Operating as K6JSS/2 tonight, I was calling CQ on 7.034 MHz. After about five minutes of no takers, I start hearing someone begin to tune up on the frequency. After that assault on my ears was completed, a relentless string of "CQ de WB9VRP" erupted on frequency.
OK - so maybe being QRP, he didn't hear me. I'll give him that much. But tuning up on frequency? Not sending at least one "QRL?" and listening for a bit before initiating a long winded CQ ?
Inexcusable!
I used to withhold call signs in these types of posts before - no longer.
72 de Larry W2LJ
QRP - When you care to send the very least.
Unfortunately, it seems to be commonplace to hear a CQ starting up w/o the preliminary "QRL?".
ReplyDeleteI sure hope you are correct Larry, otherwise you just lowered your standards lower than the man you accuse.
ReplyDeleteSorry, "Anonymous". This was no weak signal. It was over S9 and it was repeated PLENTY of times.
ReplyDeleteMy main peeve was NOT the QRM, as I've stated - maybe he didn't hear me. But there's no good reason to tune up on the air and there's no good reason for not sending a "QRL ?" before CQing. This is Ham Radio 101 - common courtesy. If I wasn't sure of what I heard, I wouldn't have posted it.
It was either the station in question or a darn good pirate, if you want to got THAT far as to extend the benefit of the doubt. Personally, I think it's highly unlikely.
I applaud you for "naming names" Larry. Too many of us (myself included) don't do that even when we are sure that we know who the offending station is.
ReplyDeleteOn the general topic, I don't know if it's lack of knowledge or lack of civility that causes people to do that (jump on a frequency with so much as a "QRL?"). I don't run QRP but I do run low power (100w) and I agree that while it's possible that someone might not hear me, there's no reason to check if someone is useful the frequency before jumping on and calling.
Maybe you should have tried responding to his CQ. Then you'd know pretty quick if he heard YOU calling your CQ before HE started calling his.
ReplyDelete:-)
I realized I had a couple of typos in my last comment that entirely changed the meaning. What I meant to say was:
ReplyDelete"...there's no reason NOT to check if someone is using the frequency before jumping on and calling."
I understand now to send QRL before CQ but how should you tune up if not into the antenna you intend to use?
ReplyDeleteThere are devices that can be built that will allow you to do this easily - there was one in QST, mayb e about 2 - 3 ago that my friend W3BBO built quite easily that works very well.
ReplyDeleteHowever, the easiest way to do this is to find a clear frequency (quiet and away from the beaten path), listen for a while to make sure you are not interfering with anyone, and tune up on LOW transmit power. Even if you use a high power antenna tuner, you should be able to make the indicator needles move using no more than about 10 Watts.
And lastly, keep it as brief as possible! In the end, it's all about common sense and courtesy. If we use those, the bands become a much nicer place in which to play.
This type of behaviour is becoming more and more common on the bands......one must ask WHY??
ReplyDeleteI have mentioned in my blog, on a couple of occasions, the "Lid of the week" I "met" on the bands that week. I have never named them, but I think from now on I will. Perhaps this is one way into shaming these idiots into becoming good operators.
A wise old Elmer from California once told me that "Anyone can become an amateur radio oiperator, but it takes skill and knowledge to become a ham". How true those words are!!