60 meters band
60 meters is unusual: instead of a continuous band, US hams share five fixed channels with government users under strict power and mode rules.
Propagation & character
It behaves between 80 and 40 meters — good for regional contacts day and night, and handy when 80 is too noisy and 40 is too long.
What 60 meters is used for
Upper-sideband voice, CW, and data, one signal per channel, secondary to primary government users.
Operating tips
- You must operate on the specified channels and stay within 100 W ERP relative to a half-wave dipole.
- Center your USB signal on each channel’s designated frequency.
- It is excellent for regional emergency and NVIS-style nets.
Antennas for 60 meters
A half-wave dipole for 60 meters is about 87.2 ft (26.6 m) end to end. Work out an exact starting length with the antenna calculator, then trim for lowest SWR.
60 meters band FAQ
What frequencies is the 60 meters band?
The 60 meters band covers 5 channels (5.33–5.41 MHz) — part of the high frequency (HF) spectrum. Common modes are USB, CW, data (channelized).
What is the 60 meters band used for?
Upper-sideband voice, CW, and data, one signal per channel, secondary to primary government users.
What license do you need to use 60 meters?
General, Advanced, and Extra; channelized, 100 W ERP limit.
How long is a dipole for 60 meters?
A half-wave dipole for 60 meters is about 87.2 ft (26.6 m) end to end, with each leg half that. Use the HamDaily antenna calculator for an exact starting length, then trim to resonance.