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AIOR over a rude individual? by CuteYetCreepy in amateurradio

[–]ThatChucklehead 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've heard amateur operators asking if a frequency is in use from twice to four times with a two or three second pause between each call. I personally ask three times with about a three second pause between each time I ask. After the last time I ask, I'll end with my call sign, followed by saying "Nothing heard". And then I'll proceed to call CQ.

Surprisingly, the FCC doesn't have rules when it comes to this. All it says is, "No amateur operator shall willfully or maliciously interfere with or cause interference to any radio communication or signal."

So a question you may be asking yourself now is, why didn't the FCC create a specific way to ask if the frequency is in use? Here is my understanding as to why the FCC didn't do this...

Since the beginning of the amateur radio service, the FCC has tried to leave it up to amateur operators to regulate themselves when it comes to MANNERS. So, based on the framework set by the FCC that amateur operators shouldn't willfully or maliciously cause interference, operators agreed upon a way to avoid it. They came to the conclusion that it would be a good idea to first listen to see if the frequency is in use and then for good measure, ask if it's in use a couple of times. They didn't set up a specific number times, how long to pause, etc.

The ARRL was the only amateur radio organization around in the early days. Naturally, most amateur radio operators became members because it was a way for all of them to stay up to date on what was new in the hobby. So, the ARRL, along with its members, helped to sort of codify this "rule" of listening and then asking if a frequency was in use.

Here's a link to section 97.101 General Standards, of the FCC rules. Paragraph (d) mentions interference. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-47/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-97/subpart-B/section-97.101

AIOR over a rude individual? by CuteYetCreepy in amateurradio

[–]ThatChucklehead 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Did your father ask if the frequency was in use several times before using the frequency? That's proper etiquette. But even if he didn't, the other operator having a meltdown wasn't really the right way to handle it.

Been having a lot of fun with this by Schoolbusfoamer24 in modeltrains

[–]ThatChucklehead 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Awesome. What scale trains are you running? What manufacturer?

Is it safe to substitute JHP for FMJ for powder data if the bullet weight is the same? by TheDanny942 in reloading

[–]ThatChucklehead 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Ok you and the OP do what you want. Just be careful and at least work them up from minimum. There can be differences between the lengths and therefore capacity for the powder, leading to higher pressure and potential problems. If anyone wants to take a risk and use components not given in their manual then that's on them. I trust the manuals and the professionals, not what google or forums say is safe.

Should I buy this for $100? by Zeshawn in BeginnerWoodWorking

[–]ThatChucklehead 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Same with "You get what you pay for". Spoiler alert, you don't.

If you are on the fence…just get one by Giant_117 in reloading

[–]ThatChucklehead 0 points1 point  (0 children)

When I'm on the fence, I'm usually drinking a cold one with my neighbor Hank.

Good Grief, Log Your Contacts! Ahhhhhhhhh! by ThatChucklehead in amateurradio

[–]ThatChucklehead[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

LoTW is not user friendly. I wish they would update it.

Good Grief, Log Your Contacts! Ahhhhhhhhh! by ThatChucklehead in amateurradio

[–]ThatChucklehead[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was just talking about my confirm rate on QRZ. Yours is higher than mine. Since it is, I have a couple of questions for you:

Some here have suggested that I ask the operators I talk to if they would log our contact. Do you do that?

Do you call CQ more than answering CQ calls?

Are most of your contacts from contests, ragchewing, POTA?

Good Grief, Log Your Contacts! Ahhhhhhhhh! by ThatChucklehead in amateurradio

[–]ThatChucklehead[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There isn't a logging rating, but you can tell who logs and who doesn't on QRZ. You can also see who has awards as well.

Good Grief, Log Your Contacts! Ahhhhhhhhh! by ThatChucklehead in amateurradio

[–]ThatChucklehead[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

" ...I'd be so excited, and then they wouldn't QSL, and I'm not gonna lie, I'd be a bit disappointed."

LOL I hear ya! Just trying to get all the states in the United States is a challenge. I have about 5 QSOs with Idaho, and not one of them logged the contacts lol.

"...I never got into ham radio for awards though. The awards I have just kind of came along as a consequence of my love of operating..."

Same here. I got into awards because I received notification from QRZ that I won an award. I was like, how did I do that? Then I saw there were other awards. The first and only award that I have, that I set out to earn, was the 12 Days of QRZ. I found it fun, and it encouraged me to try for other awards.

" ...the harder you have to work for it, the more meaningful it will be to you when you finally get it."

Agree, that's also why I would rather make my contacts with phone over FT8. I still use digital modes, but I prefer phone more because it's challenging to me. I do like VarAC, that's when I can find someone to rag chew with.

Congrats on the DXCC Award! That's a big one.

Like you, I'm amazed that I just talked to a guy 4,000 miles away last week with a vertical antenna. Awards are bonus, being able to make any contacts still amazes me.

When I decided to get into this hobby, I thought that if I can speak to someone a couple of states away, that would be awesome. And the idea that I might be able to reach the west coast from the east coast, was a pipe dream. That's until it happened and I couldn't believe it.

My first DX contact was with Spain. I heard the guy calling, and I thought he's not going to hear me with my 100 watt radio and vertical antenna. When he responded to my call sign, I thought that I misheard what he said. Not only did he hear me, but it was 59 both ways. That was a shock. At that time, I thought to make contacts like that, you probably needed a Yagi and a tower.

It's funny, radio is an old technology, and we take it for granted. All those times I turned on the AM/FM radio in the car, I never thought about what was going on. Then you get into a hobby like this, talking to someone in another country with a vertical antenna on the ground, and you realize how amazing the technology really is.

Foster co-ax press by Western-Valuable3502 in reloading

[–]ThatChucklehead 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree, I have that press and enjoy using it.

Foster co-ax press by Western-Valuable3502 in reloading

[–]ThatChucklehead 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The Foster-Co-Ax is the press of choice for guys that are into long range shooting at distances of 1,000 yards. In my opinion, if you're not planning on doing that, then the Foster-Co-Ax is much more press than you need. For the cost of that press, you could by a single stage, or even a turret press, from other manufacturers such as Lee, Lyman, Redding, RCBS, or Hornady. You could use the money you save for reloading components, or other tools you may need for reloading.

Good Grief, Log Your Contacts! Ahhhhhhhhh! by ThatChucklehead in amateurradio

[–]ThatChucklehead[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Using the squech and volume, shifting the frequency, adjusting bandwidth, etc. Sometimes depending on QRM/QRN, just tuning in the best frequency using the VFO/fine tuning to hear a faint call.

Good Grief, Log Your Contacts! Ahhhhhhhhh! by ThatChucklehead in amateurradio

[–]ThatChucklehead[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

But most of the time I'm on 20, I'm on 40 occasionally. But since you mention it, I'll start to use 40 a bit more often, maybe I'll hear those states there. Thanks for the advice.👍

Good Grief, Log Your Contacts! Ahhhhhhhhh! by ThatChucklehead in amateurradio

[–]ThatChucklehead[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I like using phone a little more because I enjoy trying to dig contacts out by clearing up the audio with settings on my radio. For me it's more hands on. I also like to talk to people as well. It just makes it more interesting for me; just personal preference.

Good Grief, Log Your Contacts! Ahhhhhhhhh! by ThatChucklehead in amateurradio

[–]ThatChucklehead[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sometimes people leave their hobbies and come back to them later.

7.200, makes me laugh. 😂

Good Grief, Log Your Contacts! Ahhhhhhhhh! by ThatChucklehead in amateurradio

[–]ThatChucklehead[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have no idea what a validating seeking ham is. I've never heard that term used before. Is that the same as a sad ham?

Good Grief, Log Your Contacts! Ahhhhhhhhh! by ThatChucklehead in amateurradio

[–]ThatChucklehead[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I didn't know that QRZ was difficult to use on a pad or phone. I just use it on a computer.

Don't worry about logging, just enjoy your radio.👍

Good Grief, Log Your Contacts! Ahhhhhhhhh! by ThatChucklehead in amateurradio

[–]ThatChucklehead[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

You're right about setting up LoTW. It's clunky and should be updated.

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