It's My Frequency .... BUT!

 

It's My Frequency .... BUT!

I've been siting on the contents of this blog for several weeks.  As we move forward through the recovery process from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, and NOW with the approahing CAT 4 Milton about to slam Florida the week of October 7th, 2024, I felt there is no  better time than the present to post this topic about  "IT'S MY FREQUENCY!"

Recently I've began spending some time returning to some of the digital modes I've been absent from for quite a while. I was dismayed to hear some vocal chatter from operators of frequencies TRADITIONALLY set aside for digital operations. The vocal chatter consisted of operators stating they knew it was for digital operation but I'm going to use it anyway. Let me put it out there. NO ONE OWNS A FREQUENCY. TRUE. BUT.....

I also understand the eagerness to get on the air and capture that rare DX, or that POTA or SOTA operator you've wanted for months or that last state for your WAS or that DX-pedition. I GET THAT!  BUT,  take a minute or two to LISTEN, LISTEN and LISTEN again before keying up your rig. You might be stepping onto someone who is seeking the same goal as yours.

It’s good practice — and plain old common sense — for any operator, regardless of mode, to check to see if the frequency is in use prior to engaging operation. If you are there first, other operators should make an effort to protect you from interference to the extent possible, given that 100% interference-free operation is an unrealistic expectation in today’s congested bands.

NO ONE OWNS A FREQUENCY as stated in Section 97.101(b) of the FCC Rules and Regulations....   

Nothing in the rules recognizes a net’s, group’s or any individual’s special privilege to any specific frequency. Section 97.101(b) of the Rules states that “Each station licensee and each control operator must cooperate in selecting transmitting channels and in making the most effective use of the amateur service frequencies. No frequency will be assigned for the exclusive use of any station.” No one “owns” a frequency. 

Throughout history there have been situations between two or more parties who come together for an informal and legally non-legally binding agreement that may be oral but can be written or simply understood as part of an unspoken agreement by convention through mutually beneficial etiquette. This is typically known as a gentlemen's agreement, or gentleman's agreement.   And Amateur Radio has its own agreement known as:

                 "The Considerate Operator's Frequency Guide"

The following frequencies are generally recognized for certain modes or activities (all frequencies are in MHz) during normal conditions. These are not regulations and occasionally a high level of activity, such as during a period of emergency response, DXpedition or contest, may result in stations operating outside these frequency ranges. 

Considerate Operators Frequency Guide
Download Link:
https://www.arrl.org/files/file/conop.pdf

To expand on the listening aspect of our hobby a bit more, due to the heightened Solar activity, there are occasions when there is pronounced QSB on the HF bands. Suddenly a station may apear on a frequency you are above to start sending or calling "CQ".  It might be Good Practice to be aware of those moments when solar activities create those unstable HF band conditions.  Additionally during this heighten Solar Cycle 25 period, the higher HF bands will become open more frequently worldwide. That being said you may find some of those DX operators utilizing Split Operations.  If you are unfamiliar with the aspect of "SPLIT OPERATING" in Amateur Radio, take a few minutes and view this YouTube video from Alan W2AEW on Split Operating.

https://youtu.be/4U6pKnWQVBo?si=U0Kq8PLLT7GrH2PA

To go a little deeper into operating practices,  there are some uses may be unusual, unconventional,  and to some unheard of but are perfectly LEGAL.  USB is perfectly legal on ALL ham bands except 30 meters and the saem for LSB. In recent years our presence on the band using this mode has not but overwhelming. Most recently one of our POTA activators Tim / NW9F GraymanPOTA has done quick a few SSB POTA activations utilizing (AM). 

             

https://x.com/GraymanPOTA/status/1830765184790511777

So the next time before you tune up to send "CQ", take a few moments to listen if the frequency is in use with the ars of this little fellow below.

Listen Listen Listen

P.S. Just in case you need it, Here is a copy with link of the U.S. Amaeur Radio Band Plan

U.S. Amateur Radio Bands
Download link:
https://www.arrl.org/files/file/Regulatory/Band%20Chart/Hambands-WASmap_17x11_Web.pdf