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Difference between revisions of "Ham Radio"

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''(See also: [[Software-Defined Radio]])''
 
''(See also: [[Software-Defined Radio]])''
  
Ham Radio is an old hobby that has origins as far back as the late 1800's. It was formalized as a hobby in the early 20th century. It is an over-regulated piece of shit, but what isn't now a days.
+
[[File:German_amateur_radio_contest_station_2017.JPG|right|thumb|315px|A German amateur radio station, set up for a contest.]]
  
==Testing In The US==
+
'''Amateur radio''', also known as '''ham radio''', is an old hobby that has origins as far back as the late 1800s. It was formalized as a hobby in the early 20th century. It is an [https://invidio.us/watch?v=BcxqNEBmNno over-regulated piece of shit], but what isn't nowadays?
  
'''Element 2 Technician''' 35 out of 426 [http://ncvec.org/downloads/2014-2018%20Tech%20Pool.pdf questions from this pool]
+
Amateur radio operators, known as '''hams''', make contacts all over the world, take part in many different activities that highlight different aspects of the hobby, and operate using a variety of modes. Although the barrier to entry is higher than most other hobbies, ham radio is a hobby with seemingly infinite depth, that can provide a literal lifetime of enjoyment. Hams are always eager to help newcomers get into the hobby.  
  
{| class="wikitable"
+
These days, most hams are fairly old, but many come from highly technical backgrounds, and it isn't uncommon at all to meet a 70-odd-year-old ham who is also an avid Linux user. This is where we're heading, /g/entoomen.
|-
+
 
| '''Frequencies'''
+
==Activities==
| style="text-align:center;"| 80m
+
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 40m
+
[[File:Baofeng.jpg|right|thumb|315px|Your first radio: The Baofeng UV-5R]]
| style="text-align:center;"| 15m
+
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 10m
+
===Local Communication===
| style="text-align:center;"| 6m
+
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 2m
+
The VHF and UHF bands are primarily used for local communications, and are accessible to holders of entry-level licenses. You can get on the air with a $25 Baofeng handheld, and for some hams, this is enough to thoroughly enjoy ham radio. Many organizations maintain '''repeaters''', which are automatic stations whose purpose is to extend the range of handhelds and mobile stations. Many repeater groups also host VHF/UHF '''nets''', which are structured on-air meetings that amateurs can "call in" to.
| style="text-align:center;"| 1.25m
+
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 70cm
+
Repeaters and nets are an excellent way to meet local hams, and get your feet wet before getting involved in the more complicated and expensive world of HF.
| style="text-align:center;"| 33cm
+
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 23cm
+
===DXing===
|}
 
  
'''Element 3 General''' 35 out of 462 [http://www.ncvec.org/downloads/FINAL%20Revised%202015-2019%20General%20Class%20Question%20Pool%202-11-2015.pdf questions from this pool]
+
'''DXing''' is the act of operating with the goal of reaching stations in as many foreign countries as possible. Long-distance communication is usually only possible on the HF bands and below, making it out of reach for holders of entry-level licenses. It also involves larger, more complicated, outdoor antennas, and more expensive transceivers. However, many consider DXing to be the most thrilling part of amateur radio, and setting up a station to do it can become a hobby in itself.
  
{| class="wikitable"
+
===Rag-Chewing===  
|-
 
| '''Frequencies'''
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 2200m
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 630m
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 160m
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 80m
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 60m
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 40m
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 30m
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 20m
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 17m
 
|-
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 15m
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 12m
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 10m
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 6m
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 2m
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 1.25m
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 70cm
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 33cm
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 23cm
 
|}
 
  
'''Element 4 Amateur Extra''' 50 out of 712 [http://www.ncvec.org/downloads/2016%20ExtraClassPool2nd%20Errata.doc questions from this pool]
+
'''Rag-chewing''' is the act of having long, friendly conversations with other hams on the air. This can pretty much take place on any band, in any mode.
  
{| class="wikitable"
+
===Contesting===
|-
 
| '''Frequencies'''
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 2200m
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 630m
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 160m
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 80m
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 60m
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 40m
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 30m
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 20m
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 17m
 
|-
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 15m
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 12m
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 10m
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 6m
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 2m
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 1.25m
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 70cm
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 33cm
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 23cm
 
|}
 
  
'''Find Testing Locations''' [http://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-exam-session In The US]
+
'''Contesting''' is the act of participating in contests that involve making specific kinds of contacts under specific conditions.
  
'''Get Your''' [https://apps.fcc.gov/coresWeb/publicHome.do FCC Registration Number]
+
===EMCOMM===
  
You will need either an FCC Registration or Social Security number in order to take the exam.
+
'''EMCOMM''', or '''emergency communications''', involves participating in emergency preparedness exercises and maintaining emergency radio infrastructure (like repeaters) for when SHTF. Amateur radio is a highly robust means of communication that is of great value during emergencies.
It is not necessary to register beforehand with the FCC, but it will speed things along if you bring the paperwork.  
 
  
'''FCC License''' [http://www.arrl.org/fcc/search Data Search]
+
===MARS/CFARS===
  
For a fee of $15 USD you may take one or all three tests in one sitting at no additional charge.  
+
The '''Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS)''' in the U.S. and the '''Canadian Forces Affiliate Radio System (CFARS)''' in Canada are programs that enlist amateur radio operators to provide auxiliary communications to the military. This is another way that amateur radio operators can serve their communities.
If you fail a test, you may spend an additional $15 USD to retake it.
 
Your license is good for 10 years with a 2 year grace period to retest after expiration.
 
You are no longer required to know Morse code for any of these tests.
 
  
'''FCC Part 97''' [http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Regulatory/September%2019,%202017.pdf The US Amateur Rulebook]
+
===QRP===
  
==Maths You Should Know==
+
Operating '''QRP''' is when you try to make distant contacts with as little power possible.
  
'''Ohm's Law'''
+
===POTA===
  
{| class="wikitable"
+
[[File:Pota.jpg|right|thumb|315px|A typical POTA station]]
|-
 
| '''Solve For Watts'''
 
| style="text-align:center;"| Amp<sup>2</sup> x Ohm
 
| style="text-align:center;"| Volt<sup>2</sup> / Ohm
 
| style="text-align:center;"| Volt x Amp
 
|-
 
| '''Solve For Volts'''
 
| style="text-align:center;"| Amp x Ohm
 
| style="text-align:center;"| √Watt x Ohm
 
| style="text-align:center;"| Watt / Amp
 
|-
 
| '''Solve For Amps'''
 
| style="text-align:center;"| Volt / Ohm
 
| style="text-align:center;"| Watt / Volt
 
| style="text-align:center;"| √Watt / Ohm
 
|-
 
| '''Solve For Ohms'''
 
| style="text-align:center;"| Volt<sup>2</sup> / Watt
 
| style="text-align:center;"| Volt / Amp
 
| style="text-align:center;"| Watt / Amp<sup>2</sup>
 
|}
 
  
'''Speed of Light Is a Constant 299,792,458 Meters Per Second'''
+
'''Parks on the Air (POTA)''' is an award program that encourages hams to operate out of public parks using portable stations.
  
'''Wavelength is represented in Meters as λ'''
+
===Tinkering===
  
'''Frequency is represented in Mega Hertz as f'''
+
Many amateurs enjoy designing and building their own transmitting equipment. In many countries, only the holders of the highest level of amateur license are permitted to design their own equipment, but usually any licensed amateur is allowed to build kits, or professionally-designed projects.
  
'''Speed of Light c (300MM) / Frequency f (MHz) = Wavelength λ (Meters)'''
+
Many also enjoy designing and building their own antenna systems. Doing this requires fairly substantial knowledge of electronics, physics, and propagation, but can be very rewarding. Your antenna is much more important than your radio.
  
This is the basic formula to find full wavelength in meters for a given frequency.
+
===Awards===
  
==Antennas==
+
There are many awards available for hams, from different organizations and for doing different things. The most coveted ham radio award is the '''DX Century Club (DXCC)''', awarded by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) for making ''confirmed'' contacts in at least 100 different countries. Although the award comes from the ARRL, you do not need to be an American amateur to get it. Many other awards exist for achieving other feats, and for participating in various contests and special events.
  
'''Loop Antennas''' are full wavelength with one element.
+
==Operating Modes==
  
c/f=λ Element Length
+
===Phone (voice)===
  
'''Dipoles''' are half wave with two elements.
+
'''Phone''' is simple enough: You connect a microphone to a radio and talk into it. Voice is typically modulated using frequency modulation (FM) or single side-band modulation (SSB). SSB requires much lower bandwidth than FM, so it is more common when communicating on HF over long distances. FM is clearer and is more commonly used for local communication on VHF and UHF.
  
c/f/2 = λ/2 Element Lengths
+
===Morse Code (CW)===
  
'''Ground Planes''' must be at least quarter wave with one vertical and four radial elements.  
+
[[File:International Morse Code.svg.png|right|thumb|315px|Morse code chart. Note that this chart doesn't include punctuation or procedural signals.]]
  
c/f/4 = λ Vertical Element Length
+
'''Morse code''', also known as '''continuous wave (CW)''' was once required for passing your test. In most countries, it is no longer required, but it remains a good skill to have. It remains popular for its low bandwidth requirement, and how much simpler the equipment is to build. Under conditions where voice and digital modes are unusable, CW can still be used to make contacts over long distances. Like Linux and C on /g/, among hams, proficiency in CW is often accompanied by a (deserved ;) ) superiority complex. Learning CW will greatly increase your enjoyment of amateur radio.
  
c/f/4 = λ Radial Element Lengths
+
Morse code is easier to learn than you'd think. Once you are proficient, you will no longer hear ''dits'' and ''dahs'', but actual letters and words.
  
'''3 Element Yagi''' Yagis are directional antennas consisting of a boom with reflector, driven, and director elements.
+
* [https://invidio.us/watch?v=fwXkSJkR0Z0 Learn CW using the mnemonic method]
  
c/f = λ*.495 = Reflector Element Length
+
===Digital===
  
c/f = λ*.125 = Boom Separation Length
+
''(See also: [[Software-Defined Radio]])''
  
c/f = λ*.473 = Driven Element Length
+
'''Digital modes''' are modes that involve digital signals being sent over the radio. ''Technically'', Morse code is a digital mode. More commonly, though, digital refers to connecting a computer to a radio.  
  
c/f = λ*.125 = Boom Separation Length
+
The most popular digital mode is '''FT8''', which facilitates communication over very long distances with very low power and very weak signals. Messages can contain up to 13 text characters, and take 15 seconds to send. The most popular software for using FT8 is WSJT-X, which was written by the mode's creators. A lot of people tend to hate FT8 because of how easy it is to make a lot of contacts, and because the software automates almost every step in making a contact. However, it has become the most popular operating mode.
  
c/f = λ*.440 = Director Element Length
+
There are also other digital modes, for example '''packet radio''', which involves sending internet packets over the radio, '''RTTY''' or '''radioteletype''', and others.
  
==Polarization==
+
===Television===
  
 +
Yes, you can even transmit pictures and video using amateur radio! The most common TV modes are '''SSTV''' or '''slow-scan television''', and '''ATV''' or '''amateur television''', also known as '''fast-scan television'''.
  
==Ionosphere==
+
==Official Terms and Jargon==
  
 +
===Call Signs===
  
==Electrical Components==
+
Your '''call sign''' is how you identify your station on the air, and how you call other stations. Your call sign will be assigned to you by the government when you obtain a license. Each country has a call sign prefix. Usually, states or provinces within a given country will each have unique prefixes based on the country's prefix. The suffix will be unique to you. Most callsigns are five or six characters long, but some may be longer or shorter. In some countries, you can request a specific callsign, although there may be restrictions on certain words, and on using special character sequences like Q codes.
  
 +
===Bands===
  
==ITU Radio Bands==
+
'''Bands''' are groups of frequencies. These are the main bands, specified by the ITU:
  
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
|-
!VLF
+
!Very low frequency (VLF)
!LF
+
!Low frequency (LF)
!MF
+
!Medium frequency (MF)
!HF
+
!High frequency (HF)
!VHF
+
!Very high frequency (VHF)
!UHF
+
!Ultra high frequency (UHF)
!SHF
+
!Super high frequency (SHF)
 
|-
 
|-
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 3 to 30 kHz
 
| style="text-align:center;"| 3 to 30 kHz
Line 185: Line 118:
 
|}
 
|}
  
==Feedline==
+
It should be noted that a "band" may also be a group of frequencies within the bands specified above, e.g. "20m HF" for HF frequencies in the 14MHz range.
 
 
'''RG6''' is common and cheap, but higher resistance at 75 Ohms. You should not use this.  
 
 
 
'''RG58''' is cheap, 50 Ohms, and perfectly acceptable for HF.
 
 
 
'''RG8X''' is slightly more expensive than RG58, but lower loss.  
 
  
'''RG213''' is double the price of RG58 and RG8X, but lower attenuation at higher frequencies.
+
===Q Codes===
  
'''RG8U''' is almost identical to RG213 in price and attenuation, but has lower loss per 100ft.
+
''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Q_code For a full list of Q codes, see Wikipedia.]''
  
'''LMR400''' is exceptional at higher frequencies as well as low. If your software radio can do 1GHz-6GHz, this is what you get.
+
'''Q codes''' are a shorthand system used in amateur radio. They're primarily used when operating CW (Morse code), but some are also commonly used when operating phone (voice).
  
==Transceiver Type==
+
These are the most common Q codes you'll run into:
 
 
 
 
==Q Code==
 
A Q Code is a shorthand for Ham Radio. It was formalized in the Morse Code days.
 
<!-- Taken Direct from Wikipedia -->
 
 
 
These are the standardized, modern Q Codes recognized internationally.
 
  
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
|-
 
!  
 
!  
!'''Question ?'''
+
!'''As a question (followed by '?' when sent in Morse code)'''
!'''Answer or Advice'''
+
!'''As a statement'''
|-
+
!'''Notes'''
|'''QRA '''
 
|What is the name of your vessel (''or'' station)?
 
|The name of my vessel (''or'' station) is ...
 
|-
 
|'''QRB '''
 
|How far approximately are you from my station?
 
|The approximate distance between our stations is ... nautical miles (''or'' km).
 
|-
 
|'''QRC '''
 
|By what private enterprise (''or'' state administration) are the accounts for charges for your station settled?
 
|The accounts for charges of my station are settled by the private enterprise ... (''or'' state administration).
 
|-
 
|'''QRD '''
 
|Where are you bound for and where are you from?  
 
|I am bound for ... from ...
 
|-
 
|'''QRE '''
 
|What is your estimated time of arrival at ... (''or'' over ...) (''place'')?
 
|My estimated time of arrival at ... (''or'' over ...) (''place'') is ... hours.
 
|-
 
|'''QRF '''
 
|Are you returning to ... (''place'')?
 
|I am returning to ... (''place''). <br/>
 
''or''<br/> Return to ... (''place'').
 
|-
 
|'''QRG '''
 
|Will you tell me my exact frequency (''or'' that of ...)?
 
|Your exact frequency (''or'' that of ...) is ... kHz (''or'' MHz).
 
|-
 
|'''QRH '''
 
|Does my frequency vary?
 
|Your frequency varies.
 
|-
 
|'''QRI '''
 
|How is the tone of my transmission?
 
|The tone of your transmission is ...<br/> 1. good<br/> 2. variable<br/> 3. bad.
 
|-
 
|'''QRJ '''
 
|How many radiotelephone calls have you to book?
 
|I have ... radiotelephone calls to book.
 
|-
 
|'''QRK '''
 
|What is the intelligibility of my signals (''or'' those of ...)?
 
|The intelligibility of your signals (''or'' those of ...) is ...<br/> 1. bad<br/> 2. poor<br/> 3. fair<br/> 4. good<br/> 5. excellent.     
 
|-
 
|'''QRL '''
 
|Are you busy?
 
|I am busy (''or'' I am busy with ...). Please do not interfere.
 
|-
 
|'''QRM '''
 
|Are you being interfered with? [[#AP13|[AP13]]] <br/>
 
''or''<br/> Is my transmission being interfered with? [AP14]
 
|I am being interfered with [[#AP13|[AP13]]] <br/>
 
''or''<br/> Your transmission is being interfered with ... [AP14]<br/> (1. nil<br/> 2. slightly<br/> 3. moderately<br/> 4. severely<br/> 5. extremely).     
 
|-
 
|'''QRN '''
 
|Are you troubled by static?
 
|I am troubled by static<br/> (1. nil<br/> 2. slightly<br/> 3. moderately<br/> 4. severely<br/> 5. extremely).
 
|-
 
|'''QRO '''
 
|Shall I increase transmitter power?
 
|Increase transmitter power.
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|'''QRP '''
 
|'''QRP '''
|Shall I decrease transmitter power?  
+
|Shall I decrease my transmitter power?  
 
|Decrease transmitter power.  
 
|Decrease transmitter power.  
 +
|QRP also refers to the activity of running low-power stations. E.g.: "I'm QRP", "I'm running QRP", "I mainly run QRP".
 
|-
 
|-
|'''QRQ '''
+
|'''QRS'''
|Shall I send faster?
+
|Shall I send more slowly?
|Send faster (... words per minute).
+
|Send more slowly.
|-
+
|Only applicable to CW.
|'''QRR '''
 
|Are you ready for automatic operation?
 
|I am ready for automatic operation. Send at ... words per minute.
 
|-
 
|'''QRS '''
 
|Shall I send more slowly?  
 
|Send more slowly (... words per minute).
 
|-
 
|'''QRT '''
 
|Shall I stop sending?
 
|Stop sending.
 
|-
 
|'''QRU '''
 
|Have you anything for me?
 
|I have nothing for you.
 
|-
 
|'''QRV '''
 
|Are you ready?
 
|I am ready.
 
|-
 
|'''QRW '''
 
|Shall I inform ... that you are calling him on ... kHz (''or'' MHz)?
 
|Please inform ... that I am calling him on ... kHz (''or'' MHz).
 
|-
 
|'''QRX '''
 
|When will you call me again?
 
|I will call you again at ... hours (on ... kHz (''or'' MHz)).
 
|-
 
|'''QRY '''
 
|What is my turn?<br/> (''Relates to communication'').
 
|Your turn is Number ... (''or according to any other indication'').<br/> (''Relates to communication'').  
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|'''QRZ '''
 
|'''QRZ '''
|Who is calling me?  
+
|Who is calling me?
|You are being called by ... (on ... kHz (''or'' MHz)).  
+
|You are being called by...  
|-
+
|Also commonly used on voice. During a "pileup", when multiple stations are trying to call one distant station, the distant station will ask "QRZ?" when he has finished working one station, so that the next station can give his call sign.
|'''QSA '''
 
|What is the strength of my signals (''or'' those of ...)?
 
|The strength of your signals (''or'' those of ...) is<br/> 1. scarcely perceptible<br/> 2. weak<br/> 3. fairly good<br/> 4. good<br/>  5. very good. 
 
|-
 
|'''QSB '''
 
|Are my signals fading?
 
|Your signals are fading.
 
|-
 
|'''QSC '''
 
|Are you a cargo vessel? [[#AP13|[AP13]]] <br/>
 
''or''<br/> Are you a low traffic ship? [AP14]
 
|I am a cargo vessel. [[#AP13|[AP13]]] <br/>
 
''or''<br/> I am a low traffic ship. [AP14]
 
|-
 
|'''QSD '''
 
|Is my keying defective? [[#AP13|[AP13]]] <br/>
 
''or''<br/> Are my signals mutilated? [AP14]
 
|Your keying is defective. [[#AP13|[AP13]]] <br/>
 
''or''<br/> Your signals are mutilated. [AP14]
 
|-
 
|'''QSE*'''
 
|What is the estimated drift of the survival craft?  
 
|The estimated drift of the survival craft is ... (''figures and units'').
 
|-
 
|'''QSF*'''
 
|Have you effected rescue?
 
|I have effected rescue and am proceeding to ... base (with ... persons injured requiring ambulance).
 
|-
 
|'''QSG '''
 
|Shall I send ... telegrams at a time?
 
|Send ... telegrams at a time.
 
|-
 
|'''QSH '''
 
|Are you able to home on your direction-finding equipment?
 
|I am able to home on my D/F equipment (on station ...).
 
|-
 
|'''QSI '''
 
|
 
|I have been unable to break in on your transmission. <br/>
 
''or''<br/> Will you inform ... (''call sign'') that I have been unable to break in on his transmission (on ... kHz (''or'' MHz)).     
 
|-
 
|'''QSJ '''
 
|What is the charge to be collected to ... including your internal charge?
 
|The charge to be collected to ... including my internal charge is ... francs.
 
|-
 
|'''[[QSK operation (full break-in)|QSK]] '''
 
|Can you hear me between your signals and if so can I break in on your transmission?
 
|I can hear you between my signals; break in on my transmission.  
 
 
|-
 
|-
|'''[[QSL card|QSL]] '''
+
|'''QSL'''
|Can you acknowledge receipt?  
+
|Can you acknowledge receipt?
|I am acknowledging receipt.  
+
|I acknowledge receipt.
 +
|Also commonly used on voice. '''QSLing''' is also used to refer to confirming contacts. This is done with physical postcards, called '''QSL cards''', or digitally via sites like '''Logbook of the World''' and '''eQSL'''. Confirmed contacts can be used as credit for certain awards. E.g.: "Please QSL direct or via bureau", "please QSL via LoTW".
 
|-
 
|-
|'''QSM '''
+
|'''QSO'''
|Shall I repeat the last telegram which I sent you (''or'' some previous telegram)?
+
|Can you communicate with ____?
|Repeat the last telegram which you sent me (''or'' telegram(s) number(s) ...).
+
|I can communicate with ____.
|-
+
|In common usage, a QSO refers to a contact. E.g.: "Thanks for the QSO", "I made 100 QSOs this weekend".
|'''QSN '''
 
|Did you hear me (''or'' ... (''call sign'')) on ... kHz (''or'' MHz)?
 
|I did hear you (''or'' ... (''call sign'')) on ... kHz (''or'' MHz).
 
|-
 
|'''QSO '''
 
|Can you communicate with ... direct (''or'' by relay)?  
 
|I can communicate with ... direct (''or'' by relay through ...).  
 
|-
 
|'''QSP '''
 
|Will you relay to ... free of charge?
 
|I will relay to ... free of charge.
 
|-
 
|'''QSQ '''
 
|Have you a doctor on board (''or'' is ... (''name of person'') on board)?
 
|I have a doctor on board (''or'' ... (''name of person'') is on board).
 
|-
 
|'''QSR '''
 
|Shall I repeat the call on the calling frequency?
 
|Repeat your call on the calling frequency; did not hear you (''or'' have interference).
 
|-
 
|'''QSS '''
 
|What working frequency will you use?
 
|I will use the working frequency ... kHz (''or'' MHz) (''in the HF bands normally only the last three figures of the frequency need be given'').
 
|-
 
|'''QSU '''
 
|Shall I send or reply on this frequency (''or'' on ... kHz (''or'' MHz)) (with emissions of class ...)?
 
|Send or reply on this frequency (''or'' on ... kHz (''or'' MHz)) (with emissions of class ...).
 
|-
 
|'''QSV '''
 
|Shall I send a series of Vs on this frequency (''or'' on ... kHz (''or'' MHz))?
 
|Send a series of Vs on this frequency (''or'' on ... kHz (''or'' MHz)).
 
|-
 
|'''QSW '''
 
|Will you send on this frequency (''or'' on ... kHz (''or'' MHz)) (with emissions of class ...)?
 
|I am going to send on this frequency (''or'' on ... kHz (''or'' MHz)) (with emissions of class ...).
 
|-
 
|'''QSX '''
 
|Will you listen to ... (''call sign(s)'') on ... kHz (''or'' MHz)? [[#AP13|[AP13]]] <br/>
 
''or''<br/> Will you listen to ... (''call sign(s)'') on ... kHz (''or'' MHz), or in the bands ... / channels ... ? [AP14]
 
|I am listening to ... (''call sign(s)'') on ... kHz (''or'' MHz). [[#AP13|[AP13]]] <br/>
 
''or''<br/> I am listening to ... (''call sign(s)'') on ... kHz (''or'' MHz), or in the bands ... / channels ... [AP14]
 
|-
 
|'''QSY '''
 
|Shall I change to transmission on another frequency?
 
|Change to transmission on another frequency (''or'' on ... kHz (''or'' MHz)).
 
|-
 
|'''QSZ '''
 
|Shall I send each word or group more than once?
 
|Send each word or group twice (''or'' ... times).
 
|-
 
|'''QTA '''
 
|Shall I cancel telegram (''or'' message) number ... ?
 
|Cancel telegram (''or'' message) number ...
 
|-
 
|'''QTB '''
 
|Do you agree with my counting of words?
 
|I do not agree with your counting of words; I will repeat the first letter or digit of each word or group.
 
|-
 
|'''QTC '''
 
|How many telegrams have you to send?
 
|I have ... telegrams for you (''or'' for ...).
 
|-
 
|'''QTD*'''
 
|What has the rescue vessel or rescue aircraft recovered?
 
|... (''identification'') has recovered ...<br/> 1. ... (''number'') survivors<br/> 2. wreckage<br/> 3. ... (''number'') bodies.
 
|-
 
|'''QTE '''
 
|What is my TRUE bearing from you? <br/>
 
''or''<br/> What is my TRUE bearing from ... (''call sign'')? <br/>
 
''or''<br/> What is the TRUE bearing of ... (''call sign'') from ... (''call sign'')?     
 
|Your TRUE bearing from me is ... degrees at ... hours. <br/>
 
''or''<br/> Your TRUE bearing from ... (''call sign'') was ... degrees at ... hours. <br/>
 
''or''<br/> The TRUE bearing of ... (''call sign'') from ... (''call sign'') was ... degrees        at ... hours.       
 
|-
 
|'''QTF '''
 
|Will you give me the position of my station according to the bearings taken by the direction-finding stations which you control?
 
|The position of your station according to the bearings taken by the D/F stations which I control was ... latitude, ... longitude (''or other indication of position''), class ... at ... hours. 
 
|-
 
|'''QTG '''
 
|Will you send two dashes of ten seconds each followed by your call sign (repeated ... times) (on ... kHz (''or'' MHz))? <br/>
 
''or''<br/> Will you request ... to send two dashes of ten seconds followed by his call sign (repeated ...        times) on ... kHz (''or'' MHz)?       
 
|I am going to send two dashes of ten seconds each followed by my call sign (repeated ... times) (on ... kHz (''or'' MHz)). <br/>
 
''or''<br/> I have requested ... to send two dashes of ten seconds followed  by his call sign (repeated ...        times) on ... kHz (''or'' MHz).      
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|'''QTH '''
 
|'''QTH '''
|What is your position in latitude and longitude (''or according to any other indication'')?  
+
|What is your position?
|My position is ... latitude, ... longitude (''or according to any other indication'').
+
|My position is...
|-
+
|Also commonly used on voice. Example: "My QTH is New York."
|'''QTI '''
 
|What is your TRUE track? [[#AP13|[AP13]]]
 
|My TRUE track is ... degrees. [[#AP13|[AP13]]]
 
|-
 
|'''QTI*'''
 
|What is your TRUE course? [AP14]
 
|My TRUE course is ... degrees. [AP14]
 
|-
 
|'''QTJ*'''
 
|What is your speed? <br/>
 
(''Requests the speed of a ship or aircraft through the water or air respectively'').
 
|My speed is ... knots (''or'' ... kilometres per hour or ... statute miles per hour). <br/>
 
(''Indicates the speed of a ship or aircraft through the water or air respectively'').
 
|-
 
|'''QTK*'''
 
|What is the speed of your aircraft in relation to the surface of the Earth?
 
|The speed of my aircraft in relation to the surface of the Earth is ... knots (''or'' ... kilometres per hour or ... statute miles per hour).
 
|-
 
|'''QTL*'''
 
|What is your TRUE heading?
 
|My TRUE heading is ... degrees.
 
|-
 
|'''QTM*'''
 
|What is your MAGNETIC heading?
 
|My MAGNETIC heading is ... degrees.
 
|-
 
|'''QTN '''
 
|At what time did you depart from ... (''place'')?
 
|I departed from ... (''place'') at ... hours.
 
|-
 
|'''QTO '''
 
|Have you left dock (''or'' port)? <br/>
 
''or''<br/> Are you airborne?
 
|I have left dock (''or'' port). <br/>
 
''or''<br/> I am airborne.
 
|-
 
|'''QTP '''
 
|Are you going to enter dock (''or'' port)? <br/>
 
''or''<br/> Are you going to alight (''or'' land)?
 
|I am going to enter dock (''or'' port). <br/>
 
''or''<br/> I am going to alight (''or'' land).
 
|-
 
|'''QTQ '''
 
|Can you communicate with my station by means of the [[International Code of Signals]] (INTERCO)?
 
|I am going to communicate with your station by means of the International Code of Signals (INTERCO).
 
|-
 
|'''QTR '''
 
|What is the correct time?
 
|The correct time is ... hours.
 
|-
 
|'''QTS '''
 
|Will you send your call sign for tuning purposes or so that your frequency can be measured now (''or'' at ... hours) on ... kHz (''or'' MHz)? [[#AP13|[AP13]]] <br/>
 
''or''<br/> Will you send your call sign (''and/or'' name) for ... seconds? [AP14]
 
|I will send my call sign for tuning purposes or so that my frequency may be measured now (''or'' at ... hours) on ... kHz (''or'' MHz). [[#AP13|[AP13]]] <br/>
 
''or''<br/> I will send my call sign (''and/or'' name) for ... seconds. [AP14]
 
|-
 
|'''QTT '''
 
|
 
|The identification signal which follows is superimposed on another transmission.
 
|-
 
|'''QTU '''
 
|What are the hours during which your station is open?
 
|My station is open from ... to ... hours.
 
|-
 
|'''QTV '''
 
|Shall I stand guard for you on the frequency of ... kHz (''or'' MHz) (from ... to ... hours)?
 
|Stand guard for me on the frequency of ... kHz (''or'' MHz) (from ... to ... hours).
 
|-
 
|'''QTW*'''
 
|What is the condition of survivors?
 
|Survivors are in ... condition and urgently need ...
 
|-
 
|'''QTX '''
 
|Will you keep your station open for further communication with me until further notice (''or'' until ... hours)?
 
|I will keep my station open for further communication with you until further notice (''or'' until ... hours).
 
|-
 
|'''QTY*'''
 
|Are you proceeding to the position of incident and if so when do you expect to arrive?
 
|I am proceeding to the position of incident and expect to arrive at ... hours (on ... (''date'')).
 
|-
 
|'''QTZ*'''
 
|Are you continuing the search?
 
|I am continuing the search for ... (aircraft, ship, survival craft, survivors or wreckage).
 
|-
 
|'''QUA '''
 
|Have you news of ... (''call sign'')?
 
|Here is news of ... (''call sign'').
 
|-
 
|'''QUB*'''
 
|Can you give me in the following order information concerning: the direction in degrees TRUE and speed of the surface wind; visibility; present weather; and amount, type and height of base of cloud above surface elevation at ... (''place of observation'')?
 
|Here is the information requested: ... (''The units used for speed and distances should be indicated.'')
 
|-
 
|'''QUC '''
 
|What is the number (''or other indication'') of the last message you received from me (''or'' from ... (''call sign''))?
 
|The number (''or other indication'') of the last message I received from you (''or'' from ... (''call sign'')) is ...
 
|-
 
|'''QUD '''
 
|Have you received the urgency signal sent by ... (''call sign of mobile station'')?
 
|I have received the urgency signal sent by ... (''call sign of mobile station'') at ... hours.
 
|-
 
|'''QUE '''
 
|Can you use telephony in ... (''language''), with interpreter if necessary; if so, on what frequencies? [[#AP13|[AP13]]] <br/>
 
''or''<br/> Can you speak in ... (''language''), - with interpreter if necessary; if so, on what frequencies? [AP14]
 
|I can use telephony in ... (''language'') on ... kHz (''or'' MHz). [[#AP13|[AP13]]] <br/>
 
''or''<br/> I can speak in ... (''language'') on ... kHz (''or'' MHz). [AP14]
 
|-
 
|'''QUF '''
 
|Have you received the distress signal sent by ... (''call sign of mobile station'')?
 
|I have received the distress signal sent by ... (''call sign of mobile station'') at ... hours.
 
|-
 
|'''QUG '''
 
|Will you be forced to alight (''or'' land)? [[#AP13|[AP13]]]
 
|I am forced to alight (''or'' land) immediately. <br/>
 
''or''<br/> I shall be forced to alight (''or'' land) at ... (position or place) at ... hours. [[#AP13|[AP13]]]
 
|-
 
|'''QUH*'''
 
|Will you give me the present barometric pressure at sea level?
 
|The present barometric pressure at sea level is ... (''units'').
 
|-
 
|'''QUI '''
 
|Are your navigation lights working? [[#AP13|[AP13]]]
 
|My navigation lights are working. [[#AP13|[AP13]]]
 
|-
 
|'''QUJ '''
 
|Will you indicate the TRUE track to reach you (''or'' ...)? [[#AP13|[AP13]]]
 
|The TRUE track to reach me (''or'' ...) is ... degrees at ... hours. [[#AP13|[AP13]]]
 
|-
 
|'''QUK '''
 
|Can you tell me the condition of the sea observed at ... (place or coordinates)? [[#AP13|[AP13]]]
 
|The sea at ... (place or coordinates) is ... [[#AP13|[AP13]]]
 
|-
 
|'''QUL '''
 
|Can you tell me the swell observed at ... (place or coordinates)? [[#AP13|[AP13]]]
 
|The swell at ... (place or coordinates) is ... [[#AP13|[AP13]]]
 
|-
 
|'''QUM '''
 
|May I resume normal working?
 
|Normal working may be resumed.
 
|-
 
|'''QUN '''
 
|''1. When directed to all stations:'' [AP13,14]<br/>
 
Will vessels in my immediate vicinity ... <br/>
 
''or''<br/> (in the vicinity of ... latitude, ... longitude) <br/>
 
''or''<br/> (in the vicinity of ...) please indicate their position, TRUE course and speed? <br/>
 
''or''<br/>
 
''2. When directed to a single station:'' [AP14]<br/> please indicate their position, TRUE course and speed?
 
|My position, TRUE course and speed are ...
 
|-
 
|'''QUO*'''
 
|Shall I search for ...<br/> 1. aircraft<br/> 2. ship<br/> 3. survival craft<br/> in the vicinity of ... latitude, ... longitude (''or according to any other indication'')?
 
|Please search for ...<br/> 1. aircraft<br/> 2. ship<br/> 3. survival craft<br/> in the vicinity of ... latitude, ... longitude (''or according to any other indication'').
 
|-
 
|'''QUP '''
 
|Will you indicate your position by<br/> 1. searchlight<br/> 2. black smoke trail<br/> 3. pyrotechnic lights?
 
|My position is indicated by<br/> 1. searchlight<br/> 2. black smoke trail<br/> 3. pyrotechnic lights.
 
|-
 
|'''QUQ '''
 
|Shall I train my searchlight nearly vertical on a cloud, occulting if possible and, if your aircraft is seen, deflect the beam up wind and on the water (''or'' land) to facilitate your landing?
 
|Please train your searchlight on a cloud, occulting if possible and, if my aircraft is seen or heard, deflect the beam up wind and on the water (''or'' land) to facilitate my landing. [[#AP13|[AP13]]] 
 
|-
 
|'''QUR*'''
 
|Have survivors ...<br/> 1. received survival equipment<br/> 2. been picked up by rescue vessel<br/> 3. been reached by ground rescue<br/> party?
 
|Survivors ...<br/> 1. are in possession of survival equipment dropped by ...<br/> 2. have been picked up by rescue vessel<br/> 3. have been reached by ground rescue party.
 
|-
 
|'''QUS*'''
 
|Have you sighted survivors or wreckage? If so, in what position?
 
|Have sighted ...<br/> 1. survivors in water<br/> 2. survivors on rafts<br/> 3. wreckage<br/> in position ... latitude, ... longitude (''or according to any other indication'').
 
|-
 
|'''QUT*'''
 
|Is position of incident marked?
 
|Position of incident is marked by ...<br/> 1. flame or smoke float<br/> 2. sea marker<br/> 3. sea marker dye<br/> 4. ... (''specify other marking'').
 
|-
 
|'''QUU*'''
 
|Shall I home ship or aircraft to my position?
 
|Home ship or aircraft ... (''call sign'') ...<br/> 1. to your position by transmitting your call sign and long dashes on ... kHz (''or'' MHz)<br/> 2. by transmitting on ... kHz (''or'' MHz) TRUE track to reach you.
 
|-
 
|'''QUW*'''
 
|Are you in the search area designated as ... (''designator or latitude and longitude'')?
 
|I am in the ... (''designation'') search area.
 
|-
 
|'''QUX '''
 
|Do you have any navigational warnings or gale warnings in force? [AP14]
 
|I have the following navigational warning(s) or gale warning(s) in force: ... [AP14]
 
|-
 
|'''QUY*'''
 
|Is position of survival craft marked?
 
|Position of survival craft was marked at ... hours by ...<br/> 1. flame or smoke float<br/> 2. sea marker<br/> 3. sea marker dye<br/> 4. ... (''specify other marking'').
 
|-
 
|'''QUZ '''
 
|May I resume restricted working? [AP14]
 
|Distress phase still in force; restricted working may be resumed. [AP14]
 
 
|}
 
|}
  
 +
Some other acronyms and abbreviations used on Morse code:
  
These codes are specific to the Amateur Radio hobby
+
* "PSE" and "TNX" are used when operating Morse code to say "please" and "thank you", respectively.
 +
* "DE" is used when operating Morse code to say "this is" or "from".
 +
* "SOS" is the official international distress signal. '''It is ''very'' illegal everywhere to transmit SOS when you are not in danger.'''
 +
* "CQ" means "calling all stations", and is used in all modes.
  
{{anchor | amateur_radio }}
+
===Jargon===
{| class="wikitable" summary="Most common Q codes used in the amateur radio service"
+
 
|-
+
* "73" is used very often in all modes to mean "best regards".  
! Code !! Question !! Answer or Statement
+
* When operating Morse code, "OM" is a traditional way to address a fellow operator. It stands for "old man".
|-
+
* "XYL" is used to refer to your wife. It stands for "ex-young lady". "YL", or "young lady", refers to your girlfriend.
| QLE || What is your expected signal? || The expected signal is low...
+
* An "Elmer" is someone who has been a mentor to you in the hobby.
|-
+
 
| QNI || May I join the net? || You may check in...
+
==Theory==
|-
 
| QRA || What is the name (or call sign) of your station? || The name (or call sign) of my station is ...
 
|-
 
| QRG || Will you tell me my exact frequency (or that of ...)? || Your exact frequency (or that of ... ) is ... kHz (or MHz).
 
|-
 
| QRH || Does my frequency vary? || Your frequency varies.
 
|-
 
| QRI || How is the tone of my transmission?  || The tone of your transmission is (1. Good; 2. Variable; 3. Bad)
 
|-
 
| QRJ || How many voice contacts do you want to make? || I want to make ... voice contacts.
 
|-
 
| QRK || What is the readability of my signals (or those of ...)?  || The readability of your signals (or those of ...) is ... (1 to 5).
 
|-
 
| QRL || Are you busy?  || I am busy. (or I am busy with ... ) Please do not interfere.
 
|-
 
| QRM || Do you have interference? [from other stations] || I have interference.
 
|-
 
| QRN || Are you troubled by static?  || I am troubled by static.
 
|-
 
| QRO || Shall I increase power?  || Increase power.
 
|-
 
| [[QRP operation|QRP]] || Shall I decrease power? || Decrease power.
 
|-
 
| QRQ || Shall I send faster?  || Send faster (... wpm)
 
|-
 
| QRS || Shall I send more slowly?  || Send more slowly (... wpm)
 
|-
 
| QRT || Shall I cease or suspend operation?/ shutoff the radio  || I am suspending operation. /shutting off the radio
 
|-
 
| QRU || Have you anything for me?  || I have nothing for you.
 
|-
 
| QRV || Are you ready?  || I am ready.
 
|-
 
| QRW || Shall I inform ... that you are calling him on ... kHz (or MHz)? || Please inform ... that I am calling him on ... kHz (or MHz).
 
|-
 
| QRX || Shall I standby / When will you call me again?  || Please standby / I will call you again at ... (hours) on ... kHz (or MHz)
 
|-
 
| QRZ || Who is calling me?  || You are being called by ... on ... kHz (or MHz)
 
|-
 
| QSA || What is the strength of my signals (or those of ... )?  || The strength of your signals (or those of ...) is ... (1 to 5).
 
|-
 
| QSB || Are my signals fading?  || Your signals are fading.
 
|-
 
| QSD || Is my keying defective?  || Your keying is defective.
 
|-
 
| QSG || Shall I send ... telegrams (messages) at a time? || Send ... telegrams (messages) at a time.
 
|-
 
| [[QSK operation (full break-in)|QSK]] || Can you hear me between your signals?  || I can hear you between my signals.
 
|-
 
| [[QSL card|QSL]] || Can you acknowledge receipt?  || I am acknowledging receipt.
 
|-
 
| QSM || Shall I repeat the last telegram (message) which I sent you, or some previous telegram (message)?  || Repeat the last telegram (message) which you sent me (or telegram(s) (message(s)) numbers(s) ...).
 
|-
 
| QSN || Did you hear me (or ... (call sign)) on .. kHz (or MHz)?  || I did hear you (or ... (call sign)) on ... kHz (or MHz).
 
|-
 
| [[Contact (amateur radio)|QSO]] || Can you communicate with ... direct or by relay?  || I can communicate with ... direct (or by relay through ...).
 
|-
 
| QSP || Will you relay a message to ...? || I will relay a message to ... .
 
|-
 
| QSR || Do you want me to repeat my call? || Please repeat your call; I did not hear you.
 
|-
 
| QSS || What working frequency will you use? || I will use the working frequency ... kHz (or MHz).
 
|-
 
| QST || – || Here is a broadcast message to all amateurs.
 
|-
 
| QSU || Shall I send or reply on this frequency (or on ... kHz (or MHz))? || Send or reply on this frequency (or on ... kHz (or MHz)).
 
|-
 
| QSW || Will you send on this frequency (or on ... kHz (or MHz))? || I am going to send on this frequency (or on ... kHz (or MHz)).
 
|-
 
| QSX || Will you listen to ... (call sign(s) on ... kHz (or MHz))?  || I am listening to ... (call sign(s) on ... kHz (or MHz))
 
|-
 
| QSY || Shall I change to transmission on another frequency?  || Change to transmission on another frequency (or on ... kHz (or MHz)).
 
|-
 
| QSZ || Shall I send each word or group more than once? || Send each word or group twice (or ... times).
 
|-
 
| QTA || Shall I cancel telegram (message) No. ... as if it had not been sent?  || Cancel telegram (message) No. ... as if it had not been sent.
 
|-
 
| QTC || How many telegrams (messages) have you to send?  || I have ... telegrams (messages) for you (or for ...).
 
|-
 
| QTH || What is your position in latitude and longitude (or according to any other indication)?  || My position is ... latitude...longitude
 
|-
 
| QTR || What is the correct time?  || The correct time is ... hours
 
|-
 
| QTU || At what times are you operating? || I am operating from ... to ... hours.
 
|-
 
| QTX || Will you keep your station open for further communication with me until further notice (or until ... hours)? || I will keep my station open for further communication with you until further notice (or until ... hours).
 
|-
 
| QUA || Have you news of ... (call sign)? || Here is news of ... (call sign).
 
|-
 
| QUC || What is the number (or other indication) of the last message you received from me (or from ... (call sign))? || The number (or other indication) of the last message I received from you (or from ... (call sign)) is ...
 
|-
 
| QUD || Have you received the urgency signal sent by ... (call sign of mobile station)? || I have received the urgency signal sent by ... (call sign of mobile station) at ... hours.
 
|-
 
| QUE || Can you speak in ... (language), – with interpreter if necessary; if so, on what frequencies? || I can speak in ... (language) on ... kHz (or MHz).
 
|-
 
| QUF || Have you received the distress signal sent by ... (call sign of mobile station)? || I have received the distress signal sent by ... (call sign of mobile station) at ... hours.
 
|}
 
  
Notes for response to radiotelegraph Q-codes: Responses to a radiotelegraph Q-code query or a Q-code assertion may vary depending upon the code. For Q-code assertions or queries which only need to be acknowledged as received, the usual practice is to respond with the letter "R" for "Roger" which means "Received correctly". Sending an "R" merely means the code has been correctly received and does not necessarily mean that the receiving operator has taken any other action. For Q-code queries that need to be answered in the affirmative, the usual practice is to respond with the letter "C" (Sounds like the Spanish word "Si"). For Q-code queries that need to be answered in the negative, the usual practice it to respond with the letter "N" for "no". For those Q-code assertions that merely need to be acknowledged as understood, the usual practice is to respond with the [[prosigns for Morse code|prosign]] <code>SN</code> or <code>VE</code> which means "understood".  On telegraph cable networks "KK" was often used at the end of a reply to a Q Code to mean "OK" or "Acknowledged". This practice predates amateur radio as telegraph operators in the late 19th Century are known to have used it.
+
===Important Formulas===
  
==Radiograms==
+
* '''Ohm's Law'''
To ease congestion on the line, the ARRL has made numbered radiograms to summarize direct messages to other users. These also are primarily used on CW transmissions. Other services, including the US Military, and the police, have their own Radiogram systems that are incompatible with this. The ARRL has other forms of radiograms, but the numbered system is the most common. An example of this in practice would be saying CALLSIGN CALL CALLSIGN2 ARRL SIXTY TWO CHRISTMAS. These are what are more commonly known as "Brevity Codes"
 
  
<!-- From wikipedia -->
 
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
|+
 
!Codeword
 
!Expansion
 
 
|-
 
|-
| colspan="2" |Group One—For Possible Relief Emergency Use
+
| '''Solve For Watts'''
 +
| style="text-align:center;"| Amp<sup>2</sup> x Ohm
 +
| style="text-align:center;"| Volt<sup>2</sup> / Ohm
 +
| style="text-align:center;"| Volt x Amp
 
|-
 
|-
|ONE
+
| '''Solve For Volts'''
|Everyone safe here. Please don't worry.
+
| style="text-align:center;"| Amp x Ohm
 +
| style="text-align:center;"| √Watt x Ohm
 +
| style="text-align:center;"| Watt / Amp
 
|-
 
|-
|TWO
+
| '''Solve For Amps'''
|Coming home as soon as possible.
+
| style="text-align:center;"| Volt / Ohm
 +
| style="text-align:center;"| Watt / Volt
 +
| style="text-align:center;"| √Watt / Ohm
 
|-
 
|-
|THREE
+
| '''Solve For Ohms'''
|Am in _____ hospital. Receiving excellent care and recovering fine.
+
| style="text-align:center;"| Volt<sup>2</sup> / Watt
|-
+
| style="text-align:center;"| Volt / Amp
|FOUR
+
| style="text-align:center;"| Watt / Amp<sup>2</sup>
|Only slight property damage here. Do not be concerned about disaster reports.
 
|-
 
|FIVE
 
|Am moving to new location. Send no further mail or communication. Will inform you of new address when relocated.
 
|-
 
|SIX
 
|Will contact you as soon as possible.
 
|-
 
|SEVEN
 
|Please reply by Amateur Radio through the amateur delivering this message. This is a free public service.
 
|-
 
|EIGHT
 
|Need additional _____ mobile or portable equipment for immediate emergency use.
 
|-
 
|NINE
 
|Additional _____ radio operators needed to assist with emergency at this location.
 
|-
 
|TEN
 
|Please contact _____. Advise to standby and provide further emergency information, instructions or assistance.
 
|-
 
|ELEVEN
 
|Establish Amateur Radio emergency communications with _____ on _____ MHz.
 
|-
 
|TWELVE
 
|Anxious to hear from you. No word in some time. Please contact me as soon as possible.
 
|-
 
|THIRTEEN
 
|Medical emergency situation exists here.
 
|-
 
|FOURTEEN
 
|Situation here becoming critical. Losses and damage from _____ increasing.
 
|-
 
|FIFTEEN
 
|Please advise your condition and what help is needed.
 
|-
 
|SIXTEEN
 
|Property damage very severe in this area.
 
|-
 
|SEVENTEEN
 
|REACT communications services also available. Establish REACT communication with _____ on channel _____.
 
|-
 
|EIGHTEEN
 
|Please contact me as soon as possible at _______.
 
|-
 
|NINETEEN
 
|Request health and welfare report on _____. (State name, address and telephone number.)
 
|-
 
|TWENTY
 
|Temporarily stranded. Will need some assistance. Please contact me at _____.
 
|-
 
|TWENTY ONE
 
|Search and Rescue assistance is needed by local authorities here. Advise availability.
 
|-
 
|TWENTY TWO
 
|Need accurate information on the extent and type of conditions now existing at your location. Please furnish this information and reply without delay.
 
|-
 
|TWENTY THREE
 
|Report at once the accessibility and best way to reach your location.
 
|-
 
|TWENTY FOUR
 
|Evacuation of residents from this area urgently needed. Advise plans for help.
 
|-
 
|TWENTY FIVE
 
|Furnish as soon as possible the weather conditions at your location.
 
|-
 
|TWENTY SIX
 
|Help and care for evacuation of sick and injured from this location needed at once.
 
|-
 
| colspan="2" |Group Two—Routine Messages
 
|-
 
|FORTY SIX
 
|Greetings on your birthday and best wishes for many more to come.
 
|-
 
|FORTY SEVEN
 
|Reference your message number _____ to _____ delivered on _____ at _____ UTC.
 
|-
 
|FIFTY
 
|Greetings by Amateur Radio.
 
|-
 
|FIFTY ONE
 
|Greetings by Amateur Radio. This message is sent as a free public service by ham radio operators at _______. Am having a wonderful time.
 
|-
 
|FIFTY TWO
 
|Really enjoyed being with you. Looking forward to getting together again.
 
|-
 
|FIFTY THREE
 
|Received your _______. It's appreciated; many thanks.
 
|-
 
|FIFTY FOUR
 
|Many thanks for your good wishes.
 
|-
 
|FIFTY FIVE
 
|Good news is always welcome. Very delighted to hear about yours.
 
|-
 
|FIFTY SIX
 
|Congratulations on your _______, a most worthy and deserved achievement.
 
|-
 
|FIFTY SEVEN
 
|Wish we could be together
 
|-
 
|FIFTY EIGHT
 
|Have a wonderful time. Let us know when you return.
 
|-
 
|FIFTY NINE
 
|Congratulations on the new arrival. Hope mother and child are well.
 
|-
 
|SIXTY
 
|Wishing you the best of everything on _______.
 
|-
 
|SIXTY ONE
 
|Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
 
|-
 
|SIXTY TWO
 
|Greetings and best wishes to you for a pleasant _______ holiday season.
 
|-
 
|SIXTY THREE
 
|Victory or defeat, our best wishes are with you. Hope you win.
 
|-
 
|SIXTY FOUR
 
|Arrived safely at _______.
 
|-
 
|SIXTY FIVE
 
|Arriving _______ on _______. Please arrange to meet me there.
 
|-
 
|SIXTY SIX
 
|DX QSLs are on hand for you at the _______ QSL Bureau. Send _______ self addressed envelopes.
 
|-
 
|SIXTY SEVEN
 
|Your message number _______ undeliverable because of _______. Please advise.
 
|-
 
|SIXTY EIGHT
 
|Sorry to hear you are ill. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
 
|-
 
|SIXTY NINE
 
|Welcome to the _______. We are glad to have you with us and hope you will enjoy the fun and fellowship of the organization.
 
 
|}
 
|}
  
==Morse Code==
+
* The '''speed of light''' is a constant 299,792,458 m/s and is represented by '''c'''.
[[File:International Morse Code.svg.png|right|thumb|315px|Chart of the Morse code 26 letters and 10 numerals.<ref name='itu-r'/>]]
 
Morse Code, also known as Continuous Wave (or CW) was once required for passing your test. It now is no longer required, but a good skill to have. Morse Code is easier to learn than you'd think. Each letter and number actually [https://invidio.us/watch?v=fwXkSJkR0Z0 is based in the shape of the character]. Learning this way is known as the Mnemonic method.
 
  
A person with satisfactory understanding has a WPM of about 30, while more advanced operators can have upwards to 90-110 WPM. Once you are an advanced user, you will no longer hear dits and das but you will hear the words as its own language.
+
* '''Wavelength''' is represented in meters as '''λ'''.
  
==Lightning Protection==
+
* '''Frequency''' is represented in Hertz (Hz) (seconds to the power of -1) as '''f'''.
 +
 
 +
* '''c / f = λ'''
 +
 
 +
===Propagation===
 +
 
 +
'''Propagation''' refers to how the radio waves from your antenna travel. Some will travel along the ground, in what is called '''ground wave propagation'''. '''Sky wave propagation''', also called '''ionospheric wave propagation''', is when radio waves travel up to the ionosphere and are reflected back to earth. Through sky wave propagation, communication is possible across oceans very easily.
 +
 
 +
===Electronics===
 +
 
 +
In order to pass the exam and set up a station, you should have a basic knowledge of electronics. You should understand series and parallel circuits, as well as the basic electronic components: Resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors, inductors, and triode tubes.
 +
 
 +
==Antennas==
 +
 
 +
The most important part of your station is your antenna. A bad radio will perform much better on a good antenna than a good radio will perform on a bad antenna. The performance of an antenna is entirely based on physics. Because of this fact, it is possible to build your own antennas that perform just as well as, if not better than, commercially available antennas, and for a fraction of the cost.
 +
 
 +
===Antenna Math===
 +
 
 +
* '''Loop antennas''' are full wavelength with one element.
 +
** c / f = Element length
 +
* '''Dipole antennas''' are half a wavelength with two elements.
 +
** c / f / 2 = λ / 2 =  Element lengths
 +
* '''Ground plane antennas''' must be at least a quarter wavelength with one vertical and four radial elements.
 +
** c / f / 4 = λ / 4 = Vertical element length
 +
** c / f / 4 = λ / 4 = Radial element lengths
 +
* '''3-element Yagi-Uda antennas''' are directional antennas consisting of a boom with reflector, driven, and director elements.
 +
** λ * 0.495 = Reflector element length
 +
** λ * 0.473 = Driven element length
 +
** λ * 0.440 = Director element length
 +
** λ * 0.125 = Element separation
 +
 
 +
===Polarization===
 +
 
 +
'''Polarization''' basically refers to whether the radio waves' electric lines of force are perpendicular or parallel to the Earth. If they are perpendicular to the Earth, the antenna is called '''vertically polarized'''. If they are parallel to the Earth, it is called '''horizontally polarized'''. In ground-wave propagation, a vertically polarized antenna will receive signals from other vertically polarized antennas better than a horizontally polarized antenna, and vice-versa. However, in sky-wave propagation, polarization doesn't really matter, because the ionosphere can change the waves' polarization one instant to the next.
 +
 
 +
===Feed Lines===
 +
 
 +
The '''feed line''' or '''transmission line''' is what will connect your transceiver to your antenna.
 +
 
 +
* '''RG6''' is common and cheap, but higher resistance at 75 Ohms. You should not use this.
 +
* '''RG58''' is cheap, 50 Ohms, and perfectly acceptable for HF.
 +
* '''RG8X''' is slightly more expensive than RG58, but lower loss.
 +
* '''RG213''' is double the price of RG58 and RG8X, but lower attenuation at higher frequencies.
 +
* '''RG8U''' is almost identical to RG213 in price and attenuation, but has lower loss per 100ft.
 +
* '''LMR400''' is exceptional at higher frequencies as well as low. If your software radio can do 1GHz-6GHz, this is what you get.
 +
 
 +
===Lightning Protection===
  
 
If your antenna is outdoors, you should take precaution to prevent yourself and your gear from becoming dead. Metal antenna mounts should be grounded using 10 gauge insulated solid core copper wire. Your coax should have a lightning arrestor between the antenna and your equipment. The arrestor should be mounted near the lightning rod it's grounded to. To prevent moisture ingress, the arrestor and coax connectors should be placed in a plastic electrical box. If you have a wire dipole antenna, you should use ceramic insulators at both ends and guy rope to tie between two points.
 
If your antenna is outdoors, you should take precaution to prevent yourself and your gear from becoming dead. Metal antenna mounts should be grounded using 10 gauge insulated solid core copper wire. Your coax should have a lightning arrestor between the antenna and your equipment. The arrestor should be mounted near the lightning rod it's grounded to. To prevent moisture ingress, the arrestor and coax connectors should be placed in a plastic electrical box. If you have a wire dipole antenna, you should use ceramic insulators at both ends and guy rope to tie between two points.
Line 941: Line 266:
 
[[Category: Video]]
 
[[Category: Video]]
 
[[Category: HowTo]]
 
[[Category: HowTo]]
 +
 +
==Licensing and Regulation==
 +
 +
Being an [https://invidio.us/watch?v=BcxqNEBmNno over-regulated piece of shit], in order to fully participate in (transmit) ham radio, you'll need a license, which you get by passing one or more exams. The licensing process varies by country.
 +
 +
===Licensing in the U.S.===
 +
 +
Amateur radio in the U.S. is regulated by the '''Federal Communications Commission (FCC)'''. There are three license levels in the U.S.:
 +
 +
* The '''Technician''' license is obtained by passing a 35-question test made up of [http://ncvec.org/downloads/2014-2018%20Tech%20Pool.pdf questions from this pool]. It grants access to VHF/UHF bands, and some limited privileges on HF bands.
 +
* The '''General''' license is obtained by passing a 35-question test made up of [http://www.ncvec.org/downloads/FINAL%20Revised%202015-2019%20General%20Class%20Question%20Pool%202-11-2015.pdf questions from this pool]. It grants limited operating privileges on all U.S. amateur bands.
 +
* The '''Amateur Extra''' license is obtained by passing a 50-question test made up of [http://www.ncvec.org/downloads/2016%20ExtraClassPool2nd%20Errata.doc questions from this pool]. It grants full privileges on all U.S. amateur bands.
 +
 +
You will need either an [https://apps.fcc.gov/coresWeb/publicHome.do FCC Registration Number] or Social Security number in order to take the exam.
 +
It is not necessary to register beforehand with the FCC, but it will speed things along if you bring the paperwork. You can find [http://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-exam-session testing locations here].
 +
 +
For a fee of $15 USD you may take one or all three tests in one sitting at no additional charge. If you fail a test, you may spend an additional $15 USD to retake it.
 +
Your license is good for 10 years, with a 2 year grace period to renew after expiration without re-testing. You are no longer required to know Morse code for any of these tests.
 +
 +
Some useful links for U.S. amateurs:
 +
 +
* [http://www.arrl.org/fcc/search FCC License Data Search]
 +
* [http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Regulatory/September%2019,%202017.pdf The US Amateur Rulebook]
 +
 +
The national association for amateur radio in the U.S. is the '''American Radio Relay League (ARRL)'''.
 +
 +
===Licensing in Canada===
 +
 +
The Amateur Radio Service in Canada is regulated by '''Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada''' ('''ISED''', known until 2015 as '''Industry Canada'''), in accordance with the Radiocommunication Act.
 +
 +
An '''Amateur Radio Operator Certificate''' is required to operate an amateur radio station in Canada. A certificate is issued when an individual obtains a score of 70% or higher on the Amateur Radio Basic Qualification exam. The following are the qualifications available to Canadian amateurs:
 +
 +
* '''Basic Qualification:''' Access to all Amateur frequencies above 30MHz. Must obtain a mark of 70% on a 100-question multiple-choice test on theory, practice, and regulations. The question bank is available [https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/amateur-radio-operator-certificate-services/en/amateur-radio-exam-generator/print-all-basic-questions here].
 +
* '''Basic with Honours Qualification:''' Same as Basic, but with access to all Amateur frequencies. Obtained by scoring '''80%''' on the Basic exam.
 +
* '''Morse Code Qualification:''' Access to all Amateur frequencies (notice that this one doesn't do anything for you if you passed the basic exam with an 80). Must demonstrate the ability to send and receive Morse code at 5 words per minute. Passing score is 100% (up to 5 mistakes).
 +
* '''Advanced Qualification:''' Access to all Amateur frequencies, higher power, ability to set up automatic stations like repeaters, ability to operate remote stations (i.e. over the internet), ability to design and build transmitting equipment. Obtained by scoring 70% on the 50-question, multiple-choice Amateur Radio Advanced Qualification exam. The question bank is available [https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/amateur-radio-operator-certificate-services/en/amateur-radio-exam-generator/print-all-advanced-questions here].
 +
 +
The Basic Qualification must be obtained first in order to be issued an Amateur Radio Operator Certificate and a call sign, but the other qualifications may be obtained in any order.
 +
 +
One difference between Canadian and U.S. regulations is that in Canada, there is no mandatory band plan.
 +
 +
The national association for amateur radio in Canada is '''Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC)'''.
 +
 +
===Operating in a Foreign Country===
 +
 +
The United States and Canada have a reciprocal operating agreement, so Canadian amateurs may operate in the U.S. and vice-versa without any paperwork or permit. Amateurs must follow the regulations of the country they are in, and not exceed the privileges they are licensed for in their home country. U.S. amateurs operating in Canada must identify with their FCC call sign, followed by 'mobile' (voice) or '/' (CW), followed by the call sign prefix of the province they are operating in. For example, "W1AW mobile VE9" in New Brunswick. Likewise, Canadian amateurs must do the same with their ISED call sign when operating in the U.S.
 +
 +
Citizens of CEPT member countries may operate in other CEPT member countries, so long as they have been issued a CEPT permit by their home country. Unlike U.S. amateurs operating in Canada, CEPT-country amateurs must identify with the call sign prefix of the province they are in first, followed by their own call sign, for example "VE9/G5LK"

Latest revision as of 13:06, 6 July 2023

(See also: Software-Defined Radio)

A German amateur radio station, set up for a contest.

Amateur radio, also known as ham radio, is an old hobby that has origins as far back as the late 1800s. It was formalized as a hobby in the early 20th century. It is an over-regulated piece of shit, but what isn't nowadays?

Amateur radio operators, known as hams, make contacts all over the world, take part in many different activities that highlight different aspects of the hobby, and operate using a variety of modes. Although the barrier to entry is higher than most other hobbies, ham radio is a hobby with seemingly infinite depth, that can provide a literal lifetime of enjoyment. Hams are always eager to help newcomers get into the hobby.

These days, most hams are fairly old, but many come from highly technical backgrounds, and it isn't uncommon at all to meet a 70-odd-year-old ham who is also an avid Linux user. This is where we're heading, /g/entoomen.

Activities

Your first radio: The Baofeng UV-5R

Local Communication

The VHF and UHF bands are primarily used for local communications, and are accessible to holders of entry-level licenses. You can get on the air with a $25 Baofeng handheld, and for some hams, this is enough to thoroughly enjoy ham radio. Many organizations maintain repeaters, which are automatic stations whose purpose is to extend the range of handhelds and mobile stations. Many repeater groups also host VHF/UHF nets, which are structured on-air meetings that amateurs can "call in" to.

Repeaters and nets are an excellent way to meet local hams, and get your feet wet before getting involved in the more complicated and expensive world of HF.

DXing

DXing is the act of operating with the goal of reaching stations in as many foreign countries as possible. Long-distance communication is usually only possible on the HF bands and below, making it out of reach for holders of entry-level licenses. It also involves larger, more complicated, outdoor antennas, and more expensive transceivers. However, many consider DXing to be the most thrilling part of amateur radio, and setting up a station to do it can become a hobby in itself.

Rag-Chewing

Rag-chewing is the act of having long, friendly conversations with other hams on the air. This can pretty much take place on any band, in any mode.

Contesting

Contesting is the act of participating in contests that involve making specific kinds of contacts under specific conditions.

EMCOMM

EMCOMM, or emergency communications, involves participating in emergency preparedness exercises and maintaining emergency radio infrastructure (like repeaters) for when SHTF. Amateur radio is a highly robust means of communication that is of great value during emergencies.

MARS/CFARS

The Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS) in the U.S. and the Canadian Forces Affiliate Radio System (CFARS) in Canada are programs that enlist amateur radio operators to provide auxiliary communications to the military. This is another way that amateur radio operators can serve their communities.

QRP

Operating QRP is when you try to make distant contacts with as little power possible.

POTA

A typical POTA station

Parks on the Air (POTA) is an award program that encourages hams to operate out of public parks using portable stations.

Tinkering

Many amateurs enjoy designing and building their own transmitting equipment. In many countries, only the holders of the highest level of amateur license are permitted to design their own equipment, but usually any licensed amateur is allowed to build kits, or professionally-designed projects.

Many also enjoy designing and building their own antenna systems. Doing this requires fairly substantial knowledge of electronics, physics, and propagation, but can be very rewarding. Your antenna is much more important than your radio.

Awards

There are many awards available for hams, from different organizations and for doing different things. The most coveted ham radio award is the DX Century Club (DXCC), awarded by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) for making confirmed contacts in at least 100 different countries. Although the award comes from the ARRL, you do not need to be an American amateur to get it. Many other awards exist for achieving other feats, and for participating in various contests and special events.

Operating Modes

Phone (voice)

Phone is simple enough: You connect a microphone to a radio and talk into it. Voice is typically modulated using frequency modulation (FM) or single side-band modulation (SSB). SSB requires much lower bandwidth than FM, so it is more common when communicating on HF over long distances. FM is clearer and is more commonly used for local communication on VHF and UHF.

Morse Code (CW)

Morse code chart. Note that this chart doesn't include punctuation or procedural signals.

Morse code, also known as continuous wave (CW) was once required for passing your test. In most countries, it is no longer required, but it remains a good skill to have. It remains popular for its low bandwidth requirement, and how much simpler the equipment is to build. Under conditions where voice and digital modes are unusable, CW can still be used to make contacts over long distances. Like Linux and C on /g/, among hams, proficiency in CW is often accompanied by a (deserved ;) ) superiority complex. Learning CW will greatly increase your enjoyment of amateur radio.

Morse code is easier to learn than you'd think. Once you are proficient, you will no longer hear dits and dahs, but actual letters and words.

Digital

(See also: Software-Defined Radio)

Digital modes are modes that involve digital signals being sent over the radio. Technically, Morse code is a digital mode. More commonly, though, digital refers to connecting a computer to a radio.

The most popular digital mode is FT8, which facilitates communication over very long distances with very low power and very weak signals. Messages can contain up to 13 text characters, and take 15 seconds to send. The most popular software for using FT8 is WSJT-X, which was written by the mode's creators. A lot of people tend to hate FT8 because of how easy it is to make a lot of contacts, and because the software automates almost every step in making a contact. However, it has become the most popular operating mode.

There are also other digital modes, for example packet radio, which involves sending internet packets over the radio, RTTY or radioteletype, and others.

Television

Yes, you can even transmit pictures and video using amateur radio! The most common TV modes are SSTV or slow-scan television, and ATV or amateur television, also known as fast-scan television.

Official Terms and Jargon

Call Signs

Your call sign is how you identify your station on the air, and how you call other stations. Your call sign will be assigned to you by the government when you obtain a license. Each country has a call sign prefix. Usually, states or provinces within a given country will each have unique prefixes based on the country's prefix. The suffix will be unique to you. Most callsigns are five or six characters long, but some may be longer or shorter. In some countries, you can request a specific callsign, although there may be restrictions on certain words, and on using special character sequences like Q codes.

Bands

Bands are groups of frequencies. These are the main bands, specified by the ITU:

Very low frequency (VLF) Low frequency (LF) Medium frequency (MF) High frequency (HF) Very high frequency (VHF) Ultra high frequency (UHF) Super high frequency (SHF)
3 to 30 kHz 30 to 300 kHz 300 to 3 MHz 3 to 30 MHz 30 to 300 MHz 300 to 3 GHz 3 to 30 GHz

It should be noted that a "band" may also be a group of frequencies within the bands specified above, e.g. "20m HF" for HF frequencies in the 14MHz range.

Q Codes

For a full list of Q codes, see Wikipedia.

Q codes are a shorthand system used in amateur radio. They're primarily used when operating CW (Morse code), but some are also commonly used when operating phone (voice).

These are the most common Q codes you'll run into:

As a question (followed by '?' when sent in Morse code) As a statement Notes
QRP Shall I decrease my transmitter power? Decrease transmitter power. QRP also refers to the activity of running low-power stations. E.g.: "I'm QRP", "I'm running QRP", "I mainly run QRP".
QRS Shall I send more slowly? Send more slowly. Only applicable to CW.
QRZ Who is calling me? You are being called by... Also commonly used on voice. During a "pileup", when multiple stations are trying to call one distant station, the distant station will ask "QRZ?" when he has finished working one station, so that the next station can give his call sign.
QSL Can you acknowledge receipt? I acknowledge receipt. Also commonly used on voice. QSLing is also used to refer to confirming contacts. This is done with physical postcards, called QSL cards, or digitally via sites like Logbook of the World and eQSL. Confirmed contacts can be used as credit for certain awards. E.g.: "Please QSL direct or via bureau", "please QSL via LoTW".
QSO Can you communicate with ____? I can communicate with ____. In common usage, a QSO refers to a contact. E.g.: "Thanks for the QSO", "I made 100 QSOs this weekend".
QTH What is your position? My position is... Also commonly used on voice. Example: "My QTH is New York."

Some other acronyms and abbreviations used on Morse code:

  • "PSE" and "TNX" are used when operating Morse code to say "please" and "thank you", respectively.
  • "DE" is used when operating Morse code to say "this is" or "from".
  • "SOS" is the official international distress signal. It is very illegal everywhere to transmit SOS when you are not in danger.
  • "CQ" means "calling all stations", and is used in all modes.

Jargon

  • "73" is used very often in all modes to mean "best regards".
  • When operating Morse code, "OM" is a traditional way to address a fellow operator. It stands for "old man".
  • "XYL" is used to refer to your wife. It stands for "ex-young lady". "YL", or "young lady", refers to your girlfriend.
  • An "Elmer" is someone who has been a mentor to you in the hobby.

Theory

Important Formulas

  • Ohm's Law
Solve For Watts Amp2 x Ohm Volt2 / Ohm Volt x Amp
Solve For Volts Amp x Ohm √Watt x Ohm Watt / Amp
Solve For Amps Volt / Ohm Watt / Volt √Watt / Ohm
Solve For Ohms Volt2 / Watt Volt / Amp Watt / Amp2
  • The speed of light is a constant 299,792,458 m/s and is represented by c.
  • Wavelength is represented in meters as λ.
  • Frequency is represented in Hertz (Hz) (seconds to the power of -1) as f.
  • c / f = λ

Propagation

Propagation refers to how the radio waves from your antenna travel. Some will travel along the ground, in what is called ground wave propagation. Sky wave propagation, also called ionospheric wave propagation, is when radio waves travel up to the ionosphere and are reflected back to earth. Through sky wave propagation, communication is possible across oceans very easily.

Electronics

In order to pass the exam and set up a station, you should have a basic knowledge of electronics. You should understand series and parallel circuits, as well as the basic electronic components: Resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors, inductors, and triode tubes.

Antennas

The most important part of your station is your antenna. A bad radio will perform much better on a good antenna than a good radio will perform on a bad antenna. The performance of an antenna is entirely based on physics. Because of this fact, it is possible to build your own antennas that perform just as well as, if not better than, commercially available antennas, and for a fraction of the cost.

Antenna Math

  • Loop antennas are full wavelength with one element.
    • c / f = Element length
  • Dipole antennas are half a wavelength with two elements.
    • c / f / 2 = λ / 2 = Element lengths
  • Ground plane antennas must be at least a quarter wavelength with one vertical and four radial elements.
    • c / f / 4 = λ / 4 = Vertical element length
    • c / f / 4 = λ / 4 = Radial element lengths
  • 3-element Yagi-Uda antennas are directional antennas consisting of a boom with reflector, driven, and director elements.
    • λ * 0.495 = Reflector element length
    • λ * 0.473 = Driven element length
    • λ * 0.440 = Director element length
    • λ * 0.125 = Element separation

Polarization

Polarization basically refers to whether the radio waves' electric lines of force are perpendicular or parallel to the Earth. If they are perpendicular to the Earth, the antenna is called vertically polarized. If they are parallel to the Earth, it is called horizontally polarized. In ground-wave propagation, a vertically polarized antenna will receive signals from other vertically polarized antennas better than a horizontally polarized antenna, and vice-versa. However, in sky-wave propagation, polarization doesn't really matter, because the ionosphere can change the waves' polarization one instant to the next.

Feed Lines

The feed line or transmission line is what will connect your transceiver to your antenna.

  • RG6 is common and cheap, but higher resistance at 75 Ohms. You should not use this.
  • RG58 is cheap, 50 Ohms, and perfectly acceptable for HF.
  • RG8X is slightly more expensive than RG58, but lower loss.
  • RG213 is double the price of RG58 and RG8X, but lower attenuation at higher frequencies.
  • RG8U is almost identical to RG213 in price and attenuation, but has lower loss per 100ft.
  • LMR400 is exceptional at higher frequencies as well as low. If your software radio can do 1GHz-6GHz, this is what you get.

Lightning Protection

If your antenna is outdoors, you should take precaution to prevent yourself and your gear from becoming dead. Metal antenna mounts should be grounded using 10 gauge insulated solid core copper wire. Your coax should have a lightning arrestor between the antenna and your equipment. The arrestor should be mounted near the lightning rod it's grounded to. To prevent moisture ingress, the arrestor and coax connectors should be placed in a plastic electrical box. If you have a wire dipole antenna, you should use ceramic insulators at both ends and guy rope to tie between two points.

Licensing and Regulation

Being an over-regulated piece of shit, in order to fully participate in (transmit) ham radio, you'll need a license, which you get by passing one or more exams. The licensing process varies by country.

Licensing in the U.S.

Amateur radio in the U.S. is regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). There are three license levels in the U.S.:

  • The Technician license is obtained by passing a 35-question test made up of questions from this pool. It grants access to VHF/UHF bands, and some limited privileges on HF bands.
  • The General license is obtained by passing a 35-question test made up of questions from this pool. It grants limited operating privileges on all U.S. amateur bands.
  • The Amateur Extra license is obtained by passing a 50-question test made up of questions from this pool. It grants full privileges on all U.S. amateur bands.

You will need either an FCC Registration Number or Social Security number in order to take the exam. It is not necessary to register beforehand with the FCC, but it will speed things along if you bring the paperwork. You can find testing locations here.

For a fee of $15 USD you may take one or all three tests in one sitting at no additional charge. If you fail a test, you may spend an additional $15 USD to retake it. Your license is good for 10 years, with a 2 year grace period to renew after expiration without re-testing. You are no longer required to know Morse code for any of these tests.

Some useful links for U.S. amateurs:

The national association for amateur radio in the U.S. is the American Radio Relay League (ARRL).

Licensing in Canada

The Amateur Radio Service in Canada is regulated by Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada (ISED, known until 2015 as Industry Canada), in accordance with the Radiocommunication Act.

An Amateur Radio Operator Certificate is required to operate an amateur radio station in Canada. A certificate is issued when an individual obtains a score of 70% or higher on the Amateur Radio Basic Qualification exam. The following are the qualifications available to Canadian amateurs:

  • Basic Qualification: Access to all Amateur frequencies above 30MHz. Must obtain a mark of 70% on a 100-question multiple-choice test on theory, practice, and regulations. The question bank is available here.
  • Basic with Honours Qualification: Same as Basic, but with access to all Amateur frequencies. Obtained by scoring 80% on the Basic exam.
  • Morse Code Qualification: Access to all Amateur frequencies (notice that this one doesn't do anything for you if you passed the basic exam with an 80). Must demonstrate the ability to send and receive Morse code at 5 words per minute. Passing score is 100% (up to 5 mistakes).
  • Advanced Qualification: Access to all Amateur frequencies, higher power, ability to set up automatic stations like repeaters, ability to operate remote stations (i.e. over the internet), ability to design and build transmitting equipment. Obtained by scoring 70% on the 50-question, multiple-choice Amateur Radio Advanced Qualification exam. The question bank is available here.

The Basic Qualification must be obtained first in order to be issued an Amateur Radio Operator Certificate and a call sign, but the other qualifications may be obtained in any order.

One difference between Canadian and U.S. regulations is that in Canada, there is no mandatory band plan.

The national association for amateur radio in Canada is Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC).

Operating in a Foreign Country

The United States and Canada have a reciprocal operating agreement, so Canadian amateurs may operate in the U.S. and vice-versa without any paperwork or permit. Amateurs must follow the regulations of the country they are in, and not exceed the privileges they are licensed for in their home country. U.S. amateurs operating in Canada must identify with their FCC call sign, followed by 'mobile' (voice) or '/' (CW), followed by the call sign prefix of the province they are operating in. For example, "W1AW mobile VE9" in New Brunswick. Likewise, Canadian amateurs must do the same with their ISED call sign when operating in the U.S.

Citizens of CEPT member countries may operate in other CEPT member countries, so long as they have been issued a CEPT permit by their home country. Unlike U.S. amateurs operating in Canada, CEPT-country amateurs must identify with the call sign prefix of the province they are in first, followed by their own call sign, for example "VE9/G5LK"