The Amateur's Code

    The Amateur's Code was written by Paul Segal, W9EEA, in 1928: 

The Radio Amateur is:

CONSIDERATE . . . He never knowingly operates the air in such a way as to lessen the pleasure of others

LOYAL . . . He offers loyalty, encouragement and support to his fellow Radio amateurs, his local club through which Amateur Radio is represented nationally and internationally. 

PROGRESSIVE . . . He keeps his station abreast of science. It is well-built and efficient station. His operating practice is above reproach.

FRIENDLY . . . Slow and patient sending when requested; friendly advice and counsel to the beginner; kindly assistance, co-operation and consideration for the interests of others.  These are the hallmarks of the Amateur spirit.

BALANCED . . . Radio is an avocation. He never interfering with duties owed to family, job, school, or community.

PATRIOTIC . . . His knowledge and his station are always ready for the service to country and community. 

Five Principles of the Amateur Radio Service:

1. Recognition and enhancement of the value of the amateur service to the public as a voluntary noncommercial communication service, particularly with respect to providing emergency communications.
2. Continuation and extension of the amateur's proven ability to contribute to the advancement of the radio art.
3. Encouragement and improvement of the amateur service through rules which provide for advancing skills in both the communications and technical phases of the art.
4. Expansion of the existing reservoir within the amateur radio service of trained operators, technicians and electronics experts.
5. Continuation and extension of the amateur's unique ability to enhance international goodwill.

Hams also share a common frontier: the desire to bring people together and promote harmony in the world. However John Patrick Hawker (G3VA) has amore interesting definition about Ham Radio:-"The practice of two way, shortwave radio communication not as a business or means of profit, but a spare time hobby pursued for the pleasure derived from an interest in radio technique, construction and operation and for the ensuing friendship with like minded individuals throughout the world".