What does a well-behaved operator do?
Amateur radio works because everyone shares the air politely. This lesson covers the things you must never do, and the habits that keep you out of trouble.
Three things you must never do
- False or deceptive signal: for example, transmitting "MAYDAY" when there is no real emergency. Never permitted.
- Unidentified communications: radio communications in which the station identification is not transmitted. You always give your call sign.
- Malicious interference: intentional interference, an amateur transmission meant to disrupt other communications in progress.
Before you transmit
A good operator should first listen, then ask if the frequency is in use.
If the frequency you want is occupied, look for a clear frequency. You must never transmit on top of the other station and never ask it to leave.
Starting a contact
To establish a contact, including on a repeater, call the desired station, then identify your own station.
Zero beat means transmission and reception on the same frequency.
How fast to send CW
When sending CW, including a CQ call, send no faster than you can comfortably receive. If you could not read it back at that speed, slow down.
You now know
- False signals, unidentified transmissions and malicious interference are all banned.
- Listen first, then ask if the frequency is in use; if it is busy, find a clear one.
- To start a contact, call the station you want, then identify yourself.
- Zero beat is transmitting and receiving on the same frequency.
- Send CW no faster than you can comfortably receive.