Don't Fall Victim to THIS Rookie Mistake!

[@jerryKB2GCG]

Listen first, ask, ask, ask….then go. I’ve more than once been told the frequency was in use when I couldn’t hear the other station. Great advice!

[@bwillan]

Yep, that is in the DX Code of Conduct.

[@outnaboot]

Thank you for sharing your insights! It’s advice like yours that helps everyone avoid those rookie mistakes. Keep spreading the wisdom!

[@kreativspieler]

Indeed. I've had this issue recently when another POTA guy is using this frequency when I'm already on it.

[@outnaboot]

That happens a lot

[@danielrgusa]

The same goes for test transmissions. I can’t stand when I’m doing a POTA activation and an operator jumps on and startes yelling, “test test test, 1,2,3, test” or something similar. It’s very annoying and disrespectful. A little bit of courtesy goes a long way.

[@outnaboot]

I completely understand your frustration! A little courtesy can make all the difference in a community. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@MrTonyd1954]

Great video. Concise and Informative

[@outnaboot]

I really appreciate your kind words! It means a lot to know the video resonated with you.

[@MrTonyd1954]

@ you deserve them. Coming from a 70 year old tech trying to pass his General test. You inspire me to keep at it

[@ericlefebvre1979]

Excellent! Before the start of an activation, I set my frequency, i setup my computer and everything else, it gives me a good 2 to 5 mins to listen in before i send a QRL ?

[@outnaboot]

Merci d'avoir partagé votre démarche ! C’est formidable d’entendre comment vous préparez vos activations. Chaque petit conseil nous aide tous à nous améliorer !

[@WD0OMHamRadio]

This also ties into a lesson that I remember gleaning early from my license study but apparently not everybody does: listen, listen, listen. Listen more than you talk, listen before you talk. It is every ham's responsibility to make sure they're not being an a**hole to other hams. No matter how eager you are to get your voice out there, slow your roll, listen, ask, listen again.

[@outnaboot]

Absolutely! Listening is such a crucial skill, not just in ham radio but in all aspects of life. It helps build better connections and ensures a more respectful environment. Great reminder!

[@jsm136]

This is covered in study materials, guess he only memorized the answers to the questions.

[@outnaboot]

I know a few that I wonder how the heck they got their license.

[@K3JRZOnTheAir]

If you ask more than 3 times someone will appear on the frequency. 73!

[@outnaboot]

Interesting thought! It’s true that persistence can sometimes attract unexpected attention. Thanks for sharing!

[@Howie-wd5oc]

This subject is one of the questions on the current pool of test questions for Technician License here in the US. Listen for a couple of minutes and then call three times asking if the frequency is in use before calling CQ. Thanks for the video, an important reminder. 73

[@outnaboot]

Thanks for sharing that info! It's always crucial to be aware of the frequency use before jumping in. Your advice is spot on!

[@TerryCope-w3p]

Be kind and teach.

[@Private290]

Hello. I enjoy your videos. I didn’t quite understand what you said when you mentioned combining POTA with another activity. What activity did you mention?

[@outnaboot]

@@Private290 POTA with WWFF or Lighthouses on the air or any other program.

[@Private290]

Thank you

[@fm71450]

Very timely, as always! As some others have pointed out, PLEASE LISTEN FIRST!. Of course, you correctly stated that a station may be in someone’s “skip zone”, and listening may not reveal that the frequency IS IN USE! Anyway, from S.E.Tenn, Thank You. KQ4IXD

[@outnaboot]

Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm glad you found the video helpful. Your support means a lot to me!

[@TerryCope-w3p]

If someone scolds there not a good operator.

[@outnaboot]

Thank you for sharing your perspective! It’s important to foster a positive environment where we can learn from each other without the harshness.

[@Robbie-sk6vc]

Always listen! That's why we have one mouth, yet two ears! It doesn't hurt to listen for a couple of minutes. But I guess that's touch to ask these days! Hams are becoming as ignorant as the rest of the population it sounds like. Very sad!

[@outnaboot]

Thank you for your insightful comment! I completely agree-listening is crucial, and I appreciate you taking the time to share your perspective.

[@1OFGODSOWN]

POTA is a waste of good band space just like Nets,Contests, FT8,& FT4,and they should All be Banned from the WARC Bands. It has really gotten out of hand and I just want to 🤮 every time I hear another one.👎🏻💩🎙

[@outnaboot]

As a POTA person, I agree it is getting out of control. That is why I have removed everything to do about POTA or any other program when I go out to chase DX from a portable location. It is hard to work DX, especially on 20m, with every 2 KHZ, someone going CQ POTA. FT8 and FT4, I disagree with your view; they are segmented to their own section of the band, and contests never run on WARC bands. So, you need to know what you are discussing before making blanket statements. It is ok to voice concerns, but you must be factually correct.

[@1OFGODSOWN]

@ POTA stations are all over the WARC Bands so I know what I’m talking about.When I operate Portable with my ICOM 703+ I Never operate as a POTA Station no matter where I am.I operate as a QRP Portable and I’m not activating anything other than my radio.I don’t collect Awards just some contacts. I’m a DX Chaser from home or a New grid square on 6 or 2 meters.I don’t need any contact to be confirmed since I keep my own records and I don’t do any electronic logs just good old fashioned paper and pen.👍🎙

[@outnaboot]

@@1OFGODSOWN, I agree with you about POTA on the WARC bands. As I said, POTA seems to be every 2 KHz on all bands, talking over everyone. Like you, I operate portable with a primary focus on working DX. Good luck with your QRP.

[@reneandersen3264]

@@1OFGODSOWN QRP is a waste of good radio time...

[@WD0OMHamRadio]

I'm sorry you're so deeply invested in being wrong.

[@cannong1728]

Listen first...then, QRZed... is the frequency in use please x 3...the golden rule.

[@outnaboot]

QRZ is that correct? The Q code "QRZ" is a three-letter radio shorthand signal that means "Who is calling me?" -- I don't think QRZ is really needed...just ask "Is the frequency in use?"

[@cannong1728]

Been a ham since 1977, I know what qrz means, thanks. It's not strictly necessary, but it is acceptable and common enough on the bands.

[@Thinks-First]

Lithps.

[@outnaboot]

Huh?

[@joseneves2822]

Ask three or more times and listen deep down 😉 73 de CT7BDO

[@outnaboot]

Great advice! Listening is definitely a crucial part of improving and avoiding rookie mistakes. Thanks for sharing!