Understanding ham radio jargon is essential for effective communication and participation in the amateur radio community. Here’s a glossary of common terms and abbreviations used by operators around the world:
Common Terms and Abbreviations
General Terms
- Ham – A licensed amateur radio operator.
- QSO – A conversation or contact between two ham radio stations.
- QTH – The location of a station (e.g., “My QTH is Tucson, Arizona”).
- QSL – Confirmation of a contact; can refer to a physical card or electronic log.
- Call Sign – The unique identifier assigned to each licensed ham operator.
- Elmer – A mentor who helps new operators learn the ropes.
Technical Terms
- HF (High Frequency) – 3 to 30 MHz, commonly used for long-distance (DX) communication.
- VHF (Very High Frequency) – 30 to 300 MHz, typically used for local communications.
- UHF (Ultra High Frequency) – 300 MHz to 3 GHz, often used for local repeaters and line-of-sight contact.
- SSB (Single Sideband) – A voice transmission mode used primarily on HF.
- CW (Continuous Wave) – Morse code transmission.
- FM (Frequency Modulation) – A mode commonly used on VHF and UHF.
- Modulation – The method used to encode a signal onto a carrier wave.
- Repeater – A station that receives a signal and retransmits it to extend communication range.
- Antenna – A device used to transmit or receive radio signals.
Operating Practices
- DX – Long-distance communication, usually with a station in another country.
- CQ – A general call to any station (e.g., “CQ CQ CQ this is K1ABC”).
- QRZ? – Who is calling me?
- 73 – Best regards.
- 88 – Love and kisses (often used between close friends or family).
- QRM – Interference from other stations.
- QRN – Natural noise or static.
- QRP – Low power operation (usually 5 watts or less).
- QRO – High power operation.
- Net – A regularly scheduled group communication on a set frequency.
Digital and Satellite Terms
- DMR (Digital Mobile Radio) – A digital voice mode.
- FT8 – A digital mode known for low power and weak signal capabilities.
- APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) – A system used to transmit location and telemetry data.
- EchoLink – A system that connects ham radios via the internet.
- ISS – International Space Station, which can be contacted via ham radio.
Phonetic Alphabet
Used for clarity when spelling out call signs and messages:
| Letter | Phonetic | Letter | Phonetic |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Alpha | N | November |
| B | Bravo | O | Oscar |
| C | Charlie | P | Papa |
| D | Delta | Q | Quebec |
| E | Echo | R | Romeo |
| F | Foxtrot | S | Sierra |
| G | Golf | T | Tango |
| H | Hotel | U | Uniform |
| I | India | V | Victor |
| J | Juliett | W | Whiskey |
| K | Kilo | X | X-ray |
| L | Lima | Y | Yankee |
| M | Mike | Z | Zulu |
Familiarity with ham radio terminology is key to becoming an effective and confident operator. Whether you’re participating in a net, chasing DX, or just calling CQ, knowing these terms will help you sound like a pro and connect more easily with other hams.
Refer back to this glossary any time you encounter new or unfamiliar language on the air.