how do i join a convo on 2mtrs?

[M6PRR]

i know this is probably a silly question for all of you more experienced people out there. but i am a little unsure as to how i actually make a contact with people on the 144-146mhz bands. i know here in the uk the calling channel is 145.500mhz and i have tried calling cq cq etc. i am ok with that one. but if you hear someone chatting on another frequency, how do i join in without appearing impolite and butting into the conversation? i tried this afternoon and was told "this frequency is in use" i only merely wanted to join in the conversation but i felt what i had done was wrong and i was being told off for "butting in". people have said just say "break" and give your callsign, then wait. some people are ok with this and i have had many an interesting and lovely conversation with a group. its just some people dont seem to want someone else there. please forgive me if that sounds incorrect, i am just learning and need some guidance from more experienced operators.

kind regards and 73's

peter ( m6prr)

[2E0TYK]

hello peter,

people have differing ways to join a qso ,the standard is to give your callsign during a pause in the conversation ,or as you say to say break ,callsign , but some stations quite simply dont wish other stations to join the qso , this is unfortunate but it happens ,

remember politeness matters ........ enjoy the hobby

kind regards and good dx

pete

2e0tyk

[M6PRR]

many thanks for your reply 2e0tyk. as it happened i got into a group convo last night which restored my confidence. its true what you say that some people may not want others to join, but thats life i suppose rather like talking to people in a room lol. as regards to politeness i totally agree, manners cost nothing and in my short experience on the radio 99% of the people i have chatted with are really nice courteous people which makes this hobby so rewarding.

73's to everyone

peter (m6prr)