The 5-meter band (60MHz) is the middle portion of the very high frequency (VHF) radio spectrum allocated to amateur radio use in some countries.
History
On October 10, 1924, the 5-meter band (56–64MHz) was first made available to amateurs in the United States by the Third National Radio Conference.[1] On October 4, 1927, the band was allocated on a worldwide basis by the International Radiotelegraph Conference in Washington, D.C. 56–60MHz was allocated for amateur and experimental use.[2]
At the 1938 International Radiocommunication Conference in Cairo, television broadcasting was given priority in a portion of the 5- and 6-meter band in Europe. Television and low power stations, meaning those with less than 1kW power, were allocated 56–58.5MHz and amateurs, experimenters and low power stations were allocated 58.5–60MHz in the European region. The conference maintained the 56–60MHz allocation for other regions and allowed administrations in Europe latitude to allow amateurs to continue using 56–58.5MHz.[3]
In 1940, television channel 2 was reallocated to 60MHz and TV channel 1 was moved to 50–56MHz maintaining a gap for the 5-meter amateur band. When the US entered World War II, transmissions by amateur radio stations were suspended for the duration of the war. After the war, the 5-meter band was briefly reopened to amateurs from 56 to 60MHz until March 1, 1946. For British and some European amateurs were allocated the 5-meter band (58.5MHz to 60MHz) till 1949–1951, as by then the 5-meter band was given for television broadcasting.
But 1955-1962 due to TV channel allocations Australian and New Zealand (shorter time) authorities allocated 56-60MHz instead 50MHz, but for International Geophysical Year additionally again returned 50-54MHz range.
Also around this time permission to YA1AA for 5-meter band in Afghanistan has been issued.[4] In September 1957 (IGY) 56.5-58MHz band allocated for local experiments in Romania, some UK stations in this range were heard.[5]
Following a request to be able to track the progression of propagation openings DSI report (CEPT Phase II) of 1995 noted the possibility that a beacon's allocation at 60MHz should be reassessed when TV broadcasting is no longer operating below 68MHz of VHF Band I.[6]
From 2007 the IARU R1 is encouraging member societies to try and obtain small allocation for beacons cluster at 60MHz.[7] In Viena Interim conference 2019 accepted to add the 40MHz and the 60MHz Bandplan (used in some countries) in the VHF-Handbook as separate dedicated section. They can serve as an example for future use in other countries of Region 1.[8]
Allocations
In January 1949 the 5-meter Band is removed from the amateur service (in some countries a transitional period up to 1951 was applied[9]).
1955.11.01 - 1962.06.01 56-60MHz band allocated for radio amateurs in Australia (VK).[10]
1956.06.01 - 1959.01.31 56-60MHz band allocated for radio amateurs in New Zealand (ZL)[11] and overseas territories (ZK, ZM).[12]
In April 2018, Ireland (EI) allocated much of the low VHF spectrum to Irish radio amateurs including 60MHz.
Beacons
In August 2007, the UK (G) approved the use of beacon at 60.050MHz.[13] Inactive from 2017.
2019.12.16 The Irish beacon EI1KNH started at 60.013MHz 25 W, vertical dipole.[14]
2022.09.25 The British beacon GB3MCB started at 60.3 MHz FT8/CW 5W, omnidirectional.
Propagation
The 5-meter band shares many characteristics with the neighbouring 6-meter band and is a unique transition spot. However, as it is somewhat higher in frequency it does not display the same propagation mechanisms via the F2 ionospheric layer normally seen at HF which occasionally appear in 6 meters, leastwise not at temperate latitudes. However, Sporadic E is common on the band in summer, tropospheric propagation is marginally more successful than on the 6-meter band, and propagation via the aurora borealis and meteor scatter is highly effective.
Activity
Around 1949, at least 18 countries worked in Europe on this band including Iceland and some overseas territories.[15] A bit later from 1956 5-meter cross band (first VK-JA)[16] and interstate Es activities take place in Australia, New Zealand and its overseas territories.
2019-08-29: Es EI4GNB - LY2YR FT8 2,036.3km (1265 miles)[17]
2022-05-18: Tropo EI9KP - EI4GNB FT8 ~205km
References
↑"Frequency or wave band allocations", Recommendations for Regulation of Radio Adopted by the Third National Radio Conference (October 6–10, 1924), page 15.
Some administrations have authorized spectrum for amateur use in this region; others have declined to regulate frequencies above 300GHz.
[t1]
All allocations are subject to variation by country. For simplicity, only common allocations found internationally are listed. See a band's article for specifics.
This is not mentioned in the ITU's Table of Frequency Allocations, but many individual administrations have commonly adopted this allocation under "Article4.4".
[t4]
This includes a currently active footnote allocation mentioned in the ITU's Table of Frequency Allocations. These allocations may only apply to a group of countries.