Do you know amateur radio call sign etiquette and slang?

Amateur radio has a lot of terminology and basic etiquette that dates back to the telegraph and Morse code of the 1850s. Today, most radios come with a built-in transmitter or receiver. But many experienced amateur radio operators still accept the use of Morse code because it is challenging to communicate in Morse code. Morse code is too difficult for most newcomers to master, but understanding the terminology and basic etiquette of amateur radio is a must-have skill for every amateur radio beginner.

Basic etiquette of communication

1. Calling method

When we have a radio device, we will first try to find someone to talk to. CQ is the most common communication term in amateur radio, which means "I'm looking for you" or "Hey, I'm looking for someone to communicate." Let's take CQ as an example.

1) Wide area call

Wide area call is to not specify the call sign of the other party, and everyone who hears the signal will answer. If your call sign is BG4***, you can call like this:

"CQ CQ This is BG4*** calling CQ and standing by"

2) Designated station call

 Designate a certain amateur radio station BG4*** for a scheduled call (agree on the frequency and time with the other party in advance), you can call like this:

"BG4*** BG4*** This is BG4*** calling, please call back"

2. How to answer a call

To respond to a CQ call, you need to repeat the other party's call sign and explain your own call sign and the other party's signal report. You can respond like this:

"BG4***BG4***This is BG4***, you are 59, 59, QSL? Over"

3. Signal report of call response

"BG4***BG4***This is BG4***, the brave golf four***, you are 59, 59, QSL? End"

59, 59 is the signal report (RST) R: Readibility, a total of 5 levels, the higher the level, the clearer; S: Signal strength, a total of 9 levels, the higher the level, the greater the signal strength; T: Tone, only used in CW telegraph mode, indicating whether the sound is good, not required in voice communication.

4.Reply CQ response

Main call response:

Roger! BG4***BG4***, you are also 59, 59, QSL! 73!

The other party responds:

BG4***QSL! 73!

Common Amateur Radio Slang and Terminology

Summary:

Own a Retevis ham two-way radio, learn the call sign etiquette and slang of amateur radio, and you will open the door to amateur radio operators. Let's explore amateur radio together, conduct global communications, listen to various wonderful sounds, and learn about various information such as politics, economy, public facilities, emergencies, and aviation.

Thank you for reading this blog! If you have any questions, please leave your comments below. We are looking forward to your comments!