Ham Radio Basics--Ham Radio Jargon and Plain Language

[@eekmeout]

you’re awesome jim, you offer a warm, logical, welcome for us new hams on the scene.

[@ham-radio]

Wow, thank you. That is very kind and generous. Welcome to ham radio and I hope you have lots of fun communicating and experimenting. My guess is that you will likely volunteer in your community as many of us have. 73, Jim W6LG

[@jimmyw9171]

Jim, I am just getting started in ham radio. Your videos are very informative from a beginners perspective. Thanks for making them.

[@hectorjulian2535]

As a non native english speaker, licensed in 1988 I find this very helpful. Thanks so much for your coaching.

[@gregjones1867]

Thank you Jim! as a new Ham I am trying to learn all this stuff and I agree Q codes aren't necessary. Especially when they are used inconsistently. The Ham community will die off if we dont start being more inclusive and less cryptic.

[@henrycruz45cal]

Greg Jones, die off? I don't think so, this is part of what makes us who we r.

[@Rattletrap-xs8il]

@@noth606 I agree, it was just like using cw to keep the "riff raff" out

[@MyNikolaas]

Q codes are very useful in CW. And in some cases improve understanding over the air if there is a lot of noise. But jim has a very good point, especially if working with non-hams

[@TerryWhisk]

@@henrycruz45cal unless you’re playing make believe with your friends, using unnecessary codes when you’re trying to actually accomplish something is fucking stupid

[@afleak]

Thanks Jim, It's good for us hams to get feedback positive or negative in a polite manner. Kudos to you . 73

[@toobiggdaddy]

Absolutely. Too much of what is exchanged is a lot of elitist hooplah. Hoops to jump through to satisfy the Pharisees of Ham Radio. Thanks.

[@gblan]

Wow I couldn't have said it better! Speak like humans not robots. Might even attract a few of the ladies as a bonus.

[@MrWmburr7]

I was a Hospital Corpsman in Vietnam in 1969. I was on a patrol with a Marine infantry platoon. We stopped so the radioman could call in for extra supplies. He knew I was short on bandages in my kit, so he had me talk on his handheld. I keyed the mic and started listing what I needed, but as I did so the radioman started yelling at me, "No Doc, the V.C. might be listening . . . use code!" Well, I did know how to ask for battle dressings using "code", so that was my last time on the radio. :-( Hey great video, Jim. AA8VA

[@jdp1956]

Really enjoy your videos, I've been a ham for over 40 years and operate 99% CW and by the grace of God I don't have to deal with the QSL's, Whiskeys, Handle....etc etc. Thank you, stay safe and healthy and God bless you and yours. 73 de WA4ONV .

[@ham-radio]

Indeed! Thank you very much. 73, Jim licensed 1964

[@JRLaffertyJr]

As a new Ham after a 40 year absence from the hobby (I was a novice in 1973), I greatly appreciate your videos, esp this one! Its just good common sense. My dad (a Ham since 1953) fits right into your philosophy as well.

[@ham-radio]

Hey Jim! Welcome back. I hope you have lots of fun. Thanks for the vote of confidence. I appreciate the feedback. 73, Jim W6LG

[@MrChessgator]

@@ham-radio Why are you stating use plain English and then state "73" ??

[@thompo9278]

Jim: Old Ham (in age) short on radio conversations, but realize that some of my reluctance is based on not being familiar with the Q signals being used. Thanks for the blow on plain language. K5RWT Bob

[@k8bz983]

Good job Jim. I didn't read all the comments and maybe someone already mentioned this but NIMS (National Incident Management System) protocol is to use plain language and not any 10 codes or other short cuts on voice modes to facilitate clear communications between a variety of emergency first responders who may come from anywhere in the country. In amateur radio the Q signs and other abbreviations used (WX, FB, 73, etc) were to facilitate CW communications where the signs originated for the most part. These signs have very specific meanings and those who want to be recognized as good operators will take time to learn the correct meaning and usages of them. But for voice modes, nothing communicates you meaning better than plain language and proper grammar.

[@arthurpond865]

Good video, I was going to post a comment about the NIMS requirement for plain language. But the above comment covers what I would have said.

[@VASQUJA]

When I earned my Technician license in May of 2018, I spent more of time looking up the jargon being communicated over a local repeater than actually communicating with these hams. While I did learn about how to operate on a repeater, I just could not understand why my fellow hams could not just use plain language. It was very intimidating, and kept me off the air until I was certain I could follow what everyone was saying. I soon joined my local ARES organization and learned that all of jargon was frowned upon there, so I never used it. Anyway, excellent video as always! 73, KD2PUW

[@ham-radio]

Plain language is alway acceptable. The guys who say QSL over and over and over in contacts are really not communicating well. Words like Whiskeys, Handles, Rice Box, Personals, Working Conditions are not generally a good idea. 73, Jim

[@chhupparustom]

Your point, among others, about non-English speakers doing their best to communicate in English is very valid.

[@jamesbonanno3359]

Brand new ham here. Recently received my technician license. Will be pushing past to the general. Learning a lot just watching your videos Jim. Thanks and stay well.

[@ham-radio]

Great. Yes, go for the extra class license if you can. Thanks very much for watching James. 73, Jim W6LG

[@michaelcorby7090]

I appreciate what you had to say Jim. Thanks for posting it. I am only a few months into my ticket and It's great to hear what you said. Makes sense that it's not necessary to over complicate a simple conversation.Thanks.

[@joetrainor151]

HI Jim. Plain talk makes perfect sense especially when working in emergency situations with various agencies. In contestst people may want to abreviate their speech with Q codes, but Q codes aren't necessary in typical rag chewing (woops, having a conversation). And as you say, in emergency situations, Q codes and slang can confuse people who need to understand information and respond quickly. I watched several of your videos prior to seeing this one and I noticed even beforeseeing this one that you refer to your station as your radio room and not a shack. I like that a LOT! When I was a kid, we had a work shed in our back yard and we referred to it as the shack. So, as a kid, when I first starting hearing hams say "shack" I thought it implied that they were all operating from a shed behind their house, lol. Thanks for the great videos. 73 Joe KF7POQ.

[@984francis]

This is so welcome. Thank you so much Jim. Oh, I don't hear any ranting, just calm clear statement of a very real problem.

[@ham-radio]

Thank you very much. I do appreciate you taking the time to write. 73, Jim W6LG

[@k.t.overton1525]

Thanks Jim for another great video. I agree, it seems QSL is used too much when a simple "Roger" will do when your signal is in the noise/hard to copy and that can be over used as well. I do mostly 5 Watts QRP and will only answer QSL when the operator asks for QSL as confirmation. Otherwise they get a Roger. 73.

[@jimfallon4224]

I agree with Jim. Lets not make this beautiful art of communication more complicated than is should be. There are many short wave listeners, like myself, who enjoy the night time pleasure of listening to Ham operators communicating with one another. Keep it simple.

[@N2YTA]

Jim, I’m really enjoying your videos. I just upgraded to general class about two months ago. I’ve set up a simple HF station and have been having fun making contacts. I’ve learned much from your channel. Thanks & 73 George N2YTA

[@N2YTA]

​@Dill Rogerz Sometimes. Most contacts are just signal reports, geographic location, maybe we’ll talk about the equipment we’re using. I know what you're driving at. The idea that I can make direct contact with someone very far away without using the infrastructure that humanity has been building for 170 years is exciting to me, but maybe not to you. It’s my antenna to his antenna and vice versa.

[@N2YTA]

Dill Rogerz The digital modes like D-Star, DMR, C4FM and some others might be something you would like. I don’t have any experience with them but I know they’re popular. The KZbin channel Ham Radio Crash Course has lots of good information.

[@theslowwalker]

Amen brother. Keep things clear, spcific, simple, and understandable. I work with a multitude of organization with regard to emergency preparednes and plain simple language is the most effective communications system.

[@farrodread1]

You said not what I wanted to hear but what i needed to hear.A voice of reason.Thanks 73.

[@7125Mhz]

I spread this critical video around today on Amatuerlogic. It was passed around, because it made so much sense. You will always be my favorite operator, Jim. KM4ZCU, Jeff.

[@ham-radio]

Wow, thank you!!!! 73, Jim W6LG

[@BrianRamseysg01]

1st transmission ie. CQ I end by saying QSL?, on receiving a reply and sending my reply I say go ahead or standing by. Always think of what the other person is able to understand by the terms they use as well. This is six years ago I am a new comer to the hobby glad you made this video!!

[@chrisgomez4441]

Thanks Jim, you are very informative as usual. I appreciate all the videos that you post, I'm getting started in amateur radio but haven't got my license yet. I am learning a lot from you, I'm so glad you survived the pulmonary embolism.

[@ham-radio]

Thanks Chris. Do go ahead with the license and then have fun experimenting with the many aspects. There is so much to learn and all of it is fun to try. 73, Jim W6LG

[@marcveary4146]

Jim, I just recently watched this video. Many thanks, I am following your advice. One of the things that makes me smile is when folks call CQ and then add the band they are on: "CQ 15, CQ 15..." - can't see the point (unless I have missed the point?) as I know the band because I am listening!

[@ericf7901]

Hi Jim, as a returning Ham and being quite new to HF, your video makes a LOT of sense to me. Especially since I'm still learning english (being a french canadian). Thank you for your videos, you explain clearly and quite well many of the things others can't :)

[@confingo2231]

Fundamentally, the purpose of communication is convey information that is understandable. While we may need some jargon, we should always be asking ourselves does the jargon simplify or complicate our communication. Thanks for your videos they are quite helpful.

[@cptzoom]

Good points, Jim. Thanks for the video. In terms of emergency communications, FEMA's ICS-100 specifically instructs us to use plain language on the air for the very same reasons you gave.

[@ham-radio]

I did not know that. Thanks David! 73, Jim QSL???????

[@douglaswilliams6834]

"You may have had a few whiskies, but I don't think you're running whiskies." I like your dry humor.

[@ham-radio]

Thanks. Some like folks at the ARRL did not. 73, JIm

[@joewilson2258]

I feel the same way about using plain language because it is better to understand than the nine code or the q codes . thanks for the video and how much better it is to use normal language .

[@marklowe7431]

On contrary all the points in this video make big sense. Agree with every single point. Very grateful to those who don't speak English as their primary making effort too.

[@jamesbonanno3359]

Thanks for another fine video. You are an excellent communicator and instructor. And I wish more people had your demeanor.

[@Bourbon-Canted-Ky-Windage]

Thank you for this video! Now, if we can just get more folks to watch and heed your words of wisdom!!

[@bradsgold345]

Thank you Jim this vid hits close to home for me… Given Ham uses a different language and several different dialects I won’t be getting a license I have trouble with English as my sole language.

[@markewing6206]

Great stuff Jim, New ham, FCC General class since 1994 Commercial RO since 1974 Thanks LO4OAB ...Mark

[@ham-radio]

Thanks for watching! Take care Mark, 73, Jim

[@williamhogue4685]

Great job Jim I was instructed to learn the ABC's of communication. Accurate, Brief and Clear.

[@fikretcolak6507]

Thank you Jim, as I am studying for the operators license, your videos are full of information for a newbie.

[@browntroy101]

Thanks for this informational video! I thank you for your honesty!! There's nothing wrong about it!!

[@ham-radio]

Thanks for watching! 73, Jim W6LG

[@bianchispurs]

Thank you Sir, I am a Tec and listening to my section of 10 meters I would not of even thought plain language was legal, It is very hard for me to follow, Im glad to know plain language is acceptable. I have been hesitant to even participate. Thank you.

[@ham-radio]

Happy to help. I strongly recommend aiming towards the Extra Class License. Many with Tech Licenses think that they must use the jargon of others. That is not the case. Limit the use of QSL. Don't use handle. You are not running whiskeys. Don't say my personals are. Just say my name is Jim. I am in Rocklin California. You are 4 by 7. In any case, have fun. Enjoy having your license. Listen on the other bands. Explore this new world of HF. 73, Jim W6LG

[@bianchispurs]

@@ham-radio Thank you sir,I am studying for general now and hopefully move up the ladder and even learn cw.

[@bianchispurs]

I have also noticed no one will answer my CQ call, but I think they are hearing it because there are a lot of look ups on my QRZ page.....

[@dennisfischer4297]

We are in 100% agreement. In 1977 I went to work in emergency management. I had to learn a 10 Code and was even tested on it so I could prove I was worthy of responding on an emergency. About 2 years later, someone in all of their wisdom decided the 10 Code we were using was the wrong one, so we had to learn a different 10 Code. Eventually management saw the light and all of the codes were dropped and we went to 'plain language'. Amazingly, we were still able to communicate and I didn't feel anymore official saying "copy" than I did with "10-4".

[@ham-radio]

Very interesting Dennis. Thanks for the information. 73, Jim W6LG

[@ricksargent8754]

Hi Jim, was watching your video and heard Wolf mountain and wondered if it was Nevada county, it was! Then you mentioned Smartsville road and Hwy. 20 that’s hitting close to home. Lived on Melody road up until 2015. Now in Hawaii. Working on general so once I get my HF rig up it would be nice to make contact. Been up to wolf mountain camp many times.

[@rollandsicard1628]

After being a Navy InFlight communicator, not using the International phoenetic alphabet by amatuer radio operators is also confusing. With plain language and International phoenetic alphabet things would come through a LOT more clear.

[@Avensur]

GREAT JIM. I STRONGLY AGREE WITH PLAIN LANGUAGE. I THINK IN EVERY KIND OF SITUATION, WE HAVE TO UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER SO WE CAN MEET MORE HAM OR CB'ERS AROUND. WHO KNOWS, IT CAN BE A NICE TALK GROUP.

[@hobo1452]

This helps. Now that I am retired, I have been thinking about getting into Ham. I was into CB for many years, so the technical aspects of radio communication are not a mystery to me. My basic plan would be to get my first rig set up, get my license, and then spend at least 6 months to a year just tuning through the bands and LISTENING only, to learn the ropes. I have heard that some operators can be quite snobbish with newbs who don't have a firm grasp on what they consider to be proper on air etiquette. I would hate to get shut out before I even started!

[@ham-radio]

Don't let what you think or have heard, might happen stop you from getting licensed. Go on HF with a General Class license and have fun. I would not use hf "nets" or spend much time on 2 meters in the beginning. Go on 20 meters and have fun. There are snobs in all groups including ham radio. Ignore them. 73, Jim

[@hobo1452]

@@ham-radio Great advice, and thanks. Since I have your ear, what do you think of the ICOM 7300 02 as a starter radio for getting into Ham?

[@ham-radio]

@@hobo1452 I believe it is a bargain. Yes, it is around a $1000 USD, but there are features in that transceiver similar to much more expensive models. If I had to buy a new transceiver, it would be the IC-7300. 73, Jim

[@hobo1452]

@@ham-radio That was my consensus as well. I haven't read one single bad review about it. I may eventually end up with a great "shack" and a wall full of equipment like you, but for now, the 7300 seems like a great starting point. Sadly, with my HOA, I will be limited to a stealth dipole setup, but I'll make it work. Thanks again for your time. 73. Bob Mayer

[@ham-radio]

Well Bob, I had to move. There is no wall of equipment. In fact, we just built the walls and are working to finish them this week. After 38 years on Wolf, we moved into an area with CC&R's, etc. I am in the middle of doing that video now. Need to go turn on the heater in the new room so we can tape and texture. It was 32 degrees earlier. So, stay tuned and watch what I do to get back on the air. 73, Jim

[@WVRick]

Excellent video, Jim. I use and always used standard phonetics, NATO. Another is acknowledging, I hear Ok...yep..roger that and QSL all in the same sentence.

[@erikdoering2920]

i can completely agree as a person just getting into radio, it would make communication much easier. and much more appealing, it took me 2 years to understand my I.T. coworker, i swear that man spoke DOS.

[@jackm416]

JIM, Thanks for your thoughts on ham jargon. I'm with you 100%. I see the use of 'QSL' as a kind of voice 'tick' that you say at the end of every transmission-somewhat like the common use today of 'like'. Like, you know? Anyhow, thanks for the post.

[@alanwoods4925]

Thanks for another good video. I survived my youth days of the 1970's CB days, where everything was handles, 10-codes, and smokey reports there "good buddy". Nostalgic, but I don't want to go back. I'm undecided on using Q-codes for international voice comms, however. The persistent "QSL?" is obvious to me, so no argument from me. But in the Amateur world, particularly with international communications between operators that may struggle with a common language, I would think that "QTH" may be more universally understood than a plan language equivalent such as "my location", "my station", and so forth. I suppose it would depend on the details of the specific contact. Anyway, your comments are great. Thanks for quietly and professionally sharing your thoughts on a potentially flammable topic. Cheers, Alan ZL1SAW

[@adelarsen9776]

I watched this again and shared it with many people via email. This is GOOD ADVICE, QSL ?

[@1fanger]

You are correct Jim. I am of the opinion that ham radio operators are victims of institutionalism, like most of society. As I understand it, in days gone by, it was your dad, or a friend or an older neighbor that instructed you on this type of thing, not an ARRL handbook, or a book that was on the shelf in Radio Shack or the library. The human inter-active element has been eliminated, especially, in regards to parental guidance, or the elmering of trusted neighbors and friends. Ham radio jargon is kind of an esoteric language that only a select few seem to understand, kind of like lawyer-speak. Tyros like me, having been a ham for only 4 years, still have a hard time on the bands, sometimes. It is, really, like learning a foreign language. I rambled on too much, it was just on my heart, thanks, 73, KC3BXZ Joe

[@kevinbradleygardeningandou9767]

Tyros ? case in point speak plain language or write plain language. Non Ham, interested listener

[@ethang6735]

Its fun to use the "fancy" wording with friends but with emergencies here in NY we ALWAYS use plain language as well... mixed with VERY basic acronyms. Great video thanks for the upload Jim :)

[@ethang6735]

also I know fancy wordings doesn't really describe it well, but I couldn't think of a better term lol. Jargon works pretty well but I wanted to be different lol

[@ham-radio]

I understand Ethan. Good information. 73, Jim

[@jbrownpdx1956]

Thank you, I'm just getting into Ham Radio and your videos are very helpfull.

[@ham-radio]

Excellent Jim. It is really good to read that. Have lots of fun getting the license. I am just about done building the new station and will go back into the production of videos on a regular basis. It helps me to do that. Some days the pain level is high and I just need to do something that occupies my brain. 73, Jim

[@robertosborn8720]

Thanks Jim for the great video. I agree on - plain language. In a world of abbreviations and acronyms for most everything it can get confusing. Specially when it is used inconsistently or incorrectly. Plain language get's your point across just fine. No CB lingo from me. N8EFJ Bob. 73

[@ham-radio]

Thanks Robert. By the way, there are lots and lots of Osbornes in my family ancestry.(com). They moved from the South (KY, VA, NC) to the West. Who know?? 73, Jim Heath W6LG

[@michaeldavis4746]

Thank for your video Jim! Very good! Now, I have noticed this too but I don't operate too much phone but I do listen to it sometimes. I have noticed the same thing as you have. Times have changed. So I wanted to add this. I'm mostly a CW guy. These Q signals were really made for CW and have meaning when operating CW as a shortcut but even more importantly, when we make a contact that does not speak our language, that person is able to use these Q signals to understand what we are meaning and it goes vice versa for me too. I remember a rare contact I made in Malawi in the mid-1980's where the guy was the only licensed operator in that country. He had trouble with English and I could not understand his language at all so we used Q signals a lot during our conversation and we both understood! Cheers to Everyone! KG6FD

[@chrisb8362]

Thanks Jim, I hear QSL rather a lot and I quite agree, keep it simple and talk like you are on your cell, within limits of course. Thanks great videos,.

[@ham-radio]

Very welcome! Thanks Chris. 73, Jim QSL??

[@mdouble100]

I am currently studying for my Amature license in Canada. I've been advised that our government test has a component on q codes. I've also been told that understanding q codes is considered important. My research suggests that q codes are considered most useful for cw. However, as Morse is no longer a requirement to become licensed it seems q codes may be less relevant. I should note however that the Canadian test for a basic license is 100 questions as opposed to 35 in the US. Our study material includes the basics of electronics and begins with atomic theory. We're also required to understand basic circuit design and function and all the primary calculations for Ohms law and many others. In that context perhaps Industry Canada just wants to ensure that Canadian Hams can operate under the many and varied conditions which exist here. For them, perhaps CW operations are very useful if one is isolated in the far north with a 5 watt radio. In that regard q codes could be useful. However for most Hams I suspect that spoken English without jargon is a better option on other modes.

[@ganjafarmah2012]

Radio room on point Jim W6LG👌🏽👍🏽 ...

[@MrCervuselaphus]

I am new to amateur radio and this is the best advice. Thanks.

[@ham-radio]

Thanks and Good Day! 73, Jim

[@cbman4767]

When I was learning Amateur Radio back in the 80s I was told to remember the "KISS" method, Keep It Simple Stupid.

[@notsheeple2019]

Thank you for your simple way for ham basics. New ham here. KI5GLN

[@lancepeterson7738]

Good food for thought. Radio coms in any instance should be about accuracy and clarity of communication. Thanks, KD8TED

[@ham-radio]

Excellent. The over use of "QSL" on HF is good example. Thanks for watching and commenting Lance. 73, Jim

[@lawrencemilks9228]

K8SKP my name is skip I agree with you 100% I am a new ham with a general license trying to learn the language and it would be easier if you just used normal language for me anyway really enjoy your videos jim thank you for what you do!!👍

[@k5rmj]

Well done Jim. Thanks for another great video.

[@crbraue]

I am a new Ham and I really appreciate your videos! I just subscribed and will be looking for your videos on operating on HF. Thanks!

[@ham-radio]

Awesome! Thank you! HF is great. I worked friends in Slovenia, Luxembourg and Germany today. It is lots of fun...and safe. 73, Jim

[@mariodesmo]

Great subject and video. Good to know that plain language is becoming the preferred method. I've emphasized plain language instead of cryptic codes, slang, or just simply bad English. On another topic of one of your videos, I too almost became a silent key (for a related reason) a few years ago. Just found your videos and have been enjoying them thoroughly. 73's N7YMZ

[@BsrlinMAZ]

Thank you for time and effort of making all these videos and sharing your immense amount of wisdom (and common sense) with other, and upcoming , Amateur Radio Operators...I agree 100% with your opinions on the over-use, and mis-use, of 'jargon/slang' on-air. I'm of the opinion that many do it to 'sound' more 'tech-y', and that they believe it makes them 'sound' more professional. But the point of the contact should be 'communication'. Thank you again for all the knowledge you share. 73 WF7BSR, Raymond

[@ham-radio]

Thanks Raymond! 73, Jim

[@paulsanders1]

Thanks so much Jim. As a newbie, I learn jargon only from listening to others, some of whom may be voicing these same ineffective statements. Appreciate your lessons. Have you enjoyed the move from Nevada City to Rocklin? I was a broadcaster at KVMR for a while and I work for Placer County in Rocklin. Take care, H Paul Sanders KK6RXU

[@ham-radio]

Let's chat via email. hamcq73 at the geemale. 73, Jim

[@Cephas049]

Everyone around here knows me as Bo Leggs because it was my pen name when I wrote a column in the local paper. I'm not sure many people know Ed Kern, but everyone knows old Bo Leggs. Sometimes that's not so bad. Have a good day, Jim.

[@adelarsen9776]

Thank you. Good advice. I will try to now use QSL a whole lot less and use plain language. My biggest issue since coming to Ham radio is using accepted norms like 5 x 9 instead of what I am used to which is Lima Charlie.

[@ham-radio]

Thanks Ade. You are right. We ALL should give honest reports. I hate when someone says a station was R5 but missed the name, location and report. A guy can be 2 by 9! Also, if the other station is badly distorted, tell him or her. Help him resolve the problem by listening as he turns down the compression and mic gain. Too many guys sound like CBers. 73, Jim W6LG

[@adelarsen9776]

Dear Jim, I activated a park last Saturday for WWFF and got 80 contacts and I only used "QSL" once at the correct juncture. After it was all over I felt clean and less corrupted. I took your advice, implemented it and it made me feel oh so good over the 6 hour activation. Thank you. I replaced QSL with things like "receive all ok" and "roger". Also "copy all" and "did you get that?" And you know what ? The effect on other operators is obvious too - other stations used QSL a whole lot less. Thanks Jim :-) Happy DX de VK4SOE/P

[@BritishBoy1971]

What is the 'personals' that you mentioned?

[@riobravomultimedia4104]

Good info. I’m new and sometimes can’t follow conversations...I will heed your advice...

[@franklaird1411]

Very fine business ..... I wish that most repeater nets would exercise brief comments as well. Would appreciate your thoughts regarding proper protocol for local club traffic ? 73, Irvine Frank W6AIQ

[@prodzzz1]

Thanks Jim. As a new ham, I'm a little intimidated on getting on and "CQ-ing" since I don't know all the jargon or have the Q-codes memorized. I found one of your videos helpful, where you were chatting with someone in Europe, I think. Would love to see more of those. 73

[@ham-radio]

Hi Paul, I am going to set that up. I think your request is a good one. I have had some amazing contacts with very nice guys in other countries. Thanks Paul. 73, Jim W6LG

[@dylanschulz2404]

I'm glad you are saying this, because I have thought some hams sound a bit off. I'm pretty green with being licensed and want to know how to communicate properly. Thanks for the content. KF0BBU

[@BritishBoy1971]

I'm new to all this Jim and its so fascinating!!

[@daveb4688]

HI Jim, No hate email here, love what you have brought forward on this video. I don't think the hams using this type of jargon realize how odd it sounds. There are times I shudder at what I hear on the air, so I have to just dial away. Off the subject Jim, I am interested in building a inverted" L" bazooka antenna but have been unable to find any information other than a commercial one. Would you be able to give me a link or dimensions. Thanks for you videos, stay healthy.

[@LIM_Khuan]

very good comments, thanks.

[@ham-radio]

Thanks for watching Lim. 73, Jim

[@DappledJoker]

Thanks Jim. I'm a new HAM and I was rattled a few weeks ago when I ran into a language nazi on the air. I was chastised for saying "roger". What he didn't understand was that I was not being cute, or intentionally slangy...I say that even in talking with someone face to face. Later I heard a lot of the senior Extras in my club saying "roger". The club members also confirmed what you are saying that plain language is much better for the same reasons you point out. My understanding was that the Q codes were originally used in CW for simplifying common data exchanges. They also make sense if you have an inconsistent or weak phone signal. If you can hear them just fine why not speak plainly? Thanks for this video.

[@ham-radio]

I agree with you. It is a very different situation on CW. QTH Grass Valley Grass Valley. Name Jim Jim HW? QRS 10 10 TNX 73 Jim W6LG

[@CookingLessonsforDad]

I hope plain language catches on. It would make things so much easier.

[@ham-radio]

QSL QSL Contact de my QTH, QRM and QRN here when QRV, QSL? 73 de W6LG QSL?

[@billhowe303]

Hi Jim, Plain language verses standard abbreviations or Q sign may work better when transmitting CW.

[@DonzLockz]

Makes good sense, especially on joint exercises or situations. 👍🤓🇦🇺

[@philoakley221]

Jim, Great advice. Makes eminent sense.

[@Elandur]

As someone that is just getting back into radio after a decade and a half of not hitting the PTT button, I have to say that Q-Codes are fun. But honestly? I've transmitted more on CB than ham bands, so I guess I'm more used to more, err, "laid back" communications. "This is XXXX, any 'y'all got me?" "Ay, buddy, I gotcha loud 'n clear. Get back at me?" "Yup, I gotcha loud as a cat with it's tail under a tire". I think Q-codes could be useful when signals are getting really strained, but for normal conversation? Keep it to normal words, and maybe toss in a little flavor if you feel the need to do a little roleplaying.

[@robpetri5996]

Thanks. However as a non-ham who's interested it sounded like you said that one should use plain language and gave the example of instead of saying QSL he should have just said 5 by 9. To me that sounds like you just replaced one piece of jargon with another rather than using the plain language you were advocating. Am I missing something? Thanks again!

[@ham-radio]

You are missing what a signal report does. It is a standardized numeric estimation of readability and strength from the receiving station to the transmitting station. It needs to be done only once. Saying QSL over and over and over and over again in a contact is just silliness. My name is Jim; QSL? I am in Grass Valley, QSL? And, so it goes; QSL? 73, Jim W6LG licensed in 1963

[@thefatairman]

Great video as always, Jim. I have thoroughly enjoyed your Ham Radio Basics series of videos. By the way, I am wondering if you have seen improvement in your health. I heard that you were not doing as well as you should. Keep the videos coming. You are doing a great service to a new ham like me. 73, Adam

[@kellytrimble4120]

I think the concept you are talking about is called 'common phraseology'. Whenever there is a big disaster, such as Katrina level hurricane or a big earthquake, emergency service departments from all over the country send people and equipment to the disaster, and it is always a big uncoordinated mess when they do. The reason is that each emergency services department is its own little feifdom and a big way the fiefdom is maintained is through the restriction of communication. So the first thing that happens is that fire trucks from Ohio show up in Louisiana or wherever, and the crews and the trucks cannot get direction from whomever is supposed to be running things because their radios are not only on different frequencies, they are often encoded with brand-specific features to protect communications wherever they came from. Once they figure that out, they then discover that each little feifdom has its own phraseology for everything. One solution would be to require everybody to learn and use the phraseology of whatever EMS jurisdiction they have gone to, but usually the entire command control and communication structure of the jurisdiction was wiped out by the disaster and isn't functioning, so nobody knows what that phraseology is, and often the disaster spans several jurisdictions, each with its own phraseology. Another solution, of course would be what you talk about, use plain language, and they eventually get down to that, but sometimes that is cumbersome to use, and there are still variations in common language across the country. After the disaster becomes history, there is always some sort of blue ribbon panel put together to investigate why things were so screwed up. They always determine that they had plenty of assets show up, but they couldn't correctly direct the assets to where they needed to be, and they always blame it on poor communication. In the wake of each disaster, there are always calls for what is called interoperable communication, and a bunch of funding is put forward to pay for it, but local departments fight it tooth and nail and they all end up buying zillions of dollars worth of new communications equipment that won't worth with neighboring jurisdictions very well. They usually require somebody on the ground to communicate up his chain of command to a level where the upper commanders communicate to the commanders of the other jurisdiction's assets who then filters orders down to ground level, and they call that interoperable communiication. A cop may need to tell a fire truck two blocks away that the fire they are looking for is two blocks the other way, and he could do that if there was a common frequency and mode that everybody in a certain area was monitoring, but they have to go through the command structure which nobody can identify sometimes, if it even still exists in the disaster area, and the communication ends up not happening, the cop ends up running to the fire truck to direct it in person. So interoperable communications never happens, and that problem never gets fixed, it only gets worse. The other impediment is phraseology. Obviously, 10-7 means different things in different jurisdictions, and not every jurisdictions use ten codes. So even if they do somehow communicate, even if through the command structure, there has to be somebody in that chain through the two different command structures who can translate the phraseology. They doesn't always happen correctly. In the wake of these disasters whenever anybody mentions the idea of common phraseology, the idea gets shot down because the systems are supposedly so deeply ingraned, and are usually thought of as unnecessary until the next disaster occurs. They usually claim common phraseology is impossible. But there is a place where simple interoperable communications equipment and common phraseology is a thing that works. All airplanes have the same type of radios, and all pilots are trained and drilled on acceptable common phraseology. The phraseology in the US was developed in the early 50s and stayed unchanged until about twenty five years ago when it was completely overhauled to conform with international phraseology. So now the entire air system has 100 % interoperable communications pretty much all over the planet. I can get in my small cessna and fly to an airport in New Zealand or France or South Africa or just south of the Missouri border into Arkansas and the frequencies I need are readily available, usually printed on the map, and I can say I am approaching downwind right pattern for runway such and such, and everybody in aviation around that airport will know what I'm flying, where I am, and probably where I'm going. The same goes for marine radios, they are mostly interoperable all over the world, and phraseology is mostly standardized around the planet. So what do we have in Ham Radio. Our radios are all largely interoperable, they use the same technology, the same standards for SSB, CW, FM, or whatever. You can drive to Idaho from Florida, look in a repeater directory, get the frequencies, offsets, tones, etc from a repeater guide somewhere, and be able to contact hams in that repeater market. The closest thing we have to common phraseology is Q-codes and a few other conventions. Everybody knows what 73 means, for example. But you make a good point. I think there needs to be some standardization of phraseology loosely enforced by the FCC probably, at least to the same extent that band plans are enforced. Somebody somewhere (ARRL?) needs to take the lead on it and promote it, and then the FCC needs to make that phraseology part of the license exams. That would go a long way towards making everything work better, IMHO.

[@AZOverdrive]

Jim, couldn't reply to your reply :) wow I didn't realize that camera style went back that far. Your editing is spot on though it does seem like a complicated process to edit video like that. I keep checking your chanel for new videos. great work! I am starting in my first home made mini dipole antenna and mast using the MFJ dual hamstick mount and was wondering if you could discuss matched/unmatched setups, chokes and ferrite beeds. Thank you again for the reply and glad your feeling better and back on the air :)

[@ham-radio]

Thanks. I am working on a new video now; doing the story boards. Thanks for the help. 73, Jim W6LG

[@francotenerelli9079]

Dear Jim, I was watching a video that u made. Which was very well done. Now about the whiskey thing. Most likely those guys are probably former military. Whiskey is the letter W. But plain language is the best way to go. Frankie t Bronx county.

[@ham-radio]

Ya, probably you are right as usual. Take care Frank & 73, Jim

[@donaldsmith3048]

I think you are right! As someone new and used and worked on government, police, CB, and many other radios, the Q things just don't make much sense! I don't know if someone just picked some letters and said OK this means this, I am sure that is what they did with the 10 code. But I have used the 10 code for 30 years and for the main thing everyone uses 10-4 the same. 10-100 and 10-200 are not on the charts but most know what they are. Sorry if I get my license and don't do all the Q Codes, and will try very hard to Not do a 10-4.

[@dabprod]

I'm with you Jim. 100%

[@ham-radio]

QSL QSL QSL QSL QSL QSL QSL QSL

[@MrKvammen]

Thank you for this video. It was quite useful for me as a revitalized amateur :)

[@ky4tgtodd203]

Completely agree! Thanks for sharing this!

[@MervW2OE]

Thanks so much for this. It's been a sore spot of mine for a long time but I usually just ignore it. However, the one which pushes me over the edge is " hi hi". If you have to tell me it's funny, it isn't. Thanks again, Merv, W2OE

[@ham-radio]

I never say that. So Merv, you and I are talking face to face at a restaurant and I say hi hi over and over. That would be insane. Or, after every sentence I punctuate with QSL. "hi Merv, my name is Jim, QSL? My personals are Placer County, QSL? Contact" hi hi, 73, Jim QSL?

[@MBwelding]

I'm all for plain language on the radio ex cdf guy myself left the service a year after they went to cal fire pretty new to the ham radio show passed my gen a month ago but I'm working on switching over from the cb and fire radio to more elaborate radio communication through amateur radio stations being a northern California boy myself hope to cross your path on the air Mr Jim KN6FZE

[@ham-radio]

I hope to be on the air before the end of the year with a simple dipole from the new QTH in Rocklin. I will be using 20 meters to start. Thanks Jim & 73, Jim W6LG

[@hemantparakh6462]

I purchased two Tesla Towers kindly suggest how to practice HAM Radio with it

[@multiprepper1306]

I don't use too many q-codes, but I do use QTH when asking for a location

[@wildbill23c]

Or you could just say where are you located LOL.

[@n5yiz]

yep

[@rickbryan9246]

Hi JIm, Great Video... Rick, Ontario, Canada

[@ham-radio]

Thanks Rick. Nice to hear that. 73, Jim

[@AndrejaKostic]

A bit of perspective from Europe here... The Q-code can be very helpful in case of the language difficulties and when channel is unreliable. For example, around this time last year, I was listening to a local repeater in the north of Germany. Suddenly, I heard a guy with a 2E prefix, running from the UK, on the repeater. Turns out, we've had a nice E-sporadic. The repeater could hear the UK guy great, but the operator in the UK was receiving something like 10 repeaters at the same time. Even though I normally use plain language, I had to switch to QSL and QTH to get through. Another thing that I find really sad about the emergency aspect is the lack of unified emergency terminology for use by amateur radio operators. ITU does have its recommendations in the Radio Regulations that are used by the maritime mobile service, but my feeling is that many hams are not aware of them. I remember a few years ago, there was an emergency on HF and operators from the stricken area were trying to coordinate intercontinental transport of supplies. They were very weak and were trying to communicate with stations from Europe on SSB. A few European hams thought it was a regular DX station and started calling on the operating frequency... Of course, they knew just a few words of English and there was no way to explain to them that there's emergency communication in progress and that they're interfering. Then one of the big gun stations coordinating the relief effort started sending SOS on the voice channel, hoping to overpower the pile-up, but in the end caused even more confusion. The ITU procedure would have been to use QRT SOS on telegraphy or Seelonce Destresse/Seelonce Mayday on voice to get the offending stations to quiet down. Unfortunately, the operators receiving in Europe didn't know of that and it's a question if the stations calling the DX would have understood what it means in any case.

[@ham-radio]

I think I know the incident you are talking about. And, I think I know some of the guys involved. Thanks for your insight. My biggest complaint is the over use of things like QSL. A few Russian guys wrote to me to say that using Q signs has helped them. One of the points I was trying to make is that we who speak only English need to be respectful and grateful to those who make the effort to communicate with us in English. I have many friends in Russia who over 50 years have been very kind to me. I only recently learned that my mother's father was born near the Volga. It was a nice surprise. Thanks and 73, Jim W6LG

[@AndrejaKostic]

I completely agree with the argument about the overuse of QSL, especially when band conditions are good!

[@Lagggerengineering]

I don't think you need to change the viewing angle of yourself. When you see it in TV shows, that's their problem. You don't need to bother. You can of course add some pictures or diagrams or something if you want to, to make it more interesting, but some people play these kinds of videos and do something else, not looking at the screen. Keep that in mind. But as always, this is another great video!

[@ham-radio]

Thanks Lagger. It is a learning process for me. And, I have a lot to learn. Thanks again. 73, Jim