[CQ-Contest] Something we need to remember

[Dave Sloan]

Rand and anyone else reading this,
   I fully agree with the letter writer. Ham radio is the "Gentleman's
Hobby" and all contesters need to be aware that others are on the band.
However, I was working the contest and ran across a net that was just going
QRT. I waited until they said their goodbyes and after waiting for a minute
or so I asked if the frequency was in use, I asked a total of three times.
No response. I was running only 100 watts and could tell that the NCS in
California (I had him a good 20 over nine) was running an amp. Having heard
noting I started calling CQ contest. After calling CQ 5 or 6 times, I hear
the California station respond to another station (I couldn't hear the other
station) and start a QSO on the same frequency. I listened for a couple of
minutes. The California station was complaining about contesters causing QRM
to their net. After all he said that he was on the frequency holding it for
an hour before there net started and then there net was 2 hours long. He
couldn't understand how anyone would not have heard them and known that the
frequency was in use. So, the bottom line is that EVEYONE needs to remember
that this is a "Gentleman's Hobby" and give enough room to other stations so
that you do not cause them a problem.

TNX & 73,
Dave N0EOP
31033


-----Original Message-----
From: cq-contest-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:cq-contest-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Randy Thompson K5ZD
Sent: Sunday, March 28, 2010 6:35 PM
To: cq-contest at contesting.com
Subject: [CQ-Contest] Something we need to remember

During and after the WPX SSB Contest, I received a number of emails
complaining about the behavior of various contesters on the bands.  We do
all need to remember that we are sharing the road with others and must do
our part to help get along.

I have copied one such message below that should remind us of this.
 
Randy, K5ZD

-----Original Message-----
Sent: Sunday, March 28, 2010 2:30 PM
Subject: 

I have been an amateur for over 40 years. I am interested in many facets of
Ham Radio, contesting is not one of them. That said, I am also aware that
contesting is a very popular activity. Looking over the information
available to current and prospective contesters I find nothing printed that
suggests proper protocol. 

Contesters have an extremely bad name with the balance of the Ham community.
When a contest is on it seems to bring out the "to heck with you, I am going
to do what I want." attitude. As long as I can be heard I care not for what
you are doing.
Sadly most of the complaining is done amongst the Hams that are on the air
most every day and not contesting.

This letter to you is to lodge a complaint. If the rest of us behaved during
a contest with the utter disregard for the Gentleman aspect of our hobby
that used to be known as "The Gentleman's hobby" I am sure that the contest
community would also be complaining.

There is Ham Radio outside of contesting and those of us that enjoy this
would really appreciate consideration by the weekend contesters. Do not
blindly call "CQ contest" without listening to see if the frequency is in
use, and if it is respect the stations using it.

Thank you for listening.



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