How a Ham Radio Conversation Really Sounds

If you’re new to ham radio, you might have heard operators calling CQ or signing off with 73, but what does a typical conversation actually sound like? A ham radio exchange, or QSO, follows a simple structure, often including Q-codes, signal reports, and friendly chat about gear and location. Below, we break down a sample conversation to help you understand the flow, from the initial call to the final sign-off.

Let’s dive into what a QSO looks like between two stations, KE5ABC and N1ESC.

Station 1 (Operator A):

CQ CQ CQ, this is Kilo Echo 5 Alpha Bravo Charlie (KE5ABC), calling CQ and standing by.
(Operator A is calling for any station to respond, using "CQ" to indicate they're looking for contacts.)

Station 2 (Operator B):

KE5ABC, this is November 1 Echo Sierra Charlie (N1ESC), over.
(Operator B responds with their call sign.)

Station 1 (Operator A):

N1ESC, KE5ABC. Nice to hear you. You’re 5 by 9 (59) here in Texas. Name is Mike, QTH is Houston. How copy? Over.
(Operator A gives a signal report of 59, meaning strong signal and clear readability, and shares his name and location (QTH).)

Station 2 (Operator B):

KE5ABC, N1ESC. Hi Mike, you're 5 by 7 (57) in Boston. Name here is Sarah, QTH is Boston, Massachusetts. Thanks for the QSO! Over.
(Operator B gives a signal report of 57, shares her name and location.)

Station 1 (Operator A):

N1ESC, KE5ABC. Great to meet you, Sarah. Are you QRV for a quick chat? Over.
(Operator A asks if Station B is ready to continue the conversation.)

Station 2 (Operator B):

KE5ABC, N1ESC. Sure, I’m QRV. Just enjoying the good propagation today. Over.
(Operator B confirms they are ready to continue the conversation.)

Station 1 (Operator A):

N1ESC, KE5ABC. I agree, conditions are great today. What’s your rig? I’m running a Yaesu FT-891 at 100 watts, over.
(Operator A asks about Station B's radio setup and shares their own equipment.)

Station 2 (Operator B):

KE5ABC, N1ESC. I’m using an Icom IC-7300, about 50 watts into a dipole antenna. QSL?
(Operator B responds with their radio and asks for confirmation using QSL, meaning "did you receive this information?")

Station 1 (Operator A):

N1ESC, KE5ABC. QSL, I copy the Icom IC-7300 and dipole. Great setup! I’m getting a bit of QSB on your signal though. Over.
(Operator A confirms the message and mentions QSB, which means there’s some fading in the signal.)

Station 2 (Operator B):

KE5ABC, N1ESC. QSL on the QSB, I’m noticing it as well. The band is starting to change a bit. Over.
(Operator B acknowledges the signal fading.)

Station 1 (Operator A):

N1ESC, KE5ABC. Understood, Sarah. I’m going to QSY to another frequency soon. Thanks for the QSO! 73 and all the best. Over.
(Operator A indicates they will change frequencies soon and signs off with 73, meaning "best regards.")

Station 2 (Operator B):

KE5ABC, N1ESC. QSL, Mike. 73 and take care! This is N1ESC, clear and QRT.
(Operator B acknowledges the sign-off with 73 and indicates they are going off the air (QRT).)

Station 1 (Operator A):

N1ESC, KE5ABC. 73, and have a great day! KE5ABC clear.
(Operator A signs off and confirms they are clear of the frequency.)

Key Terms in the Conversation:

CQ: Calling for any station.
QTH: Location.
59, 57: Signal reports, where the first digit is signal strength and the second is readability.
QRV: Ready to communicate.
QSB: Signal fading.
QSL: Confirm receipt of information.
QSY: Change frequency.
73: Best regards.
QRT: Going off the air.

This is a simplified conversation, but it shows how hams use a mix of codes and casual language to keep communication efficient and clear.

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