From: jbloom@arrl.org (Jon Bloom)
Newsgroups: rec.radio.amateur.misc
Subject: Re: Feedback to Operating Practices
Date: 30 Sep 92 13:05:07 EDT
Organization: American Radio Relay League

In rec.radio.amateur.misc, tonyp@convex.com (honey bunny) writes:
>One new feller sent me the following set of questions. I answered 'em all,
>correctly of course [ahem!], but asked his permission to post it to the
>group so he could get some well rounded feedback too.
>
>        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.
>
>        The reason is that I am scared to death.
>
>        I want to sound like a "professional amateur".   I don't  want  to
>        get  a  reputation for being a "lid" early on!   But comments like
>        yours aren't entirely encouraging.  I'm not sure if ham radio is a
>        welcoming hobby, or a closed clique.

Usually a simple, "I'm new at this" will suffice.  We were all new at it
at one time, and most of us remember fondly those old-timers who helped
us out.  Those few who look down on newcomers aren't worth worrying about.
No one was born knowing all about ham radio.

>        I've read lots of the books and magazines.  I still have  LOTS  of
>        questions.    I'm  aware  of  a  resentment among some hams toward
>        codeless techs, so I started with Novice, so I could avoid getting
>        a "N1xxx" call.   In my area,  that  means  "probably  a  codeless
>        tech".

Whether or not you know the code isn't the measure of your "amateurness."
I know codeless Techs who, in their short time in ham radio, have
contributed a great deal to the amateur service.  Similarly, I know
folks with 1x2 calls and 40-wpm skills who have contributed nothing, ever.
I'm glad you learned the code; it can be a lot of fun.  But people
shouldn't--and I hope *you* won't--look down on codeless Techs.  Anyone
who does so is not a real ham in my book.

>        1) Everybody on 2m seems to know each other already.  How do I get
>           involved?

Again, let folks *know* you're new at it.  Ask who sponsors the repeater
you're using, and let them know how much you appreciate the service the
repeater provides and all of the hard work they put in to keep it
running.  (Flattery *will* get you somewhere, particularly if it's
sincere.)  Ask what local clubs are in the area.  (You can also get a
list of local clubs from ARRL by emailing lhurder@arrl.org.)  The local
club is a good place to make contact with the amateurs in your area.
Often, there are club-sponsored activities that you'll enjoy.

>        2) There seem to be MANY repeaters in my area.   If I use them,  I
>           should support them, right?   but I can't pay dues to ALL those
>           clubs.    Are  regular vistors welcome on open repeaters?   How
>           does this work?

Different repeater operators/organizations have different views on this.
It probably varies in dirrerent regions of the country, too.  I think
the most common view is that you should support at least *one* repeater
if you use repeaters.  Usually, this will be the one sponsored by your
local club, or the one you consider your "home" repeater.  Avoid
monopolizing any repeater, whether you support it or not, and you'll
seldom have a problem.

>        3) Based on what  I  read,  apart  from  real  emergencies,  there
>           appears to be no valid use for an autopatch.  True?

What's valid?  My personal rules for judging the validity of amateur
activities are: will the activity seriously impede others from doing
*their* activities, or is it a danger to the amateur service itself
(e.g., using amateur frequencies as a replacement for commercial ones).
I don't see that autopatching per se represents a problem on either
of these points.  But, like eating red meat, it's best done in
moderation if at all.

>        4) Apart  from  the  fact  that  I'd  be  unwisely broadcasting my
>           creditcard number, is there a reason why a long-distance credit
>           card call is inappropriate for autopatch?

No, but that would be reason enough for me!

>           Does a long distance call violate the business use rule, as its
>           furthering the business of Sprint or MCI?

I suppose one could argue so, but I think it would be a stretch.  You
could equally argue that the repeater furthers the business of the local
power company because of the power it consumes.

>        5) I've  heard  a  local  "net" on 10m.  I mean REALLY local,  all
>           within a 25 mile radius of me.   They get on and exchange  1010
>           numbers  and their own "net numbers",  and talk about basically
>           nothing.   If I could join  them  some  night,  I'd  DOUBLE  my
>           contacts to date !
>
>           How do I do this?  Would I be welcome if I just dropped my call
>           in during a lull?

Try it!  Chances are you would be welcome.  In every net I've ever
participated in, "joiners" were welcome.  I'd say it's the rule rather
than the exception.
-------
Jon Bloom, KE3Z              |  jbloom@arrl.org
American Radio Relay League  |     Justice is being allowed to do whatever
225 Main St.                 |     I like.  Injustice is whatever prevents
Newington, CT 06111          |     my doing so. -- Samuel Johnson
Newsgroups: rec.radio.amateur.misc,rec.radio.amateur.packet