Use of Over in Amateur Radio

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When There's No Clear Protocol
research article by Derek Winterstien W0DBW
February 2019, last revision xxx still in draft

Suggestions:

  • remove redundant comments
  • better organize information
  • seek additional sources and citation
  • address round table discussions

Amateur Radio, or ham radio, is not nearly as protocol oriented as one might think, or as I would have thought before becoming a ham radio operator. Police, Fire, and Military communication techniques are by and large not used, discouraged, or irrelevant to ham radio communication with some distinct exceptions. For example, we do use military phonetics but we do not use police phonetics. We are not as formal or procedural as police and fire, but we have distinct conventions. When protocol is most critical is during times when amateur radio operators are providing emergency communication relief and working with government agencies. There really should be a greater focus on establishing and practicing good radio communications protocol in amateur radio.

Within amateur radio communication protocol there is

  1. That which is mandated by the FCC
  2. That which is recommended by organizations such as the ARRL
  3. That which is common practice and widely accepted by most hams
  4. That which is in dispute depending on the opinion of individual operators

* And in special circumstances a government agency such as FEMA might specify a communication protocol for messages to be used by amateur radio operators in field operation when volunteering to participate in disaster or emergency event communication which can vary depending on the agency, location, and event.

Not All Sources Always Agree

Or, too often sources considered creditable seem to disagree. It does seem that there are often sources of conflicting information in regards to some aspects of amateur radio communication protocol. Use of the term "over" or saying something like "back to you" at the end of each transmission on an FM repeater will be used as a base example here. This particular example may fall under type #4 because I am discovering plenty of arguments on both sides of the issue, from operators as well as documented sources.

For the record, I see no issue or misuse in protocol by ending a transmission with the word "over" or "back to you." It doesn't offend me as a ham operator, nor can I find any consistent evidence that it is bad practice. However, I will remark that on an FM repeater it is simply not necessary. There are almost always indicators that make it evident to the listener that you have terminated your transmission beyond the simple grammatical completion of a sentence, such as the squelch tail or sound evident from the repeater. So, it can be said that by saying "over" you are simply extending your transmission longer than what is necessary on the repeater and upsetting those global warming guys by wasting a tiny little bit of energy.

This is not a critical topic nor is it really that important. I'm investigating this out of personal curiosity and because I have been asked for advice in regards to this practice as well as have been advised on the practice of using "over" to conclude a transmission on an FM repeater.

Please also note that this composition is a work in progress. You are not reading a completed article. As it stands, I am conducting research and seeking comment on the subject from the ARRL. If you revisit this article in the future you will hopefully note progress on my research and additional information.

Over, Back to you, Over to you

Why does it matter? In regards to the use of the word "over" on an FM repeater, it does not really matter. It is not important and the only reason I started looking into guidance from various sources is because it was brought to my attention that it should be addressed. I expected a reasonably definitive determination, however, I just don't believe it is necessarily defined as part of Amateur Radio Operating Practice and Protocol. It is just something that some hams say, and others don't.

Sources advising for the use of the term "over" when ending a conversation on an FM repeater specifically relating to amateur radio:

"3. Press your mike button and respond. At this point the discussion can be whatever you make it. Give your name and location and any other information you wish to Phil and when you are ready say "Over" or "Back to you.""

"over - a word used to indicate the end of a voice transmission and the station talking is turning the frequency back "over" to another station. (Note that since many repeaters use courtesy beeps, this may not be needed but is good practice)"

Sources advising against the use of the term "over" when ending a conversation on an FM repeater:

"CB jargon is often used on the ham bands. When monitoring, you are likely to hear people say "over" when ending a transmission or "10-4" to acknowledge reception of a transmission, or "roger that", "what's your handle", etc. This is fine to do, even though you'll find that it may agitate some die-hard hams. Let's face it, they worked hard to get licensed, while anybody can pick up a CB mike and yak into it. You can expect some degree of separation."

Unclear Recommendations

I read this again and now perhaps think he is a proponent of saying "over" and against saying other CB jargon when the first time I took that he was against all including "over."

"Here are some quickies: Say "Go" or "Come back" or "C'mon, Good Buddy," instead of "Over" if you think you must say anything at all to let the other operator know you are ready to listen to him. Don't forget the all time Broderick Crawford "10-4" or better "That's a big 10-4."

Conclusion

There are simply going to be instances in amateur radio where there is no clear definition on a particular aspect of protocol, such as how one should conclude a transmission on an FM repeater. In the absence of any specific requirement by the repeater owner or, if it is a club repeater then by their own rules, say "over" if you wish to, or don't. You need be most concerned that the last thing you say on your transmission is your call sign if it is going to be your final transmission for the time being.

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