[NJARC] Stupid Ham Tricks. Er, Questions-

[John Dilks K2TQN]

Hi Scott,

Don't be too anxious to talk.   Listen for a while and see how the 
others do it.  Try listing to some local repeaters first, most 
everybody uses repeaters.  When you first get on, tell them you are 
new (They will probably figure that out anyway.)  After a few 
contacts, you'll get in the swing of things.

Don't be put off if you get a cold shoulder from some, this 
happens.  After they get to know you, they will warm up - and if they 
don't - move on, there are plenty of hams on the air.

If there is a conversation you want to get in, try breaking in by 
saying "this is kb2xxx (your call)" when they break between 
operators.  (they should leave a couple of seconds between if they 
are polite).  If they ignore you, try again next break.  If they 
still ignore you, wait until they are done and try again.   Listen 
for the squelch tail when you stop transmitting, this will  insure 
you are hitting the repeater.)  You can try this ahead of time too, 
but announce your call with the same words or "this is kb2xxx - 
testing"  or 'this is kb2xxx - listening".  The word "Listening" is 
basically a CQ, on 2m and 440.

Have fun.

73, John

At 10:51 PM 10/4/2008, you wrote:
>I have my Ham license as you all know. Yesterday, I picked up a 2m & 
>70cm 5watt portable transciever (Icom IC-32AT). So I can actually 
>use something to go on the air now(can't wait to get the HT-37 
>online shortly! Need antennae) on 2m.
>
>So, How do I get started?- literally- do I just key up, and state my 
>call sign "KC2TYV" on any frequency in the band I like, that I'm 
>authorized; or do I go to the local repeater freq(which would be 
>SJRA at 145.290) and make the same call, or do I need to say "CQ" first?
>
>I seem to recall from my studying I can just wait for a break in 
>traffic, and  state my call sign, and people will get back to me, 
>unless I state another call sign I want to talk to first, followed 
>by my call sign(i.e. "N3IBX, this is KC2TYV) and wait for their reply.
>
>I have the "book learnin'" now I need to press the key and talk.(And 
>I do remember about id'ing every 10 mins)
>
>Thanks for any help! I am about to go to bed- I've been up the 
>better part of the last 96 hours, and my eyes are snapping shut as I 
>type. If I am up early enough, I seem to recall a 2m group on 
>Sundays? Or is that only by arrangement? (Rob?)
>
>Thanks!
>Scott