Operation

Congratulations! You've got your new Amateur Radio license and can't wait to start operating on HF or VHF, UHF phone. However, you're not certain how you want to conduct yourself. After all, there are few if any mandated rules. Most hams have developed good operating practices and etiquette simply by listening to more experienced hams and you will as well. Here are some of my ideas for your consideration.

Always be polite regardless of the

circumstances. If not, avoid transmitting.

Set a good example especially for short wave

listeners who may be thinking about becoming a ham.

Be a good listener. It will help you better

organize your thoughts before transmitting.

Reply to a CQ, or call CQ yourself. It helps keep the magic of ham radio alive.

Speak slowly and clearly, especially when giving your call sign to someone you have never

worked before.

Promote friendship and goodwill to DX contacts. Look for ways to get to know each other rather than simply exchanging signal reports and 73s!

Try to keep track of everyone in the QSO.

Hopefully someone has assumed the role of

"traffic director" to make sure everyone has a

chance to contribute to the discussion. If not,

don't hesitate to do it yourself.

Make it clear at the end of each transmission

which station is expected to transmit next. Try to do this even when operating VOX.

Operate on frequencies that are in whole KHz

(e.g. 18.130 Khz). This alleviates ambiguity and

makes it easier for everyone to be on the same

frequency.

Openly praise other hams when you observe

them doing something that you feel is especially deserving. e.g., helping demonstrate ham radio to a group of scouts.

Always be ready to quickly and calmly respond to emergency situations. Rehearse what you would do if presented with various scenarios.

Pause between transmissions. "Quick keying" gives the appearance that other hams are unwelcome in your QSO.

Consider using the Internet to enrich your

QSO. Many hams have developed their own

comprehensive websites which you can usually

find through QRZ.COM.

Respect the privileges of hams operating in other modes on the HF bands including those who enjoy AM.

Transmit ssb at less than 3KHz bandwidth.

Make a point to try 17 and 60 meters. Good

operating practices are especially prevalent on

these bands.

Look for opportunities to "Elmer" newly licensed hams when you hear them on the HF bands. Welcome them, solicit their questions and give them pointers on good operating practices.

Remember that no one country can proclaim to be the leader of the Amateur Radio world.

Likewise, no one country's foreign policy is any

more right or wrong than that of another country.

Develop good operating practices. You will be

doing your part in helping insure the continuance of our long and proud tradition of self-regulation.

Note: Information presented here is just the opinion of one ham. As such, the foregoing operating practices are intended to be nothing more than a "shopping list" of suggested guidelines presented almost entirely from the perspective of a "rag chewer". DXers, Contesters and hams who enjoy other modes will most likely have somewhat different views. Equipment related issues, being generally well known, are purposely not included here. In any event , it is hoped that this list may prove somewhat useful especially for new operators. The overriding theme is common sense and courtesy to others. Let's always remember what a privilege it is to operate on the ham bands! This will help avoid doing anything that
might impinge on the enjoyment of our hobby

for others.

Don't

Act like some sort of Broadcast Radio

station. Your fellow Amateurs will most

likely not appreciate such a blatant display

of personal ego.

Acknowledge the presence of deliberate

interference. After all, that's most likely the

overall objective of the person doing the

interfering.

Be excessively long winded especially

when in a round-table discussion and

during times when band conditions are

changing.

Limit your conversation to only ham radio

Welcome!

Beaufort Radio Amateur Group .... ..W4BFT