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 Previous: Can Computers Copy Code? |  Next: Youth@HamRadio.Fun: A Journey of Nothing But Fun |
NEWINGTON, CT, Jun 18, 2003--When the five new 60-meter channels become available to US Amateur Radio operators at midnight (12 AM) local time on July 3, the rules (see sidebar, "§97.303(s)--the New Rules for 5 MHz") will impose a new record-keeping requirement for hams. The requirement applies only to those using something other than a simple half-wave dipole for an antenna on the 5-MHz allocation.
According to §97.303(s), a half-wave dipole on the 5 MHz allocation will be presumed to have a gain of 0 dBd. "Licensees using other antennas must maintain in their station records either manufacturer data on the antenna gain or calculations of the antenna gain," the newest addition to the FCC's Amateur Service rules says.
Because the new rules also require hams to run no more than 50 W effective radiated power (ERP) on the new channels, the choice of antenna becomes an important compliance factor. The FCC rules stipulate, "For the purpose of computing ERP, the transmitter PEP will be multiplied with [sic] the antenna gain relative to a dipole or the equivalent calculation in decibels."
If you use a half-wave dipole--about 87 feet 3 inches for the "middle" channel according to the formula--setting your transmitter's power output power at up to 50 W peak envelope power (PEP) should ensure compliance.
Under no circumstances may amateurs on 5 MHz radiate more than 50 W ERP in any direction, so those choosing to employ gain antennas will have to "do the math" and calculate their ERP. They also will have to keep a record of such antenna gain calculations on file. This might include documentation such as output from a computer modeling program for a homebrew antenna design. For example, an amateur using an array for 5 MHz exhibiting a calculated or modeled gain of 3 dB would have to cut power to 25 W PEP to comply with the new rules.
Operating on 60 meters is the subject of the July 2003 QST "It Seems to Us . . ." editorial by ARRL CEO David Sumner, K1ZZ. "If we demonstrate that we can use [the 60-meter channels] responsibly, cooperatively and in the public interest, there is no reason we cannot seek expanded access at an appropriate time," Sumner wrote. "If your personal operating practices are inconsistent with that, please do yourself and everyone else a favor and confine your operating to the traditional bands."
The FCC Report and Order in ET Docket 02-98 is available on the FCC's Web site. The ARRL has posted a list of frequently asked questions concerning 5 MHz operation on the ARRL Web site
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§97.303(s)--The
New Rules for 5 MHz
An amateur station having an operator holding a General, Advanced or Amateur Extra Class license may only transmit single sideband, suppressed-carrier (emission type 2K8J3E) upper sideband on the channels 5332 kHz, 5348 kHz, 5358 kHz, 5373 kHz and 5405 kHz. Amateur operators shall ensure that their transmission occupies only the 2.8 kHz centered around each of these frequencies. Transmissions shall not exceed an effective radiated power (ERP) of 50 W PEP. For the purpose of computing ERP, the transmitter PEP will be multiplied with the antenna gain relative to a dipole or the equivalent calculation in decibels. A half-wave dipole antenna will be presumed to have a gain of 0 dBd. Licensees using other antennas must maintain in their station records either manufacturer data on the antenna gain or calculations of the antenna gain. No amateur station shall cause harmful interference to stations authorized in the mobile and fixed services; nor is any amateur station protected from interference due to the operation of any such station. |
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