Ground Wave
Operating Terms
QSO - A two-way radio conversation between hams. (Example: “I just had a QSO with Japan!”)
QSL - Confirmation of a QSO, often as a postcard (QSL card) or electronic log entry.
CQ - A general call asking for any ham to respond. (“CQ CQ CQ, this is K5XYZ calling CQ…”)
Call Sign - Your unique FCC-issued ID. (e.g., “K5XYZ”). Every ham has one.
Handle - A casual term for your name when on the air. (“My handle is Mike.”)
73 - Ham shorthand for “Best regards.”
88 - Ham shorthand for “Love and kisses” (more common in friendly/personal QSOs).
Silent Key (SK) - A term of respect for a deceased ham radio operator.
Technical Terms
HF (High Frequency) - Frequencies from 3 to 30 MHz; great for long-distance (DX) communication.
VHF (Very High Frequency) - Frequencies from 30 to 300 MHz; mostly local line-of-sight contacts.
UHF (Ultra High Frequency) - Frequencies from 300 to 3,000 MHz; common for local repeater use.
Bandwidth - The range of frequencies used for a signal. Different modes use different bandwidths.
Modulation - How information is encoded onto a radio signal. (e.g., AM, FM, SSB, digital)
Antenna - The device that sends/receives radio waves. Critical to good communication.
Propagation - How radio waves travel through the atmosphere or bounce off layers (like the ionosphere).
QRP- Low-power transmission, typically under 5 watts. (A challenge many hams enjoy!)
Gear & Equipment
Rig - Slang for your radio or transceiver.
Transceiver - A combined transmitter and receiver (what most ham radios are).
HT (Handheld Transceiver) - A walkie-talkie-style portable ham radio, like a Baofeng or Yaesu FT-65..
Base Station - A ham radio setup meant for a permanent location like your home.
Mobile Rig - A radio installed in a vehicle.
Mic (Microphone) - The device you speak into. Some hams use headsets or desk mics.
Tuner (Antenna Tuner) - A device that matches your antenna to the radio’s output, improving signal transfer.
Power Supply - Converts household AC power into 13.8 volts DC for the radio.
Communication Modes
FM (Frequency Modulation) - Common mode for VHF/UHF voice communication—like your car radio.
VAM (Amplitude Modulation) - Older voice mode; still used occasionally on HF.
SSB (Single Sideband) - A type of AM used on HF for long-distance voice.
CW (Continuous Wave) - Morse code. Still widely used for long-distance work with very low power.
Digital Modes - Computer-assisted modes like FT8, PSK31, RTTY, or JS8Call for weak-signal communication.
Special Functions & Networks
Repeater - A relay station that rebroadcasts your signal for greater range.
Net - A scheduled on-air meeting of hams—used for check-ins, discussions, or training.
Skywarn - A network of hams who report real-time severe weather to the National Weather Service.
ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service) - Volunteers trained to provide emergency communications in disasters.
RACES (Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service) - Government-coordinated emergency radio volunteers.
DX - Long-distance contacts (usually on HF).
EchoLink / AllStar - Internet-linked systems that let you talk to hams worldwide using local repeaters or apps.
ARISS (Amateur Radio on the ISS) - A program allowing students to talk with astronauts via ham radio.
Ham Culture & Extras
Elmer - A ham who mentors newcomers to the hobby. (“I had a great Elmer who taught me everything.”)
Hamfest - A swap meet and convention for hams—buy gear, take exams, meet other hams.
Field Day - An annual worldwide event where hams operate off-grid to practice emergency communication.
Logbook - A record of your contacts (QSOs), either on paper or software like Logbook of The World (LoTW).
Band- A specific range of frequencies hams are allowed to use (e.g., 20m, 40m, 2m bands).