[Fists] Some observations

Mon, 7 Jan 2002 19:45:13 -0800

Tomas, et. al.,

I'm by no means an OT, so take this for what it's worth, but in the
situation you describe with the other op coming back with BK, I interpret
that as short-hand for "I really don't want to repeat our calls again as it
has been much less than 10 mins. since the last ID". :)

In other words, it's a hint to keep the QSO moving by suggesting that both
sides adopt BK at the end of each one's transmission rather than always
repeating calls. Sometimes I take the hint, sometimes I don't, don't ask me
why. If you've ever listened in on a couple of *real* OTs, though, you'll
often hear them ragchew with short bursts ending in BK, almost as fast as a
phone/SSB QSO, only ID'ing either call each 10 mins. (if that).

Another "technique" (aka bad habit) is to come back with something such as R
R de <my call> and continue on. Again, to lower the ratio of ID to real
conversation.

Myself, I try to take this all in the amateur spirit, we are (or at least I
am) out there to have some fun and if the protocol gets a little flakey I
don't let it get to me, though I guess I do have some nits myself. %^) I'm
not training to be a message passer in a military operation, IOW. Other
hams, especially ones who did have formal CW training probably are more
sensitive to getting all the I's ditted and the T's dahhed, if you know what
I mean.

vy 73,

Casey Bahr, KS7J  FISTS nr 3648, CC nr 450, CC/m nr 006
Trustee for FISTS Northwest, K7FFF, FISTS nr 4400, CC nr 457
http://www.tomochka.com/k7fff

> -----Original Message-----
> From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]]On
> Behalf Of Ralph Sutton
> Sent: Monday, January 07, 2002 7:16 PM
> To: Tomas Hood - NW7US; [email protected]
> Subject: Re: [Fists] Some observations
>
>
> 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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