GACW CODE OF ETHICS

Objective of the following questions and answers dialogue is to remark some conditions that are always observed on every GACW expedition, by the QSL manager, by the coordinators and by the majority of Morse code operators. GACW also strongly recommend to every member to observe this conditions when operating any mode, as an ethical guide.

You will also find some answers that will enlighten some doubts that are often present in amateur radio activity.

This code of ethics was elaborated on an educational basis. This is not a rigorous code to be imposed to each amateur. On the contrary, it is just a guide to make a better choice of which way any amateur will follow on his daily activity.

This web page is periodically updated.

May I use the help of any other station, making lists, to get a qso ?

Much better if not. This is a very common practice on SSB mode operations, when the DX operator is not able to manage the pile up. This practice, which is very far of a bilateral communication, only generates mistakes and misunderstandings. A third party station making a list, generally with a good disposition and trying to help, is only discrediting the reputation of the operation and it's members.

GACW expeditions operators are precisely instructed in order to avoid this kind of practices. They must use it's own resources and knowledge, even though if the operation results too slow.

How much valuable is an award obtained with only one QSO ?

Just as a recognition of your effort to get it, as a memory of a particular date, as a QSL card, etc.

May I present it to an international award program ?

Most of international awards programs are based on a minimum of 5 QSO's. That's the reason why GACW awards are based on that minimum requirement.

How much valid is an award obtained constructing a certain word ?

If a minimum of 5 QSO's is required and indicated in the award, and all awards hunters club requirements are observed, it will be perfectly valid.

What is the shape and size of a QSL card ?

Confirmation of a QSO can be made with a post card, with a special card or just with a sheet of paper. Anyway some DX Hunters programs have some rules on this matter. For a convenient classification, envelopes, etc. we recommend cards of 9 cm. x 14 cm. size.

Which are the basic elements to include on a QSL card ?

A card will be validated on any award program, when it contains your own callsign and personal data, location where the operation was held, if it was portable or not, with special CALL letters or not and:
- Callsign of the correspondent station
- Relative signal on RST code
- Date and UTC time
- Mode and Band

Is there a minimum RST for a QSO to be validated ?

There's nothing written, but some awards programs need a minimum 239 RST signal report, to validate the QSO.-

What rules should be observed when filling in a QSL card ?

A card confirmation is a kind of courtesy, but some forgery may be made with the modification of the data contained in it. You must be very careful. If a mistake or something was wrongly written, just make a new one.

May I give an unfilled QSL card as a courtesy ?

Only if you cancel or cross it before. If you don't want to seem discourteous just fill it with a personal "eyeball" QSO.

What's the reason why an unfilled card must not be given ?

The cards may be improperly used for anyone's personal benefit.

My QSL manager is distributing my unfilled cards as publicity. Is that right ?

No. This unrespectable procedure denotes uncare with your cards and specially with you. Both of you will be seriously doubted.

Should I sign my QSL card ?

It is not necessary for DXCC program, but is a good practice to sign it. In the case of a Manager it is recommended that the card denotes that the QSO had been verified in the log with the Manager Signature.

If I need to work Tanzania, may I use a SWL card from that entity, and compute it as confirmed ?

A bi-directional communication must be verified in order to validate it for any DX award program. A SWL report is very important and valuable, but is just a reference and not a communication.

If I can't copy some station, may I be helped by a third station ?

This is a typical artful procedure generally used on SSB mode operations, even though some times it also shows on CW operators.

Everyone listening to this kind of practice will know that you have not made a bi-directional communication and a third station assistance was needed, breaking many international programs rules. Even if you get that award, many amateurs will know it is not genuine.

A station signing KN do not answer me when I call him.

If he signed KN, as only one code, you must not call him; just because KN means that he doesn't want to be interrupted by any other station.

A local station calling CQ DX don't answer me.

If he is calling DX, he only wants to work DX stations.

At what speed should be answered a 10 wpm CQ ?

No doubt, 10 wpm.

What should I do if someone call or answer me in a less speed that my own ?

As a courtesy you should reduce your speed and try to regulate it to his speed.

May I ask for a second card for me, when I am working someone else station ?

A confirmation card must be sent to the station from which the transmittion was made and not to the operator. If someone asks for a second card just tell who the operator was and send a second card for the operator as a courtesy, crossing it, in order to cancel it as a confirmatory element.

But this is a very common practice in some Institutions.

QSL card means a confirmation between two stations on a bilateral communication. Operator is just that, an operator.

How should I sign when transmitting out of the address from which my license was granted ?

You must observe local regulations, using a bar and a letter depending on which political division you are located. LU6UO/Z means a location in Antarctica or South Atlantic Islands. If you are in vacations in Mar del Plata city LU6UO/D, from Mendoza province LU6UO/M and from Ushuaia city LU6UO/X, etc.

May I work a radio club callsign from home ?

Yes, always using a bar and a letter as an indication of the location. Many years ago a /P was used as an indication of portable operation.

How should I sign when mobile in CW mode ?

Local regulations are not specifically on this matter. If you are maritime mobile you may use MM after the bar. Example: LU1CSP/MM In the case of air or terrestrials mobiles using /M will surely cause misunderstandings, just because /M means Mendoza Province. We recommend to use /MA and /MT respectively.

May I go out of the band, just for a moment, to work a very hard DX station ?

No. There is no justification to do it. If you hear a DX on 3.825 khz. you have only one chance. Work it on separate frequencies (split), reception on 3.825 and transmittion on 3.800 khz. If the DX station do not answer you just because he can't hear you, do not break the rules. You may be punished and discredited in front of others amateurs. Just forget it and leave it for a better day.

Same case for the top band, 160 mts. Since may years ago, CW operators use this technique, calling on DX windows (1800 to 1805 / 1825 to 1835) and listening carefully on different portions of the band, until 2 mhz. depending on what entity they are looking for.

May I use a remote transmitter or receiver ?

Most of International DX programs and contests states that a valid QSO needs a transmitter and receiver in the same place. Some of them rules measures and special requirements just to avoid additional advantages. eDX100 program from EQSL.CC (electronic cards) accepts receiver and transmitter with different locations, but both of them must be in the same country. The address of the station will be the one of the transmitter.

Translated by LW2DX (1/5/2003)