Text 3019, 152 rader
Skriven 2009-06-11 16:01:27 av Richard Webb (1:116/901.0)
Ärende: retread article but apropos
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Hello all!


THis was forwarded to me on email by Daryl stout, formerly
n5vlz, now ae5wx.  IT was atributed to TOm, k5wth whom I
know personally, but I am fairly sure it predates him as I
think I've seen it before somewhere.


Do Amateurs Know, Live, and Stand Up For the "Amateurs Code"? Often in amateur
radio we have people who say condescending things or make insensitive,
demeaning remarks about other amateurs. The comments are often relating to an
operator's license class, their current skill set, or their lack of skill or
interest in a particular operating mode and other mindsets. While these
comments both sadden and upset me, what troubles me the most is when others
hear or read such comments in public forums, on the air, or on the Internet,
and no one says anything against these negative remarks. Have we grown so
ambivalent or numb to the negativity and the audacity of these people that we
can not stand up for the basics tenets that are the foundation of amateur
radio?   I'm reminded of the Amateurs' Code. While it is long in the tooth it
is just as applicable today as when it was written by Paul M. Segal, W9EEA, in
1928. We need it more today than ever and we need to not just quote it, we need
to live and follow it. Otherwise we might as well consider ourselves just as
bad as those who blatantly violate the Code and tarnish our wonderful hobby.

"One man's Interpretation of the Amateur's code". We can do well to bear it in
mind at all times.

"The Amateur is Considerate...He never knowingly uses the air in such a way as
to lessen the pleasure of others."

The first Code talks about Radio Amateurs being considerate or unselfish in
their everyday actions.
Things like tuning up on nets for long periods, excessive mic gain or running
power continuously and unnecessarily, all tend to aggravate our neighbors on
the air. The same goes when one breaks into a net to "check in for the count"
without following the required procedures or protocols, and leave an
unfavorable impression of your radio operating abilities among your fellow Ham
members.

Obscenity or vulgar language, are also inappropriate on the air. Think and
listen before you speak and you will save yourself from
embarrassment; make sure the brain is engaged before the mouth is set in gear.

We need to be mindful of what we say and how we say things and do not keep old
wounds festering. No one likes to hear the same old complaints over and over.
This surely lessens everyone's enjoyment and
accomplishes nothing of value.

"The Amateur is Loyal...He offers his loyalty, encouragement and support to his
fellow radio amateurs, his local club and National Association through which
amateur radio is represented to the Government, The International Amateur Radio
Union and International Telecommunication Union"

Amateur Radio is made up of a diverse group of people united by the same
interest and passion for communicating through radio.

Getting on the air and complaining or running down those who volunteer or those
who are elected is certainly not within the spirit of loyalty as mentioned
above.

Join your local radio club and the ARRL. Promote amateur radio on a local and
National basis; allow your voice to be heard. Volunteer where you can
contribute your time, energy and expertise.

"The Amateur is Progressive...He keeps his station abreast of science. It is
well built and efficient. His operating practice is above reproach."

Being progressive does not mean that you have to own all of the latest gadgets
to the exclusion of basic living necessities. Instead you should strive for
technical competencies, expertise and innovation. For example, is your
equipment in good condition? Is your transmitted audio clear and comfortable to
listen to? Also, is your power supply clean so that your transmitted signal is
free of AC hum?

On the receiving side, for better reception, you should be familiar with your
receiver's features such as variable bandwidth tuning, after market filters,
the noise blanker, RF attenuator, AGC, and RF gain controls to maximize signal
to noise ratio.

Not only should the equipment be kept abreast of science, but the radio amateur
needs to remain on the cutting edge of operating techniques, rule and protocol
changes. Amateur Radio hobby continues to evolve with changes in the technology
used by amateurs and with changes in society at large.

The HAM member conduct on the air should also be above reproach. That means
that we should conduct ourselves with courtesy and respect. In other words
conduct yourself as a lady or a gentleman on the air and you'll have plenty of
enjoyable contacts. Do not be a grouch or else you will end up on a narrow
frequency band talking to the same group of grouches.

"The Amateur is Friendly... Slow and patient when on the air at all times,
friendly advice and counsel to the beginner, kindly assistance, cooperation and
consideration for the interests of others; these are the marks of the amateur
spirit."

Be a HAM mentor! It certainly is difficult to seemingly answer the same
questions over and over again through the years, but it is something we must do
to maintain a healthy and vibrant Amateur Radio Service. All of us were
beginners at some point in ham radio. Sometimes we just need to step back and
reflect on the patience of those that helped us. Remember, we only pay back our
mentor by being a good mentor to others. Personal behavior on the air is half
of the lesson of the Amateur's Code.
"The Amateur is Balanced...Radio is his hobby. He never allows it to interfere
with any of the duties he owes to his home, his job, his school, or his
community."

People have been known to go into ham radio, wrapped themselves up completely
in it and within a few years sold all their equipment and went into something
else. Like everything else amateur radio should be enjoyed in moderation. Enjoy
it in moderation and attend to your other responsibilities as well. Ham radio
will be waiting when you return. Do not turn your wife into a "ham radio widow"
or your kids into "ham radio orphans." It's great to have passion for the
hobby, but know your limits.

"The Amateur is Patriotic...His knowledge and his station is always ready for
the service of his country and his community."

The history of Amateur Radio is rich with account of amateurs performing
admirably in times of disaster for their communities or when their country
called in time of crisis. Even today amateur radio members train themselves and
are ready to track weather changes, assist in damage assessment, assist public
safety personnel when their communications are disrupted, and provide a vital
link for families trying to reach loved ones in the first crucial hours after
disaster has struck. From Kuwait to Oklahoma City to Kosovo to East Timor, also
the September 11, 2001terrorist attacks and hurricanes Katrina and Wilma in
2005, and other hotspots around the world, hams were there.  This patriotic
code extends beyond crisis and disaster situations into everyday life by
engaging in community or public services. Community service may include acting
as the local watch group, with communication link to police, fire brigade,
welfare department, hospital, to report medical emergency or criminal
activities such as robberies, theft and vandalism. Show your patriotism by
doing community service (charitable activities) a small, sincere contribution
or effort goes a long way. They say charity begins at home so how can we help
in national disaster when we neglect our local community.

Of all the points in the Amateur's Code, Number Six is the most important. In
fact it is for this reason alone that the Amateur Radio Service remains
chartered and has access to spectrum that is likely worth well into the
trillions of dollars. Enjoy it, have fun, but above all, remember that we are a
service, as stated in Part 97, and if we should ever prove to no longer perform
our function as a service to the public, amateur radio will cease to exist.
Tom, K5WTH



73 de nf5b

Regards,
           Richard
--- timEd 1.10.y2k+
 * Origin: Radio REscue net operations BBS       (1:116/901)