Your First QSO
A QSO (radio contact) is just a conversation over radio. It might seem intimidating at first, but there's a simple structure to follow.
Basic QSO Format
Every contact includes:
Making a Contact on a Repeater
Repeaters are the easiest way to make your first contact. They amplify your signal so you can talk farther.
Step 1: Listen First
Before transmitting, listen to the repeater for a few minutes. Make sure it's not already in use and get a feel for the conversations.Step 2: Announce Yourself
Key up and say something like: > "This is [your callsign], listening"or
> "[Your callsign] monitoring"
Step 3: Someone Responds
When someone responds, they'll give their callsign. Now you're in a QSO!Step 4: Have a Conversation
A typical exchange: > You: "This is KD9XYZ, thanks for coming back. My name is John, I'm in Chicago. How copy?" > > Them: "KD9XYZ from W9ABC. Good copy John! I'm Bob in Naperville. How are you today?"Step 5: Sign Off
When you're done chatting: > "Well Bob, thanks for the contact. 73, this is KD9XYZ clear with W9ABC."73 means "best regards" - it's a ham radio tradition.
Making a Contact on HF (Simplex)
HF is different because you're talking directly to another station without a repeater.
Calling CQ
CQ means "calling any station." To call CQ: > "CQ CQ CQ, this is Kilo Delta Nine X-ray Yankee Zulu, KD9XYZ calling CQ and standing by."Use phonetics for your callsign so people can understand you through noise and static.
Answering a CQ
When you hear someone calling CQ: > "W1ABC, this is KD9XYZ, Kilo Delta Nine X-ray Yankee Zulu"The Exchange
A typical HF exchange includes:- Signal report (59 means loud and clear)
- Name
- Location (city/state or grid square)
- Sometimes: radio and antenna info, weather
Example HF QSO
> You: "CQ CQ CQ, this is KD9XYZ, Kilo Delta Nine X-ray Yankee Zulu, calling CQ and standing by." > > Them: "KD9XYZ, this is W1ABC" > > You: "W1ABC, you're 59 in Chicago. Name here is John, J-O-H-N. How copy? KD9XYZ" > > Them: "KD9XYZ from W1ABC, thanks John, you're also 59 in Boston. I'm Mike. Running an IC-7300 into a dipole. Back to you." > > You: "Thanks Mike, I'm running a Yaesu here with a vertical. Well, thanks for the contact. 73, KD9XYZ clear with W1ABC."Tips for New Hams
- It's okay to be nervous: Everyone was new once. Most hams are friendly and patient.
- Listen before you transmit: Get a feel for how others operate.
- Write it down: Keep a notepad handy to write callsigns and names.
- Be brief on busy frequencies: If the band is crowded, keep contacts shorter.
- Say your callsign clearly: Use phonetics, especially on HF.
- Don't worry about mistakes: If you mess up, just correct yourself and keep going.
Common Phonetic Alphabet
When spelling out your callsign:
- A = Alpha, B = Bravo, C = Charlie, D = Delta, E = Echo, F = Foxtrot
- G = Golf, H = Hotel, I = India, J = Juliet, K = Kilo, L = Lima
- M = Mike, N = November, O = Oscar, P = Papa, Q = Quebec, R = Romeo
- S = Sierra, T = Tango, U = Uniform, V = Victor, W = Whiskey
- X = X-ray, Y = Yankee, Z = Zulu