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The ARRL DXCC Blog posted an interesting article about an "Ethics and Operating Procedures for the Radio Amateur" booklet by John Devoldere, ON4UN. If you have been listening to the HF bands the last few years, there is no doubt that many people need to learn how to operate properly. The behaviour on the bands are not good. And if you are a DX’er and have chased many of the big DXPeditions, you will surely have noted all the jamming and noise created by people. I find this booklet well worth the read.

IARU Endorsed Booklet Promoting Ethics

Oct 1, 2008 09:57 ET
Bill Moore, NC1L

A 67-page booklet, "Ethics and Operating Procedures for the Radio Amateur" by John Devoldere, ON4UN, and Mark Demeuleneere, ON4WW, is available for free download from the ARRL Web site. The booklet is an "Americanized" version of the booklet that the authors wrote for an international audience. An international version is also available. At its June 2008 meeting, the IARU Administrative Council endorsed and recommended the principles set out in the booklet as a means of encouraging all radio amateurs "to operate to the highest levels of proficiency, with proper consideration for others using the amateur radio bands" and as a tool "to teach newcomers and others correct operating behavior." The booklet mainly addresses HF operating issues, but the principles are also applicable to VHF and higher bands. ARRL Chief Executive Officer and IARU Secretary David Sumner, K1ZZ, expressed appreciation for Devoldere’s and Demeuleneere’s efforts: "The authors are well known, experienced HF operators who are concerned about on-the-air operating standards and who decided that ‘It’s better to light a candle than curse the darkness.’ Anyone who reads their booklet will learn something, no matter how experienced they may be."

Bill Moore NC1L
ARRL Awards Manager