparently only read the headlines about a "new band allocation" and failed to read the fine print!
Seems to me that operating 60M is fraught with dangers for most hams. It's one thing for Riley and company to clean up the miscreants on places like 75M and 2M - but now they'll also be busy chasing after the "good guys" who inadvertently step on the lines when hopscotching through the channels on 60M!
|
| |
|
RE: 60-Meters, A Model For The Future!
|
|
|
by WB5HZE on July 3, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Within the first 15 minutes after 60M became available for the East Coast, I swear I heard at least three conversations where the ops were using terms such as "handle", "'20", "good buddy", and believe it or not, one clearly heard "10-4". I sure hope they were just following through on this thread (& similar)in the spirit of fun . . .
But the good news is that despite the initial rush, with heavy QRN & QRM caused by 3-deep simultaneous QSOs the norm, everyone seems to be playing by the rules and having a rather good time.
I'll be there and waiting for my turn on 60M- 20 minutes to go for W5s as I write this.
BTW, this thread rocks. IROTFLMAO. "Four Roger Dee and a couple of stacked 44s to you too, GB" . . . but since my old '60's Blackface Johnson is now a lump of rust in the corner of the boat shed, guess I'll just have to make do with this 1PPM synthesized modern marvel . . .
Ron WB5HZE
|
| |
|
RE: 60-Meters, A Model For The Future!
|
|
|
by K1CJS on July 3, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Frank--ya wanna get your ol' Eico to 60 meters? Try turning the crystals inside out then pluggin um in backwards. Oh, wait a minute.......that may get it up to two meters.......Ah, well......
BTW, which channel is the comedy channel??? All of them? :-)
73!
|
| |
|
60-Meters, A Model For The Future!
|
|
|
by NZ4I on July 4, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
The future is the past..channels...seems like I've heard that term before...just like 11 mts. I'll pass, because these freq's will probably end up with "channel masters" and become more of a mess than other areas that are regular FCC hot spots.
|
| |
|
RE: 60-Meters, A Model For The Future!
|
|
|
by K3UOD on July 7, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Yesterday I did the general coverage transmit mod to my rig, tuned up on 60M and had a great afternoon exploring the new band. Daytime propagation was not as good as 40 but better than 75 (as expected).
I heard a lot of good courteous operators, and not one "breaker-breaker" all afternoon.
Nuff said.
|
| |
|
RE: 60-Meters, A Model For The Future!
|
|
|
by KG6QKJ on August 4, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
You can go to any White Castle in Chicago and get a "Slider"!
|
| |
|
RE: 60-Meters Slider
|
|
|
by W4CNG on October 21, 2003
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
You can also get them at most Publix and Kroger stores in the frozen food sections way down south here y'all. Too much pencil lead can also be harmful to the user....
Steve W4CNG
|
| |
|
60-Meters, A Model For The Future!
|
|
|
by WA2JJH on January 18, 2004
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
Brian, from your picture, you do not seem to be having a good time operating 60M. Or are you straining to get that 50W DX contact?
|
| |
|
RE: 60-Meters, A Model For The Future!
|
|
|
by WA6FFV8 on February 10, 2004
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
For the ham who has every thing-----
Icom IC M-710 channelized 1 to 30 mh(all ham bands + 25 and 27mh) It a marine rig 25 & 27 mh are used for port operations in some parts of the world.I'm sure some enterprising ham could put it on 60 meters.The only fly in the Pie is its 100w power output.Many nice featues cw,fax,digtal.Imagine e-mail and a general coverage rx.
A leg pull-not really but it isnt going to be cheap.Channelizing suits me fine its rather difficult to twist knobs in a running sea and arthritis in your right arm.
Handel is Al spookey0071@hotmail.com
|
| |
|
Email Subscription
You are not subscribed to discussions on this article.
Subscribe!
My Subscriptions
Subscriptions Help
Related News & Articles
FCC Says Pending 40-Meter Changes Will Enhance Spectrum Efficiency:
Name Calling and CB Radio
Dealing with CB Interference
Getting on 160 Meters on a Budget
ARRL Band Plan
Other Humor Articles
Twas Another Night Before Christmas
Unshackling your Mad Scientist
Reading Between the Lines
Calling Sheriff Laura
A Ham Radio Operator's Night Before Christmas
|
