The Amateur's Code

Hi All,

I hope you're keeping well and enjoying your radio.  


Recently I've been following a series of articles transcribed from VK6FLAB, Onno's podcast published on Southgate Amateur Radio News.

He does have some great discussions but his "The Amateur's Code" has been an interesting one. He looks back at the original 1920's version published in the ARRL Handbook and finds ways to update it to a more modern as well as inclusive version which I found truly compelling.

So much so that I'd like to quote it here at Charlie Tango where the ethos of radio interest inclusivity is strived for.


The Radio Amateur is CONSIDERATE and RESPECTFUL...never knowingly behaving in such a way as to lessen the pleasure of others.

The Radio Amateur is LOYAL...offering encouragement and participation to the global amateur community.

The Radio Amateur is PROGRESSIVE...keeping abreast of science, striving to build and operate their station above reproach.

The Radio Amateur is FRIENDLY...patient; offering friendly advice and counsel to the beginner; kindly assistance, cooperation and consideration for the interests of others. These are the hallmarks of the amateur spirit.

The Radio Amateur is BALANCED...radio is a hobby, never allowing it to interfere with any of the duties owed to home, work, school or community.

The Radio Amateur is SUPPORTIVE...knowledge, station and skills always ready for service to country and community.



This is just the view of how the code could be rewritten by Onno himself but I must say that I wholeheartedly agree with his sentiments.

I also believe that irrespective of whether being a licensed 'Ham' regardless of licence level or even indeed an officially unlicensed radio user that it's ethical stance could and should be upheld by all radio users. (Let alone humanity!)


Remember, licensed or not we are all :-

radio - the transmission and reception of electromagnetic waves of radio frequency

amateurs - from the original latin 'amare' - to love and 'amator' - lover

Simply put, lovers of the radio hobby.  



Onno's original podcast can be found at: VK6FLAB 'Foundations of Amateur Radio'


All the very best to you and enjoy your radio how you see fit,

Victor

Victor wrote:

The Radio Amateur is BALANCED...radio is a hobby, never allowing it to interfere with any of the duties owed to home, work, school or community.

There go's my plan to jack in my job and divorce my wife so that I have solid radio time to play the CT 10m challenge next year.

 Joking obviously, and jesting aside I am in  full agreement that it is a good code that would make the hobby/service a better place to operate if everyone followed.

Thanks Victor.
I'm sure most of us follow this sort of code but there will always be some that don't.