At 69 yrs. young and same as you. Just starting to plan out a place in the House for a setup. KC9RWE Muncie, Ind. (Home of Rocky the Squirrel and Bull Winkle the Mouse. If you ever watched the Cartoon when we were young, the was the Beginning of the Show "Flying High Over Muncie, Indiana"...... Showing my Age....
We know what your mean. I love his videos. My first go to on radio info. He's been on radio since i was born. Always listen and learn from our Elders. 73 KI5CNL
@Birdman Don't mix it up! Haha but he seriously has that voice. I see that with a lot of great HAM's but for whatever reason I never expect his voice to sound so radio! Several HAM's I know are like that.
Hi,Thank you for writing. I am sending this same response to many. On Tuesday, November 2nd in the morning at 0300 I was taken by ambulance to the local hospital with severe shortness of breath. I had been having a problem breathing for more than a year. A blood test in the Emergency Room showed my D-Dimer score of 12,281. A D-Dimer of over 500 is considered high. I was told that I set a new record in the ER at 12K. My oxygen level was about 82%. A CT scan showed I had a bilateral pulmonary embolism with almost total blockage. I was close to dying. A powerful blood thinningmedication was injected many times over the next several days. I was in the hospital for 5 days. I was sent home Saturday evening. I was on oxygen full time for a few days and mostly at night. I must use a walker. I can only walk a short distance on a level surface. Treatment for the blood clots is 6 months. It will take that long for some of them to go away. While in the hospital many came by to ask me questions about how I was able to live the last few months. I had been to 3 doctors recently and not correctly diagnosed. The outlook is good. I must follow the doctor's orders carefully. I do not feel strong enough to have vistors and don't want to risk infection at this time. My wife is taking excellent care of me. I will beuploading a video about Pulmonary Embolism soon. All of us who sit for a long time are at risk. Again, thanks for your message. 73, Jim W6LG
Hi Jim.... Brand new Ham here (Never even talked with anyone) on my Baofeng HandHelp portable unit. KI7IIQ (Kilo India 7 India India Quebec) I am outside of Eugene, Or. Thanks for the Video and Info....Glad you are OK...Take it easy and get your Health back !
Hi Jim, I just received my ticket as well. Thanks for all your videos they have helped me a lot. Take it easy, get better, take care, and God Bless. Kel- KD9HLD
Best wishes, and I hope you feel better soon. On another note, I just got my tech license two weeks ago(KM6GNZ), and your videos have been very helpful. Get well soon!
Sorry to hear of yer illness. I had triple by pass surgery 2 years ago and almost died then. Thanks to the good Lord I survived that ordeal. Just passed the test with a 100% for Technician license and received a Yaesu FT-4VR from the local Ham club for passing the test. It's a mono band 2 meter radio and am learning the basics of Ham radio in the meantime.
I always refer newly licenced ops to this video. A true masterclass in how to call CQ delivered by a man who publishes easily the best ham radio related videos on You Tube. I salute you Jim and hears to many years more of fantastic videos from you once your settled into your new home, 73, Tom G2NV.
Wow Tom, thanks! That is very generous. We move from here, after 38 years, to the new QTH a week from now. Friday to Monday are the moving days. I am to the point where I can't lift anything. I over did it over the last 9 months of getting ready. There is a 3 car gar and I will have about 40% partitioned for my TH-cam and shack. We will need to insulate the walls and do some sound proofing. Install a heater/ac unit in the interior partition. What I did here was to stagger studs. Every other stud is the outside wall and the other studs are the inside all with insulation woven. I am not sure what kind of wallboard to use. Gypsum is typical. I also have to put wiring in place first for equipment and then the amplifiers. The new location is a terrible ham radio site. So, much of my new videos will deal with antenna restrictions and how to get out from a hole. Nice to hear from you Tom. 73, Jim
@@ham-radio I know everyone of your subscribers will be wishing you every success with your move and good health in the coming months and years and we'll certainly be look forward with huge interest to seeing you put together the new station, I took great inspiration from one of your previous videos when putting together my station here! I can't help feeling that from the upheaval will come a brilliant opertunity to make more fantastic videos I wonder if there would be any merit in using foil backed gypsum wallboard when constructing your new radio room? apart from greater thermal efficiency I wonder if it would offer shielding from RFI in a built up area? Antenna-wise a 6 band 2 element Hexbeam at around 30ft seems to offer the best "bang for buck" for those with a modest amount of space. Good luck Jim hope all goes smoothly. 73, Tom G2NV
Passed my technician exam two days ago, hoping to get my call sign soon (I'd post it if I had it!), so your video was the first one I watched while waiting for my call sign assignment. This was VERY helpful!!! At 56 years old, I don't learn as fast as I used to, so thanks for being captain obvious for me!!!
Do you got your call sign yet? I've been waiting 9 months for mine! I'm about to start studying again for my tech because its been so long since I've taken it I'm afraid I'm gonna have to take it again by the time they do something with my paperwork.
Thank you Jim. I don't often call CQ - no real reason for that - but I often answer those I hear, and I've had some wonderful engagements. What a great hobby.
Thank you for a nicely paced video on how to call CQ. As a newbie at 71 I'm finding it more difficult than I expected. Lots of good tips and information in this video for me to try out. I thought my transmitter might be broken but now I think I've just been doing it wrong.
Good to see that you practice good radio etiquette. I hope you are now in good health and thriving having seen that you had previous health issues. As a relatively new operater in the UK, it is good to listen and make contact with operators like you. 👍
Thank you. I had to go to the emergency room right after I finished that video. Looks like I might be wearing a heart monitor for 30 days as a result. As conditions on the air improve over the next 4 years, I hope to work guys in the UK again. A lot of my DNA goes back to the UK. 73, Jim Heath
Jim I am at the investigation stage and I just wanted to say that your presence and presentation is fantastic. You are a great communicator. I hope to get a HAM radio in the next couple months just need to understand more and I'm confident that you are the guy who will walk me through the initial stage. Thank you for your good work.
As a former Radio Shack employee, I like seeing Nova-40s still being put to good use. We did have some great products back in the day. Good video! Its good to see etiquette and how to videos for new hams to get on & active.
Jim, first of all I’d like to tell you this is the best Ham radio video I’ve EVER SEEN! You provided me history, you provided me education and you provided me knowledge of basic Ham etiquette. I have been an avid DX fan for over 40 years. I’ve wanted a ham license now since about 1979. I’m finally going to go for it. I’m going to check out your other videos, I have subscribed and I am very impressed. I’m a hard worker and I’m going to put in the time to get my expert license. I’ve always had a bucket list dream of talking to someone in a foreign country. from my home. I’m not sure how I can take my tests in my area. I live north of you, in the state of Oregon. I was thinking about taking an online course as I’m handicapped which makes it easier for me. i’m a small time collector of AM/SW/SSB radios, I can honestly say I’ve never bought a new one LOL. I’m going to ask you a question here. And I’d appreciate your answer. Because I’m on Social Security, I’m looking to sell off a few of my radios and put some money I have saved up with that to possibly purchase a new ICOM 9700. Radio is my “get away. I’m a former youth pastor who takes care of a mentally disabled brother with stage four cancer. So listening to far off stations has been my hobby for many years and I have some knowledge I’m blessed to say on the history of AM broadcasting in North America. Is the 9700 “too much radio for a beginner?“ Because I’m on Social Security income basically only, it takes a long time to save… My thinking is that I “don’t want to sell off the radio” as I work my way up through the licenses. I want to have more radio than I need to start with so I don’t have to continue to “buy up.“ what are your thoughts on this? I live in the country in a subdivision with a decent size backyard that would fit a nice pool in it, but would probably be looking to of course put an antenna back there LOL I could sure use some advice from someone knowledgeable. 73 to you, Larry
I just got my license at the young age of 58. Your videos are amazing. I got all my dads radio equiptment many years ago. Just made my first contact and im hooked now. On to my general license.
How many months did you wait for your call sign to be put up ? I'm at 9 months next week and I was just kinda getting restless lol. I really want to use my radio!
Forgetting is not the only problem, changes in technology are also factors. I have been licensed since the '70's and have never let it expire, but upgrades can bring in new issues. For example, when I upgraded to Extra I found that the questions on television receivers were all about flat screens, there was nothing on the test about CRTs. I am sure that there is other new stuff that I have never heard of. The only way I got through the exam with a score of 100% was because I studied with the ARRL License Manual. That thing is GREAT! Maybe I should look at the current version of the manual, just to keep up.
Jim, just came across your vid, and wanted to tell you what a fine teacher you are, I,m so very sorry to hear of your Illness, Please do all your doctors tell you, your lucky to have such an attentive wife, I will be praying for you..with God's speed, get well soon!
Great video! I'm looking at getting my license and my first 10 meter mobile rig. It makes me very happy to see the friendliness of HAMs and the brotherhood that is present
That's great. BUT, 10 meters is not going to be good for many years. Work towards the General and Extra. Plan on operating mobile on 20 meter and 40 meters. You may be pretty lonely on 10 meters. We're lucky to have guys like you join our ranks. Thanks! 73, Jim
I Just saw this video because I'm taking my Technician exam soon, and of course, I'm searching the web and reading books. I hope your health is well as of this date. Thank you for what you do.
Good luck on the exam. The websites that have practice exams should help. Plan on going for the Extra Class License. Have fun at whatever you do and do volunteer for community service. Thanks, Jim W6LG
French "c'est qui?" which in English means "who's there?". In English-speaking countries, the origin of the abbreviation was popularly changed to the phrase "seek you"
@@johndoby ....That's just a copy of the Wikipedia explanation....and we know how accurate those *always* are, don't we?? LOL My family is from Quebec, and I was raised speaking French (began learning English in kindergarten, back in 1957!). 'C'est qui' translates literally to 'It's who?,' or 'This is who?' I don't know the real derivation of CQ, but Wikipedia's French-derived 'tale' of explanation seems to be a real stretch, at best.....just retelling a radio fairy tale, for my money!
@@normjacques6853 Thanks for the information. I was wondering if Hermann Goering had some factual information to explain the origin or if he was just being disagreeable. Doesn't seem like that far of a stretch to me that "C'est qui" could be the origin. Sounds to me like no one knows for certain, which mean's it will likely remain that way. There's a good discussion about it here: www.eham.net/articles/10338
I always thought it was from the word sécurité, and somehow got lost in translation the same way names would be changed to something vaguely similar on Ellis island. I believe sécurité is a call used on French boats to tell people to listen up for an important message. Any insight?
French is the language of international postage pre 50s. Sécurité means safety, or pay attention. CQ sounds like the first 2 syllables, and was adopted to carry that meaning. Important to note, the abbreviation could have been anything, but they choose something to jog the memory, because who can remember French anyway?
Glad to see a communicator using proper phonetic alpha bet. There seems to be many professional communicators forget it once they key up the mic. I'm not a HAM operator. I do listen to HF a lot with a grundig satellit 750 (I have various antennas for it), my SDRPlay and a couple of other SDR dongles. Wife thinks I'm bonkers sometimes but when I start copying CW, she's amazed. Keep up the good work. Coast Guard radioman sends.. 73's
Hi Jim, I wanted to say that I loved this video! My father became a silent key earlier this year and I have scheduled my Technician test next month in hopes that I can carry on his legacy. This is the CQ I know and loved as he performed it throughout my childhood. I hope I can do you both proud on my first calls in a few short weeks. Don't know if I can bounce the waves into your territory from here, but I will sure try! Best of health to you sir, 73.
Hi Jim --- Thank you for this video. I've been a ham for over 10 years now and I still enjoy learning from Elmers like you. You are a great ambassador for the hobby. See you on the bands 73 de KK1R
Hi Jim!! I truly wanted to thank you for this video. As a brand new ham that waited 40 years to finally get his license I find your method to call CQ the most effective and best way possible. Thank you for this great video my friend! Now, if you hear of any great deals on an amplifier… LOL...
Love this channel. Enjoy every single lesson I learn and greatly appreciate and respect your generosity to help others. You're the kind of mentor us new guys hope for. Also great to see you beat the health challenge. Awesome channel.
Jim, wonderfully insightful video. My dad was a ham for 60 yrs, and you call CQ similar to the way he did. "Calling CQ, Hello CQ" etc. I've picked up that verbiage and cadence, but I rarely hear anyone else calling as you and my dad did. I know, to each their own.... I just find this approach comfortable. And... I agree on the over use of "QSL". I think the only time I ever heard my dad utter those letters were in reference to a QSL card! ;-) 73 and keep up the great work. DE W3KKO Cliff
Paw95 Most cb's are weak receivers and the antennas are poor so most users cant hear someone 10 miles away so people alway talk over everyone else. You can DX on cb but the popular channels are typically flooded. You'd basically need at least a quad or a beam of some type to do so reliably. Also that pesky 4 watt limitation makes it harder. (although most ignore that)
Lastly, no one said I’ve ever “connected up” my radio!! I haven’t even taken it out the box for that matter!! But I’d be damn glad to fuck you off, if you’d stop wolfin and use my call sign to come visit me!!
Ham Radio Essentials...they don’t bother me. I just roast em and make them look as stupid as they are. Thank ya much! I’ve had an illness in the family and that’s kept me biz. But once I’m back settled down, I’ll break out the radio and do more with it.
Jim, please keep posting these informative videos! There are many of us, who are buying radios and listening as "lurkers", lol, but we NEED old-timers advice and training!!!! And that is meant with the highest respect! I'm not Kidding!!!!! PLEASE, for the love of god, keep teaching us!!!!! There is such a dearth of info from folks who have GREAT beards/age/experience, we NEED videos like this!! I'm very serious! PLEASE dump all of your extensive experience into 1 or more youtube series of vids, so that you can pass on your extensive knowledge!!!!!!
Thank you Robert. Yes, old and sometimes tired, but I will do my best. Your new idea about a Series is excellent. I'll be thinking about how to do that. Ham Radio Basics----The Series! Thanks & 73 Jim
Hi Jim! Been watching your videos for a bit as I studied for my technician exam (just passed it 5/2)...right next door in Yuba City. I was amazed to learn the “6” in a call sign = California, and then heard you mention northern California. Small world! Anyway, thanks for all the amazing instructional videos. I am gobbling them up in anticipation of keeping up with an old BMW motorcycle buddy from back East near Philadelphia who has been into HAM radio since high school and is nearing retirement (like me). I’ll look for you in the ether once i get my call sign. Thanks, and keep up the great work!
When Districts were first created, the 6th district I think included AZ and NV. There was no Zero district in the beginning. When Zero was added, 6 district became just CA. I think I have that correct. I am in Placer County now and for the duration. Congratulations on the Tech License. Go all the way to Extra. It is worth the effort. Thanks and 73, Jim W6LG
Ham Radio Basics: Make sure that when the antenna is disconnected before storms roll in, reconnect the antenna before trying to call CQ. I powered up my station and was scrolling thru the bands and heard nothing but static. I hit the button to tune my antenna and that gave me my clue that I wasn’t hearing anything because my antenna wasn’t connected. 73 from KG5RIZ.
I was lucky to have a great Elmer when I started back in the 80's that worked a lot of DX. I spent a lot of time in his shack on CW and voice, I learned a lot and "Q" abbreviations for for code not for voice.. That was his stance..
Thanks for sharing. At 61 I have my first HF radio and working on my Extra. Calling CQ sounds repetitive but that is how we get ourselves across. At least TV commercials repeat the phone number or the website over and over again. I got a kick out of the guy that answered did not get the G right the first time. So it is very important you get your phonetic call sign out there numerous times.
Hi guys I am from Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 but I live in NYC, I remember when I have 12 years old I have CB Cobra base and when we have good conditions I talk with, Spain,Mexico,US a lot of States, central America, South America, Islas Canarias and they send me by mail postcard from they country. Was a nice experience.i want to take the test to talk in 2 metters etc. I have to learn a lot, but I have a lot of time..I Subscribe to this channel...good days guy's..
Luis Hernandez. That sounds like you had a lot of FUN with a Cobra CB. I bet it was pretty cool getting Post Cards from other country's, that's a cool collection, more exciting than collecting Baseball Cards lol😄 👍
Frank Pryor you right brother...by that time I don't speak English so was difficult to have conversations with the American, but most of the time I communicate with central and south America and Spain too.. I thinking to buy good equipment to start talking in the CB band and under too... Thanks for the comments
hola Luis soy de Mayaguez y vivo en NY , 2 metros estan bien aqui hay muchos repetidores aunque 6 m y 10 m te van a gustar , consigue tus letras y nos comunicamos, 73 WP3VU .
almost the same story here Luis...broadcasted 4watts with a 23channel am cb and a 30 bigstick groundplane….I talked down south often when the "skip" was right...talked as far as Jamaica a few times....im in central Oklahoma...I was around12 to 14 also....it was awesome...I just got my first 2meter rig at a pawn shop...I guess I better get my license now....whiskey 6 is awesome..ty Sir
I really enjoyed this video. As a brand new technician I have not even started transmitting yet. My reason for getting into ham radio is to have emergency communications available. I only have a hand held unit for now but hope to expand to a home base station soon. I look forward to more videos like this
I was a radio operator in the Corps and we were taught DE meant "This is" when we were writing down incoming messages. I guess "From" works just as well.
I was 31C Radio/RATT in US Army. DE - this is, BT - Break, K- over, AR - out, are some I remember. In a military setting (personally- Desert Storm, using AM SSB RATT equipment from Vietnam-era), using 'shorthand' like this gets you off the air quicker; since the longer your transmission, the quicker you died.
I called CQ for the first time in 25 years today.. I got out of radios in the mid-late 90s. Took down my tower and antennas. Life moves on. But then came the dreaded virus. A lot of home bound time has sparked up some old interets. I dug out a radio and improvised an antenna. Not sure if the radio would even work with ageing caps, I heard a station in the distance. I could hear them talking to another station but that station was on the edge of the static. I had to think about how to call CQ. (it's been a long time and I was pretty use to using commercial radios over the last 25 years) I called CQ CQ DX and that was all that I said. Well Holy shit, they answered. It was a short conversation. I'm in Saskatchewan Canada and they were in Ohio. We talked about the weather and then conditions changed and I cleared off. Pretty exciting day, considering I didn't think that old adio and antenna was working right and I hadn't called CQ in decades. It was a good day and I remembered why I loved radios so much.
I just stumbled on your video and I must say that I was quite impressed, nice job! Also, I must say that you have a pretty awesome radio voice. Sadly, my experience with amateur radios has not been all that positive, the enjoyable QSO's are too few and too far apart and when you do find someone interesting to talk to you have to first bust through the pile up, then once through, you only have enough time to exchange only the most basic information before someone else tries to jump in and/or your contact is ready to move on. I first became interested in the hobby watching my grandfather build Heath kit rigs, he was always tinkering in it. That inspired me to get my electrical engineering degree and when I got my extra class ticket I thought I would be joining a great fraternity but now days it seems that everyone is only interested in buying their signal, there is just not the pride there once was in designing and building your rig from scratch. Keep up the good work and take care, I hope to hear you on the air one day. 73 KK4EDE
Hi Mike, Thanks for the props. Nice to hear from you. A video that I have been thinking about doing is...."the Art of the QSO". If you call a station that has a pileup, he very likely just wants to give a report and move one. In fact, all of the reports may be 5x9, 73. I recommend that you find someone calling CQ or that you call CQ. Ask questions as a way to get into a conversation. You should be relatively brief when transmitting and be understanding of the other station's sometimes long winded answers. A lot of guys that I talk with have restored old equipment. So, there are lots of guys doing some kind of restoration or building. Many have built antenna to fit their situation. Stations that break into a conversation just for the sake of talking can be annoying. I do not recommend the use of break or break break. I also don't recommend the use of contact except for nets. Again, be engaging. Express some interest in what the other guy is doing. You'll find there are a lot of guys who are interesting to talk with and they have a story. Also, let's try to call Amateur Radio, a licensed radio service. It is technically, not a hobby. We are licensed Amateur Radio Operators under Part 97; as you know. Thanks for writing. Don't become discouraged. I am on 20 meters following the gray line for DX and talking with new guys in the afternoon if I have time. I would be happy to talk with you sometime. Thanks, Jim W6LG
In Farms On The Air we exchange weather reports and farm districts. No signal report because you can either here the other station or you can't. FOTA is not in the USA yet :-)
Jim W6LG It's coming. Slowly. It's all about getting people in touch with their food and fibre. There is a range of activators and also chasers. Everything from a winery to a mushroom farm and from a large cattle station(ranch) to a dairy farm. Anything agricultural and Primary Industry. It runs a long the lines of WWFF and SOTA with an emphasis on food, fibre, agriculture and all things farm. Where does your food come from ? :-) 7 3
My uncle use to let me chatter on his as a kid. Kid as in 6 and 7 years old. I realize now how patient and nice ham radio operators are lol i still remember the stuff they taught me to say. Lots of fun.
Just got my novice license here in Germany and really enjoyed this video. Although I have my license, there is still a lot to learn that isn't just in the textbooks. Thanks for these instruction videos. 73, Yvette, DO9YJ
CQ originates from landline telegraphy in the UK. French is the official language of international postal services and the word sécurité means "safety" or "pay attention". It also sounded like "c'est qui?" meaning "who's there?" Later, in English countries, the meaning was adapted to the phrase "seek you".
Excellent and make perfect sense. 73 is from the 92 code about the same time and from railroad telegraphers. Hams were referred to poor operators about that time. They were also called plugs. Ham and Plugs appeared in some magazines. I have decided it was from hamhanded. So we could have been called Plugs instead of Hams! Plug Radio, ouch! Thanks for writing and keep in touch. 73, Jim W6LG
I have no license yet to operate but soon, already schedule for a seminar then soon after class examination... anyway so much interest in learning this whole thing and stumbled upon this video as well. Saying hello from Manila, Philippines.
I think the "directed CQs" have become mildly unfriendly and anti-social, and I think they violate the great idea behind "CQ." When I lived in Europe, I often heard European stations calling CQ DX, which I knew meant "outside Europe." They seemed to be saying that they DID NOT want to talk to the likes of me! I get the same feeling here in states. The situation is made worse by the attitude that the CQ DXers often display if someone in their home region dares to call them. Their annoyance is at best thinly disguised. CQ means "calling ANY station." "CQ DX" is, in my book, a contradiction in terms. And, mildly unfriendly. 73 Bill N2CQR
MOHBR Ken W. Sessions covers this point in his book "How to be a ham" "In amateur radio usage, a CQ call can be qualified by appending more letters, as in CQ DX (meaning "calling all stations located in a different continent to the caller"), or the ITU call sign prefix for a particular country (e.g. CQ VK for "calling Australia")." We all have different needs but this is about good clear communication to ensure that everyone can participate in a way that meets the needs of both parties.
I respect your opinion and have a valid point the way you see things. However, I can talk to stations stateside any time, any day of the week 24/7. There are times when I am looking for dx only with North America wiping out all of EU happening all the time. Hence, CQDX. I have heard 4x6tt multiple times rebuke the stations in EU continuing to call him when he clearly stated he was looking for North America. If he didn't take calls specifically from NA I would never have made the contact as there is no way to punch thru all of EU pouring in on him. He said to them; I can work them anytime on a wet spaghetti noodle." Paraphrasing of course. So, I completely and respectfully disagree with you. In a nutshell, call who you want, whenever you want. It's called freedom and individuality and without it the hobby would be filled with nothing but clones! Steve k1gmm
that is another thing that drove me away from the hobby, people telling you how to do something even tho the way you liked doing it was not against rules and then the repeater politics was unreal, if you wanted to install a repeater it was about who you knew not what you knew
@@sharonjuniorchess Chris---Thank you for your reply to Bill N2CQR. I feel exactly the same way as you. It is nothing personal if someone wants to call " CQ DX" or other kind of directed CQ call. He may be chasing that last QSO from Germany that takes him to finally getting his "Worked All Countries" award. You never know. It's nothing personal. He simply leans toward getting that European or African or South American contact. Listen a bit and he may tire of the DX Calls and that is your clue to move up a few KC. and put out your own CQ.......maybe he'll return your call! /// Earle, WB3EFE
Thank you! My parents went thru a HAM when we lived on Okinawa back in the 60s/70s to help deal with all that needed to be done for my sister's adoption. A few years ago my wife bought me a Baofang but I still have not taken any classes. I also have an old GT550 but it needs work. I prefer to go with tube radios.
It is fun to some of us to work on old radios. I would encourage everyone to buy a working radio so that they can get on the air and stay on the air. Have something that works without a lot of repairs. Thanks again for your input. Take care, Jim
I follow (as best I can) the International Radio Etiquette Procedures and Protocols as used by aircraft, ships, military, govt and commercial operators the world over. This is how I call CQ : "CQ CQ CQ CQ, THIS IS Lima Alpha Eight Papa Victor, I SAY AGAIN, Lima Alpha Eight Papa Victor CALLING CQ CQ CQ CQ and LISTENING" NB : The pause is half the length of the total CQ call. NB : The entire call should be said clearly, soundly and well rounded and not too quickly. Since we are Hams and not professional operators we need to adjust the IREP to suit us because doing everything in groups of 3 takes too much time when people are deciding to spin the VFO or not. I think this is the most efficient way to call CQ whilst utilising some semblance of long-held radio operating procedures. This works for me and I've never had a complaint. NB : There is professional amateurs and then there's amateur professionals. Happy DX.
Very good. If it were me, I would add, ".....and LA8PV listening". I like to give my call without the phonetics. That is just a preference for me and not necessary. Giving the callsign so it is understood is very important. I try to keep in mind that it is possible that someone thousands of miles away is trying to copy my callsign. I hope to hear you soon on 20 meters over the North Pole. Thanks for your advice! 73, Jim
Jim W6LG Dear Sir, An Additional Comment : 1) During a CQ call, if one is to change from spelling phonetically to simply saying the letters of the call sign then this can add to confusion as the listener's brain has to switch from one kind of listening to the next which can create confusion. This is akin to changing the phonetic alphabet as some users do so when they attempt to give their call sign to a station who has not heard it right. EG Oscar to Ocean and Alpha to Apple. In other words, change creates confusion. I believe consistency is the key to efficiency, clarity and being understood. Making a person's brain change from one line of consistency to another is fraught with the possibilities of not being understood and the contact taking longer than necessary. To iterate, changing from said phonetics to saying letters and numbers during a CQ opens up the chance of confusion as the other station's brain has to change system. The above is made even harder when phonetics are changed from the standard during the call as well. It's something to be avoided. Consistency is key. 2) If you dissect my CQ call above piece by piece in a linear fashion and then imagine you are the station scrolling around the band with the VFO, Does it not stand to reason that no matter where you first caught my CQ call during its length, that there is a good chance that you have gleaned that it is a CQ call ? Further to this, I would also put it to all the good folks out there that no matter when they came across my call it is easy to decipher as only the pertinent and salient info is in my call and is likely to stop a person scrolling. It's an easy exercise to perform. Simply start reading my above CQ call from any place in the sentence and see whether you can tell it's something of interest. 3) You have a good video and excellent presentation of the subject. There is many ways to do it right and amateurs can get away with just about anything these days. There's a dozen good ways to do a CQ call and still stay within the realms of good practice and International Radio Etiquette. Yes, I have had the benefit of being a professional operator and I will conclude with the following : "There's nothing wrong with sounding professional on amateur radio - it'll get you more contacts" As Ted Nugent says "be the best that you can" Each to their own and happy DX :-) 7 3
well, I do exactly that with one more repeat, like you do it 2 times I do it 3... but maybe I should switch to 2 and to it more often... I read your comment on switching alphabets, good point! I used to say "This is VK2FJTA, this is Victor Kilo 2 Fox Juliet Tango Alpha, this is VK2FJTA calling CQ and standing by over?" I might change that to just plain phonetics! Especially the 4 letters callsign is confusing people most of the time...
W6LG, KO4BDO. I've been licensed for a little over 4 months and have used your method of calling CQ every time. I don't follow exact wording but follow your principles. My wife has become interested and is studying. Today I brought her into the radio room to show her a few things and explain some of what she is learning. She first asked "how do you find some one to talk to?" Then asked how long it would take and how often it worked? I laughed and told her about this video and said watch. I followed your instructions on 40m and as always within a few minutes (as always on 40) I got a response from a Dutch operator on a cargo ship docked in Rhode Island. Short conversation and then off to teach er a few other things. Thank you so much for these videos.
Lovely informative vidclip, Just so Helpful and Informative, especialy for 27Meg 'Virgin' ... I am in Christchurch, New Zealand and the last few days the skips from the North Island, Australia and Tasmania has been Brilliant.... Today very quiet again .... Very best to You and Yours for the Festive Season.... Keep well and Stay safe .... Cheers to All from ChCh NZ
Thanks. I am just out of the hospital and had emergency surgery. GET YOUR ham radio license and really enjoy radio. Honestly, there is a huge difference. From CA to NZ is easy on 14MHz most evenings my time. 73, Jim W6LG
He is indeed. And yesterday I met a guy who won the Bronze Star a few years ago. It was an honor to have a QSO with a hero. There are many amazing ham radio operators with interesting stories. 73, Jim W6LG
Jim, Thank you for taking the time to post. I trust you are doing better since your PE's. I had bilateral PE's in 2015 stemming from a tractor roll-over injury. I almost died, was in hospital 5 days and on blood thinners for 6 months following accident. Able to work 3.5 days/week now., am truly blessed I can. Avid 10 meter dx'er here (when the band is OPEN! Lol My transceiver is a Realistic HTX-100 (25 watt) purchased new in 1989 (I believe),with a ProComm PCF 10 vertical stick antenna mounted 30' in the air. Have worked many areas outside the U.S. over the years on this little set-up. Hope you all the best. 73's Rod KC0CBE
Hello Jim just wanted to say thank you for the information. I am going to take my technician license test next week. I am looking forward to participating in this outstanding community. I’m a United States Marine veteran with some communication ability my question to you is do you have any information that could help me with properly communicating with my technician license. Thank you
The military usually calls "Any station this net, this is ..... , Then your action like radio check, over" I'm feeling so lost with HAM jargon after my military time, totally new learning experience. lol
CQ is known as Calling, or attention calling, sounds like seek you, so often termed as seek you or calling, but how can you 'seek you' to DX when you don't know who you are aiming it at ?
Hi Jim, I very much enjoy your videos, educating as well as refresher. I got my license in1976 but the last five years have not been active. I like the speed in which you deliver information ( giving me absorption time ). Thanks Jim, Happy new year to you. Dave VE7CMI
Got my general in June,, borrowed a radio,, then bought a Kenwood,, so far I need a contact on it.The new (old---25 years old)one,, before I pay it off I need one contact but your videos helped me even more than my elmer did...I did have 4 contacts on the borrowed one ,, my first contact was Nova Scotia,, I was elated...this is neat,,, I studied morse in 1963 inhigh school,, then went US ARMY. And stayed there till I retired..then found out novice is not needed so I went to school at 68 years old and got my tech then my general..ill be listening for you on 14.288.00 ....73 .....K3RJW...Ron the polishpickle
Jim, as a new Ham as of May '18 ther is a lot to learn both technically and in etiquette. This is one of the best explanations / applications of calling CQ I've seen. Thanks for taking the time to shoot this. Hope all is well with you.
Thank you for a great demonstration. I just made my very first contact on HF 28.300 with a tech license today on my new to me Yaesu FT - 707 with a vertical ground plane. Studying for my general now. 73 K7ZFI in Northern Nevada.
Hi, you're well equiped . . I hope you live for a long time , your brain works well, that helps to stay active . One caveat though: sitting too much is a killer . . all the best from Canada ( your 'Communist' neighbor )
@@ham-radio My wife ran from there--it is NOT good in Canada --yes, they are communists --California and its liberals are not much better-- at all. MAGA, and he is.
Jim, your shack is impressive. I don't think I could ever afford radios like you have living on Social Security. Whenever I have a little extra money to spend on hobbies, I usually add appreciable assets to my gun collection. Unfortunely electronic equipment constantly goes down in value. (Sorry, even though I'm retired, I still think like an accountant.) Considering the cost of radios, even though I hold an Extra Class License, I have never operated out of the Technician bands, and I have been licensed since the '70's. 73, Kilo Foxtrot Six Charley Zulu.
I'm a long time SWL thinking about making the jump and I've enjoyed your videos. You have a very no-nonsense, relaxed, and engaging style and manage to communicate your experience without shoving an agenda down people's throats. I like that and I like your dedication to plain language communication. I'm an ex attorney and current Sci Fi novelist and in both professions dealt with a lot of people who are more interested in impressing you with their command of jargon than they are in communicating. You are a refreshing break from that orientation. These videos appear to be an excellent public service to the radio community.
Wow! Thank you Paul! You are being very very generous. I watch my videos during editing and sometimes cringe. I have a lot to learn and lots of room for improvement. You went from being an attorney to a novelist; amazing transformation. I wished you had a license so we could meet and talk about that on the air. My brother is now a Country Attorney for children who have been abused in a major county. His writing skills are so much better than mine. In thinking about how you transitioned, perhaps some of your skills as an attorney are helpful. Well Paul, I started to type your name into Google and it self completed. I too have had a close call that was life changing. However, your close call was much closer. Mine was a broken neck. I see you did lots of things and have lots of interests. You will find my family name on episodes of Star Trek and Shatner talks about my father in his book. They were not friends. I think Shatner is probably a very nice guy and correct in his assessment of my OM. Back to the topic, thank you and I encourage you to take the 3 tests for an Amateur Radio License. If you need some information, please do contact me using the email address on QRZ.com. The study of the propagation of radio waves is likely go to be another asset to your writing. 73, Jim Heath W6LG in Grass Valley, CA
Wow! From 4 years ago!!! I just ran across your video. The closest I've ever been to 20 meters, was back in the mid 70s, when I worked 6 meter AM. But, unfortunately that didn't last long because, I found out I was coming through a number of neighbors clock radios, sterio speakers, and who knows what all? I loved it while it lasted though! Anyhow, great video! 73s from Dan - K7SPR.
I appreciate that! That is especially true now. You can see some of my more recent videos about how I am recovering from some really bad illness. I hope to be QRV soon. Thanks Viktor. It was very kind of you to write to me. 73, your friend Jim in CA
nice, good point on checking if the freq was clear. I am just getting into ham radio, building equipment and just listening since I dont have my ticket yet.
Interesting video, I’ve always wanted to get licensed. I’m seriously thinking about it now at age 51. I just never thought I would be able to learn Morris Code. I’ve spent a great deal of time interested in and repairing consumer electronics over last 25 years, and have always had a love and interest in 2-way radio communication. Thanks for your video sir, 73’s to you 😁👍
Nice video Jim. Last night I was listening on 40m and there was a guy calling CQ on CW for dozens and dozens of times, one right after the other, without a pause and no hope of getting a response in edgewise! Videos like this are necessary because a lot of folks have no idea what the conventions are. Thanks for posting.
They have break in don't they? I'm not a CW guy but they can listen while transmitting, it just keeps the frequency busy so if you're tuning in, you say your call sign and they stop... at least that's how I understand it hehe
This if the first of your videos that I've watched (it will not be the last!) and you seem like an awfully nice gentleman and a first class operator. I'm glad to read that you made it through your health scare and doubly so that you're still sharing your wisdom on TH-cam. Add my name to the long list of folks who appreciate your efforts to keep our airwaves civilized. Thank you!
Only reason to get a HAM radio these days is for when the SHTF. 99% of us really don't plan to sit in front of equipment making calls to talk to people around the country.We simply want to get from point A to point B. Thank you for your video by the way.
Thanks Joel. Please do subscribe and give a thumb up or down. TH-cam keeps track of those things. I am really working hard to get to produce a lot more videos of things that should be interesting. 73, Jim
Hi Jim, hope you do fine these days. I am licenced since 88 but not active after 92. And never HF. Now I got a FT-950, 20 meter endfed, soon a sdr minion, so ... thought it is a good idea how to CQ. I knew it sort of ... but, always good to hear it from a pro ;-) Take care and perhaps (don't think so, 1 in a million ...) we will hear each other. Regards, from The Netherlands.
👏👍 - I enjoyed this video - At 78 years old I just getting started - Thank you!
At 69 yrs. young and same as you. Just starting to plan out a place in the House for a setup. KC9RWE Muncie, Ind. (Home of Rocky the Squirrel and Bull Winkle the Mouse. If you ever watched the Cartoon when we were young, the was the Beginning of the Show "Flying High Over Muncie, Indiana"...... Showing my Age....
nice 👍
This man has the voice of a broadcaster if I ever heard one.
We know what your mean. I love his videos. My first go to on radio info. He's been on radio since i was born. Always listen and learn from our Elders. 73 KI5CNL
@Birdman Don't mix it up! Haha but he seriously has that voice. I see that with a lot of great HAM's but for whatever reason I never expect his voice to sound so radio! Several HAM's I know are like that.
This is my first time here, and that is EXACTLY the first thing I thought also!
I just love Radio♡♡♡
🤜👍🤛
Well hes been doing it for 50 years so yeah he sounds good
Go check out the Distant Signal TH-cam channel. Danny Harman is the best
Hi,Thank you for writing. I am sending this same response to many. On Tuesday, November 2nd in the morning at 0300 I was taken by ambulance to the local hospital with severe shortness of breath. I had been having a problem breathing for more than a year. A blood test in the Emergency Room showed my D-Dimer score of 12,281. A D-Dimer of over 500 is considered high. I was told that I set a new record in the ER at 12K. My oxygen level was about 82%. A CT scan showed I had a bilateral pulmonary embolism with almost total blockage. I was close to dying. A powerful blood thinningmedication was injected many times over the next several days. I was in the hospital for 5 days. I was sent home Saturday evening. I was on oxygen full time for a few days and mostly at night. I must use a walker. I can only walk a short distance on a level surface. Treatment for the blood clots is 6 months. It will take that long for some of them to go away. While in the hospital many came by to ask me questions about how I was able to live the last few months. I had been to 3 doctors recently and not correctly diagnosed. The outlook is good. I must follow the doctor's orders carefully. I do not feel strong enough to have vistors and don't want to risk infection at this time. My wife is taking excellent care of me. I will beuploading a video about Pulmonary Embolism soon. All of us who sit for a long time are at risk. Again, thanks for your message. 73, Jim W6LG
Hi Jim.... Brand new Ham here (Never even talked with anyone) on my Baofeng HandHelp portable unit. KI7IIQ (Kilo India 7 India India Quebec) I am outside of Eugene, Or.
Thanks for the Video and Info....Glad you are OK...Take it easy and get your Health back !
I hope you get better soon. Stay positive! I enjoy your videos
Hi Jim, I just received my ticket as well. Thanks for all your videos they have helped me a lot. Take it easy, get better, take care, and God Bless.
Kel- KD9HLD
Jim W6LG feel better Jim. 73
Best wishes, and I hope you feel better soon. On another note, I just got my tech license two weeks ago(KM6GNZ), and your videos have been very helpful. Get well soon!
Sorry to hear of yer illness. I had triple by pass surgery 2 years ago and almost died then. Thanks to the good Lord I survived that ordeal. Just passed the test with a 100% for Technician license and received a Yaesu FT-4VR from the local Ham club for passing the test. It's a mono band 2 meter radio and am learning the basics of Ham radio in the meantime.
Excellent! Congratulations. Now work towards the Extra. Aim for HF if you can. 73, Jim
I always refer newly licenced ops to this video. A true masterclass in how to call CQ delivered by a man who publishes easily the best ham radio related videos on You Tube. I salute you Jim and hears to many years more of fantastic videos from you once your settled into your new home, 73, Tom G2NV.
Wow Tom, thanks! That is very generous. We move from here, after 38 years, to the new QTH a week from now. Friday to Monday are the moving days. I am to the point where I can't lift anything. I over did it over the last 9 months of getting ready. There is a 3 car gar and I will have about 40% partitioned for my TH-cam and shack. We will need to insulate the walls and do some sound proofing. Install a heater/ac unit in the interior partition. What I did here was to stagger studs. Every other stud is the outside wall and the other studs are the inside all with insulation woven. I am not sure what kind of wallboard to use. Gypsum is typical. I also have to put wiring in place first for equipment and then the amplifiers. The new location is a terrible ham radio site. So, much of my new videos will deal with antenna restrictions and how to get out from a hole. Nice to hear from you Tom. 73, Jim
@@ham-radio I know everyone of your subscribers will be wishing you every success with your move and good health in the coming months and years and we'll certainly be look forward with huge interest to seeing you put together the new station, I took great inspiration from one of your previous videos when putting together my station here! I can't help feeling that from the upheaval will come a brilliant opertunity to make more fantastic videos
I wonder if there would be any merit in using foil backed gypsum wallboard when constructing your new radio room? apart from greater thermal efficiency I wonder if it would offer shielding from RFI in a built up area?
Antenna-wise a 6 band 2 element Hexbeam at around 30ft seems to offer the best "bang for buck" for those with a modest amount of space. Good luck Jim hope all goes smoothly. 73, Tom G2NV
Passed my technician exam two days ago, hoping to get my call sign soon (I'd post it if I had it!), so your video was the first one I watched while waiting for my call sign assignment. This was VERY helpful!!! At 56 years old, I don't learn as fast as I used to, so thanks for being captain obvious for me!!!
Do you got your call sign yet? I've been waiting 9 months for mine! I'm about to start studying again for my tech because its been so long since I've taken it I'm afraid I'm gonna have to take it again by the time they do something with my paperwork.
Thank you Jim. I don't often call CQ - no real reason for that - but I often answer those I hear, and I've had some wonderful engagements. What a great hobby.
Thank you for a nicely paced video on how to call CQ. As a newbie at 71 I'm finding it more difficult than I expected. Lots of good tips and information in this video for me to try out. I thought my transmitter might be broken but now I think I've just been doing it wrong.
Good to see that you practice good radio etiquette. I hope you are now in good health and thriving having seen that you had previous health issues. As a relatively new operater in the UK, it is good to listen and make contact with operators like you. 👍
Thank you. I had to go to the emergency room right after I finished that video. Looks like I might be wearing a heart monitor for 30 days as a result. As conditions on the air improve over the next 4 years, I hope to work guys in the UK again. A lot of my DNA goes back to the UK. 73, Jim Heath
Jim I am at the investigation stage and I just wanted to say that your presence and presentation is fantastic. You are a great communicator. I hope to get a HAM radio in the next couple months just need to understand more and I'm confident that you are the guy who will walk me through the initial stage. Thank you for your good work.
As a former Radio Shack employee, I like seeing Nova-40s still being put to good use. We did have some great products back in the day. Good video! Its good to see etiquette and how to videos for new hams to get on & active.
God i miss radio shack so much. I would always go there all the time
This is the greatest audio visual post ever in the history of TH-cam. Share it with the world. He needs 1 billion followers .
I be very happy with a few less...50K. Thanks from Jim in CA
Jim, first of all I’d like to tell you this is the best Ham radio video I’ve EVER SEEN! You provided me history, you provided me education and you provided me knowledge of basic Ham etiquette. I have been an avid DX fan for over 40 years. I’ve wanted a ham license now since about 1979. I’m finally going to go for it. I’m going to check out your other videos, I have subscribed and I am very impressed. I’m a hard worker and I’m going to put in the time to get my expert license. I’ve always had a bucket list dream of talking to someone in a foreign country. from my home. I’m not sure how I can take my tests in my area. I live north of you, in the state of Oregon. I was thinking about taking an online course as I’m handicapped which makes it easier for me.
i’m a small time collector of AM/SW/SSB radios, I can honestly say I’ve never bought a new one LOL. I’m going to ask you a question here. And I’d appreciate your answer. Because I’m on Social Security, I’m looking to sell off a few of my radios and put some money I have saved up with that to possibly purchase a new ICOM 9700. Radio is my “get away. I’m a former youth pastor who takes care of a mentally disabled brother with stage four cancer. So listening to far off stations has been my hobby for many years and I have some knowledge I’m blessed to say on the history of AM broadcasting in North America. Is the 9700 “too much radio for a beginner?“ Because I’m on Social Security income basically only, it takes a long time to save… My thinking is that I “don’t want to sell off the radio” as I work my way up through the licenses. I want to have more radio than I need to start with so I don’t have to continue to “buy up.“ what are your thoughts on this? I live in the country in a subdivision with a decent size backyard that would fit a nice pool in it, but would probably be looking to of course put an antenna back there LOL I could sure use some advice from someone knowledgeable. 73 to you, Larry
I just got my license at the young age of 58. Your videos are amazing. I got all my dads radio equiptment many years ago. Just made my first contact and im hooked now. On to my general license.
How many months did you wait for your call sign to be put up ? I'm at 9 months next week and I was just kinda getting restless lol. I really want to use my radio!
@@ih8JoosI'm gey 🏳️🌈👨❤️👨
Getting back into the hobby after many, many years away and it's funny how much you forget. Really useful video. Thanks.
Lol. I've been thinking about getting back into it too been out the game 15 years
Forgetting is not the only problem, changes in technology are also factors. I have been licensed since the '70's and have never let it expire, but upgrades can bring in new issues. For example, when I upgraded to Extra I found that the questions on television receivers were all about flat screens, there was nothing on the test about CRTs. I am sure that there is other new stuff that I have never heard of. The only way I got through the exam with a score of 100% was because I studied with the ARRL License Manual. That thing is GREAT! Maybe I should look at the current version of the manual, just to keep up.
Jim, just came across your vid, and wanted to tell you what a fine teacher you are, I,m so very sorry to hear of your Illness, Please do all your doctors tell you, your lucky to have such an attentive wife, I will be praying for you..with God's speed, get well soon!
Great learning curve
. Thank - you Canterbury U.K
Great video! I'm looking at getting my license and my first 10 meter mobile rig. It makes me very happy to see the friendliness of HAMs and the brotherhood that is present
That's great. BUT, 10 meters is not going to be good for many years. Work towards the General and Extra. Plan on operating mobile on 20 meter and 40 meters. You may be pretty lonely on 10 meters. We're lucky to have guys like you join our ranks. Thanks!
73, Jim
I Just saw this video because I'm taking my Technician exam soon, and of course, I'm searching the web and reading books. I hope your health is well as of this date. Thank you for what you do.
Good luck on the exam. The websites that have practice exams should help. Plan on going for the Extra Class License. Have fun at whatever you do and do volunteer for community service. Thanks, Jim W6LG
i'm a newbie in HAM radio and still need a lot to learn, thank you for this video and one day i will take my license test to get my own call sign
Im new too i figured it was useful info, idk what cq is lol
Me too!
My curiosity about HAM just doubled listening to your video . Thank you .It was wonderful listening to you W6LG
Glad you enjoyed it! Regards from Jim in Rocklin CA
French "c'est qui?" which in English means "who's there?". In English-speaking countries, the origin of the abbreviation was popularly changed to the phrase "seek you"
@Hermann Goering Can you explain why he is wrong?
@@johndoby ....That's just a copy of the Wikipedia explanation....and we know how accurate those *always* are, don't we?? LOL My family is from Quebec, and I was raised speaking French (began learning English in kindergarten, back in 1957!). 'C'est qui' translates literally to 'It's who?,' or 'This is who?' I don't know the real derivation of CQ, but Wikipedia's French-derived 'tale' of explanation seems to be a real stretch, at best.....just retelling a radio fairy tale, for my money!
@@normjacques6853 Thanks for the information. I was wondering if Hermann Goering had some factual information to explain the origin or if he was just being disagreeable. Doesn't seem like that far of a stretch to me that "C'est qui" could be the origin. Sounds to me like no one knows for certain, which mean's it will likely remain that way. There's a good discussion about it here: www.eham.net/articles/10338
I always thought it was from the word sécurité, and somehow got lost in translation the same way names would be changed to something vaguely similar on Ellis island. I believe sécurité is a call used on French boats to tell people to listen up for an important message. Any insight?
French is the language of international postage pre 50s. Sécurité means safety, or pay attention. CQ sounds like the first 2 syllables, and was adopted to carry that meaning. Important to note, the abbreviation could have been anything, but they choose something to jog the memory, because who can remember French anyway?
Glad to see a communicator using proper phonetic alpha bet. There seems to be many professional communicators forget it once they key up the mic. I'm not a HAM operator. I do listen to HF a lot with a grundig satellit 750 (I have various antennas for it), my SDRPlay and a couple of other SDR dongles. Wife thinks I'm bonkers sometimes but when I start copying CW, she's amazed. Keep up the good work. Coast Guard radioman sends.. 73's
Hi Jim, I wanted to say that I loved this video! My father became a silent key earlier this year and I have scheduled my Technician test next month in hopes that I can carry on his legacy. This is the CQ I know and loved as he performed it throughout my childhood. I hope I can do you both proud on my first calls in a few short weeks. Don't know if I can bounce the waves into your territory from here, but I will sure try! Best of health to you sir, 73.
The algorithm brought me here as I study for my Tech ticket. Lots of great info!
This is the way it should be done. Well explained. You are my favorite 'Elmer' on the web.
Hi Jim --- Thank you for this video. I've been a ham for over 10 years now and I still enjoy learning from Elmers like you. You are a great ambassador for the hobby. See you on the bands 73 de KK1R
Great to hear that August. Thanks very much for writing. 73, Jim
Use to love SSB when the sunspots were out. I used to get from the UK to the mountains in Virginia on 4 Watts! Damn I miss those days
Hi Jim!! I truly wanted to thank you for this video. As a brand new ham that waited 40 years to finally get his license I find your method to call CQ the most effective and best way possible. Thank you for this great video my friend! Now, if you hear of any great deals on an amplifier… LOL...
Love this channel. Enjoy every single lesson I learn and greatly appreciate and respect your generosity to help others. You're the kind of mentor us new guys hope for.
Also great to see you beat the health challenge.
Awesome channel.
Jim, wonderfully insightful video. My dad was a ham for 60 yrs, and you call CQ similar to the way he did. "Calling CQ, Hello CQ" etc. I've picked up that verbiage and cadence, but I rarely hear anyone else calling as you and my dad did. I know, to each their own.... I just find this approach comfortable. And... I agree on the over use of "QSL". I think the only time I ever heard my dad utter those letters were in reference to a QSL card! ;-) 73 and keep up the great work. DE W3KKO Cliff
I love how clear the radio can be. I talk lots of CB here in southern Ohio. It has lots of static and chatter. Lots of noise toys Mexicans and static
Paw95 that's so weird because I talk lots of cb here in austin tx and my radio is full of static and hill billys trying to out talk each other.
Paw95 Most cb's are weak receivers and the antennas are poor so most users cant hear someone 10 miles away so
people alway talk over everyone else.
You can DX on cb but the popular channels are typically flooded. You'd basically need at least a quad or a beam of some type to do so reliably. Also that pesky 4 watt limitation makes it harder.
(although most ignore that)
Hi CQ CQ CQ FROM TIJUANA MÉXICO CQ CQ CQ FRIENDS😁
Thank you Jim, Just learning going for my licensees
KJ7KPF......took my test 2 weeks ago and just got my license today!! Still don’t know how to work my radio. Lol.
what was so funny that you managed to 'laugh out loud' ?
maybe sit down with the manual and read it before you connect it up ??
Lastly, no one said I’ve ever “connected up” my radio!! I haven’t even taken it out the box for that matter!! But I’d be damn glad to fuck you off, if you’d stop wolfin and use my call sign to come visit me!!
@@fineartonfire_5327 I don't know why people comment these comments. Anyway, welcome to the hobby! Hope to meet you on the air! 73 de W0AAE
Ham Radio Essentials...they don’t bother me. I just roast em and make them look as stupid as they are.
Thank ya much! I’ve had an illness in the family and that’s kept me biz. But once I’m back settled down, I’ll break out the radio and do more with it.
@@fineartonfire_5327 I'll see you on the bands! 73 de W0AAE
Jim, please keep posting these informative videos! There are many of us, who are buying radios and listening as "lurkers", lol, but we NEED old-timers advice and training!!!! And that is meant with the highest respect! I'm not Kidding!!!!! PLEASE, for the love of god, keep teaching us!!!!! There is such a dearth of info from folks who have GREAT beards/age/experience, we NEED videos like this!! I'm very serious! PLEASE dump all of your extensive experience into 1 or more youtube series of vids, so that you can pass on your extensive knowledge!!!!!!
Thank you Robert. Yes, old and sometimes tired, but I will do my best. Your new idea about a Series is excellent. I'll be thinking about how to do that. Ham Radio Basics----The Series! Thanks & 73 Jim
seems to be a much more proper way of doing things then on CB radio I've got a lot to learn and I appreciate you taking the time to teach others
grateful for your content.
Hi Jim! Been watching your videos for a bit as I studied for my technician exam (just passed it 5/2)...right next door in Yuba City. I was amazed to learn the “6” in a call sign = California, and then heard you mention northern California. Small world! Anyway, thanks for all the amazing instructional videos. I am gobbling them up in anticipation of keeping up with an old BMW motorcycle buddy from back East near Philadelphia who has been into HAM radio since high school and is nearing retirement (like me). I’ll look for you in the ether once i get my call sign. Thanks, and keep up the great work!
When Districts were first created, the 6th district I think included AZ and NV. There was no Zero district in the beginning. When Zero was added, 6 district became just CA. I think I have that correct. I am in Placer County now and for the duration. Congratulations on the Tech License. Go all the way to Extra. It is worth the effort. Thanks and 73, Jim W6LG
Courtesy. Patience. It is a rare commodity now. One of the reasons this hobby has me intrigued.
Ham Radio Basics: Make sure that when the antenna is disconnected before storms roll in, reconnect the antenna before trying to call CQ. I powered up my station and was scrolling thru the bands and heard nothing but static. I hit the button to tune my antenna and that gave me my clue that I wasn’t hearing anything because my antenna wasn’t connected. 73 from KG5RIZ.
Jim,
One of the best demos. on calling CQ I have seen on TH-cam. Real pleasure listening to you. 73, Ray KC3FGD
Thanks for the very generous review. I hope to hear you on 20 meters sometime soon. 73, Jim
Yes I would also say thats the best Ham radio video I’ve seen, Just getting back into radio after A long break. Thank you Jim from the UK
I was lucky to have a great Elmer when I started back in the 80's that worked a lot of DX. I spent a lot of time in his shack on CW and voice, I learned a lot and "Q" abbreviations for for code not for voice.. That was his stance..
Thanks for sharing. At 61 I have my first HF radio and working on my Extra. Calling CQ sounds repetitive but that is how we get ourselves across. At least TV commercials repeat the phone number or the website over and over again. I got a kick out of the guy that answered did not get the G right the first time. So it is very important you get your phonetic call sign out there numerous times.
Hi guys I am from Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 but I live in NYC, I remember when I have 12 years old I have CB Cobra base and when we have good conditions I talk with, Spain,Mexico,US a lot of States, central America, South America, Islas Canarias and they send me by mail postcard from they country. Was a nice experience.i want to take the test to talk in 2 metters etc. I have to learn a lot, but I have a lot of time..I Subscribe to this channel...good days guy's..
Luis Hernandez. That sounds like you had a lot of FUN with a Cobra CB. I bet it was pretty cool getting Post Cards from other country's, that's a cool collection, more exciting than collecting Baseball Cards lol😄 👍
Frank Pryor you right brother...by that time I don't speak English so was difficult to have conversations with the American, but most of the time I communicate with central and south America and Spain too.. I thinking to buy good equipment to start talking in the CB band and under too... Thanks for the comments
hola Luis soy de Mayaguez y vivo en NY , 2 metros estan bien aqui hay muchos repetidores aunque 6 m y 10 m te van a gustar , consigue tus letras y nos comunicamos, 73 WP3VU .
almost the same story here Luis...broadcasted 4watts with a 23channel am cb and a 30 bigstick groundplane….I talked down south often when the "skip" was right...talked as far as Jamaica a few times....im in central Oklahoma...I was around12 to 14 also....it was awesome...I just got my first 2meter rig at a pawn shop...I guess I better get my license now....whiskey 6 is awesome..ty Sir
Luis López no tengo nada de equipo...tengo q empezar desde 0 otra vez pa ponerme al día...saludos brother
I really enjoyed this video. As a brand new technician I have not even started transmitting yet. My reason for getting into ham radio is to have emergency communications available. I only have a hand held unit for now but hope to expand to a home base station soon. I look forward to more videos like this
I was a radio operator in the Corps and we were taught DE meant "This is" when we were writing down incoming messages. I guess "From" works just as well.
I am an radio/network in the USN, more sand then anything but this is a cool channel. I was thinking the same about DE...NJS.
@@nicky407 DE means from in french... It was used because DE has a lot less key presses than FROM
I was 31C Radio/RATT in US Army. DE - this is, BT - Break, K- over, AR - out, are some I remember. In a military setting (personally- Desert Storm, using AM SSB RATT equipment from Vietnam-era), using 'shorthand' like this gets you off the air quicker; since the longer your transmission, the quicker you died.
Yes Sir that was the the way we were all taught, From USASTRATCOM PhuLam V.N,
I called CQ for the first time in 25 years today.. I got out of radios in the mid-late 90s. Took down my tower and antennas. Life moves on. But then came the dreaded virus. A lot of home bound time has sparked up some old interets. I dug out a radio and improvised an antenna. Not sure if the radio would even work with ageing caps, I heard a station in the distance. I could hear them talking to another station but that station was on the edge of the static. I had to think about how to call CQ. (it's been a long time and I was pretty use to using commercial radios over the last 25 years) I called CQ CQ DX and that was all that I said. Well Holy shit, they answered. It was a short conversation. I'm in Saskatchewan Canada and they were in Ohio. We talked about the weather and then conditions changed and I cleared off. Pretty exciting day, considering I didn't think that old adio and antenna was working right and I hadn't called CQ in decades. It was a good day and I remembered why I loved radios so much.
I just stumbled on your video and I must say that I was quite impressed, nice job! Also, I must say that you have a pretty awesome radio voice. Sadly, my experience with amateur radios has not been all that positive, the enjoyable QSO's are too few and too far apart and when you do find someone interesting to talk to you have to first bust through the pile up, then once through, you only have enough time to exchange only the most basic information before someone else tries to jump in and/or your contact is ready to move on. I first became interested in the hobby watching my grandfather build Heath kit rigs, he was always tinkering in it. That inspired me to get my electrical engineering degree and when I got my extra class ticket I thought I would be joining a great fraternity but now days it seems that everyone is only interested in buying their signal, there is just not the pride there once was in designing and building your rig from scratch. Keep up the good work and take care, I hope to hear you on the air one day. 73 KK4EDE
Hi Mike,
Thanks for the props. Nice to hear from you. A video that I have been thinking about doing is...."the Art of the QSO". If you call a station that has a pileup, he very likely just wants to give a report and move one. In fact, all of the reports may be 5x9, 73. I recommend that you find someone calling CQ or that you call CQ. Ask questions as a way to get into a conversation. You should be relatively brief when transmitting and be understanding of the other station's sometimes long winded answers.
A lot of guys that I talk with have restored old equipment. So, there are lots of guys doing some kind of restoration or building. Many have built antenna to fit their situation.
Stations that break into a conversation just for the sake of talking can be annoying. I do not recommend the use of break or break break. I also don't recommend the use of contact except for nets.
Again, be engaging. Express some interest in what the other guy is doing. You'll find there are a lot of guys who are interesting to talk with and they have a story.
Also, let's try to call Amateur Radio, a licensed radio service. It is technically, not a hobby. We are licensed Amateur Radio Operators under Part 97; as you know.
Thanks for writing. Don't become discouraged. I am on 20 meters following the gray line for DX and talking with new guys in the afternoon if I have time. I would be happy to talk with you sometime.
Thanks, Jim W6LG
In Farms On The Air we exchange weather reports and farm districts. No signal report because you can either here the other station or you can't.
FOTA is not in the USA yet :-)
Never heard of FOTA. Sounds like it will be here soon. We do have farmers here in the mountains. 73, Jim
Jim W6LG It's coming. Slowly.
It's all about getting people in touch with their food and fibre.
There is a range of activators and also chasers. Everything from a winery to a mushroom farm and from a large cattle station(ranch) to a dairy farm. Anything agricultural and Primary Industry.
It runs a long the lines of WWFF and SOTA with an emphasis on food, fibre, agriculture and all things farm.
Where does your food come from ? :-)
7 3
My uncle use to let me chatter on his as a kid. Kid as in 6 and 7 years old. I realize now how patient and nice ham radio operators are lol i still remember the stuff they taught me to say. Lots of fun.
Thanks a lot gramps! You're such an inspiration to the community! God bless! 73 😁
Sir, you voice is marvellous one. 73's Jawaid. Karachi Pakistan.
Thanks Sir.
Thanks Jim...got my ticket yesterday, so this was helpful.
Just got my novice license here in Germany and really enjoyed this video. Although I have my license, there is still a lot to learn that isn't just in the textbooks. Thanks for these instruction videos. 73, Yvette, DO9YJ
Just subscribed. Hope you are in good health. Thanks for the great videos. Just passed my Technician's exam yesterday!
Was it easy?
CQ originates from landline telegraphy in the UK. French is the official language of international postal services and the word sécurité means "safety" or "pay attention". It also sounded like "c'est qui?" meaning "who's there?" Later, in English countries, the meaning was adapted to the phrase "seek you".
Excellent and make perfect sense. 73 is from the 92 code about the same time and from railroad telegraphers. Hams were referred to poor operators about that time. They were also called plugs. Ham and Plugs appeared in some magazines. I have decided it was from hamhanded. So we could have been called Plugs instead of Hams! Plug Radio, ouch! Thanks for writing and keep in touch. 73, Jim W6LG
CQ CQ CQ I don't care who
CQ means "all stations" it does not mean seek you
MR.Chickennuget 360 PROVE IT LETS SEE IT.
@@MrChickennugget360 man got a 1x2 call sign...bet he been at this a day or two
Tijuana cq cq cq Tijuana
@DUSTY it's a Vannity cs
I have no license yet to operate but soon, already schedule for a seminar then soon after class examination... anyway so much interest in learning this whole thing and stumbled upon this video as well. Saying hello from Manila, Philippines.
I think the "directed CQs" have become mildly unfriendly and anti-social, and I think they violate the great idea behind "CQ." When I lived in Europe, I often heard European stations calling CQ DX, which I knew meant "outside Europe." They seemed to be saying that they DID NOT want to talk to the likes of me! I get the same feeling here in states. The situation is made worse by the attitude that the CQ DXers often display if someone in their home region dares to call them. Their annoyance is at best thinly disguised. CQ means "calling ANY station." "CQ DX" is, in my book, a contradiction in terms. And, mildly unfriendly. 73 Bill N2CQR
MOHBR Ken W. Sessions covers this point in his book "How to be a ham"
"In amateur radio usage, a CQ call can be qualified by appending more letters, as in CQ DX (meaning "calling all stations located in a different continent to the caller"), or the ITU call sign prefix for a particular country (e.g. CQ VK for "calling Australia")."
We all have different needs but this is about good clear communication to ensure that everyone can participate in a way that meets the needs of both parties.
I respect your opinion and have a valid point the way you see things. However, I can talk to stations stateside any time, any day of the week 24/7. There are times when I am looking for dx only with North America wiping out all of EU happening all the time. Hence, CQDX. I have heard 4x6tt multiple times rebuke the stations in EU continuing to call him when he clearly stated he was looking for North America. If he didn't take calls specifically from NA I would never have made the contact as there is no way to punch thru all of EU pouring in on him. He said to them; I can work them anytime on a wet spaghetti noodle." Paraphrasing of course. So, I completely and respectfully disagree with you. In a nutshell, call who you want, whenever you want. It's called freedom and individuality and without it the hobby would be filled with nothing but clones! Steve k1gmm
that is another thing that drove me away from the hobby, people telling you how to do something even tho the way you liked doing it was not against rules and then the repeater politics was unreal, if you wanted to install a repeater it was about who you knew not what you knew
@@sharonjuniorchess Chris---Thank you for your reply to Bill N2CQR. I feel exactly the same way as you. It is nothing personal if someone wants to call " CQ DX" or other kind of directed CQ call. He may be chasing that last QSO from Germany that takes him to finally getting his "Worked All Countries" award. You never know. It's nothing personal. He simply leans toward getting that European or African or South American contact. Listen a bit and he may tire of the DX Calls and that is your clue to move up a few KC. and put out your own CQ.......maybe he'll return your call! /// Earle, WB3EFE
Thank you! My parents went thru a HAM when we lived on Okinawa back in the 60s/70s to help deal with all that needed to be done for my sister's adoption. A few years ago my wife bought me a Baofang but I still have not taken any classes. I also have an old GT550 but it needs work. I prefer to go with tube radios.
It is fun to some of us to work on old radios. I would encourage everyone to buy a working radio so that they can get on the air and stay on the air. Have something that works without a lot of repairs. Thanks again for your input. Take care, Jim
I follow (as best I can) the International Radio Etiquette Procedures and Protocols as used by aircraft, ships, military, govt and commercial operators the world over.
This is how I call CQ :
"CQ CQ CQ CQ, THIS IS Lima Alpha Eight Papa Victor, I SAY AGAIN, Lima Alpha Eight Papa Victor CALLING CQ CQ CQ CQ and LISTENING"
NB : The pause is half the length of the total CQ call.
NB : The entire call should be said clearly, soundly and well rounded and not too quickly.
Since we are Hams and not professional operators we need to adjust the IREP to suit us because doing everything in groups of 3 takes too much time when people are deciding to spin the VFO or not.
I think this is the most efficient way to call CQ whilst utilising some semblance of long-held radio operating procedures.
This works for me and I've never had a complaint.
NB : There is professional amateurs and then there's amateur professionals.
Happy DX.
Very good. If it were me, I would add, ".....and LA8PV listening". I like to give my call without the phonetics. That is just a preference for me and not necessary. Giving the callsign so it is understood is very important. I try to keep in mind that it is possible that someone thousands of miles away is trying to copy my callsign. I hope to hear you soon on 20 meters over the North Pole. Thanks for your advice! 73, Jim
Jim W6LG Dear Sir,
An Additional Comment :
1) During a CQ call, if one is to change from spelling phonetically to simply saying the letters of the call sign then this can add to confusion as the listener's brain has to switch from one kind of listening to the next which can create confusion.
This is akin to changing the phonetic alphabet as some users do so when they attempt to give their call sign to a station who has not heard it right. EG Oscar to Ocean and Alpha to Apple.
In other words, change creates confusion.
I believe consistency is the key to efficiency, clarity and being understood.
Making a person's brain change from one line of consistency to another is fraught with the possibilities of not being understood and the contact taking longer than necessary.
To iterate, changing from said phonetics to saying letters and numbers during a CQ opens up the chance of confusion as the other station's brain has to change system.
The above is made even harder when phonetics are changed from the standard during the call as well. It's something to be avoided.
Consistency is key.
2) If you dissect my CQ call above piece by piece in a linear fashion and then imagine you are the station scrolling around the band with the VFO, Does it not stand to reason that no matter where you first caught my CQ call during its length, that there is a good chance that you have gleaned that it is a CQ call ?
Further to this, I would also put it to all the good folks out there that no matter when they came across my call it is easy to decipher as only the pertinent and salient info is in my call and is likely to stop a person scrolling.
It's an easy exercise to perform. Simply start reading my above CQ call from any place in the sentence and see whether you can tell it's something of interest.
3) You have a good video and excellent presentation of the subject. There is many ways to do it right and amateurs can get away with just about anything these days.
There's a dozen good ways to do a CQ call and still stay within the realms of good practice and International Radio Etiquette.
Yes, I have had the benefit of being a professional operator and I will conclude with the following : "There's nothing wrong with sounding professional on amateur radio - it'll get you more contacts"
As Ted Nugent says "be the best that you can"
Each to their own and happy DX :-)
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well, I do exactly that with one more repeat, like you do it 2 times I do it 3... but maybe I should switch to 2 and to it more often... I read your comment on switching alphabets, good point! I used to say "This is VK2FJTA, this is Victor Kilo 2 Fox Juliet Tango Alpha, this is VK2FJTA calling CQ and standing by over?" I might change that to just plain phonetics! Especially the 4 letters callsign is confusing people most of the time...
Thanks Ade! 73, Jim W6LG
Jonathan, I was amazed by your photography. You are a very good artist. Thank you for some great photos!! 73, Jim
W6LG, KO4BDO. I've been licensed for a little over 4 months and have used your method of calling CQ every time. I don't follow exact wording but follow your principles. My wife has become interested and is studying. Today I brought her into the radio room to show her a few things and explain some of what she is learning. She first asked "how do you find some one to talk to?" Then asked how long it would take and how often it worked? I laughed and told her about this video and said watch. I followed your instructions on 40m and as always within a few minutes (as always on 40) I got a response from a Dutch operator on a cargo ship docked in Rhode Island. Short conversation and then off to teach er a few other things. Thank you so much for these videos.
What would a ham licence and how would a person go about getting one
This man reminds me of a guy i used to work for, exactly
Lovely informative vidclip, Just so Helpful and Informative, especialy for 27Meg 'Virgin' ... I am in Christchurch, New Zealand and the last few days the skips from the North Island, Australia and Tasmania has been Brilliant.... Today very quiet again .... Very best to You and Yours for the Festive Season.... Keep well and Stay safe .... Cheers to All from ChCh NZ
Thanks. I am just out of the hospital and had emergency surgery. GET YOUR ham radio license and really enjoy radio. Honestly, there is a huge difference. From CA to NZ is easy on 14MHz most evenings my time. 73, Jim W6LG
Great video mate. Love how you made a friend from doing this!
He is indeed. And yesterday I met a guy who won the Bronze Star a few years ago. It was an honor to have a QSO with a hero. There are many amazing ham radio operators with interesting stories. 73, Jim W6LG
Jim,
Thank you for taking the time to post. I trust you are doing better since your PE's.
I had bilateral PE's in 2015 stemming from a tractor roll-over injury. I almost died, was in hospital 5 days and on blood thinners for 6 months following accident. Able to work 3.5 days/week now., am truly blessed I can.
Avid 10 meter dx'er here (when the band is OPEN! Lol
My transceiver is a Realistic HTX-100 (25 watt) purchased new in 1989 (I believe),with a ProComm PCF 10 vertical stick antenna mounted 30' in the air. Have worked many areas outside the U.S. over the years on this little set-up.
Hope you all the best. 73's
Rod KC0CBE
Hello Jim just wanted to say thank you for the information. I am going to take my technician license test next week. I am looking forward to participating in this outstanding community. I’m a United States Marine veteran with some communication ability my question to you is do you have any information that could help me with properly communicating with my technician license. Thank you
A quality video on proper radio operating etiquette. This will be a great help to many newcomers. Tnx Jim! 73!
Very informative - thanks for posting.
The military usually calls "Any station this net, this is ..... , Then your action like radio check, over" I'm feeling so lost with HAM jargon after my military time, totally new learning experience. lol
The video should have started by defining what "CQ" is.
It did
CQ is known as Calling, or attention calling,
sounds like seek you, so often termed as seek you or calling,
but how can you 'seek you' to DX when you don't know who you are aiming it at ?
@@sammarkey672 yeah, if you call 4:35 the start of the video.
Shut up or put up.
Hi Jim, I very much enjoy your videos, educating as well as refresher. I got my license in1976 but the last five years have not been active. I like the speed in which you deliver information ( giving me absorption time ). Thanks Jim, Happy new year to you. Dave VE7CMI
Thanks Dave! I've slowed down a lot the last year. Thanks for watching and I hope you will subscribe. 73, Jim W6LG
Well, it's nice to know I've been calling CQ correctly for the last 40 years :-) G4VZZ
11w590
Got my general in June,, borrowed a radio,, then bought a Kenwood,, so far I need a contact on it.The new (old---25 years old)one,, before I pay it off I need one contact but your videos helped me even more than my elmer did...I did have 4 contacts on the borrowed one ,, my first contact was Nova Scotia,, I was elated...this is neat,,, I studied morse in 1963 inhigh school,, then went US ARMY. And stayed there till I retired..then found out novice is not needed so I went to school at 68 years old and got my tech then my general..ill be listening for you on 14.288.00 ....73 .....K3RJW...Ron the polishpickle
polishpicl he doesnt like polish people
God Bless You! Hang in there. KK7T
I'm just now getting into HAM study and I find videos like this to be enlightening. Thanks for posting.
Thanks Dan. Check out my latest video for some new information about me. Best Wishes, message #73, from Jim Heath W6LG in Grass Valley, CA
Man I would love to do this
Jim, as a new Ham as of May '18 ther is a lot to learn both technically and in etiquette. This is one of the best explanations / applications of calling CQ I've seen. Thanks for taking the time to shoot this. Hope all is well with you.
I am interested in getting my ham license and trying to make contact from here in North Cascades. Any help would be great.
Hi Mark, did You receive all the infos that You were looking for?
Thank you for a great demonstration. I just made my very first contact on HF 28.300 with a tech license today on my new to me Yaesu FT - 707 with a vertical ground plane. Studying for my general now. 73 K7ZFI in Northern Nevada.
Hi, you're well equiped . . I hope you live for a long time , your brain works well, that helps to stay active . One caveat though: sitting too much is a killer . . all the best from Canada ( your 'Communist' neighbor )
Very true. Ah, VE has many better ideas about how to help their citizens. We should learn from our neighbors to the North. 73, Jim
@@ham-radio My wife ran from there--it is NOT good in Canada --yes, they are communists --California and its liberals are not much better-- at all.
MAGA, and he is.
I stumbled across this video and have absolutely what he's talking about and I'm still watching!
So it's basically like a chat room for super geeks?
marijumanji it's like CB on steroids but with more rules
Jim, your shack is impressive. I don't think I could ever afford radios like you have living on Social Security. Whenever I have a little extra money to spend on hobbies, I usually add appreciable assets to my gun collection. Unfortunely electronic equipment constantly goes down in value. (Sorry, even though I'm retired, I still think like an accountant.)
Considering the cost of radios, even though I hold an Extra Class License, I have never operated out of the Technician bands, and I have been licensed since the '70's.
73, Kilo Foxtrot Six Charley Zulu.
Thanks. I'm a newbie big time. And nervous. 73
Great video and tips for me. Just scheduled my Tech exam this week and needed this! Thank you
Thank you - just received my license today! Your tutorial really helped me! How you're doing well. 73! KE0NXV
I'm a long time SWL thinking about making the jump and I've enjoyed your videos. You have a very no-nonsense, relaxed, and engaging style and manage to communicate your experience without shoving an agenda down people's throats. I like that and I like your dedication to plain language communication. I'm an ex attorney and current Sci Fi novelist and in both professions dealt with a lot of people who are more interested in impressing you with their command of jargon than they are in communicating. You are a refreshing break from that orientation. These videos appear to be an excellent public service to the radio community.
Wow! Thank you Paul! You are being very very generous. I watch my videos during editing and sometimes cringe. I have a lot to learn and lots of room for improvement.
You went from being an attorney to a novelist; amazing transformation. I wished you had a license so we could meet and talk about that on the air. My brother is now a Country Attorney for children who have been abused in a major county. His writing skills are so much better than mine. In thinking about how you transitioned, perhaps some of your skills as an attorney are helpful.
Well Paul, I started to type your name into Google and it self completed. I too have had a close call that was life changing. However, your close call was much closer. Mine was a broken neck. I see you did lots of things and have lots of interests. You will find my family name on episodes of Star Trek and Shatner talks about my father in his book. They were not friends. I think Shatner is probably a very nice guy and correct in his assessment of my OM.
Back to the topic, thank you and I encourage you to take the 3 tests for an Amateur Radio License. If you need some information, please do contact me using the email address on QRZ.com. The study of the propagation of radio waves is likely go to be another asset to your writing.
73, Jim Heath W6LG in Grass Valley, CA
I want to know more about this video.what will I do?
Wow! From 4 years ago!!! I just ran across your video. The closest I've ever been to 20 meters, was back in the mid 70s, when I worked 6 meter AM. But, unfortunately that didn't last long because, I found out I was coming through a number of neighbors clock radios, sterio speakers, and who knows what all? I loved it while it lasted though! Anyhow, great video! 73s from Dan - K7SPR.
Love this channel Jim. You articulate things so well.
I appreciate that! That is especially true now. You can see some of my more recent videos about how I am recovering from some really bad illness. I hope to be QRV soon. Thanks Viktor. It was very kind of you to write to me. 73, your friend Jim in CA
@Jim W6LG thank you Jim..
Just passed my Tech exam, your video was very helpful.Many Thanks!
nice, good point on checking if the freq was clear. I am just getting into ham radio, building equipment and just listening since I dont have my ticket yet.
Interesting video, I’ve always wanted to get licensed. I’m seriously thinking about it now at age 51. I just never thought I would be able to learn Morris Code. I’ve spent a great deal of time interested in and repairing consumer electronics over last 25 years, and have always had a love and interest in 2-way radio communication. Thanks for your video sir, 73’s to you 😁👍
Nice video Jim. Last night I was listening on 40m and there was a guy calling CQ on CW for dozens and dozens of times, one right after the other, without a pause and no hope of getting a response in edgewise! Videos like this are necessary because a lot of folks have no idea what the conventions are. Thanks for posting.
Thanks Tom. Hard to say what he was doing. Let me know what you might like to see in a video. 73, Jim W6LG
They have break in don't they? I'm not a CW guy but they can listen while transmitting, it just keeps the frequency busy so if you're tuning in, you say your call sign and they stop... at least that's how I understand it hehe
Nice to see you, we met at the Nevada County Fair back in the 80s
This if the first of your videos that I've watched (it will not be the last!) and you seem like an awfully nice gentleman and a first class operator. I'm glad to read that you made it through your health scare and doubly so that you're still sharing your wisdom on TH-cam. Add my name to the long list of folks who appreciate your efforts to keep our airwaves civilized. Thank you!
Very kind of you to write. Thank you. Tonight I am uploading a video on converting a computer power supply. I hope you enjoy that one too. 73, Jim
Only reason to get a HAM radio these days is for when the SHTF. 99% of us really don't plan to sit in front of equipment making calls to talk to people around the country.We simply want to get from point A to point B. Thank you for your video by the way.
Great video. Once my shack is finally set up, I will definitely use these tips.
Thank you Jim for making me understand CQ better. This is Joel, DW2KBF.
Thanks Joel. Please do subscribe and give a thumb up or down. TH-cam keeps track of those things. I am really working hard to get to produce a lot more videos of things that should be interesting. 73, Jim
great information. Thank you from Canterbury U.K.
kind regards❤❤
Hi Jim, hope you do fine these days. I am licenced since 88 but not active after 92. And never HF. Now I got a FT-950, 20 meter endfed, soon a sdr minion, so ... thought it is a good idea how to CQ. I knew it sort of ... but, always good to hear it from a pro ;-)
Take care and perhaps (don't think so, 1 in a million ...) we will hear each other.
Regards, from The Netherlands.
Nice that a specific topic was picked and thoroughly explained. Props!