Unlocking the New 60meter Band WRC15 Worldwide 5351.5 to 5366.5 kHz

Bill / VA3QB

Is there a timeline for unlocking the new 60 meter  5351.5 to 5366.5 kHz in firmware so we can start using it 

73
Bill
VA3QB

Tim VE6SH

Bill,

Any changes to the International Radio Regulations will not come into effect until January 1, 2017 and even then will have to be approved by the regulators in signatory countries. That will likely add additional time to the process.

73

Tim VE6SH

Bill / VA3QB

:-(

Chris DL5NAM

Found a nice web page: http://qrznow.com/new-antenna-fo60-meters-5mhz/

Ken - NM9P

It took us several years to get the first WARC Bands - 17 & 12, and longer, I think to get 30 Meters.  (Memory fails me a bit here)  We will need to practice extreme patience.  Even then, I don't think we can be sure what the power limits will be, and what modes will be authorized.  15 KHz will be better than we had, sort of, but not a lot.  (5 x 2.5KHz voice channels = 12.5 KHz.)  But at least stations may be able to overlap a little in opposite ends of the country when signals are not strong.

Tim - W4TME

Making the software change is a straightforward process.  As Tim said, getting approved is going to take a while

John

The big question is whether the euro zoo would co-operate with the channel spacing, not to mention the splatter and audio animaltronics

ON5HC

Belgium institute BIPT published yesterday new regulation / decission :
from now on we are allowed to use 15watt on 60m band (5.351,5 - 5.366,5)
Any news about timeline for firmware to unlock ?

Tim ON5HC

Jan - ON4PAL

ask for a TURF-file from your dealer. Mine provided me with one right away after sending him the serial number of my Flex. ON4PAL

Chris DL5NAM

Where you have buyed your Flex6?

Eric-KE5DTO

Note that software changes are in process to support the new 60m band frequencies for the Belgian region.  Look for this in the next release.

Chris DL5NAM

Eric OK, i know but from time to time people travel or move and Europe has many region. I have 80 miles to OK, 110 miles to OM, 120 mile to OE, 150 miles to HB9; many more like HB0, I, F, LX, SP
Do i need for every country a own TURF file?

John

The quick answer is no. Whatever country you are licenced in for 60m band, thats the freqs you will be allowed to operate on only. But because some other country's have different freqs, you cannot use those freqs, only your own as per your licence. Some freqs over lap with other countrys freqs, so qso is possible, but split operation is also possible if agreed say via skype  for tx and rx. For this reason, mobile operation on 60m is not allowed. Check your 60m licence condx.

Chris DL5NAM

John, we using in EU CEPT and i never talk about mobile operation. I have a vacation flat in OE, from time to time i stay some weeks in other countries like I or 9A and work there on a permanent build station, from a shack.

[for example 6m is also not for mobile operation here and also different band plan exist in EU. Also output power is different. In DL was longtime 10 W EIRP !!
NO TRX from any company exist that has max. 10 W EIRP output]

AND !!!!!! we Ham's in DL and others EU countries have NO restriction using any  HF hardware.

We can build own TRX, we can use if we want a 10 KW amp up to our legal limit.
We can do hardware changes or modifications at TRX like Icom, Kenwóod. Full legal here.

ONLY we have to follow the law in case of mode, power, national band plan aso. 
We do not need a FCC to proof Ham gear like in the US

We are responsible to take care of it. Not any producer of a TRX !
We are major Ham's here.

Don't know the situation in US but Flex sales worldwide.

73 Chris

John

If its not stated in the licence then its not allowed, unless its changed via negoiation with prime user Chris.. Ths means that yes, you will probably need a turf file for every country, unless Flex has another plan. Remember, this is a military and avaition band. Its not ours. We are not prime users, so if the prime users say no. then its no. Lets wait and see what happens. The prime users can cancel the 60m band for us anytime. I dont know how this is all going to work, so lots of planning is required to get it all working correctly for each country. So far, for Flex, a turf file will be needed if portable work is required. Is it even allowed on 60m ?

ON5HC

Eric,
I got a TURF file from my dealer, but installing makes no difference.
Do I need to wait for new/updated firmware/software ?

73 Tim

Eric-KE5DTO

The TURF file should modify the region for your radio.  Updated software will add the 60m band for the Belgian region in the next release.