Use of Over in Amateur Radio
When There's No Clear Protocol
research article by Derek Winterstien W0DBW
February 2019, last revision xxx still in draft
Within amateur radio communication protocol there is
- That which is mandated by the FCC
- That which is recommended by organizations such as the ARRL
- That which is common practice and widely accepted by most hams
- That which is in dispute depending on the opinion of individual operators
It does seem that there are often sources of conflicting information in regards to some aspects of amateur radio communication protocol. In this example the use of the term "over" or saying something like "back to you" at the end of a transmission on an FM repeater will be used as in example. This particular example may fall under type #4 because I am discovering plenty of arguments on both sides of the issue.
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 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.
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.
Sources advising for the use of the term "over" when ending a conversation on an FM repeater specifically relating to amateur radio:
- https://eham.net/newham/operating by Don Cassel VE3XD
"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.""
- http://www.hamuniverse.com/repeaterterminology.html by an unamed hamuniverse.com author
"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:
- https://www.qsl.net/ng3p/haminfo/ham-tutor/protocol.htm by author unidentified
"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 Sources
I read this again and now perhaps think he is a proponent of saying "over" and against saying other CB jargon.
- So You Want To Be a Lid? published in Ham Radio Horizons magazine, 1979 by A.J. "Buddy" Massa, W5VSR.
"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."
