[Fists] Re: Fists digest, Vol 1 #17 - 8 msgs

[Arnie Macy]

Tomas wrote in part ...

> 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.
>
I don't think there is a *set* way to do a CW qso.  As long as I can copy
the fist on the other end, I am pretty much a happy camper.  For example:
If an OM asks me a question and wants an immediate answer, I will dispense
with the AB7CD DE KT4ST and just send BK, then the info requested.  Other
times, and maybe after a long transmission from the other op, I will be more
formal and send AB7CD DE KT4ST --- FB ON ALL.  It just really depends how I
feel and the sense of formality I'm getting from the other end.  The only
real requirement in a qso is to identify at least every ten minutes.

The only thing that I would recommend is to try and get the conversation
past the RIG hr is, running 100 watts to a G5RV.  That information is great,
and I love to get it.  But I also want to know a little bit more about the
OM I'm talking with.  Tell me what you do for a living, how are the kids?,
what's going on where you live.  I love that stuff.  I really enjoy golf, so
I try and squeeze that into the qso whenever I can.  A lot of times they
also golf and we end up discussing our swings and handicap.  One exception,
(at least in my case) I *do* want to know what the weather is like.  I find
it interesting to know what's going on in the rest of the country.  The WX
channel can get boring  (hi hi).

As far as requests to QRS are concerned, I agree that it's bad manners not
to slow down or to even speed up.  To be honest, I can't imagine why an OM
would want to do that.  It will just make the qso shorter, or at the very
least not enjoyable.  I don't mind going slow or fast.  Just as long as we
can both get good copy.

Just a note:  Head copy is an excellent way to improve speed.  I love to
head copy while I'm on the computer (like now) and have the radio on in the
background.  And to think that my Mom said that I couldn't chew bubble gum
and walk at the same time.  : - ))

Yep, straight key nite was a hoot.  I really enjoyed it.  I run both a
straight key and a set of paddles side by side, so switching from one to the
other is very easy.


Arnie -
KT4ST

www.qsl.net/kt4st
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