[Fists] Some observations

Tue, 8 Jan 2002 15:16:20 +1200

Dear Tomas,

I am sure that there are dozens of FISTS members subscribing to this
reflector.  Activity on it is a bit like ham radio; you partake of and
participate in what you like.  For instance, I haven't been involved with
the discussions on what the ARRL & FCC are up to as in  ZL and this Zone we
have completely different band plans on some bands.

I didn't get much inspiration from the ARRL Handbook but did get a great
deal of guidance from the ARRL Operating manual.  It has a lot of very
relevant help; especially for new chums.  The RSGB Operating Manual I found
even more helpful.  Either or both are worthwhile additions to a ham's
bookshelf.

It is agreed that some operators take no pleasure in helping others;
hopefully there aren't many in the FISTS ranks.  There used to be a scheme
whereby members could nominate  others who had been observed as being
particularly helpful.  Perhaps we should also do it the other way with a
bouquets and brickbats column in our newsletters.

I hope to catch up with you on the band sometime, Tomas.  Your operating
speed will determine at what lick I come back to you. (Don't make it too
fast as I only ever use a hand key!)  There are a few 5 wpm guys out there
and it is a pleasure to try to assist them.  I know of one or two who have
been afflicted with a stroke or have some physical limitation that keeps
them QRS.  They too deserve all the consideration we can give them.  Who
knows who's next!

Vy 73 de Ralph ZL2AOH FISTS #1073
.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Tomas Hood - NW7US" <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, 8 January 2002 14:31
Subject: [Fists] Some observations

> 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...
>
> 1.  What is the real purpose of belonging and participating in
> FISTS?  Is it, as Fred stated, to "get certificates?"
>
> 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.
>
> 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.
>
> 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!
>
> See ya on the air.
>
>
> --
> 73 de NW7US, Tomas
>
> --
> : http://hfradio.org http://cw.hfradio.org  http://accessnow.com :
> : Brinnon, Washington  -  122.93W - 47.67N  -  CW / SSB DX Hound :
> : 10x56526 - FISTS 7055, FISTS NW 57 - Code Warrior (Mobile) #60 :
> : Brinnon Amateur Radio School Club --- http://hfradio.org/barsc :
> : Amateur Radio Lighthouse Society Number 144 ----- Member, ARRL :
> :      Heliophile - -- - CQ Propagation Editor, CQ Magazine      :
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