If you use the HF bands at all, you probably know that the rules of common courtesy occasionally take a beating there. Thanks to Gehl, KB9DVC, for reminding us of the DX Code of Conduct website . This site is the result of a world-wide effort to get all hams to operate in a manner consistent with the highest levels of proficiency, with proper consideration for others using the amateur radio bands. The need for this effort was first brought into focus by an article in the March 2010 issue of QST; perhaps you read it.

At any rate, it makes interesting and thought-provoking reading and the site is worth a visit; after this article expires you will still find the link in our "Links" section in the menu at left.

Ham radio operators use two-way radio stations from their homes, cars, boats and outdoors to make hundreds of friends around town and around the world. They communicate with each other using voice, computers, and Morse code. Some hams bounce their signals off the upper regions of the atmosphere, so they can talk with hams on the other side of the world. Other hams use satellites. Many use hand-held radios that fit in their pockets.

Hams exchange pictures of each other using television. Some also like to work on electronic circuits, building their own radios and antennas. A few pioneers in Amateur Radio have even contributed to advances in technology that we all enjoy today. There are even ham-astronauts who take radios with them on space shuttle missions and thrill thousands of hams on earth with a call from space!

Using even the simplest of radio setups and antennas, amateurs communicate with each other for fun, during emergencies, and even in contests. They handle messages for police and other public service organizations during all kinds of emergencies including hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes and floods, motorist accidents, fires and chemical spills, and search and rescues. They help organize parades and other local events... the list goes on and on.

The above was adapted from "Hello Radio " on the ARRL web site. Give them a visit... there's lots of interesting stuff there.

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