[Fists] Need a pro-sign

[Fred Adsit]

Step one - don't send R or QSL if you did not copy solid. Simple.

Two - If we invent a new Q-signal or procedural sign after all these years
(I have 55 in so far), how will everyone understand it. A new one isn't
needed.

Three - I think OK is understood worldwide, so why not do what is
suggested here - AB3CD DE NY2V OK BUT PSE UR FISTS NUMBER AGN BK . On the
next transmission you can get into a discussion of what happened to
prevent the copy the first time, esp. if you gave a 5X9 report upon
initial contact. If there is any doubt about copiability, and there is
much of that in this dip in the cycle and during the storms, give an
inital report of 4X9 to indicate things are a tad marginal.

The biggest error is the use of SK after the whole QSO has ended. I am not
sure I have ever done it any other way, but it really does belong before
the final call-to-call exchange. Having done so, about all that is
customary does not include sending K, having just said SK half the time,
that other half being when you expect one final xmsn from the other
station. Otherwise, a dit dit is just fine, or if you are closing station,
send CL. That one seems to evade most stations. I have often sent CL and
other stations pile on, calling me. It is a very common procedural signal.

Just some thoughts for consideration.

73
ZUT - CW Forever
Fred Adsit, NY2V
AWA QRP-ARCI QRP-L ARRL FISTS#1293
ex-W2ZOJ - 1948

----- Original Message ----- 
From: John Shannon
To: FISTS maillist
Sent: Wednesday, November 19, 2003 10:32 PM
Subject: Re: [Fists] Need a pro-sign


Stan is certainly right about the misuse of 'R'. That is one of my pet
peeves. Also as I say on my web site on the page where I describe many of
the pro-signs - Don't be redundant and say 'R I COPIED YOU SOLIDLY' or 'R
SOLID COPY' - R already means I copied you solidly or solid copy.

Another pet peeve is using KN at the end of a CQ. KN means go ahead,
specific station only. Does KN after a CQ mean you don't want any answers?

Oh, and the real aggravating one - 73s - 73 is already plural, we don't
need
to say best wisheses, do we?

There are others also that I won't mention here. I think that as members
of
FISTS we should lead the way in using pro-signs, Q signals, abbreviations,
etc. correctly as an example to others.

I have what I believe are the correct usage's of many pro-signs, Q
signals,
and abbreviations on my web site in my CW section. Take a look and let me
know if you agree with the usage's I have listed there.

As for a pro-sign for partial copy, I generally do what Stan does also. I
send OK then explain what I missed. Perhaps we should have something
specific for that situation though.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
73 - John, K3WWP - 100% CW & QRP
using simple wire antennas.