Can someone explain the 60-meter band rules? I understand we have specific channels, but I'm getting conflicting information about where to set my dial frequency for different modes.

I want to try some PSK31 and maybe some phone, but I need to understand:

• Exact channel center frequencies
• Where to set my radio for USB vs digital modes
• Power limitations and one signal per channel rule

My rig is a Yaesu FT-991A and I want to make sure I'm compliant with the NTIA requirements.

The NTIA says that hams planning to operate on 60 meters "must assure that their signal is transmitted on the channel center frequency." This means that amateurs should set their carrier frequency 1.5 kHz lower than the channel center frequency. For USB voice, dial in 1.5 kHz below the channel center. For digital transmissions, they must be centred on the channel-centre frequencies, which is 1.5 kHz above the suppressed carrier frequency of a transceiver operated in USB mode.

The FCC has granted hams secondary access on USB only to five discrete 2.8-kHz-wide channels. Amateurs can not cause inference to and must accept interference from the Primary Government users. On 60 meters, hams are restricted to only one signal per channel, and automatic operation is not permitted. The channels are: 5330.5, 5346.5, 5357.0, 5371.5, and 5403.5 kHz.

I operate 60m regularly for NVIS work. For PSK31 on channel 1 (5330.5 center), I set my 991A to exactly 5330.5 kHz in USB mode - the sound card interface handles the 1.5 kHz offset automatically. Digital modes that comply with emission designator 60H0J2B are permitted, which includes PSK31 as well as any RTTY signal with a bandwidth of less than 60 Hz. Max power is 100W ERP.