I am appalled at what I hear on the ham bands today. As Amateur Radio Ops we have a responsibility to conduct ourselves properly, since essentially what we do is over an open microphone.
Classic Ham Radio: Collins Tx, Astatic "G" Stand and a comely YL
Foul language has no place in a QSO and the same applies to those hams running 5KW to simply invade a frequency without checking to see if the frequency is in use. Cutting down on the discussions about enlarged gall bladders would help too.
On 40M out here on the left coast a group of guys regularly meet around 7260 kHz. In the background is a jamming station sending CW on a loop about a slutty YL. Great code practice but it is jamming and inappropriate content. Another group on 7225 has the same issue.
What was once a hobby that oozed respect, dignity, decorum and consideration is no more.
A station running a POTA operation heard several call signs at the same time. He announces that he heard multiple stations and said I will get you all. He called the first station and then said QW (me) your up. In jumps **MAZ running wide open and starts to yak.
There is no mistake... the suffix MAZ in no way sounds like QW. I moved on and said a little prayer that within the next week MAZ's antenna shorts out and his 5KW final gets fried! For good measure I hope his GF gives him an STD.
I also am disappointed with those net groups who will not recognize a polite request for a Break or Contact input. They will only talk to their little tight knit group and no one else.
Recently, I was able to infiltrate such a group and explained I had been making adjustments to the Hybrid wireless and asked if I could get a quick signal report on the signal quality. One station said we don't waste our time on signal reports. I am theorizing that he likely adjusted his red ball cap as he said that. Once again, I silently wished his coax would get shorted.
The Internet provides a template of the Ham Radio Operator Core Values.
Ethics and Principles
The ethics and principles of amateur radio operators are guided by the following core values:
- Considerate: Acts courteously and never knowingly interferes with the communications or enjoyment of others.
- Responsible: Complies with regulations and accepted standards; uses good judgment in all transmissions.
- Progressive: Strives to improve technical knowledge and station performance; embraces learning and innovation.
- Helpful: Offers assistance and mentorship, fostering cooperation and support, especially for newcomers.
- Friendly: Demonstrates patience, understanding, and goodwill across cultures and languages.
- Tolerant: Recognizes and respects differing opinions and operating styles, responding calmly to conflict.
- Balanced: Keeps amateur radio in perspective with family, work, and community responsibilities.
- Loyal: Supports clubs, national societies, and the IARU community; promotes unity and cooperation.
- Public-Spirited: Offers skills and equipment in public service and emergency communication.
Our recent posting of December 12 must be in the ballpark as the State of Indiana rejected an attempt by you know who to rig the 2026 midterms through jerrymandering. Other open acts are evident as well and in less than three weeks, it will be 2026 and the game is on. Someone with a 7 call suggested a lame duck is nothing but a left-over Turkey.
Them that know can make things go.
73's
Pete N6QW