[Fists] Some observations

[Mike D.]

Tomas,

> I have some observations.  And a question or two.  Maybe three.
>
> While I realize that only about ten people are on this reflector
> (at least that is all I count in daily traffic -- could there
> really be more than this?), perhaps they represent all FISTS
> members...


I can assure you that there are a lot more than ten people subscribed to
this list. MOST of the time, I read the posts and don't respond. That's the
way most subscribers are.


> 1.  What is the real purpose of belonging and participating in
> FISTS?  Is it, as Fred stated, to "get certificates?"


What FISTS wants to accomplish
1. To further the use of CW on the amateur bands.
2. To encourage newcomers to the CW mode.
3. To engender friendship within the membership.


> 2.  If it is more than just getting certificates, then why do some
> members ignore other members and requests on-air for assistance?
> For instance:  I copy about 20 wpm on a good day.  When I have had
> a rough day, and my head is spinning, I might do about 17 wpm.  If
> I answer a CQ that seems close to my ability to copy, but then find
> that the OM is going just a tad too fast and I am losing more than
> 60% of the message, I send PSE QRS PSE QRS TNX.  More than 50% of
> the time, the OM does NOT slow down.  And at least 30% of the time,
> the OM *speeds up*.  I did not know that FISTS was about this kind
> of mentoring.

Just because you belong to a club doesn't mean you are the club. Don't blame
FISTS because someone doesn't act in a manner that is acceptable to you.
Most CW ops are continually working to improve their skills -- you are not
unique in that regard. If you don't like the QSO, move on the next one. Last
year I made over 2,000 CW contacts. Some were better than others.


> 3.  There are some ops that send BK at the BEGINNING of a
> transmission, after I have finished my side of the conversation.
> Like:  "...thanks for the nice report.  bk to u de nw7us kn" --
> then the other op goes "bk (pause) fb tom... "
>
> Is that a good practice?  I want to improve my protocol on the
> air.  Can anyone tell me the REAL scoop as to what a conversation
> should or could look like?  The ARRL operating manual does not show
> this at all.

BK is the equivalent of BREAK in voice. It's usually used in QSK. Perhaps
someone will send you a quick question and then BK. You send BK, answer the
question, then send BK again to turn it back. That's my interpretation of
its correct usage. You only have to I.D. every ten minutes, so there is no
need to send your callsign for each exchange.

> FWIW:  I am really starting to feel relaxed with the higher speeds
> that I have attained.  I try to listen to code whenever I am mobile
> -- just to head copy.  I am following more and more of the
> conversations on the bands.  It really is enjoyable.  I also
> participated in the Straight Key Night activity.  It was fun going
> back to the key - I used a straight key for most of my 11 years
> now.  But about two years ago I switched to the side paddle /
> keyer.  I like both.  I might like straight key more, however!


It's all fun, no matter what method you use to send code. You really want a
challenge... get a bug.

73 de Mike, N9BOR