The Right way, The Wrong way and does it really matter?
Most every new ham I know started listening well before they ever pressed the PTT button. Many (including myself) owned some type of ham radio before they even had ticket in hand. I think this is great and I encourage it. If possible, I think one should supplement what they are learning from exam prep guides or through classroom sessions with what is happening on the airwaves. If they spend time listening, they will have a better understanding of on-air etiquette right?
Herein lies the problem. Is everything that is said on the airwaves 100% accurate? Are all hams observing proper on-air etiquette at all times? Unfortunately, we know the answer to these questions is NO! But does it matter?
Of course, it’s not just the information on the airwaves that is suspect. A new ham can pickup bad habits even when they don’t know it. Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, QRZ, eham and the list goes on…an unsuspecting new ham might think he or she is reading, watching, hearing 100% accurate information when at the end of the day, the information could be wrong.
Another way of looking at this…just because another licensed amateur radio operator says something on the air or writes something on the internet, does not make it fact. But does it matter?
This hobby needs Elmers. I’ve said this before on my podcast, anyone can be an Elmer. If you know just one thing and you share that one thing with someone else, you’ve just Elmered someone. Being an Elmer is more than just teaching someone else. It’s also about spreading the word about amateur radio in such a way as to attract new individuals to the hobby. Of course, like so many things in life…amateur radio and all that it stands for can be interpreted many different ways. Some believe amateur radio is a hobby. Others believe it is a service. Some believe it is both. Depending on how one interprets what amateur radio is, will strongly influence how they share the hobby with others. But does it matter?
I think all will agree, when the incorrect information could lead to possible injury or worse, then yes…it does matter. To be perfectly honest, I’ve only personally witnessed one, perhaps two scenarios where the information provided during a YouTube video could have led to injury. Again, I believe we’re all on the same page with respect to this.
Where amateurs will disagree has more to do with operational practices, procedure and on-air etiquette. While a lot of hams will blame repeater users for having a “CB” on-air mentality and failing to follow any sort of best practice and good on-air etiquette, there are many amateurs up and down the spectrum who have absolutely no common decency for their fellow amateurs. This is evident by the way some will tune up right over an existing QSO or by some of the on-air conversations. Don’t even get me started with the US/Canada problem we have around 14.275. I’m not sure who is right or who is wrong…both sides are at fault in my opinion.
When I think about some of the scenarios I’ve described, I’m reminded of the radio amateur’s code. If you’re not familar with the radio amateur’s code, it was written by Paul M. Segal, W9EEA in 1928. It’s been adapted many times. I believe the answer to most of the issues one could experience on the air or in person, could be avoided if we always keep the amateur’s code in mind.
I keep a copy of the radio amateur’s code hanging in my ham shack. I read it before operating and I read it prior to sitting down to record an episode of the Practical Amateur Radio Podcast. While the radio amateur’s code is some 82 years old, it still applies today and YES, it does really matter.
The Radio Amateur’s Code
The Radio Amateur is
Considerate… He/She never knowingly operates in such a way as to lessen the pleasure of others.
Loyal… He/She offers loyalty, encouragement and support to other amateurs, local clubs, the radio society in his/her country, through which amateur radio in his/her country is represented nationally and internationally.
Progressive… He/She keeps his/her station up to date. It is well-built and efficient. His/Her operating practice is above reproach.
Friendly… He/She operates slowly and patiently when requested; offers friendly advice and counsel to the beginner; kind assistance, cooperation and consideration for the interests of others. These are the marks of the amateur spirit.
Balanced… Radio is a hobby, never interfering with duties owed to family, job, school or community.
Patriotic… His/Her station and skills are always ready for service to country and community.
– adapted from the original Amateur’s Code, written by Paul M. Segal, W9EEA, in 1928.
Until next time,
73 de KD0BIK
