SB QST @ ARL $ARLB040
ARLB040 5 MHz allocation update

ZCZC AG40
QST de W1AW  
ARRL Bulletin 40  ARLB040
From ARRL Headquarters  
Newington CT  June 18, 2003
To all radio amateurs 

SB QST ARL ARLB040
ARLB040 5 MHz allocation update

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
will impose a new record-keeping requirement for hams. The
requirement applies only to those using something other than a
simple half-wave dipole on the 5 MHz allocation.

According to Part 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,'' states the newest addition to the FCC's Amateur Service
rules.

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 (by) the antenna gain relative to a dipole or the
equivalent calculation in decibels.''

ARRL has posted a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ)
concerning 5 MHz operation on the ARRL Web site,
www.arrl.org/fandes/field/regulations/faq.html#sixty .
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