How To Be a Good Amateur Radio Operator

Amateur radio is a fascinating hobby. Contacting friendly fellow 'hams' across the globe means generating RF power, possibly at considerable levels and concentrating it with a directional antenna. This freedom brings with it a responsibility (as included in the UK amateur license) to ensure there is no inconvenience or undue interference to others, and to make the best use of the available spectrum.

1. Use the lowest power consistent with reliable reception to optimize the airwaves (good spectrum utilization).
2. Use a directional antenna whenever possible.
3. Limit signal bandwidth to that which is necessary. Different modes of transmission take up progressively greater bandwidth. In order of bandwidth for the Narrow Band modes:
   • PSK31 - Phase Shift Keying.
   • CW - Continuous Wave - Morse or international code.
   • SSB - Single Side Band (carrier suppressed).
   • AM - Amplitude Modulation.
   • NBFM - Narrow Band Frequency Modulation.
4. Before transmitting, listen first, listen second, and listen again. Then check if the frequency is in use.
5. Help fellow 'hams' develop their radio skills. Newcomers really appreciate your support when starting out in this sometimes solitary hobby.
6. When operating 'on the key,' never send faster than you can receive.
7. Check for problems with your transmissions. Conduct suitable and stringent tests from time to time, and particularly if any changes are made, such as a new piece of equipment/facility/method of transmission to your station.
8. Interference or breakthrough may be co-channel, adjacent channel, or strong signal overload. This is more likely to occur in densely-packed housing in urban and suburban locations. If a fellow amateur identifies problems from your station, ask yourself what problems are neighbors or others even further away experiencing?
9. Do not be offended if told your signals are causing a problem. Fellow 'hams' will let you know so you can check the station. If reports come from neighbors, they provide the ideal opportunity for you to use your skill and knowledge. Explain the causes and effects of RF transmissions in close proximity to other, less well-shielded or selective equipment. Dealing professionally with reports of interference improves public perception of a great hobby. Remember the word 'amateur' refers to the non-profit making aspect of the hobby, and 'breakthrough' is generally a less emotive term than interference.
10. Explain to non-technicians how signals may break-through on radio/hifi/TV equipment, or show as patterning on a TV picture. The affected equipment was probably not designed to work in a strong RF field. Explain this it not their fault either, but it does not mean your station or equipment is faulty.
11. Keep a station log. A record of date, time, frequency, and transmission mode can help pinpoint a problem, or even show you were not transmitting at the time.
12. Clubs and other amateurs willingly offer help and advice in dealing with cases of breakthrough. You can help those who will listen with an explanation. You may have to refer those who wish to remain ignorant of the physics and electronics involved in the hope they will educate themselves. Difficulties with broadcast reception are commonplace to the appropriate authorities. The UK regulatory authority 'Ofcom' deal with reports of interference to broadcast radio and TV services and have inherited a reputation for openness and fairness.
13. Keep a small stock of plug-in filters and braid-breakers for antenna leads, and ferrite rings for audio and video cables. Once a neighbor understands the reasons for any breakthrough, he may appreciate such equipment being readily and quickly available. Deciding whether to charge for these is a problem you have to solve for yourself. Some fear this is tantamount to accepting liability for the problem; others feel that it is a small price to pay for keeping the peace/pouring oil on troubled waters.
14. Resolve any instances of domestic breakthrough in your own home. This demonstrates you don't have to live with breakthrough. By taking proper electro-magnetic precautions, incompatibility and the lack of in-built selectivity in other electronic equipment can be resolved. Other family members are likely to tell you of any breakthrough. If you live alone, then interference may be less obvious as you could be unaware of the problem until your neighbor calls.
15. Routine antenna maintenance can forestall the onset of interference – difficult to identify high-resistance points can result from corrosion of external joints and connections if not carefully protected against the weather.

Enjoy this great hobby to the full, but please don't forget the responsibilities that go with the privilege of being a licensed 'ham' amateur radio operator.