From: lwloen@rchland.vnet.ibm.com (Larry Loen)
Subject: Newcomer Getting Started (was Re: Feedback to Operating Practices)
Date: Mon, 05 Oct 1992 16:14:39 GMT
Reply-To: lwloen@vnet.ibm.com
Disclaimer: This posting represents the poster's views, not necessarily those of IBM
Organization: IBM Rochester
Keywords: Newcomer QSO first
 

In article <1992Sep29.200126.16371@convex.com>
tonyp@convex.com (honey bunny) writes:
>I've received quite a bit of E-MAIL from my posting (complaining/pointing
>out) operating practices. 

>
>        I have mixed feelings to  the  recent  comments  about  "operating
>        procedures".    I  am  a  new ham.   Got my novice late June,  and
>        General early September.
>
>        For equipment, I have an HF transceiver, and a borrowed 2m HT.   I
>        have  spent LOTS of time listening,  and very little attempting to
>        make contacts.  My log shows exactly 10 contacts (9 10m SSB, 1 10m
>        CW).  I haven't spoken to anyone on the HT.
>

 (lots of stuff about "I'm very nervous or even scared to transmit because
  of "I'll break the rules" "the group doesn't seem friendly" and other 
 similar causes.

1.  Welcome to amateur radio.  We all were a little gunshy at one time.

2.  Some groups are indeed less than perfectly friendly.  But, there's a lot
  more places that aren't.  If you listen carefully, you'll soon realise
  who they are.  Listen to how they treat someone new (they do show up).
  New to the net is new.  There isn't much difference between how ANY
  newcomer is treated by a given group.  No one asks when you got your
  license; and if you're new, just say so and even most 'legalistic' folks
  will treat you appropriately.  The rest, you ignore; you don't ever have
  to talk to those guys again.

3.  There are plenty of places to get your toes wet that don't take much
  skill and welcome newcomers 

  A.  The Novice CW bands.  There are lots of people JUST LIKE YOU in these
     frequency bands and they are fumbling, too.  It's part of the charm.
     When I started, I did a lot of work in here and I still remember the
     fun it was.  There were also a lot of non-Novices that enjoyed talking
     to you and helping you along.  Listen a while.  Most of the QSOs in
     this region follow a pretty predictable pattern --  "KB0AAA de WO0Z  _BT_
     my name is Larry Larry _BT_  QTH Rochester, MN.  Rochester, MN. _BT_
     UR RST 559 559 559  BK TO U KB0AAA de WO0Z _KN_".  Once you get the same
     from the other fellow, you can talk about the rig, the antenna, and
     then you can try ragchewing if you both are comfortable with it.  If not,
     say something like "TNX QSO, Best 73s, _SK_ KB0AAA de WO0Z" and go on
     to the next fellow.  People in the Novice Bands will understand if you
     are not up to ragchewing.  They may not be either, so be prepared for them
     to sign off fairly early.  And, remember to keep the code speed down and
     stick at first to stations that are really loud.

  B.   The Century Club Nets.  At 3901 (plus or minus) and 7334 (plus or
     minus, sometimes up to 7347) there is a group called "The Century Club".
     They are there to enable people to "Work All States".  If you listen for
     an evening or two, you'll figure out what to do.  If you are not into
     awards, you'll find the QSOs pretty dull stuff.  On the other hand, it is
     a great place to learn the mechanics of working on a "net".  You won't
     have to talk much and most of what you say is pretty stereotyped.  I
     have always found them pretty friendly and they are merciful to newcomers.
     Expect a fair number of people calling YOU the first few times you
     check in.  And, have some QSL cards; your own homemade cards will do in a
     pinch.

  C.  Any "traffic handling" net, especially those that do Slow Speed CW.  For
     a dollar or two, you can get a publication from ARRL showing where all of
     the traffic nets meet.  Most are dying for new blood.  The Slow Speed CW
     nets are willing to train you, on the air, and I found them extremely
     patient in my neck of the woods.  Good folks.  Since you are a General,
     I'd check into the 80 meter SSB net near you, announce you are interested
     in learning about Traffic and Slow Speed CW.  A typical net lasts about 
     half an hour and you'll find yourself taken off the main "net" frequency for
     a private QSO with someone who probably spends time on the CW net as well
     as the SSB one.  They'll mail you the procedures and generally coach you
     through in a very kind way.  If you decide to back out of the CW net and
     just do SSB, that's no problem, either.  I find these guys pretty friendly.

   D.  OMISSB and the "YL System".  There are a variety of these nets and the
     OMs and YLs tend to spend some time on both; either OMs or YLs are welcome
     on either one.  The YL system, circa 14.332 is particularly friendly.

   E.  Most 10-10 nets.  They can sound pretty insular, but they also like to
     recruit new people.  The whole point of 10-10 is to try and get as much
     use in 10 meters as possible, so newcomers seem encouraged.  I've checked
     into a lot of 10-10 nets and I've found them all friendly.

4.  The FCC is not out to get you.  They know and expect newcomer mistakes.
   They go after those who use persistent profanity, illegal amplifier levels,
   and even the stray drug dealers who manage to purloin some ham gear.  If you
   forget to id and so forth, they'll be understanding.  Moreover, some of the
   important "conventions" of ham radio are not part of the FCC rules, proper,
   though you will be told they are!  Relax; if you behave like an average Joe
   or Jill you hear, you'll be alright.  Just find out what are the bad habits,
   over time, and avoid them.  But, don't worry about being perfect right away.
   No one else is.

-- 
   Larry W. Loen        |  My Opinions are decidedly my own, so please
          WO0Z          |  do not attribute them to my employer
Newsgroups: rec.radio.amateur.misc,sci.electronics