Wow, thank you. That is very kind and generous. Welcome to ham radio and I hope you have lots of fun communicating and experimenting. My guess is that you will likely volunteer in your community as many of us have. 73, Jim W6LG
Thank you Jim! as a new Ham I am trying to learn all this stuff and I agree Q codes aren't necessary. Especially when they are used inconsistently. The Ham community will die off if we dont start being more inclusive and less cryptic.
Q codes are very useful in CW. And in some cases improve understanding over the air if there is a lot of noise. But jim has a very good point, especially if working with non-hams
@@henrycruz45cal unless you’re playing make believe with your friends, using unnecessary codes when you’re trying to actually accomplish something is fucking stupid
I was a Hospital Corpsman in Vietnam in 1969. I was on a patrol with a Marine infantry platoon. We stopped so the radioman could call in for extra supplies. He knew I was short on bandages in my kit, so he had me talk on his handheld. I keyed the mic and started listing what I needed, but as I did so the radioman started yelling at me, "No Doc, the V.C. might be listening . . . use code!" Well, I did know how to ask for battle dressings using "code", so that was my last time on the radio. :-( Hey great video, Jim. AA8VA
As a new Ham after a 40 year absence from the hobby (I was a novice in 1973), I greatly appreciate your videos, esp this one! Its just good common sense. My dad (a Ham since 1953) fits right into your philosophy as well.
Jim: Old Ham (in age) short on radio conversations, but realize that some of my reluctance is based on not being familiar with the Q signals being used. Thanks for the blow on plain language. K5RWT Bob
I appreciate what you had to say Jim. Thanks for posting it. I am only a few months into my ticket and It's great to hear what you said. Makes sense that it's not necessary to over complicate a simple conversation.Thanks.
Thanks Jim, you are very informative as usual. I appreciate all the videos that you post, I'm getting started in amateur radio but haven't got my license yet. I am learning a lot from you, I'm so glad you survived the pulmonary embolism.
Thanks Chris. Do go ahead with the license and then have fun experimenting with the many aspects. There is so much to learn and all of it is fun to try. 73, Jim W6LG
HI Jim. Plain talk makes perfect sense especially when working in emergency situations with various agencies. In contestst people may want to abreviate their speech with Q codes, but Q codes aren't necessary in typical rag chewing (woops, having a conversation). And as you say, in emergency situations, Q codes and slang can confuse people who need to understand information and respond quickly. I watched several of your videos prior to seeing this one and I noticed even beforeseeing this one that you refer to your station as your radio room and not a shack. I like that a LOT! When I was a kid, we had a work shed in our back yard and we referred to it as the shack. So, as a kid, when I first starting hearing hams say "shack" I thought it implied that they were all operating from a shed behind their house, lol. Thanks for the great videos. 73 Joe KF7POQ.
I spread this critical video around today on Amatuerlogic. It was passed around, because it made so much sense. You will always be my favorite operator, Jim. KM4ZCU, Jeff.
Hi Jim, as a returning Ham and being quite new to HF, your video makes a LOT of sense to me. Especially since I'm still learning english (being a french canadian). Thank you for your videos, you explain clearly and quite well many of the things others can't :)
Good job Jim. I didn't read all the comments and maybe someone already mentioned this but NIMS (National Incident Management System) protocol is to use plain language and not any 10 codes or other short cuts on voice modes to facilitate clear communications between a variety of emergency first responders who may come from anywhere in the country. In amateur radio the Q signs and other abbreviations used (WX, FB, 73, etc) were to facilitate CW communications where the signs originated for the most part. These signs have very specific meanings and those who want to be recognized as good operators will take time to learn the correct meaning and usages of them. But for voice modes, nothing communicates you meaning better than plain language and proper grammar.
Brand new ham here. Recently received my technician license. Will be pushing past to the general. Learning a lot just watching your videos Jim. Thanks and stay well.
Great subject and video. Good to know that plain language is becoming the preferred method. I've emphasized plain language instead of cryptic codes, slang, or just simply bad English. On another topic of one of your videos, I too almost became a silent key (for a related reason) a few years ago. Just found your videos and have been enjoying them thoroughly. 73's N7YMZ
Jim, I’m really enjoying your videos. I just upgraded to general class about two months ago. I’ve set up a simple HF station and have been having fun making contacts. I’ve learned much from your channel. Thanks & 73 George N2YTA
@Dill Rogerz Sometimes. Most contacts are just signal reports, geographic location, maybe we’ll talk about the equipment we’re using. I know what you're driving at. The idea that I can make direct contact with someone very far away without using the infrastructure that humanity has been building for 170 years is exciting to me, but maybe not to you. It’s my antenna to his antenna and vice versa.
Dill Rogerz The digital modes like D-Star, DMR, C4FM and some others might be something you would like. I don’t have any experience with them but I know they’re popular. The RU-vid channel Ham Radio Crash Course has lots of good information.
Good points, Jim. Thanks for the video. In terms of emergency communications, FEMA's ICS-100 specifically instructs us to use plain language on the air for the very same reasons you gave.
When I earned my Technician license in May of 2018, I spent more of time looking up the jargon being communicated over a local repeater than actually communicating with these hams. While I did learn about how to operate on a repeater, I just could not understand why my fellow hams could not just use plain language. It was very intimidating, and kept me off the air until I was certain I could follow what everyone was saying. I soon joined my local ARES organization and learned that all of jargon was frowned upon there, so I never used it. Anyway, excellent video as always! 73, KD2PUW
Plain language is alway acceptable. The guys who say QSL over and over and over in contacts are really not communicating well. Words like Whiskeys, Handles, Rice Box, Personals, Working Conditions are not generally a good idea. 73, Jim
On contrary all the points in this video make big sense. Agree with every single point. Very grateful to those who don't speak English as their primary making effort too.
Really enjoy your videos, I've been a ham for over 40 years and operate 99% CW and by the grace of God I don't have to deal with the QSL's, Whiskeys, Handle....etc etc. Thank you, stay safe and healthy and God bless you and yours. 73 de WA4ONV .
Excellent Jim. It is really good to read that. Have lots of fun getting the license. I am just about done building the new station and will go back into the production of videos on a regular basis. It helps me to do that. Some days the pain level is high and I just need to do something that occupies my brain. 73, Jim
Amen brother. Keep things clear, spcific, simple, and understandable. I work with a multitude of organization with regard to emergency preparednes and plain simple language is the most effective communications system.
Thank you for time and effort of making all these videos and sharing your immense amount of wisdom (and common sense) with other, and upcoming , Amateur Radio Operators...I agree 100% with your opinions on the over-use, and mis-use, of 'jargon/slang' on-air. I'm of the opinion that many do it to 'sound' more 'tech-y', and that they believe it makes them 'sound' more professional. But the point of the contact should be 'communication'. Thank you again for all the knowledge you share. 73 WF7BSR, Raymond
Thank for your video Jim! Very good! Now, I have noticed this too but I don't operate too much phone but I do listen to it sometimes. I have noticed the same thing as you have. Times have changed. So I wanted to add this. I'm mostly a CW guy. These Q signals were really made for CW and have meaning when operating CW as a shortcut but even more importantly, when we make a contact that does not speak our language, that person is able to use these Q signals to understand what we are meaning and it goes vice versa for me too. I remember a rare contact I made in Malawi in the mid-1980's where the guy was the only licensed operator in that country. He had trouble with English and I could not understand his language at all so we used Q signals a lot during our conversation and we both understood! Cheers to Everyone! KG6FD
1st transmission ie. CQ I end by saying QSL?, on receiving a reply and sending my reply I say go ahead or standing by. Always think of what the other person is able to understand by the terms they use as well. This is six years ago I am a new comer to the hobby glad you made this video!!
I feel the same way about using plain language because it is better to understand than the nine code or the q codes . thanks for the video and how much better it is to use normal language .
Fundamentally, the purpose of communication is convey information that is understandable. While we may need some jargon, we should always be asking ourselves does the jargon simplify or complicate our communication. Thanks for your videos they are quite helpful.
Excellent video, Jim. I use and always used standard phonetics, NATO. Another is acknowledging, I hear Ok...yep..roger that and QSL all in the same sentence.
Thanks Jim for another great video. I agree, it seems QSL is used too much when a simple "Roger" will do when your signal is in the noise/hard to copy and that can be over used as well. I do mostly 5 Watts QRP and will only answer QSL when the operator asks for QSL as confirmation. Otherwise they get a Roger. 73.
Great video as always, Jim. I have thoroughly enjoyed your Ham Radio Basics series of videos. By the way, I am wondering if you have seen improvement in your health. I heard that you were not doing as well as you should. Keep the videos coming. You are doing a great service to a new ham like me. 73, Adam
K8SKP my name is skip I agree with you 100% I am a new ham with a general license trying to learn the language and it would be easier if you just used normal language for me anyway really enjoy your videos jim thank you for what you do!!👍
I agree with Jim. Lets not make this beautiful art of communication more complicated than is should be. There are many short wave listeners, like myself, who enjoy the night time pleasure of listening to Ham operators communicating with one another. Keep it simple.
Its fun to use the "fancy" wording with friends but with emergencies here in NY we ALWAYS use plain language as well... mixed with VERY basic acronyms. Great video thanks for the upload Jim :)
also I know fancy wordings doesn't really describe it well, but I couldn't think of a better term lol. Jargon works pretty well but I wanted to be different lol
Thank you Jim this vid hits close to home for me… Given Ham uses a different language and several different dialects I won’t be getting a license I have trouble with English as my sole language.
GREAT JIM. I STRONGLY AGREE WITH PLAIN LANGUAGE. I THINK IN EVERY KIND OF SITUATION, WE HAVE TO UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER SO WE CAN MEET MORE HAM OR CB'ERS AROUND. WHO KNOWS, IT CAN BE A NICE TALK GROUP.
Jim, couldn't reply to your reply :) wow I didn't realize that camera style went back that far. Your editing is spot on though it does seem like a complicated process to edit video like that. I keep checking your chanel for new videos. great work! I am starting in my first home made mini dipole antenna and mast using the MFJ dual hamstick mount and was wondering if you could discuss matched/unmatched setups, chokes and ferrite beeds. Thank you again for the reply and glad your feeling better and back on the air :)
Thanks Jim, I hear QSL rather a lot and I quite agree, keep it simple and talk like you are on your cell, within limits of course. Thanks great videos,.
You are correct Jim. I am of the opinion that ham radio operators are victims of institutionalism, like most of society. As I understand it, in days gone by, it was your dad, or a friend or an older neighbor that instructed you on this type of thing, not an ARRL handbook, or a book that was on the shelf in Radio Shack or the library. The human inter-active element has been eliminated, especially, in regards to parental guidance, or the elmering of trusted neighbors and friends. Ham radio jargon is kind of an esoteric language that only a select few seem to understand, kind of like lawyer-speak. Tyros like me, having been a ham for only 4 years, still have a hard time on the bands, sometimes. It is, really, like learning a foreign language. I rambled on too much, it was just on my heart, thanks, 73, KC3BXZ Joe
Hi Jim, was watching your video and heard Wolf mountain and wondered if it was Nevada county, it was! Then you mentioned Smartsville road and Hwy. 20 that’s hitting close to home. Lived on Melody road up until 2015. Now in Hawaii. Working on general so once I get my HF rig up it would be nice to make contact. Been up to wolf mountain camp many times.
Thanks for another good video. I survived my youth days of the 1970's CB days, where everything was handles, 10-codes, and smokey reports there "good buddy". Nostalgic, but I don't want to go back. I'm undecided on using Q-codes for international voice comms, however. The persistent "QSL?" is obvious to me, so no argument from me. But in the Amateur world, particularly with international communications between operators that may struggle with a common language, I would think that "QTH" may be more universally understood than a plan language equivalent such as "my location", "my station", and so forth. I suppose it would depend on the details of the specific contact. Anyway, your comments are great. Thanks for quietly and professionally sharing your thoughts on a potentially flammable topic. Cheers, Alan ZL1SAW
i can completely agree as a person just getting into radio, it would make communication much easier. and much more appealing, it took me 2 years to understand my I.T. coworker, i swear that man spoke DOS.
Thanks Jim for the great video. I agree on - plain language. In a world of abbreviations and acronyms for most everything it can get confusing. Specially when it is used inconsistently or incorrectly. Plain language get's your point across just fine. No CB lingo from me. N8EFJ Bob. 73
Thanks Robert. By the way, there are lots and lots of Osbornes in my family ancestry.(com). They moved from the South (KY, VA, NC) to the West. Who know?? 73, Jim Heath W6LG
Thanks Jim. As a new ham, I'm a little intimidated on getting on and "CQ-ing" since I don't know all the jargon or have the Q-codes memorized. I found one of your videos helpful, where you were chatting with someone in Europe, I think. Would love to see more of those. 73
Hi Paul, I am going to set that up. I think your request is a good one. I have had some amazing contacts with very nice guys in other countries. Thanks Paul. 73, Jim W6LG
Thank you. Looks like you produce videos. I am trying to improve the quality of my videos. I am finding it is a slow process and things don't always work out as planned. Anyway, it is good therapy. In the next one, I am going to autopsy a failed balun. Thanks for the encouragement. 73, Jim
Well, you're doing great with them. It's never easy... and practice makes perfect. But I like your natural style and your un-pretentious way of doing things. Most people don't like all the special-effects-stuff that newbies try to put into their stuff. Say it plain and keep it simple... You know, "KISS". It's always worked for me. 73
After being a Navy InFlight communicator, not using the International phoenetic alphabet by amatuer radio operators is also confusing. With plain language and International phoenetic alphabet things would come through a LOT more clear.
I'm glad you are saying this, because I have thought some hams sound a bit off. I'm pretty green with being licensed and want to know how to communicate properly. Thanks for the content. KF0BBU
I am currently studying for my Amature license in Canada. I've been advised that our government test has a component on q codes. I've also been told that understanding q codes is considered important. My research suggests that q codes are considered most useful for cw. However, as Morse is no longer a requirement to become licensed it seems q codes may be less relevant. I should note however that the Canadian test for a basic license is 100 questions as opposed to 35 in the US. Our study material includes the basics of electronics and begins with atomic theory. We're also required to understand basic circuit design and function and all the primary calculations for Ohms law and many others. In that context perhaps Industry Canada just wants to ensure that Canadian Hams can operate under the many and varied conditions which exist here. For them, perhaps CW operations are very useful if one is isolated in the far north with a 5 watt radio. In that regard q codes could be useful. However for most Hams I suspect that spoken English without jargon is a better option on other modes.
Thank you Sir, I am a Tec and listening to my section of 10 meters I would not of even thought plain language was legal, It is very hard for me to follow, Im glad to know plain language is acceptable. I have been hesitant to even participate. Thank you.
Happy to help. I strongly recommend aiming towards the Extra Class License. Many with Tech Licenses think that they must use the jargon of others. That is not the case. Limit the use of QSL. Don't use handle. You are not running whiskeys. Don't say my personals are. Just say my name is Jim. I am in Rocklin California. You are 4 by 7. In any case, have fun. Enjoy having your license. Listen on the other bands. Explore this new world of HF. 73, Jim W6LG
HI Jim, No hate email here, love what you have brought forward on this video. I don't think the hams using this type of jargon realize how odd it sounds. There are times I shudder at what I hear on the air, so I have to just dial away. Off the subject Jim, I am interested in building a inverted" L" bazooka antenna but have been unable to find any information other than a commercial one. Would you be able to give me a link or dimensions. Thanks for you videos, stay healthy.
Thank you. Good advice. I will try to now use QSL a whole lot less and use plain language. My biggest issue since coming to Ham radio is using accepted norms like 5 x 9 instead of what I am used to which is Lima Charlie.
Thanks Ade. You are right. We ALL should give honest reports. I hate when someone says a station was R5 but missed the name, location and report. A guy can be 2 by 9! Also, if the other station is badly distorted, tell him or her. Help him resolve the problem by listening as he turns down the compression and mic gain. Too many guys sound like CBers. 73, Jim W6LG
Dear Jim, I activated a park last Saturday for WWFF and got 80 contacts and I only used "QSL" once at the correct juncture. After it was all over I felt clean and less corrupted. I took your advice, implemented it and it made me feel oh so good over the 6 hour activation. Thank you. I replaced QSL with things like "receive all ok" and "roger". Also "copy all" and "did you get that?" And you know what ? The effect on other operators is obvious too - other stations used QSL a whole lot less. Thanks Jim :-) Happy DX de VK4SOE/P
Everyone around here knows me as Bo Leggs because it was my pen name when I wrote a column in the local paper. I'm not sure many people know Ed Kern, but everyone knows old Bo Leggs. Sometimes that's not so bad. Have a good day, Jim.
We are in 100% agreement. In 1977 I went to work in emergency management. I had to learn a 10 Code and was even tested on it so I could prove I was worthy of responding on an emergency. About 2 years later, someone in all of their wisdom decided the 10 Code we were using was the wrong one, so we had to learn a different 10 Code. Eventually management saw the light and all of the codes were dropped and we went to 'plain language'. Amazingly, we were still able to communicate and I didn't feel anymore official saying "copy" than I did with "10-4".
As someone that is just getting back into radio after a decade and a half of not hitting the PTT button, I have to say that Q-Codes are fun. But honestly? I've transmitted more on CB than ham bands, so I guess I'm more used to more, err, "laid back" communications. "This is XXXX, any 'y'all got me?" "Ay, buddy, I gotcha loud 'n clear. Get back at me?" "Yup, I gotcha loud as a cat with it's tail under a tire". I think Q-codes could be useful when signals are getting really strained, but for normal conversation? Keep it to normal words, and maybe toss in a little flavor if you feel the need to do a little roleplaying.
Thanks Jim. I'm a new HAM and I was rattled a few weeks ago when I ran into a language nazi on the air. I was chastised for saying "roger". What he didn't understand was that I was not being cute, or intentionally slangy...I say that even in talking with someone face to face. Later I heard a lot of the senior Extras in my club saying "roger". The club members also confirmed what you are saying that plain language is much better for the same reasons you point out. My understanding was that the Q codes were originally used in CW for simplifying common data exchanges. They also make sense if you have an inconsistent or weak phone signal. If you can hear them just fine why not speak plainly? Thanks for this video.
