restrictive CQs? SKCC, Fists etc. - protocol on who we can play with

[Brian Pepperdine]

Well, I just gotta ask.
It really seems a lot of the CQs I hear are CQ FISTS and CQ SKCC.
Are these persons bothered if I reply and just want a QSO/rag chew/contact
and don't need their number and won't send one in return - or don't favour a
hand key?

I just don't see the sense in sending numbers - and I really don't need to
collect them. That's OK for those that do... but to not 'accept' those who
don't?
And the straight key guys.... do they really only want to have contacts with
someone enamoured of the straight key. I have a number of old hand keys...
they look nice, but my keyer and paddle are easier on the arm that has had  
a lot of jolts from carpentry/bicycle riding/motorcycle throttling....

I know I can pass them by I guess - but gee, I want to have a contact, plain
and simple and it seems so many possible operator calls are restricting
themselves to someone with a number or old fashioned key. Can't we just
agree to all talk and THEN say, oh by the way I have a nice old key here I
am using, or I have a number.

Or maybe it should be - CQ FISTS? or CQ SK? - which is to say... I have a
number if you want one but otherwise call me anyhow... or I use an old key
and won't send all that fast with it (nice if you are afraid to have to QRS
the fellow).

Anyhow, not much of a rant as a query on protocols of calling and answering,
as well as just wanting to be able to work a lot of fellows on the radio.
Otherwise, I guess I will just have to let them alone in their respective
sandboxes and go play with those who feel more open (wherever and whenever).
I do realize they DO have their calling frequencies... but I am hearing more
broadly than that. Seems to me to be a weird imbalance.

On the other hand.... my copying of numbers is getting good from 'reading
the mail' on those QSOs for practice :)

tnx

Brian
Toronto
VE3VAW


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[M0XDF]

As a member of FISTS in the UK, I'd say they will be glad to work you (and
try to get you to join HiHi).


On 4/10/07 16:32, "Brian Pepperdine" <[hidden email]> sent:

> It really seems a lot of the CQs I hear are CQ FISTS and CQ SKCC.
> Are these persons bothered if I reply and just want a QSO/rag chew/contact
> and don't need their number and won't send one in return - or don't favour a
> hand key?

--
73 de M0XDF / FISTS #12575


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[Thom LaCosta]

On Thu, 4 Oct 2007, Brian Pepperdine wrote:

> Well, I just gotta ask.
> It really seems a lot of the CQs I hear are CQ FISTS and CQ SKCC.
> Are these persons bothered if I reply and just want a QSO/rag chew/contact
> and don't need their number and won't send one in return - or don't favour a
> hand key?

I would think that if they are offended, they will either not answer you, or
have a short exchange with you, since you aren't what they're looking for.

>
> I know I can pass them by I guess - but gee, I want to have a contact, plain
> and simple and it seems so many possible operator calls are restricting
> themselves to someone with a number or old fashioned key. Can't we just agree
> to all talk and THEN say, oh by the way I have a nice old key here I am
> using, or I have a number.

But if what they want to do is collect a number, you not having one isn't what
they want, is it? If they restrict their contacts be being specific, that's
their choice, not mone or yours.

I've answered some of those calls....not a fists member and not using a straight
key....and the response has ranged from ignoring me to short exchanges with or
without and explanation of why the QSO will stop all the way to rag chews....but
I generally don't answer them, since their CQ is setting up a condition I can't
meet.

73 - k3hrn
Thom,EIEIO
Email, Internet, Electronic Information Officer

www.baltimorehon.com/                    Home of the Baltimore Lexicon
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[Darwin, Keith]

-----Original Message-----
Well, I just gotta ask.
It really seems a lot of the CQs I hear are CQ FISTS and CQ SKCC.
Are these persons bothered if I reply and just want a QSO/rag
chew/contact and don't need their number and won't send one in return -
or don't favour a hand key?

Brian  -  Toronto  -  VE3VAW
------------------------------

If you hear someone in your own country calling CQ DX, do you answer?
What if he's calling CQ FL and you live in MI?  I bet you don't answer
them.  I don't answer those directed CQs either.  Why should CQ FISTS or
CQ SKCC or any other directed CQ be treated any differently?

Bottom line - if I don't qualify for a directed CQ, I don't answer.  No
hard feelings, no 2nd guessing the motives of the other op, I just
recognize their wishes and don't answer.

When I call CQ I'm hoping for the same treatment.  I'll call CQ SKCC
looking to work other SKCC members.  If I get no takers, I'll open it up
and call CQ DE N1AS/SKCC to indicate that I'm SKCC but will chat with
anyone.  If I'm not doing SKCC stuff (i.e. using paddles), I'll just
call CQ DE N1AS.

If I call CQ SKCC and someone who is not SKCC answers, I'll chat with
them (don't' want to be rude!) but I'm always wondering why they "gave
me bread when I asked for a stone".  Usually it is not problem but when
my operating time is limited and I was looking for an SKCC QSO then it
can be a little disappointing.

BTW, SKCC is a great group of OPs who truly love CW and enjoy doing it
manually (bugs & cooties too!)  Interestingly, we've had this same
"should I answer CQ FISTS" discussion on the SKCC list :-)  The vast
majority of SKCC people enjoy rag chewing so be prepared.  SKCC is also
a great place for beginning CW ops since speeds are usually on the slow
side and we'll all happily QRS.

73!

- Keith N1AS -
- K2 5411.ssb.100 -
- K3 Wave 3 -
- SKCC 344c -

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[w5tvw]

I belong to FISTS, SKCC, QRPARC and others.  I have no problem with QSOing
someone who doesn't have a "number" or isn't a member!  Some of the guys are
strictly number collectors and some will try to have a 'rag chewing" type
QSO with you.  I strictly leave it to the other guy, what ever is his
"thing".  Have run into many interesting poeple with more conversation than
RST, QTH and numbers though.

73,

Sandy W5TVW
----- Original Message -----
From: "David Ferrington, M0XDF" <[hidden email]>
To: <[hidden email]>
Sent: Thursday, October 04, 2007 10:42 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] restrictive CQs? SKCC, Fists etc. - protocol onwho
we can play with

> As a member of FISTS in the UK, I'd say they will be glad to work you (and
> try to get you to join HiHi).
>
>
> On 4/10/07 16:32, "Brian Pepperdine" <[hidden email]> sent:
>
>> It really seems a lot of the CQs I hear are CQ FISTS and CQ SKCC.
>> Are these persons bothered if I reply and just want a QSO/rag
>> chew/contact
>> and don't need their number and won't send one in return - or don't
>> favour a
>> hand key?
>
> --
> 73 de M0XDF / FISTS #12575
>
>
> _______________________________________________
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> Post to: [hidden email]
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>
>
> --
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> Version: 7.5.488 / Virus Database: 269.14.0/1049 - Release Date: 10/4/2007
> 8:59 AM
>
>

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[Dan Romanchik KB6NU]

If you ever hear me calling "CQ FISTS" please feel free to call me. I  
think the majority of FISTS members would feel the same. In fact, it  
would be definitely NOT in accordance with FISTS principles not to  
have a contact with you. :)

73!

Dan KB6NU
----------------------------------------------------------
CW Geek and MI Affiliated Club Coordinator
Get my Tech and General Class study guides at www.kb6nu.com/tech-manual
LET'S GET MORE KIDS INTO HAM RADIO!



On Oct 4, 2007, at 11:32 AM, Brian Pepperdine wrote:

> Well, I just gotta ask.
> It really seems a lot of the CQs I hear are CQ FISTS and CQ SKCC.
> Are these persons bothered if I reply and just want a QSO/rag chew/
> contact and don't need their number and won't send one in return -  
> or don't favour a hand key?

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[AC7AC]

CONTENTS DELETED

The author has deleted this message.

[Gary D Krause]

I have a SKCC number but, I only use it if someone asks me for it.  I never
call CQ SKCC because, like you, I'm more interested in making a contact or rag
chewing.  There have been many times that I have chatted with an SKCC member
when I'm using my paddles.  I tend to avoid them if they are calling CQ SKCC
because, I know that they are chasing the numbers and that's fine.  But, look
at what they are missing. :-)

Gary,
N7HTS


On Thu, 04 Oct 2007 15:32:24 +0000
  "Brian Pepperdine" <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Well, I just gotta ask.
> It really seems a lot of the CQs I hear are CQ FISTS and CQ SKCC.
> Are these persons bothered if I reply and just want a QSO/rag chew/contact
>and don't need their number and won't send one in return - or don't favour a
>hand key?
>
> I just don't see the sense in sending numbers - and I really don't need to
>collect them. That's OK for those that do... but to not 'accept' those who
>don't?
> And the straight key guys.... do they really only want to have contacts with
>someone enamoured of the straight key. I have a number of old hand keys...
>they look nice, but my keyer and paddle are easier on the arm that has had  a
>lot of jolts from carpentry/bicycle riding/motorcycle throttling....
>
> I know I can pass them by I guess - but gee, I want to have a contact, plain
>and simple and it seems so many possible operator calls are restricting
>themselves to someone with a number or old fashioned key. Can't we just agree
>to all talk and THEN say, oh by the way I have a nice old key here I am
>using, or I have a number.
>
> Or maybe it should be - CQ FISTS? or CQ SK? - which is to say... I have a
>number if you want one but otherwise call me anyhow... or I use an old key
>and won't send all that fast with it (nice if you are afraid to have to QRS
>the fellow).
>
> Anyhow, not much of a rant as a query on protocols of calling and answering,
>as well as just wanting to be able to work a lot of fellows on the radio.
> Otherwise, I guess I will just have to let them alone in their respective
>sandboxes and go play with those who feel more open (wherever and whenever).
> I do realize they DO have their calling frequencies... but I am hearing more
>broadly than that. Seems to me to be a weird imbalance.
>
> On the other hand.... my copying of numbers is getting good from 'reading
>the mail' on those QSOs for practice :)
>
> tnx
>
> Brian
> Toronto
> VE3VAW
>
>
> _______________________________________________
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> Post to: [hidden email]
> You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
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I call CQ (nothing) on 40 meters all the time and have wonderful rag chews with a lot of nice guys and gals.  I am a member of FISTS but never call CQ FISTS.  I just like to have a nice CW rag chew on 40.

I like 40 because people take their time....30 is even better.

Lee

 

In our day and age it seems that Common Sense is in short supply.  If you don't have any Common Sense - get some Common Sense and use it.  If you can't find any Common Sense, ask for help from somebody who has some Common Sense.  Is Common Sense divine?
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[dave.wilburn]

As a member of FISTS, I have never had a problem working folks without a
number.  Understand that FISTS is an organization to promote CW.  I
can't speak for others, but in my case, a rag chew is more difficult
that a FISTS QSO.  FISTS QSOs, in my experience have been pretty
straight forward; name, greetings, rst, qth, rig, power, ant, and maybe
wx info.  Not exciting, on invigorating for most folks, but it is a lot
for those of us struggling with the code.  If folks get a little fast on
me, or I just start dropping letters or words, I at least have some
ideas what is coming and can usually figure it out.  In the case of a
rag chew, if I miss a couple of letters, I find myself behind, and
completely missing the point.  Thus, I tend, for now, to keep QSO's
short a sweet.

I look forward to getting good enough at CW that I can sit and ragchew.
    I have been working on my CW, off and on for a few years, and it is
still has a ways to go.

To alleviate the concern you have, what I have done in the past, was to
CQ FISTS a few times, then if nothing is heard, I just threw out CQ.  On
several occasions I had folks that came right back to me, that were
obviously listening, but didn't answer when I did CQ FISTS.  I enjoyed
the QSOs, but I still did not get too fancy.

My main problem, is that I can copy faster than I have figured out a way
to record the information.  At 15 wpm I cannot write fast enough.  I can
copy what is being said, but have not been able to remember it well
enough to keep track of what is going on.  I touch type, and that works
pretty well, till we get into call signs or such, as I was never good at
typing numbers.

I hope the explanation helped some.

David Wilburn
[hidden email]
K4DGW
K2 #5982



Brian Pepperdine wrote:

> Well, I just gotta ask.
> It really seems a lot of the CQs I hear are CQ FISTS and CQ SKCC.
> Are these persons bothered if I reply and just want a QSO/rag
> chew/contact and don't need their number and won't send one in return -
> or don't favour a hand key?
>
> I just don't see the sense in sending numbers - and I really don't need
> to collect them. That's OK for those that do... but to not 'accept'
> those who don't?
> And the straight key guys.... do they really only want to have contacts
> with someone enamoured of the straight key. I have a number of old hand
> keys... they look nice, but my keyer and paddle are easier on the arm
> that has had  a lot of jolts from carpentry/bicycle riding/motorcycle
> throttling....
>
> I know I can pass them by I guess - but gee, I want to have a contact,
> plain and simple and it seems so many possible operator calls are
> restricting themselves to someone with a number or old fashioned key.
> Can't we just agree to all talk and THEN say, oh by the way I have a
> nice old key here I am using, or I have a number.
>
> Or maybe it should be - CQ FISTS? or CQ SK? - which is to say... I have
> a number if you want one but otherwise call me anyhow... or I use an old
> key and won't send all that fast with it (nice if you are afraid to have
> to QRS the fellow).
>
> Anyhow, not much of a rant as a query on protocols of calling and
> answering, as well as just wanting to be able to work a lot of fellows
> on the radio.
> Otherwise, I guess I will just have to let them alone in their
> respective sandboxes and go play with those who feel more open (wherever
> and whenever).
> I do realize they DO have their calling frequencies... but I am hearing
> more broadly than that. Seems to me to be a weird imbalance.
>
> On the other hand.... my copying of numbers is getting good from
> 'reading the mail' on those QSOs for practice :)
>
> tnx
>
> Brian
> Toronto
> VE3VAW
>
>
> _______________________________________________
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[Mark, KJ7BS]

As both a FISTS and SKCC member, I will tell you while I call CQ FISTS or CQ
SKCC and am looking for other members with which to exchange info, I always
welcome a non member QSO.  To that point, I have paused during a sprint or
contest to chat with a non member.  It does several things, it portrays a
good example for members of the club if we take the time to be courteous to
non members and have a QSO, albeit short, but polite.  It allows me to make
a new friend and maybe bring a new member into our fold.  In my book, it is
just the right thing to do.

For me, sprints and contest are not about winning or placing, it is about
having fun, making contacts, and meeting new friends.  So if you ever hear
me calling CQ FISTS or CQ SKCC or CQ SKS, do not hesitate to call me.

Mark, KJ7BS
Glendale, AZ
Editor, The SKCC Centurion
Elecraft K2 S/N 0539
Fists # 2972 CC 1806
SKCC # 2240 C56 T20
QRP-ARCI # 12647
AZ ScQRPions
COGRC Emergency Communications

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Brian Pepperdine
Sent: Thursday, October 04, 2007 8:32 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: [Elecraft] restrictive CQs? SKCC,Fists etc. - protocol on who we
can play with

Well, I just gotta ask.
It really seems a lot of the CQs I hear are CQ FISTS and CQ SKCC.
Are these persons bothered if I reply and just want a QSO/rag chew/contact
and don't need their number and won't send one in return - or don't favour a

hand key?

I just don't see the sense in sending numbers - and I really don't need to
collect them. That's OK for those that do... but to not 'accept' those who
don't?
And the straight key guys.... do they really only want to have contacts with

someone enamoured of the straight key. I have a number of old hand keys...
they look nice, but my keyer and paddle are easier on the arm that has had  
a lot of jolts from carpentry/bicycle riding/motorcycle throttling....

I know I can pass them by I guess - but gee, I want to have a contact, plain

and simple and it seems so many possible operator calls are restricting
themselves to someone with a number or old fashioned key. Can't we just
agree to all talk and THEN say, oh by the way I have a nice old key here I
am using, or I have a number.

Or maybe it should be - CQ FISTS? or CQ SK? - which is to say... I have a
number if you want one but otherwise call me anyhow... or I use an old key
and won't send all that fast with it (nice if you are afraid to have to QRS
the fellow).

Anyhow, not much of a rant as a query on protocols of calling and answering,

as well as just wanting to be able to work a lot of fellows on the radio.
Otherwise, I guess I will just have to let them alone in their respective
sandboxes and go play with those who feel more open (wherever and whenever).
I do realize they DO have their calling frequencies... but I am hearing more

broadly than that. Seems to me to be a weird imbalance.

On the other hand.... my copying of numbers is getting good from 'reading
the mail' on those QSOs for practice :)

tnx

Brian
Toronto
VE3VAW


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[AC7AC]

CONTENTS DELETED

The author has deleted this message.

[Russell Ruby]

Ron,

I enjoyed your postings on this topic.

I was out of active participation in amateur radio for
about 30 years.

My only amateur radio things which survive from my early days
are the vibroplex original bug my parents gave me when I passed
my general exam, and guess what ?  My ragchewers club certificate !

Also surviving is the TenTec PM3A which was my last serious venture
into amateur radio back in 1970/1971 when I started daydreaming about
"trail radio".  

Not hard to guess what got me back into amateur radio.   While
visiting the new downtown Seattle public library at its grand opening
in May 2004, I paused to look through the latest copies of QST and CQ.
I saw a photo of a fella wearing gloves on the trail operating a KX1 !!
I was blown away.  I looked for every scrap I could find about the KX1.
Less than a month later, in one session I passed all the exams to be
relicensed as an amateur extra.  I must say, the exams seem a lot
easier than they were in the old days :)  I'm thinking all the study for
my amateur extra back then - which I never got around to taking - must
have stuck with me !

Up to now, I have been using my bug and PM3A.  But I just finished
building my KX1 and am about to head out on the trail - in the glacier peak
wilderness in Washington.  I know, possible nasty weather and all
that, but it will be fun !

russ  w7au

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