[KYHAM] KEN TRAINING for July 29: "Hamspeak"

[Ron Dodson]

A Guide for New Hams--"How to sound like an experienced
operator"

By Tony Whobrey, KY4SP (formerly KC4JTV)

This article is intended for the beginning ham, who will
usually operate in the 2-meter or 440 band.  While some of
the ideas presented may seem obvious, keep in mind that all
of the items I mention can be observed on any relatively
busy repeater in just a few hours of listening.  The
following comments are intended to help those new to our
hobby get off on the right foot and as a result feel a bit
more at ease while operating.

The most important tool available to you is your receiver;
listen to the techniques used by others on the frequency you
wish to operate on.  For instance, in some areas the phrase
�W4XYZ monitoring� means you are looking for someone to talk
with, while in another area it might be customary to merely
say your call sign, i. e. �W4XYZ�.  In a few areas
�monitoring� means just that-- you are listening, but don�t
really want to talk. A few weeks ago I heard a station
announce �monitoring� about ten times before anyone realized
he wanted to join the on-going conversation. You will have
more satisfying results if you employ the regionally
accepted method of initiating a contact. 

Generally, it is a good idea to avoid the use of phrases
that are or have been associated with non-amateur radio
services, such as Citizens band or public safety.  This can
be a difficult habit to break, especially for those who have
used Citizens band for some time before becoming amateurs. 
Citizen�s band users have developed unique ways of using
terms that were once exclusive to amateur radio; the meaning
of the same word or phrase can vary widely between the two
services.  Attempts to use Citizen�s band terminology won�t
make sense to most amateurs and due to the common use of
unauthorized frequencies and power on the Citizens band,
(practices that most hams frown upon), will often make it
difficult for them to accept you.   

The same is true if you use commercial or public safety
radio in the course of your employment or other day to day
activities.  After a day�s work where the use of �ten codes�
and other specialized designators are used, it is sometimes
difficult to avoid the use of those terms, especially in
stressful situations.  Remember that plain English works
just fine most of the time on any radio system, amateur or
otherwise, particularly if you are in doubt about the
correct phrase to use.    

Be aware that you will, as a rule, get some kind of
indirect feedback when you do something unusual.  Out of
courtesy, most hams will not immediately and directly tell
you that you are doing something they don�t approve of.  A
classic example of this is someone who works a distant or
low power station who is barely readable; you will hear the
in-direct suggestion in phrases such as �you're noisy into
the machine� and the frequent requests to repeat missed
transmissions.  What this operator really wants to say is
probably �please increase your power, find a better location
or go away, your signal is exceedingly unpleasant to listen
to�.  The corollary to this is the signal report �plenty of
audio�, which decodes to �turn your microphone gain down �. 
If you have doubts about your operating style or the quality
of your signal, call on a more established member of the
group to help you.

No one is going to expect you to know all the nuances of
amateur lingo right away, as most of us sounded somewhat
less than graceful on our first contact.  As you continue to
operate, the terminology will become easier to remember and
employ, and you might even find yourself wondering why it
seemed so difficult at first.  You may even have the
opportunity to help someone else learn amateur radio�s
dialect.
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Don't forget the Ky ARES meeting during the 
Central Ky Hamfest next weekend, Aug. 4th in Lexington!
http://www.qsl.net/kd4pwl/arrl.html

The ARES Meeting is at Noon Eastern time in classroom 1.  
We will be discussing earthquake planning concerns, 
the Homeland Security Grant awarded to the ARRL and 
our SET for 2002.
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Report time is also upon us once again. Keep 'em rolling in!