HAM Radio 101

HAM Radio 101: Ethics and Operating Procedures for the Radio Amateur

Being a Ham Radio operator comes with big responsibilities. If we are to reap the vast rewards of the hobby we share, adhering to a code of on-air conduct is important. That’s why in 2008, John Devoldere, ON4UN, and Mark Demeuleneere, ON4WW, wrote “Ethics and Operating Procedures for the Radio Amateur.” The document has since been translated into more than 25 languages and been accepted by the International Amateur Radio Union Administrative Council. The 68-page document leaves no stone unturned, covering everything from how to call CQ to the golden rules of being a good on-air citizen. Here’s what it says about tolerance:

“Not all Hams necessarily share your opinions, and your opinions may not be the best ones. Understand that there are other people with different opinions on a given subject. Be tolerant. The world is not for you exclusively.”

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