Recent NVIS tests we conducted showed, at least for early daytime hours, 40 meters worked best for NVIS, although both 10 and 20 meters did perform, just not as well as 40 meters. As one might expect, 80 meters did not work well in daytime for NVIS.
Some of us discussed 60 meters, the channelized band, as a possible NVIS candidate. An indication it might perform well is the fact the Federal Government uses it as part of their emergency communications system and SHARES, a public/private emergency communications network.
During those discussions we considered executing a NVIS exercise that included 60 meters. Coincidentally, the FCC has made changes to the 60 meter band, eliminating one of the channels and replacing it with a non-channelized segment that can operate QRP (9.15W ERP / 15W EIRP).
As a result, we have the opportunity to test 100W on the channelized frequencies and 9.15W on the non-channelized segment. Odds are you can just round up to 10W (or more) output due to losses on the way to the antenna.
The changes in 60 meters takes effect February 13th, 2026. So any NVIS test would take place later than that date.
Some radios may not have transmit access to 60 meters or may require a modification to access the band, so I'd ask everyone who would be interested in participating to please check. Keep in mind your rig may tune to the band (5 mhz), but it may not transmit. Remember, 60 meters is a USB band.
About the 60 meter changes
The FCC has updated the 60-meter (5 MHz) amateur radio band, effective February 13, 2026, by removing one of the five previously existing channelized frequencies (#3) and replacing it with a new contiguous segment from 5351.5 to 5366.5 kHz.
This 15 kHz segment allows for VFO, non-channelized operation, limited to QRP operation at 9.15 watts ERP, supporting modes like USB, CW, and digital (e.g., FT8). The four legacy channels (5332, 5348, 5373, and 5405 kHz) remain, allowing 100 Watts ERP.
Amateur Radio has secondary user status, meaning amateurs must not interfere with government and other primary users. 60 meters is part of our national emergency communications plan and is also utilized for SHARES.
