I am often called with only caller's call sign for my CQ. They send it only once. If the caller is right on my frequency and in time, I could guess I am called by him/her. The problem is that they are often a bit off my spot and are delayed starting calling me. It confuses me a lot. Nowadays, there are numerous pile ups (games if I could say) going on even away from the DX window. Pile up participants could be like those callers. Should I reply to them?
Another frustration about them is that they won't enjoy "tell me your story type" QSO. As soon as they give the routine items like report/name/QTH, they are always ready to quit. Actually, even if I should ask them about them, they ignore that or they won't seem to understand me. I haven't counted such callers yet. In my impression, they are up to 70 or 80% of the whole callers.
So far, operators enjoying conversation are sometimes in those callers. I am dubiously replying to them. But who knows I won't answer to such a caller any longer soon? I am actually inclined to feel going that way.
Please don't omit my call sign before giving yours when you call me.
Dear Shin San,
ReplyDeleteI have not often read your blog in recent months, however I chatted with Atsu this morning on 40 meters where he and Moto Ja1gzv chatted before me. So I recalled that Atsu was often commenting on your blog page. So I read your article today about ham radio and find that is about the same as a few other articles on your blog in the past.
Today the hams are not nearly as proficient or courteous as they were when I was new in ham radio. But this does not differ much from society these days, since so many of the younger people are not courteous and do not follow accepted ways of doing things or in dealing with each other. But today everyone is in a big hurry and seldom seem to look beyond the superficial ways of doing things. So it is not much of a jump to see why the ham radio operators of today are no longer interested in anything other people might have to say about their days events or even their thoughts on anything. Yes, there are intellectuals who still want to discuss the political world, but their discussions get too deep for many people to enter into these discussions. So in summation, my days of ham radio rag chewing are spent making a few of these wham, bam, thank you mam, types of QSO's, and maybe one decent rag chewing
contact. I think that is probably why I call stations I know who will chat awhile because that is what I enjoy doing.
I listened to all of Atsu and Moto's conversation, except Moto was very weak and I could only copy some of it. Atsu and I have not had a contact for some time, so it was nice even for a few minutes since he needed to go off to bed. But it was stimulating for me, as I enjoy chatting and often do this among a few of the better CW hams of this time period. But not so many who care about the birds, bee's or Tree's that will discuss those topics so it has become the way I adapt to what is going on around us.
73'
Bob Gates
W7AYN
I am happy when there are no contests going on so I can chat with someone now and then.
and some not so many who care about the birds, bee's or Tree's that will discuss those topics.
Bob,
DeleteHaha, yes, I am aware of having repeatedly written the same kind of opinions on operation here. But I could not help saying it again here since the situation is getting even worse.
I have stressed the point that some of CW operators call the other with only their call. Just only once. They might think it is a smart way of operation. I would say it is not a good manner at all. It is confusing and inefficient. I fully understand you know what I mean.
Good quality of ragchewing is becoming like finding a jewel in sand of beach. Very rare. I won't chase such a thing any longer since such expectation would always be ended with disappointment. At least, they should be disciplined for the manner to call someone.
I am happy you have had a nice chat with Atsu. I have heard you talking to Mike WB4ZKA on 40m last night. Unfortunately, both of you were going under the noise very soon. I just stayed there for a minute or two. Maybe, another good condition would enable us have a round table. It was amazing Mike's tiny set up put out a signal over the pond so late at night here.
Take care. Make good rehabilitation for your 50th anniversary.
Shin
Sent from tiny mobile phone keypad in hotel room Dammam Saudi Arabia...all most ops know is how to recognise a call sign...they look at cluster and lock that frequency in the rig and send their call. They recognise only their call followed by 5nn . That is how 90% of CW is communicated now.....
DeleteJohn
Hi John,
DeleteYou have returned to salt mine already! I am sorry we have not had QSOs during your last vacation.
You might be bitterly feeling that trend in ham radio as a victim by those callers. We could do little in this situation.
BTW, Dave K6XG let me know of seeemingly interesting book titled as Bach:Music in the Castle of Heaven. It seems to explain Bach's works through certain performances which we could listen to in Youtube. I am looking forward to it now. Bach is really great. Recently, when practising some pieces in his Cello Suites, I find again how great his works are.
See you when you back home next time.
Shin
This comment from Mark WU7F was not uploaded with certain reason. I have posted it from the mail here on behalf of Mark.
DeleteShin JA1NUT
~~~~~~~
It is so nice to have a rag-chew with a DX station. I admit that I often
only give the quick RST/QTH info, but this is often because the DX station
doesn't seem willing to engage with more detail, and often he/she has other
stations calling and waiting.
However, when chatting with 'local' stations within the US and Canada, I
often have long ragchews. I really enjoy this more than any other aspect of
Ham Radio. In fact, I sometimes don't have as much interest in the other
ham's radio gear as I have in learning about their other hobbies and
interests.
I noticed in our QSO's, you must take very good notes, because you ask
about things we have spoken of in the past. That makes for good
conversation and we can pick up where we left off - even if many months
have passed since our previous QSO.
Thank you for taking the time to chat, and for listening for QRP stations
like mine. I look forward to another QSO with you, and I am delighted that
I have now found your blog and look forward to visiting it often.
73 de Mark, WU7F
Thanks for the QSO, Mark. There were some static noise as well as jammer tuning right on our spot. I could not make solid copy on you but have enjoyed listening to you.
DeleteHonestly speaking, I was reading your bio in QRZ.com page. That's why I knew of your son Mike. But it is good he has gone to a college in NY. I was most impressed to hear you had sent a radio gear for his birth day present to him. I am pleased to know Mike would operate CW there. Maybe, other things will keep him busy and he might forget of CW for some time in the future. But I am sure he will recall of this hobby later in his life. You have made a great birthday present to him.
See you soon.
Shin
It is so nice to have a rag-chew with a DX station. I admit that I often only give the quick RST/QTH info, but this is often because the DX station doesn't seem willing to engage with more detail, and often he/she has other stations calling and waiting.
ReplyDeleteHowever, when chatting with 'local' stations within the US and Canada, I often have long ragchews. I really enjoy this more than any other aspect of Ham Radio. In fact, I sometimes don't have as much interest in the other ham's radio gear as I have in learning about their other hobbies and interests.
I noticed in our QSO's, you must take very good notes, because you ask about things we have spoken of in the past. That makes for good conversation and we can pick up where we left off - even if many months have passed since our previous QSO.
Thank you for taking the time to chat, and for listening for QRP stations like mine. I look forward to another QSO with you, and I am delighted that I have now found your blog and look forward to visiting it often.
73 de Mark, WU7F
Shin,
ReplyDeleteIt was a great pleasure to chat with you last night on 40m CW. It must be 10 years since we last did that, and how long since our first QSO? Perhaps 40? Certainly my teenage photo on my first QSL is out of date. You will find more recent photos on my blog. The hair is greying and getting a bit thinner!
You told me your birthday is in May, mine in June for the same age! Amazing!
Have you moved from the QTH in your photo you sent me about 20 or 25 years ago? I still have that photo!
73
Andrew VK1DA/VK2UH (I still have the old callsign)
Andy,
DeleteIt was a real pleasant QSO with you last night. I bet our 1st ever was back in '60s. I clearly remember of the photo of your portrait on your QSL. A young and smiling boy with, possibly, fair colored hair. I have got not only grey but also sparse hairs for now. we have been at the same place for almost the past 30 years. If it was a photo of a dormitory with 14AVQ on the roof, it was before we moved here. Very HBDay to you in advance. I hope more to follow this one. Give my best wishes to Ara in Camberra.
Shin
PS:I have linked your blog here.