Frequencies, Modes, and Proper Operation

The 60-meter amateur band (around 5 MHz) is unique in the U.S. allocation. Unlike most amateur bands, it is shared with federal government users, and that shared status is why it operates under structured channel rules and specific power limits.

If you operate it correctly, it becomes one of the most dependable regional HF bands available.

Authorized Frequencies on 60 Meters

Amateurs are permitted to operate on:

Four discrete channels, each with a 2.8 kHz effective bandwidth
One continuous 15-kHz segment

Channelized Frequencies (USB Suppressed Carrier)

These are the frequencies that appear on your transceiver display when operating in USB mode:

Channel 1: 5330.5 kHz
Channel 2: 5346.5 kHz
Channel 3: 5371.5 kHz
Channel 4: 5403.5 kHz

Each channel is limited to 2.8 kHz bandwidth.

15-kHz Segment

5351.5 kHz to 5366.5 kHz

This segment allows more flexibility in operating modes, but power limits are lower than the channelized section.

License Requirements

Operation on 60 meters requires a control operator holding:

General
Advanced
Amateur Extra

Technician class licensees are not authorized on this band.

Power Limits (Effective Radiated Power – ERP)

The 60-meter band is regulated by ERP, not just transmitter output power.

Channels 1–4: Maximum 100 W ERP
15-kHz segment: Maximum 9.15 W ERP

Directional Antennas Matter

If you are using a directional antenna, you must factor antenna gain into your ERP calculation.

For example:

If your antenna has 3 dBd gain, your transmitter output must be reduced to:

50 W on the channelized section
4.57 W on the 15-kHz segment

You must maintain gain documentation in your station records — either manufacturer specifications or calculated values if homebuilt.

Legal Operating Modes

Channelized Section (4 Channels)

Permitted modes:

Upper Sideband (USB)
CW
Digital (J2D emissions up to 2.8 kHz bandwidth)

15-kHz Segment

All modes permitted
2.8 kHz maximum bandwidth
Subject to Part 97 documentation requirements

Mode-Specific Operating Guidance

Because 60 meters is structured, frequency precision matters.

USB Operation

USB operation is straightforward:

Set radio to USB
Tune to one of the suppressed carrier frequencies (5330.5, 5346.5, 5371.5, 5403.5 kHz)
Keep bandwidth within 2.8 kHz

A transmit bandwidth of about 2.4 kHz helps prevent splatter outside the channel.

CW Operation

CW must be transmitted at the center of the channel.

That means your actual transmit frequency must be:

Channel 1: 5332.0 kHz
Channel 2: 5348.0 kHz
Channel 3: 5373.0 kHz
Channel 4: 5405.0 kHz

These are 1.5 kHz above the suppressed carrier frequencies.

Important: Some radios offset CW transmission (e.g., 600 Hz sidetone shift). Verify your radio’s actual transmitted frequency using:

Your manual
A frequency counter
A spectrum analyzer

Accuracy is essential on this band.

Digital Operation

Digital operation must also be centered on the channel center frequencies:

5332.0 kHz
5348.0 kHz
5373.0 kHz
5405.0 kHz

How to Set It Up

Set radio to USB
Tune to the suppressed carrier channel frequency
In your digital software (showing audio frequency scale), click at the 1500 Hz mark

That 1500 Hz audio tone corresponds to the channel center frequency and keeps your transmission compliant.

Digital emissions are limited to J2D data emissions up to 2.8 kHz bandwidth, and operators should keep transmissions reasonably short.