In the world of amateur radio (ham radio), operators use a variety of phrases and abbreviations to communicate effectively. Here are some common phrases and terms:
- 73 – A traditional way to say “best wishes” or “goodbye.” It’s often used at the end of a conversation.
- 88 – Used to mean “love and kisses,” often directed towards female operators or in a friendly context.
- QSL – Refers to the confirmation of a contact. Operators often exchange QSL cards to verify that a communication took place.
- QSO – A term for a conversation or contact between two radio operators.
- CQ – A general call to all stations, inviting anyone listening to respond. It means “Calling any station.”
- DX – Refers to long-distance or international contacts. Operators who focus on making these contacts are often referred to as “DXers.”
- Ragchew – A term for a casual, informal conversation between operators, often lasting a long time.
- Net – A group of operators who regularly meet on a specific frequency for communication, often for discussions or emergency communications.
- SWR (Standing Wave Ratio) – A measure of how well an antenna is matched to the transmission line. A high SWR can indicate problems with the antenna system.
- POTA – Stands for “Parks on the Air,” a program that encourages operators to make contacts from national parks.
- EMCOMM – Short for “Emergency Communications,” referring to the use of amateur radio in emergency situations.
- SK – A term used to indicate that a station has gone silent (often used to signify that an operator has passed away).
- QTH – Refers to the location of the station or operator.
- QRM – Interference from other stations, often used to describe unwanted noise on the frequency.
- QRN – Refers to static or noise from natural sources, such as thunderstorms.
These phrases and terms are part of the unique language of amateur radio and help operators communicate more efficiently and effectively.