When There's No Clear Protocol?
by Derek Winterstien W0DBW
February 2019, last revision xxx still in draft
Within amateur radio communication protocol there are
- 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.
Sources advising for the use of the term "over" when ending a conversation on an FM repeater:
- 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.""
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."