Unwritten Rules of Ham Radio

[@totally_not_a_robot1342]

Hell I have my extra class license but am so busy with school that I forget lots of the small things. Best of luck with your ham radio hobby and thanks for the great video.

[@cosmicinsane516]

Hams never find a lack of reasons why other hams are hamming wrong.

[@tedmead465]

Sad hams that is.

[@ChoppingtonOtter]

Seems like that what the hobby is actually about for many.

[@1912rider]

Too many new hams think they know how to ham right when in-fact they are hamming wrong.

[@WhiteCavendish]

So many sad, sad hams. One of the biggest reasons I don't bother with ham radio.

[@daveengstrom9250]

You got that right. Those are the fat guys in their mom's basement... you know, tough guys.

[@Col_Sanders]

I think it's funny when people on brandmeister worldwide TG tell me that I'm coming in 5-9.

[@robertbower9862]

Maybe I missed it, did you mention the dreaded Roger beep? It seems to be the most hated sound on the VHF/UHF bands.

[@seandrake7534]

So how are you supposed to tune in a signal if you go yo a different frequency to tune what am i missing here Yeah im not even a lid yet

[@KM6LYW]

that's a great question - most tuners use the same tuning solution for a 10Khz range or so. go up 3Khz, and it's no different.

[@seandrake7534]

@@KM6LYW I'm still confused how are you supposed to tune the person in when you change the frequency don't you have to be able to hear them when tuning them in I'm assuming you are talking about fine tuning and why is the radio transmitting noise while you're turning them in

[@ashemoski]

​@@seandrake7534- He's referring to using an automatic antenna tuner to tune the radio to the antenna which requires the radio to transmit. A small change in frequency won't affect this, so you do it slightly off if the frequency that's in use. "Tuning in" the frequency of the person you hear talking is done with the VFO (or tuning) knob. Hope this helps. - K0ALS

[@seandrake7534]

@@ashemoski ok thanks for that clarification

[@KeystoneInvestigations]

Instead of trying to learn how to use your radio you should learn how to play your guitar!

[@DonzLockz]

Great for new guys like me. You are right, some of this was not fully communicated in training well enough I think. I am guilty of kerchunking cause of suffering "mic fright". 🤷‍♂️ Thanks Craig,....my name is Don and I'm a LID!😆🙋‍♂️73

[@KM6LYW]

literally made me LOL Don! thanks for the support ;)

[@skullyface]

A lot of hams dealt with (or deal with) mic fright. Just remember, you aren't talking to perfect people...we don't expect you to be perfect either. I got my ticket in 2017 and I STILL flub my own call sometime. You will eventually get to the point where it comes natural.

[@jamess1787]

I'm going to get a fellow commonwealth station on HF one day.... 🙏... One day...

[@chichimus]

Good topic, good channel :) A few points I'd like to add. ZED is used because ZEE is too easy to confuse with b,c,d,e,g etc. I would still encourage hams to use the phonetic alphabet anytime they're on the radio. Gets you familiar with it and it was designed for clarity. It does help. Especially if you have any hint of an accent which you probably do to someone out there. My first call had an "F" in it and it was constantly misheard, even on 2m, as "S" You may hear a rare(ish) station ragchewing on HF. No matter how much you want to contact them, wait. Do Not start barging in on the conversation. They don't owe you a contact. You forgot one of my favourites, The ham who is on HF calling CQ "CQ, CQ, CQ, CQ, CQ, CQ, CQ, CQ, CQ, CQ, CQ, CQ, CQ, CQ, CQ, CQ, CQ, CQ, CQ, CQ, CQ, CQ, CQ, CQ, CQ, CQ, CQ, CQ, CQ, CQ, CQ, CQ, XYZ123" and waits 2 seconds and repeats. Please don't do this.

[@jamess1787]

Zed is the way to go 😉

[@Terry-ib6uv]

"Q signal", "R-S-T system" and "S meter" are three separate methods of signal reporting. For example, S-7 (S meter) does not necessarily equate to 5-7 (RST system). S meters are indicating a physical relative signal at the receiver antenna terminals. RST reports are based upon what you are hearing. Wikipedia is misleading on the relationship between S meters and RST. Telling someone they are "5-9 plus _" is nonsensical. Best of best regardses Craig ...a fun video! 😊

[@stargazer7644]

The R in the RST system is based on how well you're hearing. The S in RST is in fact your S meter reading.

[@electrolytics]

Use the NATO phonetics. Hams out there picking random words out of thin air to use for phonetics is confusing and annoying. That's why it's standardized. Is this really because people can't remember Alpha, Delta, Charlie etc.....

[@stargazer7644]

Don't use phonetics on VHF? Say what? You use phonetics any time clarity is needed, regardless of what band or voice mode you're using.

[@CliffFoxKU4GW]

The most common method to break in and join a QSO on a repeater is to key up between the other station's transmissions and simply say your callsign.

[@nativetexan9776]

Yeah that is great as long as they are not quick keying and not leaving room to break in..

[@nealbeach4947]

Ive called CQ on the 2m simplex frequencies for 44 years as have most of the old guys in my area but never on a repeater frequency.

[@dougc190]

As a trucker I have a hotish CB, so it's tough to not say the 10 codes when I am on the ham radio. Also seems like everybody loves to talk too fast whether it's phonetic or non phonetic. It's like they have to be airline pilots

[@Henryham-g8tmh]

If you want to call CQ on 2mts go ahead. If I hear a station doing it I will still reply to them the same as any other calls I hear. The only thing you need to worry about is, keep within your license privileges. K.I.S.S. A little common sense and listening will get you through the rest. Don’t make a very simple thing like talking on your radio so complexed. Enjoy the ride, you ain’t never going to kill anyone by playing radio. 73

[@cbman4767]

The reason it is called "LID" is back in the day the new operators would build a receiver that would tap on a coffee can lid to receive Morse code. They still had more then the basic hams of today.

[@dennism.calderone9461]

My Elmer taught me to also tune HF in a different mode and lower power, for instance, if I am tuning I switch from USB or LSB to AM and reduce poser to 15 watts. Tune the radio to the antenna and then switch back to USB or LSB. Power should be back at original setting, if not bump up to the power level you need to transmit and make the contact.

[@eugenecbell]

Why is this procedure desirable? I’m new and don’t get it. Your odd mode will still transmit on the frequency you are trying to not interrupt, no? I’m also not understanding if the auto antenna tuning actually has to transmit.

[@sstorholm]

@@eugenecbellno idea what’s the purpose of switching mode, but tuning requires some power to be transmitted, most radios will reduce power themselves when tuning, as well as switching mode to AM or CW so it transmits a constant carrier.

[@jackK5FIT]

Great suggestions along with a great delivery. Thanks. We have a bunch of new hams and I will show this video at our Jan. club meeting. Thanks again.

[@Roddy1965]

I find many ops say their call so darn fast on VHF you can't get the call. That's ok for when they're talking to their buddies, and know how they sound etc., but otherwise it can be really different to hear the 'speed mumble' callsign.

[@bensmith4563]

I think most say their call too fast on every band

[@Henryham-g8tmh]

Just ask them to repeat it slowly , but yes a lot of stations tend to rush their callsign. Guess it’s an offshoot of the high pressure fast lives we live.

[@eugenecbell]

They even do it at the ham club, they all know each other for years and I’m new. I think they think I’m retarded because I give my call with the phonic alphabet.

[@bobviously]

They should mention the CQ stuff on the blasted test then. How can we know this crap when we're brand new?

[@LarryAllenTonar]

RTFM from ARRL

[@utahradioman]

I always use phonetics on VHF UHF FM, especially when I'm the NCS running our club net and checking in late or missed, and visitor stations. And phonetics are required for DEM RACES Nets.

[@dougtaylor7724]

If you are curious about what NOT to do, listen in on 7.200 or 3.927. They will gladly demonstrate how to be a complete pain in the rear.

[@1912rider]

truth! Same with 146.520 in most metro areas of the US

[@stargazer7644]

Perhaps you don't realize 80m is regional and the internet is global.

[@LarryAllenTonar]

80m is often worldwide & internet is getting more fragmented all the time by dictators and corrupt governments

[@NeatFreq]

Mr. Jones - Counting Crows

[@nativetexan9776]

If it is not listed on FCC rules and regs, it is gentleman's agreement passed down through decades of operators and needs to be respected by incoming CB operators

[@wb2dx717]

when checking in to a net on vhf it is generally preferred to use phonetic alphabet to aid the net control station, this helps in 2 ways. one is to clarify your call and second is to give the NCS time to write it down. and usually goes like this, this is wx2y , whiskey Xray 2 Yankee, also use of phonetics is standard practice when one makes contact with a new station on any ham band.

[@ag1382]

Always considered HF Q codes and Phonetics were not used with FM Analog and definitely not with Digital voice. Exceptions would be a net control station requesting phonetics as a normal procedure for the net, or by a station attempting to hear a station that may be extremely difficult to hear. How about LOUD and Clear report using DMR, C4FM, etc., LOUD usually represents terrible audio.

[@southtxblues]

I always use standard phonetics because when I didn't, people do not pick up the difference on "S" and "F", and "B" and "V" and "D" and "T". Plus not every ham has great enunciation.

[@GH0ST369]

Thanks for the ham etiquette.

[@graftedbranch4480]

This was very helpful. Thanks

[@andrewm4564]

I am not and have never been a ham radio operator. However, my dad was a ham from the 1950's (maybe late 40's) until his death in 1980. I still have his logbook. I saw in his logbook that I had written my name in 1959 when I was four years old. For some reason, I remember his callsign. Is there any reason why I should not tell you or someone else his callsign? Thanks for your help. I enjoyed listening to this program.

[@chrisbeerad8835]

im done with weather reports . Im done with people being too scared to talk about life changing events . its gutless . . taking antennas down asap and get involved with people and hobbies that create strength not poor health and weak minds . seven threes all . enjoy ya 5 n9 60 degrees windy and 70 % humidity for the next 20 years i got a life to live .

[@cbman4767]

The other thing is NEVER talk about religion or politics on Amateur radio.

[@KM6LYW]

That was literally on my notes -- i skipped it somehow. :) Agreed.

[@alzeNL]

meanwhile on 80 meters.... ;)

[@KM6LYW]

@@alzeNL I know right? anything goes

[@JakeSweeper]

Heh... We get that too often on CB; channel 19 can get like an audio version of Twitter.

[@chrisbeerad8835]

in todays political environment and censorship i think we should be discussing politics a lot.

[@Ardren]

I don't understand why I shouldn't call CQ on 2m/70cm? How else are you meant to announce that you're trying to make a contact on simplex frequencies? (I know people are funny about saying CQ on a repeater, but saying "Listening" means exactly the same IMO). (Edit: Referring to the image that was up on the screen)

[@KM6LYW]

Yah, i'll admit I've called CQ on 146.52, repeaters, not so much.

[@1912rider]

Simple: "any station on frequency this is (your call)" - make that calla few times on either a somplex frequency or on an open repeater frequency. Or you can say something like "(your call) listening and standing by for a call". Or, you can call CQ on 2 meters and not get the response you're looking for. Oh, someone will talk to you, but it will probably be someone explaining to you why we don't call CQ on 2 meter FM.

[@Riverfurm]

Two of my pet peeves. Saying callsign and adding "for ID" Ahhh ...what else is you callsign for? At the end of a conversation say callsign then saying clear. Clear from what? That is what police or rescue squads say after being dispatched to a scene and then they are done. "KMG365 clear" meaning they are ready for their next assignment.

[@motorcyclesafari]

Don't use the phonetic alphabet on VHF???? NO. ALWAYS use it. Many people speak so fast you have no idea what they just said unless they SPELL it. Also, you are assuming they have a great signal into the repeater. If they do NOT then the receiver will need help to copy their call.

[@cbman4767]

Use the Phonetic Alphabet when checking a net on ALL frequency's, (HF, VHF and UHF). It is to respect the net controller. Some may have over 200 hams checking the net all with different accents and please DON'T use the US crap like Adam, use the real version Alpha.

[@stargazer7644]

Photogenic?

[@PeterLawton]

I wonder if speechelo (sp?) or one of those other text-to-speech generators has a voice option for auctioneer. That might be fun for your Patreon list.

[@anonymousperson8487]

Ham Karen. Zzzzzz

[@tedmead465]

Best practices are designed by self appounted " cool kids" you cant expect others to blindly follow ambigious rules. Use the nato alphabet because sometimes a dialect or tone of voice does not come over clear enough to understand. What you hear and what is recieved is completely different.

[@kellydiver]

I’ve never heard of ”don’t use the phonetic alphabet on VHF” before. Is that really a thing? I always use phonetic the first time or when the signal is not clear, as it was developed to improve clarity of comms.

[@poorkidd]

Is all the ham community keven rule snobs? where are all the ham hacks at?

[@MindKontrolleProject]

I thought a Lid was 1/4 lb of doobage. Oh well..... Smoke em' if You Got em' 🙃🙃🙃🤪🙃😉🙃

[@justawfulgamer7738]

Rule #1. Don't be a dick

[@1912rider]

Amen!

[@clarencehammer3556]

Excellent and very important video. 73 de KL7CH

[@caseykc7abc499]

Signal check not radio check!

[@1912rider]

Amen!

[@joel6221]

We say Q R ZED because saying "Zee (Z) can sound like "See (C)"

[@stargazer7644]

And because the 26th letter of the alphabet is pronounced zed in every English speaking country in the world except one.

[@jd1029]

This was great! Thanks K4TGX

[@MrSabram07]

Yeah the worst part about ham radio is talking

[@ProspectorsGhost]

I can remember back years ago when I was young back in the 1960’s that Hams loved to fire up a ham radio and talk to other hams either locally or around the world about things such as what equipment they had either bought or personally built etc.. Yes, they also did contests pertaining to seeing how many contacts they could reach around the world sort of like what CBers would call “Shooting Skip” as well. But, from What I’ve seen and heard by many of the hams here on youtube that’s no longer the case. It has now turned into a world of nothing more than “Round the World” Contest’s and they frown upon other hams if all they just want to do is use their ham radio’s for nothing more than talking to other hams either locally or around the world about things such as what equipment they had either bought or personally built etc.. From their own mouths, Quote, “You have to keep it short and sweet” unquote. They conveniently imply without saying so that anything else is not acceptable. Evidently it’s become nothing more than keep it short and sweet with only a 30 to 60 second “Shoot Skip” style of contact to as many contacts as they can or else it is in violation of FCC Ham Radio rules and regulations as well as ham radio etiquette because it interferes with and interrupts other ham radio operators doing their contests. To me it’s sad that the World of Ham Radio has become that way. With that in mind it’s no wonder why they have trouble getting more people into ham radio as it is no longer fun.

[@ProspectorsGhost]

@@1912rider Thank You Sir. Here are a couple more questions. According to FCC rules and regulations a person is only allowed to hold one license. Ok, here is a real life scenario. If you are already licensed for GMRS and you have a GMRS call sign and you decide to upgrade to Amateur Radio and you actually pass the tests and get a ham license does the FCC issue you another call sign. If so, then it brings up the following 2 questions. Question one. - What happens to the GMRS license and call sign? Does the GMRS license and call sign stay valid and you have to use the GMRS call sign on GMRS frequencies and the Ham Radio license and call sign on the Ham frequencies or does the Ham license and call sign override and invalidate the GMRS license and call sign and you can only use the Ham radio license and call sign on and for both GMRS and Amateur radio frequencies? Question 2. - When you apply for a GMRS license you have to apply for and get an FCC ID number prior to applying for the GRMS license. When you pass the test for a Ham Radio License do you use the same FCC ID number you applied for and received for GMRS for the Ham Radio license or do you have to apply again for a different FCC ID number prior to applying for a Ham Radio license and call sign?. Just curious, as I’m already a licensed GMRS operator and now I’m trying to study for and get a ham radio Technician’s class license. Do you or anybody else out there know the answer to those questions?

[@N7VAN...]

How do you call on National Simplex? Is it just 'call sign and listening'?

[@KM6LYW]

In my observations, most people through out their callsigns and location. I could see CQ on national simplex too. I don't think there's a convention.

[@mitchellsmith4601]

When I got my Novice in the early eighties, we were taught to only use CQ for Morse Code, not voice.

[@terryparker1694]

You were taught wrong.

[@brentjohnson6654]

Good video on the practice of ham radio. I am recently licensed Tech & General in 2020. I am slowly building up my hardware for both home (QTH) and mobile. I like the treat others as you want to be treated. Al the best. 73 de KI5HXM

[@1912rider]

Fun fact: QTH is the spot where you are at the moment, be you mobile or stationary.

[@eugenecbell]

When I was in college a LID was a good thing.

[@roscoe1052]

Thanks, this vid was very helpful.

[@sacsmitty]

The one urinal rule!!! 😂😂😂

[@greenflagracing7067]

good vid, you got a subscriber. 73s good buddy.

[@greenflagracing7067]

@@ToppKatt7 one day, YL, you'll discover the concept of a joke. 73s, putz.

[@matturner6890]

"full quieting" sounds a little close to "Li'l quietly" over the radio, so that's confusing! I guess I was actually coming in clearly when I radiochecked for the first time yesterday... Also, the live bumper is great, haha! You're a good player! 73

[@JoseArrom]

I have noticed many people forget to identify themselves every 10 minutes during long conversations, especially older folks.

[@rftech1608]

best bumper music ever! what is a lid? lol

[@stargazer7644]

A lid is a noob operator

[@1912rider]

There are no "radio checks" in amateur radio, they are however available and abundant on CB channel 19 and any of the various GMRS repeaters.

[@robertdaniel2735]

Great video... you have described my issues exactly... and solved my issues. Thank you! Out of Canada 73.😀👍

[@thomaslange2262]

Highly recommend Don Keith's N4KC book Riding the Shortwaves. that covers a bunch of "now what" info that is perfect for new ham's.

[@MountainMan7.62x39]

OMG I had no idea about the tuning sound

[@stargazer7644]

You're putting out a carrier while tuning - that's a tone.

[@williambrooks6629]

Thanks for the video. You covered a big subject and there are a lot of Hams out there who want to do things their way. I don't want to come across as being dramatic but particularly on HF, you are representing your country. When you give your callsign, the world is listening. 73 Will VK5WB

[@Insaniac99]

Just about everyone of these (except kerchunking the repeater) I've heard people explicitly advise the opposite of you, LoL

[@theodoreroberts3407]

I'm on my second license and I'm still a lid. Only my club told me about some of the best practices. I am willing to listen so I can become a better operater. 2 and 70 cm. To date, I have never argued with anyone. The repeater does cut me off when I'm gving my call sign.

[@FirstLast-fl7mo]

Phonetics are really useful for the whole B, D, E, V confusion

[@KM6LYW]

.... P, Z, C, G, T

[@stargazer7644]

@@KM6LYW Always pronounce your Z's as zed (as every single English speaking country in the world except one does) and you can remove that one from your list.

[@edschroer613]

What am I missing? I was taught "Z" is Zulu.

[@travisbakeriii3053]

Zulu is in the alphabet. I use Zed from time to time. I'm aware British and Canadians say Zed for Z. They're interchangeable and I haven't been criticized for it. QRZed is always used to move on to another call in a contest.

[@1912rider]

Zed is the Latin script letter "Z". Just like metric measurement, most folks around the world use Zed.

[@stargazer7644]

Zulu is the phonetic for Zed. Zed is the name of the 26th letter of the alphabet in every English speaking country in the world except one.

[@Andrew-bj1tk]

You are still a lid!

[@craig9309]

w00t! take off eh!? ya nob

[@eugenecbell]

Lol

[@XJwolf4]

Found a video of the baofeng siren. Yeah, its annoying as hell.

[@jeffsimmons4686]

Good stuff here for a brand new tech, namely me. Guitar player also :) Thank you, learned a lot here.

[@AubsUK]

7:36 - It's Zed not Zee, because that's how the letter is supposed to be pronounced in English (aka British English)! 😜 "zed is technically the correct version in England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Canada, India, Australia, and New Zealand, and zee is technically correct in the United States"

[@tpobrienjr]

Being a LID is knowing better and still doing it.

[@JoJa015]

I am new to Ham Radio. Is it possible to use digital aids to help interpret and communicate in CW?

[@KM6LYW]

Yes! checkout "fldigi", it can decode and encode CW. At least it tries.

[@JoJa015]

@@KM6LYW I assume by you saying it tries, it is not the best at decoding it right? I wonder with machine learning if a model could be trained to decode Morse code.

[@cwguy8960]

Learning morse code is not difficult - despite what you might be led to believe. Many thousands of hams were required to learn it back in the day. 26 letters, 10 digits, a few other symbols...I recall learning it in a week - but after that, practice makes perfect. It's still my favorite mode. I learned off of a Radio Shack cassette tape back in 1980 using the EISHTMO method. Right there are 7 letters you can teach yourself tonight! Good luck - I hope to hear you on CW sometime!!

[@bensmith4563]

@cw guy I find it to be incredibly difficult to learn code what is easy for some isn't for others

[@cwguy8960]

@@bensmith4563 Yes, totally. I practiced daily for a long time, and then when I could get on the air, I tried to use it daily, or at least copy code if I wasn't in a qso. To this day, over 40 years later, I still try to listen most days, even if I have to stream it through my iphone via an online SDR receiver for a few minutes. It seems that constant exposure hammers it home. There are several techniques for learning - perhaps you might want to try a different method that works better for you. I really hope you succeed!!

[@jukingeo]

0:30 Mr. Jones - Counting Crows. Wow! A lot of good info here. I had been on the fence about getting a ham license for a while. However, I really didn't fully know what it is that ham radio operators do. Most videos I have seen, it seems as if a ham radio operator makes a contact, and the two parties identify each other, and discuss location and maybe a few words about gear and / or the weather in their area and then they move on. Conversations seem to be very short and very monotonous. There is very little small talk or what ham operators refer to as "rag chewing". While that might be fine or even fun for those wanting to ONLY make DX contacts, it has me wondering if you want to have a lengthy conversation with someone. I have even heard that repeaters can time you out! So, that being said, I been getting the gist that "rag chewing" is frowned upon. I am wondering now, if I might be better off going the route of CB radio as the investment is far less and you don't need a license. Rag chewing is a big thing there...or at least as far as I remember. I remember that CB was very big in the 70's and a good part of the 80's. I have heard that truckers still use CB today, but not to the extent as it used to be. The problem with CB is the limited power and range, even though I have heard of instances of where it is possible to "skip" transmissions off the atmosphere and long distance communication is possible. But, while it is cheaper, I am not sure if I should make the investment into CB gear, only to find that no one in my area is using CB radio. Whereas, I know the field of Ham radio is alive and well and can definitely do DX work. So even though your video has shed some more light on what it is that ham operators do and the unwritten rules they follow, I am still very much on the fence about getting into ham radio. I been thinking about getting a receiver only radio and perhaps just listen to what is going on, at least that isn't as big of an investment as a transceiver. I don't know. I guess I just still need more information.

[@KM6LYW]

Yup! MrJones! Ham radio is what you make of it. It's about community. each repeater has a different "vibe" just like any other chat room. some are for ragchewing, some are literally for search-and-rescue operations. get that scanner! in a busy area you'll get a feel for the communities. On HF, on contest days, it's just callsigns and gridsquares being exchanged, and that's okay too.

[@jukingeo]

@@KM6LYW Up to now, I was mostly watching KZbin clips and was getting the gist that Ham radio seems to be about quick contacts, unless there is an emergency situation to talk about. But outside of that, I would think that just looking for contacts alone would get pretty stale, after a while. But yeah, I would be more along the lines of rag-chewing. At any rate, it did look like I was going to have to buy some kind of radio to see what was out there. I did some research and had come across a classic radio that might fit the bill. It is the Panasonic RF-1150. It features SW with SSB and also the CB band. It also has AM/FM too. It has connections for an external antenna and runs off batteries. So I am probably going to go with that, just to see what is out there. Thanks for the input!

[@hayato4574]

Please use the NATO Alphabet. Italy, sugar, kilowatt, sansibar or radio are NOT part of this alphabet. Each time i hear this substitutions my blood preasure is increasing. 😫

[@jiml40]

Don’t let the little things get to you 😊

[@1912rider]

Amen! I do not respond to ops using alternate phonetics.

[@eugenecbell]

This for the same reason we don’t learn CW by counting. Both cause extra brain activities to be performed and are to be avoided.

[@MindKontrolleProject]

I like Naughty Phonetics A as in Adultery B as in Bondage C as in Crapped my pants...... 🤪

[@stargazer7644]

That would be Zanzibar. It's an island in Africa.

[@snort455]

this is good stuff. Thank u

[@dolphstarwind1183]

I may have been guilty of accidentally hitting the siren button on my Baofeng while tuned to a repeater. I don't have my license yet and was just listening. I panicked and just quickly turned off the radio and kept it off for a while. On a related note, there is an option in the menu to have that panic noise just played through the speaker and not transmitted, which i quickly did when I got home.

[@craig9309]

We've all been there! "hey what does this..." SIREN SIREN SIREN! :)

[@Jeff-sp7bg]

Don't worry about it. Ham radio would be dead without jammers

[@johnwest7993]

'7 3' is inappropriate to say. The expression is '73'. No 'seven-thirds'. No seventy threes'. No '7's and 3's'. No '7 3'. Just say 'seventy three'.

[@1912rider]

Wrong. It is "Seven Three". That's it. Not "seventy-three" or "seventy threes" or even "seven threes". I'm not sure which bands / frequencies you're listening to, but it's been "seven three" globally for a little more than a century.

[@johnwest7993]

@@1912rider, On sideband in the 1960's on HF in the USA I heard 73. I listened to a whole lot of hams say just that. I can only point out what I heard thousands of times.

[@skullyface]

Great video. I could have used this when I was a noob. Thanks for mentioning tuning up on a frequency. It's one of my pet peeves and results in an instant "LID" comment under my breath. Others have already mentioned the use of phonetic alphabet on VHF/UHF. Some nets will actually require phonetic check-ins. It's best to listen for a while and see what other hams in your area are doing. If you are on a net like an ARES net, for example, follow their rules on check-in procedures. Usually they will ask for a full phonetic callsign only once at check-in. Excellent video. Keep up the great content. 73

[@joel6221]

@11:24 What is the gizmo that says "ALDER"?

[@KM6LYW]

Welcome to the channel :). i go on and on about that thing. digipi.org

[@goodoz9942]

Here's the best way to chase me away from a QSO/rag chew. Part 97 requires that a station/operator identify "their station call sign" to begin, every 10 minutes thereafter and to end a QSO. When I respond to an operator's CQ and realize that they are in the habit of identifying both my call sign and their call sign at the end of "every" transmission, I may try to hang in for a few exchanges depending on my level of interest. But in general, one of my next transmissions will usually be, "hey, something just came up...gotta' run, 73." To make that even more annoying (IMO), many do that using phonetics. We already stated and acknowledged each other's call sign at the beginning of the qso...there's no need to keep sounding it out as if I don't know who you are (or who I am). We're not trying to land a 777...can't we just have a pleasant talk, exchange some knowledge, express some humor? Having said all of that, I usually do check out of a QSO by stating the other station's call sign followed by mine...without phonetics! If, at that point, the other station still did not copy my call sign, they are welcome to ask...no problem. Everyone goes in the log and I sometimes forget too! Cheers and 73!

[@jaym1301]

It's probably just a newbie afraid he or she will go over the 10 minute rule and get into trouble so they err on the side of caution and exchange callsigns in every over. I wouldn't worry about it, I'd just ignore it. Pretty soon they'll be comfortable enough talking on the radio that they'll forget to ID the way most of us do. :)

[@1912rider]

You might consider which band you're working. Some foreign nations regulatory agencies require their licensees to ID both their station and that of the foreign station. So, if you're working the HF bands, while not particularly common, it is possible you will hear a station ID their station and the station they're QSOing. 30 years ago when I was coming up it was said to me that there is only one (my call) on the planet, say your call proudly and frequently. Every over, probably a bit much, but there is no rule prohibiting it.

[@jimedwards9310]

All good advice. ❤

[@echofoxtrotwhiskey1595]

New tech question. I know the FCC wants hams to communicate in English, but if you’re in range of a repeater in Mexico for example, what language should you use?

[@KM6LYW]

good question, i don't know if there is a regulation, however I hear people start in English, then switch to a favorite language.

[@JakeSweeper]

As to that, my understanding of the rule is that only the callsign needs to be said in English, preferably phonetically, at the beginning, about every 10 mins of transmission, and at the end of the contact. So long as that rule is obeyed along with no encoded messages (hidden meanings), the conversing stations can talk in whatever language they desire.

[@stargazer7644]

There is no FCC requirement to communicate in English on amateur radio. 97.119 requires your ID on phone to be in English, that's it. Your ID needs to be at the end and every 10 minutes during a contact. There is no FCC requirement to ID at the beginning of a contact, but it is good practice so the person talking to you knows who to call.

[@sacsmitty]

Funny, I just now discovered the channel, so much content to catch up with. I was told to never use the term “monitoring” at any time. Is it appropriate to give someone a 5 9 signal report on a repeater?

[@KM6LYW]

LOL - thanks for hanging out with us. sooo, no on the 59 on a repeater. Unless they want to know how well you receive the repeater itself. For some reason on VHF we give "percents"... " you're about 80% into the repeater"

[@sacsmitty]

@@KM6LYW I’ll own it, I use “arm chair copy” for a solid signal into a repeater. I have no idea if that’s objectionable, I just enjoy saying it.

[@thomasmanson1119]

Hey, thanks for this Craig, this is a great topic especially for us old guys that have lot touch with current ham stds! I’m a EE that really just took my general test a few years ago and never spent a lot of time rag chewing or contesting, these unwritten rules are perfect for me. 73 Tom KC3QAC

[@AI5DQ]

That was Mr. Jones wasn't it?

[@KM6LYW]

Winner! Counting Crows, Mr Jones

[@junkman2758]

Zed is a word not a letter or a proper phonetic in the US. Free America please say QRZ. Rest of the stuff sounds pretty good

[@jamess1787]

Boo. It's QR zed, don't be lazy. Zee is too easily confused with too many other letters in the Q list.

[@bensmith4563]

Most of the rest of the world z is zed not zee

[@junkman2758]

@@bensmith4563 yea well in America unlike the rest of the world we still use freedom units to measure not metric. I’ll still say zee or if needed phonetically “Zulu” because “America”

[@Man0fMeans]

Q R Zulu

[@stargazer7644]

Zed is the name of the 26th letter of the alphabet in every English speaking country on the planet except one.

[@MrSabram07]

So all the q codes are the same as the 10 codes. Why change?

[@LarryAllenTonar]

Q codes were first.

[@terryparker1694]

No they are not.

[@N1IA-4]

It would be great if the ARRL took the lead on educating new hams on ethics and courtesy on the air. 20M SSB is a terrible place to be on, imho. A lot of rude and crazy boomers who run way too much power and talk way too much about nothing. Thinking of others, keeping it brief, and LISTEN are key touchpoints. Good video.

[@stargazer7644]

And you think calling someone a "crazy boomer" isn't being rude?

[@N1IA-4]

@@stargazer7644 this didn’t go over the air - this is KZbin

[@stargazer7644]

@@N1IA-4 And that makes a difference how?

[@N1IA-4]

@@stargazer7644 The topic of the video is on-the-air practices. Not social media practices. People think they can do what they want on the air with zero consequences. This video is educational. My opinion about the video - and those whom it refers- on a social media platform is my right and irrelevant. The FCC has rules about on the air conduct. KZbin has totally different rules about speech. But it isn't limited just because it hurts someone's feelings.

[@stargazer7644]

@@N1IA-4 Or maybe you're just a richard wherever you go.

[@stephenweiss8457]

Like the video FROM Nova Scotia, Canada, Stephen VA1SIW (Glenmont N.S. VE1AEH-R #144.180, NODE 309062.) 73

[@pale_2111]

Great video. I had a few experiences with lids in my short time as a HAM. One time I was on 15m in early 2022 calling CQ. Made a few contacts that day and had some nice 10 to 15 min QSO'S. One station from Hawaii came back to me. Just after we finished our QSO, some station called the gentleman from Hawaii, completely ignored me. Didn't put his call and waited to be recognized. Nope, just called the station in Hawaii so he can work them on SSB. Needles to say, I got heated over it. I'm perfectly fine with people wanting to join in on a qso, but put out a callsign and wait to be recognized, we'll get a round table going. Don't call a station when there's a qso going on, even if one hasn't worked whatever country, state or county. Just wait until someone has recognized you. Don't just start calling stations when the frequency is in use. 73, W4ISB Mike in Tennessee

[@lisocampos8080]

The best practice is to just talk and have fun and you don't need a license like the rest of the sheep.

[@mjktrash]

I outright refuse to use "Zed"... It's either "Zee" or Zebra, period.

[@terryparker1694]

You're doing it wrong.

[@jimglover6448]

delay = "0.5" #number of seconds to pause after displaying each line while IFS= read -r line; do echo $line sleep $delay done

[@TonyYork-KB9RAO]

Kerchunking a repeater is also illegal, transmitting without Identifying yourself.

[@stargazer7644]

It's perfectly legal so long as you ID within 10 minutes. It just isn't proper.

[@the1spyderryder]

It's not required to have music. LID is a CBr

[@ml.2770]

I can call cq wherever I want including 2m fm.

[@1912rider]

certainly you can, but you might not get the desired response if you call CQ on VHF / UHF FM

[@garycook5125]

Right between the "no music" rule and the "no broadcasting" rule (that you mentioned), is the rule that's most often violated. That one you skipped, is the rule that says not to use the ham frequencies for "communications on a regular basis". It says to use other available radio services, instead (CB radio, cell phone, GMRS). All of these rules fall under "FCC 97.113 Prohibited Transmissions". Remember, the FCC requires a test, because they want assurance that they are only going to issue a license to those who will respect (and follow), all of their rules. If any of the FCC rules weren't important, they wouldn't have created, and published them. All repeater communities are expected to follow the same set of rules (those published by the FCC). These rules aren't up for interpretation; they're very clear. The constant talking over the Amateur Radio Service bands by licensees, as if they were using a CB radio, shows disrespect for their license, and the license of Hams who choose not to violate the FCC rules. If the rules aren't important, there's no point in taking a test and getting an Amateur Radio Service license, just start transmitting on ham frequencies (like a CB radio operator); you don't need a license to break the rules.

[@DonzLockz]

What about regular Net's? Is that allowed officially, do they define regular communications?

[@garycook5125]

@@DonzLockz 99% of so-called "Training Nets" are nothing more than round table roll calls, and "ragchew" gossip sessions that unnecessarily tie up repeaters. This also violates FCC 97.113 (specifically subsection a,5). During extended times of national emergencies where other communications are unavailable, checking on people via radio is encouraged. Under no emergency, these "nets" are only playgrounds for bored people, and do nothing to serve the public.

[@christophermcclellan8730]

How dare people use a radio to *gasp* talk to people?! I mean, don’t use the National calling frequencies to chat with your buddy. Move it to a different frequency, but good grief dude… I wonder why younger guys feel like they’re not welcome in the hobby.

[@chrisbeerad8835]

i use 10.4 on 20m . who cares? hf is hf put ya top hat away

[@roberteshelman5917]

Thanks ,Craig. I’m a new ham and this is very helpful to me. 73. KQ4RUG.

[@riaanzs1zarconradie291]

Hit the PTT and wait at least 2 seconds before transmitting. MOST guys are scanning multiple repeaters and simplex frequencies. Your transmission might be so quick that nobody even pick up your transmission. It's over before the radios scan sequence reach your frequency. 73/88

[@lickablestinkage7783]

I had a lot of intrest in amatuer radio during high school, my science teacher was a huge radio guy, unfortunately I kind of lost intrest after high school, but Im starting to get intrested in it again and thinking about getting an amatuer radio liscense now. These tips will help a lot if I do

[@1912rider]

I wish you luck in your pursuit of an amateur license. Even if you don't get on the radio often, the license and the radio are good things to have. You never know when you might need it.