60meter

60meter, or the 60-meter band, is a designation for a portion of the radio spectrum around 5 MHz reserved for amateur radio use in several countries. The name derives from its approximate wavelength of 60 meters. The exact frequency range and operating rules vary by country, but the band sits at the lower end of the shortwave spectrum and is used for narrow-band communications, often under specific licensing conditions.

Allocation and regulation: In many jurisdictions the 60-meter spectrum is a secondary allocation to the amateur service, meaning it shares the band with other services and is subject to power limits and other restrictions. Some authorities designate a fixed set of channels rather than a continuous band. National authorities and regional agreements determine eligibility, permitted modes, and maximum transmitter power for 60-meter operations.

Operation and propagation: The 60-meter band benefits from ionospheric propagation that can provide regional to intercontinental contacts under favorable sunspot conditions. Propagation tends to be stronger at night for longer-range contacts in some regions, while daytime range is more limited. The band is often valued for emergency communications because it can be relatively robust under certain conditions.

Typical use and modes: Operators employ modes such as CW, single-sideband voice, and digital modes that comply with local regulations (for example PSK31, FT8, or FT4). Antennas for 60 meters are commonly compact compared with higher HF bands, with popular choices including dipoles, verticals, and end-fed monopoles.

See also: Amateur radio, Shortwave, ITU.