Q-Codes and Callling CQ - Ham Radio Q&A
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 พ.ค. 2020
- My recent video on my Parks on the Air activation at Rib Mountain State Park in Wisconsin generated a few questions about the codes I was using as I was making contacts. So today I’m going to break down my conversation exchanges from that Parks on the Air activation and also tell you how to call CQ so you will be ready to hit the air like a pro.
Links/Resources Mentioned:
ARRL FSD-218: www.arrl.org/files/file/Publi...
Communicating with Other Hams: www.arrl.org/files/file/Get%20...
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#QSL
#CallingCQ - วิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี
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Saying QSL is ok once or twice... it’s the people that end every sentence with “QSL” that gets me...its like hearing nails on a chalk board...especially on FM.. it’s like the guy who learns one Italian word and ends all his conversations with Ciao Ciao with everyone on the radio
I just passed my Technician and General exams today! You and several others on TH-cam inspired me to do so. Thank you for all of your videos. They have been so helpful.
Simple but practical advice and translations .
I just need to get over my "stage "fright.
Hey Michael, Great video! You definitely helped me with the proper procedures for Calling CQ. I just got started in the Hobby this passed March, and was about to take my General Exam, when all of this craziness with the Pandemic closed our Radio Club, the West Essex Amateur Radio Club, in Essex Fells, NJ. I wanted to know how to work POTA, or any other Contest, but didn't know how. Now with this video, I'm a little more comfortable trying. I look forward to all your videos as that they are very informative and not Crazy Technical. I don't have a background in electronics, so all the electronic jargon is like speaking Chinese to me. No Offense to our Chinese Friends. LOL!! Non the Less, I am a Student of the Hobby, and look forward to learning more, and more. Hopefully one day, I'll be able to pass on some knowledge to someone else. Keep up the Great work, and I look forward to your next video. 73. KD2TSC.
Michael, I found this video helpful. Something I have heard you do and others is to give the call sign incredibly fast. Perhaps I will improve on understanding these, but at this point with only a few vhf contacts and no hf contacts, I find it challenging. Keep the videos coming!
I was taught to *always* send callsign in phontetic alphabet … but, almost as fast as he does. 😮 Surprised he reads his callsign this fast, but not phonetic.
Okay, but maybe do both? 🤷♀️ 1st read letters, 2nd do phonetic alpha? Phonetic Alphabet is super helpful de-confusing people’s accents. 🤪 I’m okay with most accents … but add-in some noise, and I’m wishing for subtitles.
I am a Air Force Radio Operator (military retiree), we in Air Force used "Q" and "Z" signals as shorthand on our radio log. The only time I was allowed to use "Q" signals was if there was "communications difficulties". If your curious in where these "Q & Z" signals are posted do a search for "ACP131" can find the publication in pdf format.
Hey Michael. I love that older Motorola speaker on your shelf. It reminds me of the time back in the day during my LEO days. I had one in an unmarked car. Wish I had kept it. '73 / Steve / K4SRF
I’m glad you did the subtitles. For the longest time I thought you were using QSO instead of QSL. I was scratching my head on that one.
Mike that was done very well. Excellent for new hams. Even though I'm not new I still enjoyed watching it again for any Refreshers.
Watching this just before 2021 Field Day. Very helpful, especially the downloads.
Subscribed in appreciation of your effort with this channel. Thanks!
Excellent step by step instructions! Thank you!
Very informative. Loved that you explained the RST. I have watched a lot of POTA videos, but nobody ever explains how they come up with the RST values. Great Video!!
Great video Michael, really educational and appreciated. Thanks!
Great video thanks I’m new to HF and learning a lot.
I just got my Gereral License and my new equipment. Im looking forward to putting this into practice. This video is extremely helpful. thanks !
Thank you KB9VBR. As a new operator I'm very grateful for all your fantastic videos! 73 M7LON
Thanks so much. This was very clear and easy to understand as I study to get licensed.
Great stuff as always, Michael. Very informative. How about an episode on QRP rigs and setups?
Recently got into cb. I enjoy making contacts a lot, and i'm thinking to move on to HAM radio and get my license. Enjoyed your vid sir, thank you for sharing your experience.
Greetings from the Netherlands, T.
This is very helpful Michael. Thanks.
Quite helpful for me. I have just started using HF. I recently bought a QRP transceiver I learned about from Steve, KM9G, on his TH-cam channel Temporarily Offline. My callsign is N7MRF, I have a general class license.
This is excellent info!!! Thanks for the video and sharing.
I really got a lot of information on QSO's from this video and I have a lot more confidence the next time I want to reply to a POTA CQ and when I try my first CQ that things will go better. BTW on Sunday when the DX Commander goes on-line for the first time I'll try CQ for the first time! Just building radials tonight and waiting for my helping hand to get here tomorrow. 73
Very informative. Nice of you to put links to the info for newer hams to download and print for their shack. Great job Michael. Even us older hams with senior moments lol.
I second that. New General here. The rules of conduct and etiquette on the air was initially intimidating but Michael's videos have gotten me through my first several activations successfully! Hooked! Discovered that Hams are THE most civilized and polite people you'll ever find. 73!
Hi, nice informative video again, well done.
Actually this evening in a cw qso, my mind went blank when the other station sent qrq. Some q codes are not heard that often, so may catch folk out. It's not a big problem at all, as I simply asks the guy to remind me of the definition.
Therefore, I would say, if your young or old, new op or not, don't freak out if you cannot remember every Q code. Meeting people and enjoying the contact is more important.
Sig reports, I always give true reports, especially if their are weak, that way folk know to repeat more important info if required.
73 zl3xdj
Thanks! Best explanation video.
Great video Mike.
Thank you for this great info! This helps a lot.
Thank you for all the videos. KD9OUW La Crosse, WI.
Great video!! I needed this information!!!
Great tutorial, thank you!
As always, great content!
Asking if the frequency is also useful on all the bands. Because on 2m and 70cm you may hear half the conversation because one side is within range of you while the other station might be further then 2m and 70cm can propagate to you.
always a good vid
Nice job. I'm very new, so this is good and confusing too.
Best Regards from Poland
Great Video. Along these lines perhaps it would be good to do a video how and why we log contacts.
Response to "The frequency is in use" should be a polite word of apology, or maybe "thanks for letting me know", your call sign, and "QSY". That works well for me. Thanks for the explanatory talk. Also, have some alternate phonetics available in case of language barrier.
There shouldn't be any confusion when using the phonetic alphabet .. that's the whole point of it!!
The confusion happens when people use 'alternatives' instead.
In aviation, we use the phonetic alphabet to ENSURE proper understanding of what is being said .. there is NO 'alternative'. Using alternatives could be the cause of a mid air collision.
People need to learn the 'proper' alphabet .. and use it. That's why we have it.
The editing is sick!
Greetings from Indianapolis Indiana
"You have been holding down your PTT button for too long, Please QRT." haha
Thanks
I received KA4RDW when I got my novice in 1980 before the VE program began and when I upgraded to General in 1981 if I had elected to get a new callsign I would have gotten an N4??? call which was before the code requirement was dropped. When I upgraded to Extra in 1982 the 20wpm code test was still required and had I elected to change my call then I would have gotten an N?4? callsign.
Hi Michael, thanks for the Q explanations. I tend to listen to guys like you and others to find out how to do the ham radio thingee. Being a bit of a tyro, I have gathered some sage stuff from seasoned hams. I try to keep the calls and contacts very informal and refrain from the official Q signaling, it being a little irritating to these guys who grew up in the days of CW and AM. They are not too swift, regarding SSB (slop bucket) saying it is not too cool at all. I do not know CW. I acknowledge their ways, as my dad taught me to respect my elders. KC3BXZ Joe 73
Yep‚ I wouldn't use Q-codes in casual conversation. In those instances plain language rules. But if you are in a contest‚ activation‚ or special event; then their use is vital in controlling the flow of communication.
Michael I need to ask a question. I am an Extra Amateur licensee. I use the ARRL Amateur Radio Band chart to properly utilize my licensed spectrum. I find an open frequency to use phone ssb on a band. I can call CQ (using examples of calling like you have demonstrated) until I'm blue in the face. I know the band is open because there is lots of rag chewing on the band. After exhausting the frequency and my patience I will change to another open frequency and repeat the flogging CQ again. And again I get silence. I don't jump around quickly and hang around giving the frequency a good long try. I know my HF equipment is in good working order tuned up and the antenna is working because I can check into my state ARES and Traffic nets. My SWR forward and reflective meters are working. I have been at 75 watts forward and near zero reflected (SWR 1.1 to 1.2). Michael without trying to get or sound whiney how in the name of God do you choose frequencies that people are watching and how do you get a warm body to respond? Beyond calling CQ and use Q codes maybe you could do a video on (how to get hams to successfully establish a QSO.) Last note other than the nets I mentioned the only contact I have made since getting my HF rig for Christmas was by politely shoe horning in on an existing QSO, not my first choice. It turned out to be a group of Christian Hams having a rag chew/bible study. They were exceptionally welcoming and conversational. Tried that again on another ongoing QSO and I had my ass handed to me by some Southern Hams would spent a few minutes continuing to berate me after I put my mic down for the night. I wasn't attempting to take over their conversation or frequency. When asking for a signal report I only got more abuse. Again I don't make a habit of interupting QSOs but after months of failure I resorted to this as a way to at least get something in a log book. Not a great way to welcome a ham to the HF portion of the hobby. Hearing you jump from QSO to QSO to QSO like you did on the Parks on the Air video, sorry seems like a cruel impossibility.
As you have noticed‚ many ragchew groups have been long established and they may not be welcoming of new people joining them. I know it can be hard to fish for contacts as others scanning the dial may not be interested in striking up a conversation. There are also some roundtables I'd stay away from as the participants are a bitter old lot. I guess the only thing I can say is to have patience and a good signal. Frankly‚ I'm not one that ragchews for hours on the HF bands. When I'm on the air I'm usually participating in special event stations or QSO parties. Those are my two favorite activities; and on a good Saturday I'll pick up a nice handful of contacts. Some will be quick and others more meaningful- it depends on how chatty the other station is. There are also plenty of nets to get involved with; some may be traffic only but others are general discussion. Getting involved with those may give you some inroads with the community. Hope this helps.
Thanks for the sharing sir... De 9W2DYG
QTH Malaysia. -73-
Thanks!
Thank you for this very informative video! I am a new ham this year and am very interested in POTA. I just picked up a wolf river silver bullet 1000 and will use that for my antenna when out.
Great video and thanks!
Thank you so much for your support. I appreciate it. I have a new POTA video coming out this week, you may find it interesting.
@@KB9VBRAntennas thank you. I will tune in.
Very informative video.....thanks!!! I'm curious if there's a way (and how to say it) for trying to make contact with a specific country? Would you say something like... CQ DX Germany CQ DX Germany? Or something similar?
Good question. I think it depends on your personal style. I've heard people say "CQ DX (country)" or just "CQ DX CQ DX looking for Germany"
@@KB9VBRAntennas thanks!!
Perfect video! 73s
73 means Best Wishes or Best Regards, not Best Wish or Best Regard. Adding the 's' is like saying Best Regards's or Best Wishes's. That's from an ARRL book I read many years ago. You don't say SAT Test or VIN number do you? (scholastic aptitude test test or vehicle identification number number. 73 is easy to send and receive in CW and was meant to speed things up and it carried over to voice transmissions.
@@stephenmooney3939 actually yes "they" do say SAT test and VIN number all the time, funny that you stated that as an example! Lol's
thanks bud
Tq sir for information. I want learn HAM
I say " Roger " way to much on the air, but I have been a boat captain for almost 3 decades and that's protocol on VHF Marine band.
Copy that.
Nothing wrong with ROGER. It's the correct proword for phone. QSL should never be used unless you're talking about a card or other back-channel confirmation.
Do you ever slow the call sign down? Never get that down first time in less than perfect conditions
Tell the operator to repeat the call slowly. That will help.
Another great video sir! 73 de N4EJM
thank you KB9VBR
Thanx for the info and the links! Is "CQ" shorthand for "Seek You"? Neil KD9RYV
Very instructive and quality video! 73 from Brazil de PX2Q2328
I spent time at a mars station goose bay Labrador 1950s
Mike, you always have such good content with clear and concise explanations. Maybe you can clear up something for me as I have been inactive for a while. I was told that qrM was MAN made noise and qrN was of a Natural or biological source. Perhaps the hobby has moved on since I went dark.
You're correct QRM is considered man made noise and QRN is natural. But most noise and interference tends to be lumped into the QRM category- be it a another station on an adjacent frequency or a noisy transformer down the street.
Just to note‚ QRM is not necessarily malicious. Just the opposite- most interference is often inadvertent and a result of crowded or changing band conditions.
@@KB9VBRAntennas QRM-D
Thank you very much Michael. Have been learning a lot from your incredible videos. Meanwhile, I have different question for you. I am a new Ham from New Delhi, India and my budget for a HF transceiver with all modes (HF, VHF, UHF + VHF & AM SSB, CW mode) is 500 USD. I am looking for an approriate rig which can be used as a Base Station in my shack as well as portable enough for field operations and help me talk to you one fine day from my New Delhi QTH. May I request you for a suggestion.
Thank you!
73s
That's tough‚ the cheapest all-mode all-band transceiver would be the Icom IC-7100 for about $800. The Yaesu FT-991A is about $1100. You could probably find something used in the $500-$700 range.
@@KB9VBRAntennas Thank you for your prompt reply. I shall definitely keep in mind the iCom7100 and the Yaesu FT-991. Will first try to scout for these rigs in Ham fests once the lockdown is completely lifted and things normalises. I will try my best to save up more money and keeping my fingers crossed to come across an ideal one. Another issue is that the import duty in India is very high that really hurts one's wallet.
Thank you again and have an excellent day ahead.
73
@@shandybrandy5407 I've had good luck with my Xiegu g90 which transmits at up to 20 watts on just the HF bands. When budgeting, remember that most radios will require a separate power supply, and that can cost upward from $100 on its own. You may also want to consider an inexpensive handy-talkie for VHF/UHF rather than trying to find an all-band radio. The BaoFeng radios are very inexpensive and seem to work reasonably well. Finally, remember that a radio is only as good as your antenna, so budget some money to either buy or build one or more antennas. Home-made antennas can be built pretty inexpensively and can work as well or better than 'professional' units. Good luck and 73, KO4AZY.
Does "net activity" have the right (it's not a right but not sure what to call it) to ask you to move if you've been on frequency for a while and they have a net scheduled for that frequency. I was always under the understanding the net would have to find a clear frequency at that point.
They can always ask, but they can't force you to move from a net frequency. A well run net will have an alternate frequency that users know about and will switch to in case of interference. But I think it's considerate, if a net control politely informs you that a net meets on a certain frequency, to yield to the net. I find it is far easier to move 3khz than to have to inform everyone looking for the net to check in on their alternate frequency.
@@KB9VBRAntennas I agree...go along to get along. I have heard some less than polite net controls that I have jumped into and suggested they move the net. LOL
Excellent information and explanations. De VA2LRA
Are there selected ham radio operators that are designated in a nationwide emergency, i.e. emp or asteroid? Thanx and great channel.
Great question. There are two organizations amateurs can join. ARES and RACES. ARES is part of ARRL. RACES is US government run. 73
sometimes it is really simple... cq = seek you
How often should one announce their call sign during conversation?
The rules state once every 10 minutes and when you are done. Anything else is optional and borderline overkill.
Thank you.
Thanks again Mike. I needed this tutorial
Great info, Michael. As a new Tech this has been very helpful. QK4QOZ, Mike.
What are the minimum bits of information that a Fox Hunt transmission MUST include?
The absolute minimum would be a callsign.
Do you use CQ when on VHF/UHF?
I do when I'm calling on 146.52 simplex. On the repeaters I just say my callsign and either monitoring or mobile.
Is this stuff only used in HF? Would I sound like a dork if I called CQ on my local repeater?
For the FM repeaters a much simpler "This is CALLSIGN, monitoring" will suffice. Or just throw your callsign out there, you don't need to call CQ.
The signal report is NOT related to the S-meter as you state and is a common mistake of newcomers.. If it was, there would be a signal report like "5 20over9".
The first number, R (readability) is one of these:
1. Unreadable
2. Barely readable, occasional words distinguishable
3. Readable with considerable difficulty
4. Readable with practically no difficulty
5. Perfectly readable
The second number, representing S (strength), has these choices:
1. Faint-signals barely perceptible
2. Very weak signals
3. Weak signals
4. Fair signals
5. Fairly good signals
6. Good signals
7. Moderately strong signals
8. Strong signals
9. Extremely strong signals
I know you want new hams to have correct information and will edit your video. Be sure and mention that on CW, there are three numbers with the last number representing the tone quality (or note) of the station's transmitter (can be found in the R-S-T system Wiki).
73,
Bob K5WA
QSC for any, I am QRP, however I feel I may be affected by QRM braodcasting QHT from QLD region3 DXing to the world, however, my QYL is asking me to stop so I will have to QQ and TTFN...👀⁉
i thought is the frequency clear is QRL?
On CW we'd typically use the Q signal of QRL to see if the frequency is in use. But on phone, asking if the frequency is in use is preferred. With voice modes we should avoid jargon and use regular speech, but that doesn't always happen in real life, so you end up with a weird combination of clear speech and q-signals.
@@KB9VBRAntennas that's strange because when I used to do CB radio, I would call another station with QRZ Jupiter, instead of "Jupiter are you here?" that's ok, i will learn this stuff as time goes on. first i need to do the license :D one step at a time
Q codes were never designed for use by voice.
I appreciate that they are widely used by amateurs but It is almost impossible to distinguish the difference by voice whether you are asking a question or stating a fact. It is only by intonation - after saying QSL for example that you might guess QSL is being used as a question, rather than as an acknowledgement. (I always thought "Roger" was an acknowledgement of receipt)
I've never heard Q codes being used by professionals. They use simple plain language and I never came across them used in voice communications.
Trains sound code at every crossing. Two long, short, and long--da da di da, the letter Q. This comes from the UK--"quarantine the crossing."
Where can i find the Qcode list?
Links to the Q code list are in the video description
QRP at
It's generally accepted that QRP is 5 watts or less for CW and 10 watts or less for SSB phone. Although there are some in the QRP circles that don't feel that 10 watts phone should be considered QRP. The reason why many feel 10 watts phone is still QRP is that a phone signal is 30-60% weaker than a CW signal due to the suppressed sideband and carrier.
Where can you find the “K” number of a state park
parksontheair.com
Q-Codes or 10-Codes? When and why?
Over.
Good Info, New tech. Need all the help I can get:) 73's KO4TFF
if the "Q" codes are ok, then why are the ten codes bad? and the rules say no codes are allowed? a bit mixed up is it not?
Using Q codes vs 10 codes is more of a ham radio tradition. Q codes originated with early CW operators and stuck as communication moved to voice. 10 codes are commonly found in the public safety realm and were quickly adopted by CBers. Using one over the other seems to be a cultural identity of the particular groups and you don't see much mixing between the two. You are correct that the rules say no secret codes or ciphers allowed. This pertains to cryptography and messages were the meaning is hidden. Q Codes and 10 Codes don't fit that description as their meaning is commonly known and published.
Tango yankee on that !
Overall a good video, but. I have only one criticism on it. Listening to your on air CQ calls you demonstrated "On Air", I feel you say them too quickly. If you were to say your call sign more slowly it would be a advantage when conditions are poor. Then listener's would be able to get you callsign first time round, instead of having to listen to several QSO's before being able to decrypt it correctly. I also find it annoying when a lot of callers state the frequency in their CQ calls. This is is absolutely not needed as the listener all ready knows what frequency your on as its shows on the listeners own radio. For me I tend to put my initial CQ call out SLOWLY in both the International listed phonetics (not home made ones, which tend at times to include country names etc., which can be confusing) and also the normal letters and numbers. In the CQ call I also tend to state the country and town I'm in as I understand that a lot of other county listeners may not know offhand the country prefix that I am in. I also make that initial CQ about 12 to 15 seconds time to give the listener a change/time to tune on to the frequency I am using.
You are very correct and this is my preferred cq being hearing impaired as the majority of crusty old hams tend to be. It takes a few moments as you wisely said to tune into a station old school by HEARING a call and not just looking at an IQ signal waterfall. 😉
The hobby is leaning more and more to "Chicken Band" status. Soon we'll be told to tear up our licenses cuz we don't need them. It's time to bring the dignity and class back to amateur radio.
The CQ CQ CQ on 2 meter repeaters is a little laughable, as well as the guy that identifies every 10 seconds looking for a contact. We have one guy around my parts that will hit every repeater with his call 3 or 4 times, then on to the next. He will do that for hours. Maybe if he wasn't drunk, more people would talk to him. LOL.
What I find laughable are the people that hear it over and over and won't answer. Then as soon as one of their cliques sign BOOM they are all over that person. One reason I stay away from 2m/70cm. I'm amazed at the demeanor differences between HF and UHF/UVF. Probably because locally the people are all assholes.
While it may be overkill, it doesnt hurt to respond. I still call CQ when operating 2m/440 SSB or even FM simplex if the band is open.
why are “Q” codes ok. while “10” codes are not? nothing is hidden. both are well known.
Mostly due to tradition. Q codes have always been used on the amateur radio service and 10 codes are typically heard on other radio services.
Q codes belong in CW, otherwise use your words.
But, do they really?
I've banned using Q codes from my vernacular unless there's a genuine language or legibility barrier. These guys who repeatedly say "QSL?" instead of "Over" Arghhhhhh!
Great information clearly presented. Thnx. KD9SEZ Steve
Please don't call "CQ 20 meters" , as if you (1) don't know what band you're on, or (2) want somebody to answer on a harmonic.
Lower your camera a bit! Looks like you are talking to the ceiling and straining your neck!