New 60-Meter Frequencies Available as of 13th February 2026

The new 60-meter frequencies approved by the FCC in December will become available to amateurs as of February 13, 2026, along with new power restrictions on those frequencies. It’s a bit confusing, as different rules apply to different segments of the band. The changes result from the FCC’s action to approve a worldwide 60-meter amateur allocation made by the World Radiocommunication Conference in 2015 (WRC-15). See https://tinyurl.com/mt8p8jpa.

As of February 13, FCC-licensed amateur operators holding General Class or higher licenses may operate on a secondary basis anywhere between 5351.5 and 5366.5 kHz, subject to a maximum bandwidth of 2.8 kHz and maximum transmit power of 9.15 watts ERP (effective radiated power). For the purpose of computing ERP, the transmitter PEP (peak envelope power) is multiplied by the antenna gain relative to a half-wave dipole antenna. A half-wave dipole is presumed to have a gain of 1 (0 dBd). Amateurs using other antennas must maintain in their station records either the antenna manufacturer's data on the antenna gain or calculations of the antenna gain.

Here’s the confusing part: The existing 60-meter channels centered on 5332, 5348, 5373, and 5405 kHz remain as secondary amateur allocations with maximum power of 100 watts ERP. However, the old channel at 5358.5 kHz is eliminated as it is now part of the new 5351.5-5366.5 kHz subband and subject to the lower power limit.

For all 60-meter transmissions, emission bandwidth is limited to 2.8 kHz or less, and amateurs must not cause harmful interference to, and must accept interference from, stations authorised by the United States (NTIA and FCC) and other nations in the fixed service; and all other nations in the mobile service (except aeronautical mobile). Data or RTTY emissions in particular must be limited in transmission length so as not to cause harmful interference. Digital mode operators must be familiar with offsets in order to stay within the authorised frequencies.

Maritime Radio Days 2026 April

Maritime Radio Day (MRD) 2026 is now open for registration. Organised by the Radio Officers’ Association (ROA), this is an occasion for former R/Os, both seagoing and coast station, to contact each other and exchange signal reports (QSA/QRK) on the amateur bands in CW.

It is open to all - as a ‘friend of MRD’. It's not a competition. You might just enjoy listening to and/or working some of the most experienced & skilled ex professional morse operators.

Held on the 14th and 15th of April 2026 , details can found at https://radioofficers.com/mrd-home/mrd-rules/

To take part, you need to register

Silent Key's Rig Donated to Assist American Red Cross

The American Red Cross has many powerful tools in its repertoire to assist communities in distress - and now, in Flagstaff, Arizona, it is about to add amateur radio.

The legacy of Silent Key Jack Lunsford, NT7MM, is going to help save lives. Jack, who had been a member of the Northern Arizona DX Association, became a Silent Key at the age of 94 in December of 2024. His daughter presented his beloved Kenwood radio to the DX Association, hoping it would continue its mission of communication and goodwill.

“Ham radio provides emergency broadcasts when everything is down. They are more powerful than portable radios and can be used to communicate around the globe. Lately, there has been a resurgence of ham radios with wildfires and other disasters.”

— Denny Preisser, KC3DTB, a Red Cross recruitment specialist

Bob Wertz, NF7E, the association president, has ensured that this will happen: He has donated the radio to the American Red Cross office in Flagstaff for use by licensed amateurs among the staff and volunteers.