Why do radio amateurs not leave large enough gaps ("overs") between transmissions?

Does the title of the above article sound familiar? 

On numerous occasions the ZS Link Network experience the "to quick on the trigger (PTT)" habit. Yes it is a bad habit and the author is also guilty at times.  No pointing of fingers here let's find out why this happens.

I wrote the following this morning on the WhatsApp Group:

"Gaps, gaps etc. Stations cannot connect to the ZS Link Network Group's networks. Stations are left out in the cold. We must please leave gaps and not be so quick to press the PTT between overs. There are some of our regulars who want to connect to the DMR links and other systems, but cannot get in. Let's please leave long enough (5-8 seconds) gaps between rounds. We don't want to lose stations because they can't connect/disconnect or log in. No, I have nothing to do with the administration of the network anymore, but just felt like bringing it to everyone's attention again in the interest of the group. - ZS1I"

In amateur radio, failing to leave a gap between "overs" (transmissions) is known as "quick-keying" or "tailgating." Experienced operators strongly advise against this because it disrupts the flow of communication and violates standard Ham Radio Etiquette.

Now why do radio amateurs not leave large enough gaps ("overs") between transmissions?

Radio amateurs often fail to leave sufficient gaps ("overs") between transmissions due to a combination of ingrained habits from crowded operating environments, the desire to prevent others from "stealing" the frequency, and the rapid, conversational nature of "rag-chewing" (casual chatting). 

Common reasons for short breaks or overlapping transmissions include:

• Habit from Crowded Frequencies: Many radio amateurs are accustomed to operating on crowded bands or repeaters (particularly on 10-meter or 75-meter bands), where any significant pause is perceived as an opportunity for another station to "steal" the frequency or interrupt the conversation.
• Fear of "Stealing" the Conversation: There is a common belief that if an operator leaves too long a pause, another user will break into the conversation, leading to a "quick key" reflex.
• "Rag-Chewing" Mentality: In casual, relaxed conversations, operators often treat radio like a telephone call, aiming for a rapid exchange of information rather than the formal, slow pace of traditional radio procedure.
• Misunderstanding Repeater Operation: Some operators do not wait for the repeater's "courtesy tone"—a sound that signals the repeater has reset and is ready for the next transmission—leading to "doubling" (talking over someone) or premature transmission.
• Unfamiliarity with Proper Etiquette: Not all operators are fully trained in, or consistently follow, best practices regarding break times, which recommend a 5-second pause to allow for emergencies or other stations to join.
• Imitating CB Practices: Some amateur radio operators carry over habits from 11-meter (CB) radio, where fast-paced, high-interference communication is common.

Best Practices to Avoid Overlapping:

• Listen First: Always listen for a few seconds before transmitting.
• Wait for the network to reset: On repeaters, wait for the network to reset before keying up.
• Pause intentionally: Leave a 5–8 second gap between "overs" to allow for break-ins, especially for emergency calls.
• Release the PTT: Fully release the push-to-talk button to ensure the repeater resets properly.

As far as DMR communications over the internet is concerned,  here is some information as to why on should leave a large enough gap between overs:

Networked Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) communications over the internet introduce significant and noticeable latency (delay) due to a combination of digital voice encoding and Forward Error Correction (FEC), and internet traffic delays.

Key Aspects of DMR Internet Latency:

• Operational Courtesy: Because of this latency, operators should wait at least 5 seconds after hearing the end of a transmission before initiating a new one to avoid breaking traffic.
• Transmission Delay: It is recommended to wait approximately 2 second after keying the transmitter before speaking to ensure the connection is established.
• Causes: Latency is introduced by the digital encoding of voice at the transmitter, FEC processing at the receiver, and internet packet routing.
• Technical Performance: Specialized DMR over Internet Protocol (DoIP) gateways can achieve a conversion delay of 9.10 ms, with an average jitter of 1.90 ms and low packet loss.

Operational Considerations:
Unlike analog radios, DMR does not have a "repeater squelch tail." The inherent digital delays mean conversations can feel staggered, requiring disciplined, patient, and structured communication protocols to avoid talking over others and to accommodate the shared nature of networked resources.

 

Enough written and we all know now what to do from here-on!!