Ham words explained

Radio people use a lot of shorthand. Here is what it all means, in plain English.

Amateur radio

The proper name for ham radio: a licensed radio service for personal, non-commercial two-way radio.

Antenna

The wire or rod that actually sends and receives the signal. A good antenna matters far more than an expensive radio.

Band

A range of frequencies you are allowed to use, such as "the 2 metre band". Different bands behave very differently.

Call sign

Your unique on-air name, issued by the government - for example KQ4ABC. You say it so people know who you are.

CQ

What you say when you are calling anyone at all: "CQ, CQ, this is KQ4ABC".

CW

Morse code. Optional, but still popular because it gets through when voice cannot.

DX

A distant station, usually in another country. "Working DX" means making long-distance contacts.

Elmer

An experienced operator who helps a beginner. Every club has several, and they enjoy it.

FRN

FCC Registration Number - the free ID number you get from the government before your exam.

HF

High frequency, the shortwave bands, where signals bounce off the atmosphere and travel worldwide.

Ham

A licensed amateur radio operator. Nobody agrees where the word came from.

Handheld / HT

A walkie-talkie style radio. Cheap, portable, and where most new operators start.

Net

A scheduled on-air meeting run by a net control operator. Great for beginners - you just check in.

QSL

"I received you." Also a postcard people send to confirm a contact.

QTH

Your location.

Repeater

A shared radio on a hill or tall building that listens on one frequency and re-transmits on another, so small radios reach much further.

Simplex

Talking radio-to-radio directly, with no repeater in between.

SSB

Single sideband - the voice mode used on the long-distance shortwave bands.

Technician

The entry-level US licence, and the one you will take first.

VE

Volunteer Examiner: a licensed operator authorised to give you the exam.

73

Ham shorthand for "best wishes". You will see it at the end of every message.