First organized in May 1933, the ARRL A-1 Operator Club has a proud history and occupies an important place in Amateur Radio tradition. Communications Manager Ed Handy, W1BDI, announced its formation with these words in July 1933 QST:

Are you an A-1 Operator? Excellence in stations has often been emphasized. Yet, station performance, equipment, adjustment, etc., are but part of the story. The operation of the equipment, knowledge of procedure, and general communications technique are of very great importance in determining the results of any station. To bring attention to good operating as a paramount issue, and to give it something of the importance it deserves we are this month announcing in these columns the launching of a club for A-1 operators.

 

Much is said about the handful of radio amateurs whose operating practices do not quite measure up. Not enough is said about those who, by contrast, lead by example - who set the standard for others to follow. Let us correct that now. Let us honor them as A-1 Operators and in so doing, honor the best in Amateur Radio. - David Sumner, K1ZZ

Nominations Needed

This newsletter is going to US members of the ARRL A-1 Operator Club. In March 1995 there were only 3,000 members world-wide. Do you believe that this is an accurate representation of the number of above average operators? We don't. We ought to be seeing 500 new A-1 Ops each year.

In 2008, 207 new A1 Operators were appointed to the Club! This brings the current number of A1 Operators to 5,854!

Who to Nominate?

Membership comes after nomination by two Club members who find the nominee qualified to be a member of this elite group. Nominations should be based on the following guidelines:

 1.General considerations. Transmissions stable, well filtered, and occupying the minimum required bandwidth. On voice, clarity of speech, brevity, uses appropriate words and good grammar. On digital modes, clean tones and appropriate operating-frequency selection. On CW, proper character formation and spacing with appropriate speeds (high-speed ability is not a consideration).

 2. Procedure. Always listens before transmitting. Appropriately short CQs, avoidance of unnecessary repetition, use of proper procedures and abbreviations recommended by ARRL, avoidance of common inanities in making contacts. When operating a message forwarding system, make sure that traffic is routed to its destination.

 3. Judgment and courtesy. Courteous, and considerate of the other operator's point of view. Takes every opportunity to assist others, especially beginners. Patient and helpful at all times, and never knowingly operates in such a way as to lessen the pleasure of others.

 4. Copying ability. This applies to all modes, for there is a knack to passing information through such difficulties as interference from other stations (QRM), atmospheric noises (QRN), fading (QSB), etc.

How to Nominate

You must be a full member of the A1 Operator Club in order to make a nomination. Use the nominees roster to see if someone has already been nominated. If you find a someone whose nomination you want to second, send an e-mail to a1ops.nom@arrl.org. If you do not find your prospective nominee on the list send your nomination to the A1 Operator Club desk. Send those nominations to: ARRL Awards Desk, 225 Main St., Newington, CT 06111, or, by e-mail to: a1ops.nom@arrl.org.

Be sure to include your name and callsign as well as the name, callsign and mailing address of the person(s) you want to nominate. Names and addresses are particularly important for nominees living both inside and outside the USA.Over the years many hams change their callsign and this assures that the proper persons receives this distinguished recognition. Please take a moment to check the accuracy of the information you send us. It will avoid delays at this end. Also, please include a comment on your nominee as to why you are making the nomination.

We're ready to receive your nominations, and issue certificates! Please help us reach the goal of 500 new members per year! Posthumous nominations are welcome.