Operating standards have been declining. That is no news to any DXer. Even the IARU took notice and published a resolution encouraging operators to “operate to the highest levels of proficiency, with proper consideration for others using the amateur radio bands.
The publication of DX Etiquette in the March 2010 issue of QST sparked a new world-wide effort to get all hams to operate in a manner consistent with that Resolution. To that end an international group of DXers have developed a DX Code of Conduct. Since introducing it, hams from all continents have joined in this effort. You can play an important role in spreading the word. This is one project of which it can truthfully be said, “We are all in this together, and we can all benefit.”
Many have also said that the fight against impolite behaviour is a lost cause, but we don’t agree. We’d like every active HF operator in the world to support higher standards of conduct knowing that tens of thousands of others support him too.
Inconsiderate operating standards are just not in keeping with the high moral standards of our hobby. More to the point, it is counter-productive and simply inconsistent with the aim of our hobby, to have FUN. But if you think it is bad at your end, consider the plight of the poor guy at the other end.
Be proud of your accomplishments but be respectful of newer hams who do not yet have your skills and equipment. They deserve the same consideration you once received when you were younger. Let’s do everything we can to promote ethical operating practices and polite behaviour amongst the DX community so as to increase the enjoyment of all participants. Everyone who has the ability to generate a signal the DX stations can hear should have the opportunity for a contact without being squashed by impolite hams.
In an effort to restore more gentlemanly behaviour to the process, the DX Code of Conduct asks you to aspire to a higher ethical standard. A large number of DX Clubs and national amateur societies have already endorsed the Code and have asked their members to adopt it as their personal Code as well.
DX Code Of Conduct
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I will listen, and listen, and then listen again before calling.
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I will only call if I can copy the DX station properly.
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I will not trust the DX cluster and will be sure of the DX station’s call sign before calling.
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I will not interfere with the DX station nor anyone calling and will never tune up on the DX frequency or in the QSX slot.
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I will wait for the DX station to end a contact before I call.
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I will always send my full call sign.
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I will call and then listen for a reasonable interval. I will not call continuously.
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I will not transmit when the DX operator calls another call sign, not mine.
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I will not transmit when the DX operator queries a call sign not like mine.
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I will not transmit when the DX station requests geographic areas other than mine.
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When the DX operator calls me, I will not repeat my call sign unless I think he has copied it incorrectly.
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I will be thankful if and when I do make a contact.
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I will respect my fellow hams and conduct myself so as to earn their respect.
“Without the spirit of hams helping hams the hobby would end”
The club is regularly involved in contests, with the group of radio amateurs setting up there equipment, the members working together for the contest, this is hands on, the best way to learn. We some times move the meeting weekend to run contests so check the web page to see where and when we will have our meeting.
Last update 25/02/2021
Sherbrooke Community Amateur Radio Radio Club Inc “VK3KID”
Established 2007
