The Amateur bands within the UK are thriving - thanks in no small part to the keen activities of the M3 operators. However, Rob G3XFD comments on some disturbing reports on operational behaviour on the bands and possible breaking of Licence conditions. As usual - he looks forward to your own comments.

Over the Christmas period I found myself not feeling up to much - my plans to build some little projects and re-arrange our garage came to nothing due to the 'Winter Blues'.

However, I was able to sit at my operating desk and enjoy many QSOs, mainly on c.w., but some using s.s.b. Incidentally, the 'Winter Blues' - of course - had passed at the end of the holiday and I was back to normal for returning to the office. Typical - in the same way we have sunshine in the week and it rains at weekends!

Due to the large numbers of M3 stations coming on the air I was pleased to work several of them on 7MHz and those I worked had impeccable manners. It's a real pleasure to have 7MHz so busy - just as it was 40 years or so ago when most of us used a.m. My old KW Vanguard literally lived on 40 metres and I made many friends and worked much DX using the band.

The 7MHz band is absolutely ideal for communications within this group of Islands off the northern coast of mainland Europe, and many of us tend to think of 40 being 'our band' rather than a worldwide allocation.

Propagation changes on 7MHz during the day can be rapid - and particularly so in the short days of winter. These changes can be an embarrassment at times - especially when a QSO (nets in particular) have occupied a frequency for a long time. Sometimes, up will come a previously unheard DX QSO on the same frequency due to the propagation changes.

Operator behaviour in these conditions can become quite coarse and I've sometimes heard basic Anglo-Saxon expletives, along with their modern German and Gallic equivalents being returned. Because I'm usually busy, I don't have time to join in many nets - but I often listen in as I work.

Often they have many topics of interest in discussion (no doubt this topic will join the list!). However, even when provoked - I think it's not a good idea to discuss our nearest neighbour's problems (as we see them!) over the air. Perhaps a little diplomacy is needed on both sides at these times? Bad language is never a good idea - and even in the small hours on the 3.5MHz band. Someone will be listening - you can be sure of that!

Higher Power?

During my Christmas holiday operating I noticed one or two comments from non-M3 stations mentioning the relatively strong signals being received from some M3 operators. Sitting listening in my shack I started to think on the subject; are M3 operators enjoying getting the most out of their antennas to ensure the last drop of r.f. is radiated efficiently, or is higher power being used?

Keen QRP operators ensure they get the most with 10W and often much less. Recently I worked a c.w. operator on 7MHz and he was using 500mW. Yet his signal was a good 599 with me! On the other hand my 10W was only earning a 579RST report. I wasn't unduly worried - the other station was using an excellent antenna system and I was using a relatively inefficient short wire with an autoantenna tuner (a.a.t.u.).

Even though I have several reports of M3 Amateurs openly claiming on the air that they use higher power than their licence permits, and have had comments from readers - I'm left wondering: Is this possible breach of trust a common occurrence? The privilege of Amateur Radio operating needs trust and generally it is a trusting hobby. Only very occasionally do I hear of Radio Amateurs failing in this trust - whether it involves Licence conditions or something directly effecting fellow hobbyists.

Perhaps you know more than I do? Is there a widespread problem? Personally I doubt it very much - but I would certainly like to learn of your own informed opinions and I look forward to hearing from you.

Rob, G3XFD

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