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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If you're new to ham radio, you may have noticed operators using short codes like QTH for location, or ending their conversations with a simple "73." These abbreviations are called Q-codes—a system designed to make communication more efficient, especially when using Morse code (CW). But over time, these codes became widely adopted even in voice communication.

What Are Q-Codes?

Q-codes originated in the early 20th century as a shorthand for telegraph operators working under international telecommunication systems, primarily to make Morse code transmissions faster and clearer. Each Q-code represents a specific question or statement, often followed by a simple response. For example, "QRM" means interference from another station, while "QSL" means receipt acknowledgment.

Though developed for commercial radio, Q-codes have since become a mainstay in amateur (ham) radio. Using Q-codes saves time and reduces confusion when signals are weak or conditions are noisy.

Why Say "73"?

The 73 code is among the most recognized in ham radio, meaning "best regards" or a friendly sign-off at the end of a conversation. It dates back to the 1850s when telegraph operators began using numbers as shorthand for common phrases. 73 has stuck around ever since, symbolizing goodwill and friendly communication between operators.

Today, both Q-codes and codes like 73 are still used by ham radio enthusiasts across the globe, bridging the gap between languages and making radio communication quicker and easier.

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73!

CEPT T/R 61-01 Agreement

Purpose: This agreement simplifies the ability of licensed amateur radio operators to operate their stations in other countries without obtaining an additional local license.

Scope: It allows radio amateurs holding a license in one CEPT country to operate in another CEPT member country temporarily, using their home country callsign with the appropriate local prefix (as discussed earlier).

Key Benefit: Amateurs do not need to apply for a new license when visiting another CEPT country; they can operate their equipment under the CEPT mutual recognition system.

Who it applies to: Applies to individuals who already hold a valid amateur radio license from a CEPT member country.

Example: A Polish amateur with the callsign SP1ABC can operate in Switzerland using the callsign HB9/SP1ABC without needing a Swiss license.

CEPT T/R 61-02 Agreement

Purpose: This agreement creates a harmonized examination certificate, known as the HAREC (Harmonised Amateur Radio Examination Certificate), which simplifies the process of obtaining an amateur radio license in another CEPT country.

Scope: It allows individuals who pass a standardized amateur radio examination in their home country to receive a HAREC certificate. This certificate can then be used to apply for an amateur radio license in any other CEPT country.

Key Benefit: Instead of retaking the examination in every country, the HAREC certificate is recognized across all CEPT countries, making it easier for an operator to get a permanent license abroad.

Who it applies to: Those who have passed the required examination in their home country and wish to obtain a permanent amateur radio license in another CEPT country.

Example: A person who passes the amateur radio exam in Germany and receives the HAREC certificate can use that certificate to apply for an amateur radio license in France without needing to retake the exam.

In summary, CEPT T/R 61-01 is for temporary operation in other CEPT countries, while CEPT T/R 61-02 is for harmonizing exam standards and making it easier to get a permanent license abroad.

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Amateur radio, also known as ham radio, is governed by international regulations, especially when you want to use your callsign abroad, such as from a mobile station. To correctly operate amateur radio outside your home country, you need to meet several conditions:

CEPT License (CEPT T/R 61-01 Agreement)

Most European countries, as well as a few others (e.g., Canada, the USA, Australia, New Zealand), are signatories to the CEPT T/R 61-01 agreement. This allows amateur radio license holders from one of these countries to operate in other countries covered by the agreement without needing an additional local license.

How to use your callsign abroad?

When using your callsign in another country, you need to modify it accordingly:

Switzerland as an example

When operating in Switzerland, you need to modify your callsign according to CEPT rules:

Add the country's prefix:

The prefix for Switzerland is HB9.

Your full callsign in Switzerland:

Your callsign will consist of the Swiss prefix "HB9", followed by a slash “/”, and your home country callsign. Example: If your callsign in Poland is SP1ABC, in Switzerland you will use HB9/SP1ABC.

Portable station:

For transmitting from a handheld device, you would typically use the suffix /P to indicate that you are operating from a portable station. This is because handheld radios are typically used when you're operating from a temporary or non-fixed location, which is the general definition of a portable station.

Example: If you are transmitting from a car in Switzerland, your callsign will be HB9/SP1ABC/P.

Mobile station:

If you are operating from a mobile station (e.g., a vehicle), you can add the suffix /M. Example: If you are transmitting from a car in Switzerland, your callsign will be HB9/SP1ABC/M.

NATO Phonetic Alphabet Example for Switzerland: Portable and Mobile Operation

For HB9/SP1ABC/P:

HB9: Hotel Bravo Nine
/: Slash
SP1ABC: Sierra Papa One Alpha Bravo Charlie
/P: Slash Papa

For HB9/SP1ABC/M:

  HB9: Hotel Bravo Nine
  /: Slash
  SP1ABC: Sierra Papa One Alpha Bravo Charlie
  /M: Slash Mike

Important notes

Frequency bands: Be sure to comply with local regulations regarding the frequency bands and transmitter power limits. Switzerland may have slightly different rules for various radio bands.

Carry your documents: Always have a copy of your amateur radio license and proof that your license complies with the CEPT T/R 61-01 agreement.

To summarize, when operating in Switzerland, use your callsign in the format HB9/Your callsign, and add the /M suffix for mobile stations.

List of European CEPT country prefixes

Here are the callsign prefixes for some European countries under the CEPT agreement:

Common suffixes and their meanings

These suffixes are used to clarify the operating conditions of your station and are often required to provide context to other operators.

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NATO Phonetic Alphabet

The NATO phonetic alphabet is used to spell out letters and numbers over radio or phone communication. It helps prevent confusion between similar-sounding letters and numbers, especially when signal quality is poor or background noise is present. For instance, "B" and "D" may sound similar over a weak connection, but saying "Bravo" and "Delta" clarifies which letter is meant.

One notable difference in radio communication is the pronunciation of the number "9" as "Niner." This modification ensures it isn't confused with "five," which can sound similar under noisy conditions.

NATO Phonetic Alphabet Table

Morse Code

Morse code is another vital tool for radio communication, especially in situations where voice communication is not possible. Developed in the 1830s, Morse code uses a series of dots (short signals) and dashes (long signals) to represent each letter of the alphabet and numbers. Even though it's no longer as widely used as it once was, Morse code remains a fundamental skill for many radio operators and is still employed in certain emergency situations.

Morse Code Table

Both the NATO phonetic alphabet and Morse code are essential tools in ensuring clarity and precision in radio communication, whether it's for aviation, maritime operations, or amateur radio.

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