🎙️ Radio Etiquette
Radio is a shared resource. Following proper etiquette ensures everyone can communicate effectively.
The Golden Rules
- Listen Before You Talk: Always listen for a few seconds to ensure the channel is clear before pressing the PTT button.
- Identify Yourself: If using Ham frequencies, you must give your callsign every 10 minutes and at the end of your conversation.
- Be Concise: Keep your transmissions short. Don’t “monopolize” the frequency.
- No Profanity: Amateur Radio is a family-friendly hobby. Keep it clean.
🔤 The Phonetic Alphabet
When signal quality is poor, use these words to spell out your callsign or important information:
| Letter | Word | Letter | Word |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Juliet | W | Whiskey |
| K | Kilo | X | X-Ray |
| L | Lima | Y | Yankee |
| M | Mike | Z | Zulu |
Common Q-Codes
Hams use “Q-Codes” to say a lot with a little:
- QSO: A conversation.
- QTH: Your location.
- QSL: “I understand” or “Confirmed.”
- QSY: Changing frequency.