Ham Radio, in Plain English
Making radio easier to understand

A traditional way of saying “best regards.” It is commonly used at the end of a radio contact or message between amateur radio operators. It is normally written simply as 73, not “73s.”

The highest of the three current U.S. amateur radio license classes. An Amateur Extra license provides all amateur operating privileges available to U.S. operators.

A licensed radio service used for personal communication, technical experimentation, education, public service, and recreation. Ham radio and amateur radio mean the same thing.

The part of a radio system that sends radio-frequency energy into the air when transmitting and receives radio signals when listening. Antennas come in many shapes and sizes because different designs work better for different frequencies and purposes.

A device used to help a transmitter work properly with an antenna system by matching the electrical impedance seen by the radio. Despite the name, it does not physically change the antenna or make an inefficient antenna magically efficient. It changes the electrical match between the radio and antenna system.

Automatic Packet Reporting System. A digital amateur radio system commonly used for sharing information such as position, messages, weather data, and station status. APRS is often used by mobile stations, portable operators, weather stations, public-service groups, and tracking systems.

Amateur Radio Emergency Service. An ARRL-sponsored program involving licensed amateur radio operators who volunteer their communications skills and equipment in support of public service and emergency communications.

American Radio Relay League. A national membership organization for amateur radio in the United States. ARRL publishes educational and technical material, represents amateur radio interests, supports clubs and public-service programs, and provides resources for new and experienced operators.

A range of radio frequencies grouped together for a particular type of use. Ham radio operators commonly refer to bands by approximate wavelength rather than frequency, such as the 2-meter, 70-centimeter, 40-meter, or 20-meter bands.

A guide showing how different portions of an amateur radio band are commonly used. A band plan may identify areas typically used for repeaters, simplex FM, digital communication, CW, SSB, satellites, or other activities. Band plans help operators avoid interfering with one another.

The amount of frequency space occupied by a radio signal. Different modes use different amounts of bandwidth; a voice transmission, for example, generally occupies more spectrum than a narrow CW signal.

The unique combination of letters and numbers assigned to an amateur radio station. Operators use their call signs to identify themselves on the air. Examples include formats such as W3ABC, KC3XYZ, or N1ABC.

The basic radio-frequency signal that can be changed, or modulated, to carry voice, data, or other information. You usually do not need to think much about carriers during everyday operation, but the term appears frequently when learning how radio works.

A very common type of cable used to connect radios and antennas. It contains a center conductor surrounded by insulation, shielding, and an outer jacket. Different types of coax have different amounts of signal loss, particularly as frequency and cable length increase.

An organized operating activity in which amateur radio operators try to make contacts according to a particular set of rules. Some contests involve contacting as many stations as possible, while others focus on certain bands, modes, countries, states, or other objectives. You can participate competitively or simply make a few contacts for fun.

A general call inviting any station to respond. If someone says “CQ, CQ, CQ. This is W3ABC,” they are essentially saying, “I’m looking for someone to talk to. Is anyone listening?”

A low-frequency tone transmitted along with an FM signal and commonly used to access repeaters or control a receiver’s squelch. You might see a repeater listing show something like Tone: 100.0 Hz. PL is another commonly used name for this kind of tone. Your radio normally generates it automatically once programmed.

Continuous Wave. In everyday amateur radio use, CW usually means communicating with Morse code by switching a radio-frequency signal on and off. Morse code is no longer required for a U.S. amateur license, but CW remains an active and popular part of ham radio.

Digital Smart Technologies for Amateur Radio. A digital voice and data system developed specifically for amateur radio. D-STAR repeaters can be linked through networks, allowing operators in different locations to communicate through connected systems.

A broad term for methods of communicating by transmitting digitally encoded information instead of conventional analog voice. Digital amateur radio includes systems used for text, data, weak-signal communication, messaging, and digital voice.

Voice communication in which speech is converted into digital information before being transmitted. Common amateur digital-voice systems include DMR, D-STAR, and System Fusion. These systems are not automatically compatible with one another.

Digital Mobile Radio. A digital voice system used in amateur radio as well as commercial radio systems. Amateur DMR networks can connect repeaters and individual operators over large geographic areas, often with internet-connected infrastructure.

Communication in which transmitting and receiving use different frequencies. Repeater operation normally involves two frequencies: one used by your radio to transmit to the repeater and another used by the repeater to transmit back to you.

Generally, a station or contact considered long-distance. Exactly what counts as DX depends on context. On HF, the term often refers to stations in distant countries or parts of the world. Someone who enjoys pursuing distant contacts may be called a DXer.

Traditional amateur radio slang for a person who mentors or helps another operator. An Elmer might help someone choose equipment, install an antenna, learn operating procedures, troubleshoot a problem, or simply become comfortable getting on the air. In ordinary English: a ham radio mentor.

Federal Communications Commission. The U.S. government agency responsible for regulating amateur radio and many other forms of radio communication. The FCC issues U.S. amateur radio licenses and establishes the rules under which amateur stations operate.

The cable or transmission line connecting a radio to an antenna. Coaxial cable is the most familiar type, although other kinds of feed line are also used.

A major annual amateur radio operating event combining portable operation, emergency-preparedness practice, experimentation, competition, and public outreach. Clubs and individual operators set up stations away from their normal home installations and make contacts with other participating stations. It is also an excellent opportunity to see a variety of amateur radio equipment and operating styles in […]

Frequency Modulation. A common method of transmitting voice, particularly for local communication on VHF and UHF. If you use a typical handheld radio through a local 2-meter or 70-centimeter repeater, you are very likely using FM.

The specific location within the radio spectrum where a signal is transmitted or received. Frequency is measured in hertz, although amateur radio frequencies are normally expressed in kHz, MHz, or GHz. An example is 146.520 MHz.

A way of describing how effectively an antenna concentrates radio energy in particular directions compared with a reference antenna. More antenna gain does not mean the antenna creates extra power. It means more of the available energy is directed where the antenna is designed to send it.

The middle of the three current U.S. amateur radio license classes. A General-class license provides operating privileges on portions of every amateur band and opens considerably more HF spectrum than the entry-level Technician license.

A term that can mean several different things in radio and electronics depending on context. It may refer to an electrical safety ground, an RF ground, the common reference point in a circuit, or part of a lightning-protection system. These are related concepts, but they are not always interchangeable.

An informal name for a licensed amateur radio operator. Today, ham radio is simply another common name for amateur radio.

High Frequency. The portion of the radio spectrum from 3 to 30 MHz. Many amateur bands commonly used for long-distance and international communication are located in HF. You may also hear HF casually referred to as shortwave.

Handheld Transceiver, sometimes called a handie-talkie. This is the small portable radio most people picture when they think of a handheld two-way radio. Many new hams begin with an HT capable of operating on the 2-meter and 70-centimeter amateur bands.

A measure of how a circuit or device opposes alternating electrical current. You will encounter the term most often when discussing antennas, feed lines, and transmitters. Most modern amateur radio equipment using coaxial cable is designed around 50-ohm systems.

The frequency on which a repeater listens. Your radio transmits to the repeater on its input frequency.

Informal slang for briefly transmitting into a repeater simply to make it activate, often without speaking. If you need to test whether you can reach a repeater, identify yourself normally rather than repeatedly keying it without saying anything.

Keeping a record of radio contacts. A log may include the date and time, other station’s call sign, frequency or band, mode, signal report, and location. Logging can be done on paper or with software. Not every casual contact must be logged, but logs are useful for awards, contests, special events, and keeping track of […]

Lower Sideband. One form of single-sideband voice communication. LSB is conventionally used for amateur SSB voice on several of the lower-frequency HF bands.

The method being used to carry information over the radio. Examples include FM voice, SSB voice, CW, digital voice, packet, FT8, and RTTY. Changing modes can completely change what your radio is capable of receiving on the same general portion of spectrum.

A scheduled on-air gathering of amateur radio operators. A net may exist for casual conversation, training, public service, emergency communications, club announcements, technical discussion, traffic handling, or simply keeping in touch. Many nets are very friendly to new operators.

The station responsible for organizing and directing a radio net. The Net Control Station, or NCS, typically calls the net to order, asks stations to check in, keeps track of participants, and moves the net through its planned business. Think of NCS as the moderator of an on-air meeting.

The difference between a repeater’s receive and transmit frequencies. Your radio listens on the repeater’s output frequency but shifts—or offsets—to another frequency when you transmit. Radios may display this as a + or − offset. Once programmed correctly, the radio normally handles the switching automatically.

The frequency on which a repeater transmits. This is the frequency your radio listens to when receiving the repeater. Repeater directories commonly identify a repeater by its output frequency.

A form of digital communication in which information is divided into small blocks called packets before being transmitted. Packet technology is used by several amateur radio systems and has been used for messaging, keyboard communication, position reporting, bulletin-board systems, and other kinds of data communication.

In amateur radio regulations and operating terminology, phone means voice communication. It does not mean making a telephone call. FM, SSB, and AM can all be forms of phone operation.

A standard set of words used to make letters easier to understand over radio. Instead of saying “K C 3 A B C,” an operator might say “Kilo Charlie Three Alpha Bravo Charlie.” The internationally recognized alphabet includes words such as Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, Echo, and Foxtrot.

Parks on the Air. A popular amateur radio activity involving making contacts from qualifying parks and public lands. An operator transmitting from the park is an activator. Stations trying to contact activators are often called hunters. POTA combines portable radio, experimentation, travel, outdoor activity, and casual on-air operating.

The way radio signals travel from one location to another. Propagation changes dramatically with frequency. VHF and UHF communication is often relatively local, while HF signals can travel hundreds or thousands of miles under suitable conditions. Terrain, the ionosphere, time of day, season, solar activity, frequency, antennas, and other factors can all affect propagation.

Push To Talk. The button or switch that changes your radio from receiving to transmitting. Press PTT to transmit; release it to listen.

Operating using relatively low transmitter power. QRP operators deliberately use low power as part of the challenge, often seeing how far they can communicate with modest equipment and efficient antennas. The term is particularly common in HF operating.

A radio shorthand expression meaning, essentially, “Who is calling me?” You may hear an operator use it after hearing a station but not understanding the call sign. QRZ.com is also the name of a popular amateur radio website, which is why beginners often encounter the letters before knowing their original radio meaning.

Traditionally, QSL means confirmation or acknowledgment that a contact or transmission was received. A QSL card is a card exchanged between amateur operators confirming a radio contact. Today, contacts may also be confirmed electronically.

A radio contact between two amateur stations. It is pronounced by saying the letters individually: “Q-S-O.” If someone says, “I had a QSO with a station in Germany,” they mean they made radio contact with that station.

An organized on-air operating event, usually centered on contacting stations in a particular state, province, region, or other geographic area. Despite the name, it is not a party in the usual sense. Think of it as a radio operating event or contest.

Radio shorthand for location. If someone asks for your QTH, they are asking where your station is located.

Using radio equipment and directional antennas to determine where a transmitted signal is coming from. A recreational radio-direction-finding activity is often called a fox hunt, with participants attempting to locate a hidden transmitter.

Ham-radio slang for a longer, casual conversation on the air. A ragchew is not a formal type of communication. It simply means two or more operators are having a relaxed conversation rather than exchanging only brief information.

A radio station that receives a signal on one frequency and automatically retransmits it on another. Repeaters are often installed at elevated locations so handheld and mobile radios can communicate across a much larger area than they could directly. Using a repeater usually requires its output frequency, the correct offset, and sometimes a CTCSS/PL tone.

Radio Frequency. A general term for the high-frequency electrical energy used to create radio signals. You will see RF mentioned in phrases such as RF power, RF interference, RF exposure, RF connectors, and RF amplifiers. In plain English, it usually means the radio-frequency energy involved in transmitting or receiving signals.

Ham-radio slang for a radio. “My HF rig” simply means “my HF radio.”

A system traditionally used to describe the quality of a received signal. RST stands for Readability, Strength, and Tone. Voice contacts normally use only readability and signal strength, producing reports such as “5 by 9.” In casual conversation, operators may also simply describe a signal as strong, weak, noisy, or clear.

A traditional term indicating that an amateur radio operator has died. The expression comes from the days of telegraph keys: the operator’s key has become silent. You may see “SK” following the call sign of a deceased amateur.

Communication in which stations transmit and receive on the same frequency. If two handheld radios are talking directly to each other on one frequency without using a repeater, they are operating simplex.

Summits on the Air. An amateur radio activity involving portable operation from qualifying mountain summits. It shares some similarities with Parks on the Air, but its locations and award system are based around qualifying summits.

A radio control that keeps the speaker quiet when no sufficiently strong signal is being received. Without squelch, an FM radio may produce constant background hiss between transmissions. Setting squelch too high can prevent weaker stations from being heard.

Single Sideband. A very common voice mode for long-distance amateur radio, particularly on HF. SSB uses radio spectrum and transmitter power more efficiently than conventional AM voice. There are two forms: USB and LSB.

Standing Wave Ratio, often called VSWR. A measurement commonly used to evaluate how well an antenna system is matched to the transmitter and feed line. An SWR near 1:1 indicates a good impedance match. A high SWR can indicate an antenna, feed-line, connector, or matching problem. Low SWR is useful, but it does not automatically […]

A digital voice system developed by Yaesu for amateur radio. Fusion-capable equipment can use Yaesu’s digital voice format, and many Fusion radios and repeaters also support conventional analog FM. You may also see the term C4FM, which refers to the modulation used by the system.

The entry-level U.S. amateur radio license class and the license most new operators earn first. Technician licensees have extensive privileges on amateur frequencies above 30 MHz, including popular VHF and UHF bands, along with limited privileges on certain HF bands.

In a repeater listing, tone usually refers to the CTCSS tone that must accompany your transmission for the repeater to accept it. For example: Tone: 100.0 Hz. Usually, you program the correct value into your radio once and the radio sends it automatically whenever you transmit on that repeater.

A piece of equipment containing both a transmitter and a receiver. Most modern amateur radios are transceivers. The word is simply a combination of transmitter + receiver.

Ultra High Frequency. The radio spectrum from 300 MHz to 3 GHz. For many new amateur operators, the most familiar UHF amateur band is the 70-centimeter band. UHF is commonly used for local communication, repeaters, satellites, digital systems, and experimentation.

Upper Sideband. One of the two forms of single-sideband voice communication. USB is conventionally used for SSB voice on several higher-frequency HF bands and for SSB operation on VHF and UHF.

Coordinated Universal Time. A worldwide time standard used extensively in amateur radio. Using UTC avoids confusion when operators in different time zones record contacts or schedule international activities. Radio logs often record both the date and time in UTC.

Volunteer Examiner. A qualified amateur radio operator who helps administer amateur radio license examinations. Exams are conducted by teams of Volunteer Examiners working through a Volunteer Examiner Coordinator.

Volunteer Examiner Coordinator. An organization that coordinates teams of Volunteer Examiners and the administration of amateur radio license examinations under the FCC’s amateur licensing system.

Variable Frequency Oscillator. On a modern radio, VFO mode generally means you are selecting an operating frequency directly rather than choosing a frequency already saved in a memory channel. You might use memory mode for repeaters you use regularly and VFO mode when exploring or manually tuning across a band.

Very High Frequency. The radio spectrum from 30 to 300 MHz. The amateur 2-meter band is one of the most popular VHF bands. VHF is widely used for repeaters, simplex communication, satellites, digital communication, public service, and portable or mobile operation.

A unit used to measure power. In amateur radio, transmitter output power is commonly expressed in watts. A handheld radio might transmit only a few watts, while larger mobile or base-station equipment may be capable of considerably more. More power can help in some situations, but antenna performance, antenna location, terrain, propagation, and operating technique […]

A radio messaging system that allows amateur radio operators to exchange email-style messages using radio. Many Winlink connections use radio to reach gateway stations connected to the internet, while the system also supports radio-only communication methods. It is commonly used for emergency-communications training, portable operation, public service, and situations where normal internet access may be […]