Ham radio codes and jargon explained

You don't need to know ANY ham radio codes or jargon to get on your local repeaters and start in the hobby. I do explain some basic codes and where they come from. I also share the meaning of more advance codes and jargon used on different modes.
YL net info: www.nfarl.org
Get a NFARL T--shirt like mine! : nfarl.org/product-category/nf...
Links:
Kenwood TH-D74a tri-band ham radio: amzn.to/2XG3ufH
Pass Your Amateur Radio Technician Class Test - The Easy Way: amzn.to/3knnXjg
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

[@TJ-wp4yz]

I've been a ham for 30+ years, this was a good reminder of Q codes I'd forgotten.

[@elmikatv]

Today I will attend to first lesson on ham radio license and I am excited! 73

[@TheMancaveDweller]

QRT (going off the air) & QSY (changing to a different frequency) are pretty popular Q codes. Very nice and informative video.

[@jfrphoto01]

QRT: Stop transmitting or I am done transmitting (usually used in conjunction with QRZ: I am listening/standing by for a call. QRX: I am closing my station now (going off the air).

[@q3interactive665]

Brian, thanks for all your effort on these videos. Just last weekend while camping way back in the woods with no phone signal I thought it would be great to be able to check in with home to let them know all is well. I remembered as a kid having a CB radio and a home "base station" which was sporadic, but sometimes worked within about 30 miles or so. I remembered hearing about ham radio along the way and when I returned home last Sunday night I started researching and found your KZbin channel. I subscribed and watched several of your videos and got the definite sense of how much meaningful fun you are having. Long story short, I studied, set up my online test and just yesterday (one week from initial thought to taking the test) I passed both tests and now have a General License. TODAY, (18 hours later) I received my License (KJ7RBP). Funny thing is, I don't even have a radio to use to make a first contact, haha. I ordered a Kenwood TH-D74A today and when it arrives I look forward to calling out for my first "CQ"! Then trying it from way out in the mountains of Utah to see if and whom I can reach. Eventually, I hope my wife will get licensed to close the loop on the original thought that sparked all this sudden excitement. Thanks again for being a positive inspiration! Life is so busy and I've been entrenched for decades on just the narrow grind that is life. The tone and style of your videos are so authentic and you see a grown man experiencing joy and wonder -- it is inspiring! Sorry if that sounds "sappy", but watching your channel also reminded and awakened me to becoming excited about these boyhood toys again, and I look forward to being on the airwaves calling QRZs, enjoying Rag Chews, and wishing 73s to new friends. Please keep the videos coming!

[@HamRadioInAction]

Congrats on the double! Thanks for the kind words. Hope we get to have a QSO sometime. 73!

[@Buttonmushroom]

Great video. Very interesting for those who aren’t familiar with the jargon.

[@EvolveVi]

Thank you. I appreciate the calm you bring to us new HAMs.

[@tradedate]

Thank you! This a great refresher. I just passed my technician exam and I'm waiting on my call sign. I've learned some of these listening to guys like you on KZbin. Thanks for bringing the textbook material to life. 73

[@tayloraldridge398]

Did you take you're exam online?

[@hamradiojim6788]

WONDERFUL piece! So useful for the new op. Just two comments: 1) "full quieting" is used on repeaters because they are normally operating in the FM mode...you'd never hear this on HF, where the normal operating modes are CW, SSB, AM, digital, etc. and 2) LID usually carries with it "intention" that is, someone is purposely operating badly. It is not used when a newbie makes an "honest mistake." You might also refer people to "The Radio Amateur's Code" originally written by W9EEA in 1928 for some operating principles. THANKS AGAIN for the great piece! 73, Jim, W2NSF

[@rmccombs66]

There used to be an old timer that would get on the repeater and say something followed by "Hi", and it meant what he was saying was supposed to be funny but didn't think it was. By the way, the ARRL recommends that on FM especially on repeaters that operators stick to plain language. I noticed in this area after 9/11 most fired departments switched to plain language so that they are understand by other departments and agencies.

[@andygrew4832]

Always an enjoyable video, thank you.

[@kdwilkening]

Some net jargon that took me a moment to understand. Short-time: Checking-in will not be around for the whole net. Traffic/No-traffic: Message/no message to communicate. Fellow Greater ATL ham (KO4ESP). Great video - shared with my dad who was licensed last month.

[@glenncapone]

Your comment helped me; I listen in on a net in my area, sometimes chiming in, and "no traffic" had me. Now I know. 73 KC1EIJ

[@ivandubinsky1857]

I've always preferred using plain English on the air plus long established radio procedure terms such as "over" to end a transmission and "roger" to acknowledge that you received a transmission. Hams have long used Q-code signals such as QTH, QRM, QRN etc., but "Q" abbreviations were originally devised and intended to be used during CQ (morse code) traffic handling to speed up proceedings. One trend in the past few years has been to say "QSL?" instead "over" or "go ahead" at the end of a transmission. More often than not, the answering station will reply with "QSL" instead of "roger" which drives me up the wall. This began with CBers a number of years ago and gradually crept into ham radio. Sorry about the rant but I'm an old curmudgeon who, besides being a long time radio amateur, also used radios professionally for most of my working life with the Coast Guard, forest service, and for 21 years as a lighthouse keeper. Just because we're known as the amateur radio service does not mean we should sound like amateurs on the air. End of rant.

[@ajc60803]

I heard a couple of hams on a local repeater a few days ago talking about operating barefoot and had to wonder why they were barefoot while talking. LOL!! Now I know what they actually meant. :~) I like the idea of a YL net. Nothing like that here in the Chicago area.

[@michaelcorby7090]

Great information for us new guys. The intimidating part of this hobby has very little to do with what I learned in the amateur license process and more about the complexity of the DMR programming as well as the jargon. Thanks for making a video that doesn't intimidate me and really explains it more in layman's terms because very few others use this logic. I typed all the points in a word file and have that in front of me when attempting to make a new contact. Awesome video!

[@HamRadioInAction]

Thanks for the compliment. I agree DMR can be tough to program, but try to power through it and make it work. To me that’s part of the fun of the hobby, trying to make it work...

[@NathanMazanec]

I am studying for the General License. My book says DX when operating in the contiguous 48 states is a communication outside the 48.

[@josephpajor7650]

I would agree for HF bands. On VHF and higher frequency (shorter wavelengths) I think of DX as further than the radio line of sight. So, no matter the distance ,if you are using tropo ducting, meteor scatter, rain scatter (at microwave lengths) or other means of increasing distance you are in effect working a type of DX. It is not hard and fast at VHF and above.

[@HamRadioInAction]

Thanks for sharing!

[@ellisc.foleyjr9778]

Thanks Brian for a very informative video for newcomers. Two items I would like to stress. 1. please use phonetics when delivering your callsign. lots of us old timers have "selective hearing" so lots of letters sound the same to old ears. ( e,b,c,d,t,z, all sound the same. So Wa1zbe cud be wa1eeb,dze,vzv,?? but phonetically they get said plainly enough to decipher Whiskeyj Alfa, one, zulu Bravo Echo. is definitive. and so on. 2nd thing that I hear a lot of new ops doing when Calling "CQ" they call once and again no phonetics. "CQ wa1rks." thats it.?? again the suffex cud be full of zz's c's e's so use phonetics, and use a "3x3 call. call CQ CQ CQ, de (from) WA1RKS,WA1RKS,WA1RKS, K) all phonetically. this serves multiple purposes it gives a listener time to turn a beam antenna in your direction to improve your signal, and more time to get your call correctily. saves a lot of time and invites more qso's I can't count the amount of "short"CQ I walked away from because I didn't get their call on just one go a round. but the ones that use the 3x3 I can and do get the calls and return them. Ok food for thought. hope it helps. de 73 gud dx de Ellis WA1RKS.

[@turtlecreek4633]

Thanks for the sneak peak!!!

[@HamRadioInAction]

Thanks for following me on Instagram!!

[@ryanmoritz312]

Great video!!!

[@w.rustylane5650]

As a new Technician class, I have no problems talking on the radio. As a matter of fact, I love to "rag chew" with anyone on the radio who will talk with me. I am an old CB sidebander from the mid 70's and I love talking on the radio. I cannot wait til I get my General license next month so I can rag chew with others long distance instead of just on the repeaters. 73's KO4IDL. Calling DX means no stations within the continental U.S. should reply. That's a test question on the Technician class license. You should know that one. It's when a station is looking for a distant station.

[@RandomlySelectedUserName]

Thank you for nice explanation, i was really struggling about how i had to use Q codes correctly, especially /P and /MM.

[@dafyddr8678]

Great insight and wish my local fully qualified would help out more with beginners. Sometimes it feels like once fully licenced they just support the top tier.

[@mariettadashcam6857]

Great video

[@donmix8782]

Thanks for the info

[@MyTube4Utoo]

I'm just here reading the video mail. :-)

[@dennymagdule4372]

Great information. Enjoyed the video. K3DMM Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

[@gliderrider]

Just sent this to a new 14 year old ham. He’s eager to get on the air but a little nervous as we all were way back when.

[@daal1977]

Nice vidéo!!

[@AliReza-zx8km]

Love it..............nice

[@chrissewell1608]

I have called out as "Maritime Mobile" as it was a heavy raining day, and another time from the boat, while fishing.

[@awksedgreep]

I was about to ask you what clubs operate here, then noticed your shirt. :D Thanks for wearing it. I'll seek more info on North Fulton Amateur Radio League. Currently studying for technician.

[@awksedgreep]

Heh, while watching the video I realized you mention it directly.

[@JosephAnthonyJosefius]

I just finished QSO practice in CW for the past 30 minutes :) I've been a ham since late May. **Edit** I use QRM as interference from an other person, QRN is static.. also I use QSB when the signal is fading. I use CQ on the repeater, HF and Digital. 73 de KI5JCO

[@josephpajor7650]

I agree with QRM, QRN, and QSB. To keep QRM and QRN straight, think of the M as standing for manmade and the N as standing for natural. As Brian says, you will quite probably be called out if you use CQ on a repeater. It is not illegal in any way, it is just common practice. If you hear someone using CQ on a repeater, it is a coaching moment. Don't call them a Lid. Lid should be reserved for someone who is doing something "wrong" just to be difficult.

[@HamRadioInAction]

Your usage seems to be correct, maybe I’ve just used QRM or heard it used incorrectly. There could also be some regional variations in code usage?

[@JosephAnthonyJosefius]

@@josephpajor7650 fair enough on the CQ, I try hard not to say "over" since the repeater does the roger tone after you unkey. It's just difficult when you're on HF and Simplex more than a repeater :) I do use it for my local radio club though.

[@JosephAnthonyJosefius]

@@HamRadioInAction I'm not sure man, I've heard others just use QRN as a general for noise (man made or not) I wasn't trying to be pedantic, just my 2 cents :) Keep up the good work, I love your channel!

[@HamRadioInAction]

I asked for input, and I appreciate you sharing yours! 73

[@hemitj]

Thank you very much! I'm studying for my exam myself

[@tradedate]

Good luck. you can do this!

[@krazyus2756]

Hello Thanks for the videos I am studying for technician class as I received a hand held for Christmas Have you ever been to sweetwater creek state park in Lithia Springs?

[@Greg-zr4wm]

As I am very new I've been told from Canada if we contact the stateside is a DX contact

[@KingParisBuckingham]

Just got mine today from Amazon but no antenna?am in NYC, just wanna listen to people in area talk or emergency services? How do I do that?

[@lovedfriend2020]

OM = Old Man OW = Old woman. 73 KD4MAA

[@45auto]

One YT channel refers to OG and Oggies. Is that Old Guy/s?

[@brucecorbettn9bh398]

Let’s not forget the unofficial QLF - Sending with left foot.

[@bobbywhitney6262]

CQ DX is making a contact outside of 48 US states! Example contacting a Ham in the United Kingdom would be a DX call.

[@kaimekaimetisvlogai]

hey i love ur videos and i would love to have a QSO with u but i dont have license :( i will buy baofeng uv5r for listening only

[@evanbetter]

funny: we use cq on repeaters all the time here in HB. different latitudes, different rules :-)

[@lonewolfhamradio]

I’m interested in the use of “lid” I always though it was a Liverpool slang word for “kid”

[@ivandubinsky1857]

A "lid" is basically someone who uses poor operating practice or deliberately interferes with ongoing communications.

[@teamdecive6461]

So I'm getting into airsoft and I bought 2 radios without really thinking. How do I use them so I can just talk to my buds without having to use frs or grs? I really don't know much about radios.

[@AleMalave92]

Cool video man! Thank you for sharing! Would you mind sharing some info on 146.520 etiquette? When I go on roadtrips, I save local repeaters of my final destination, but I mostly keep it on 145.52 on my way there. Is it okay to use simplex to have conversations? Or what is the expectation once you hop on simplex?

[@HamRadioInAction]

146.52 is the national calling frequency. If you plan to have a chat, you should probably QSY up to one of the other common simplex frequencies like 146.55 or 146.58.

[@AleMalave92]

@@HamRadioInAction so once you contact, you agree to move up? Thank you for the info!!

[@chrissewell1608]

Yes, he was correct. But you don't have to! It just depends on how many people you want to chime into your conversation. Versus if you want a more private conversation, or longer "rag chew" (a longer b.s. conversation).

[@AleMalave92]

@@chrissewell1608 thank you! It seems like changing frequencies would just be the respectful thing to do, but that might not be the case if there is nobody around. Good to know though! Thank you for the input

[@chrissewell1608]

@@AleMalave92 Right, and if there is a lot of radio traffic, then just step off to the side for that personal conversation among friends! But I enjoy hearing others conversations, and learn a lot from them. Or jump in with a question. The main thing is being polite. And no one usually minds.

[@KingParisBuckingham]

Yo ,if am offgrid,how can I charge battery?( what small portable solar charger can charge it? Thanks

[@briannacluck5494]

Great explainer! I don't have my license yet, so I'm just trying to get a feel for what's appropriate when I have my radio and license; if you're not supposed to say CQ on the repeater, what's the appropriate term for when you are listening and want to see if anybody is there?

[@tradedate]

Either Just say your call sign, or say your call sign followed by "listening". So "AB2CDE, listening". Then wait for someone to come back to you.

[@davidaix5771]

What an amazing ht I'm sad they stopped making them and used ones are going for over 1000$ on ebay

[@evanbetter]

Thanks Brian, Your videos are really helpful to the ham community. Something I disagree is the nato alphabet. there is a reason for it. ham is international, it is just really not helpful if I spell ‚s‘ with ‚Strasse‘. while this is German, it should also be avoided in english to use other than the official ones. An italian or japanese might have a hard time understanding it. the only moment I use other words is when soemone does not understand the official spelling several times. so hotel bravo becomes henry baker, but that should only be used when the official spelling fails. keep on producing these great vids!

[@dianawhite3765]

I’ve been a ham radio operator since the mid 1970’s. If you want to use codes, go to CB. I learned to speak in plain language to not intimidate newer ham radio operators. NM9I

[@puffpuff568]

Do you have any walkie talkie at least 50+miles range suggestion?

[@MagicRoosterBluesBand]

Was hoping to hear what 5-9 (strong signal) works. How is that measured?

[@wannabeanonymous141]

Please understand that the "Code" is Morse code, not Morris code. Your channel has a lot of good information and advise. Just asking to keep the terminology accurate.

[@torinstorkey]

Qth Means where are you opperating from. Eg Whats your qth? My qth is up ben nevis as I am portable. Great vid 2M0STK

[@JoeLaGreca]

I understand that I'm not supposed to use CQ on a repeater, but can you explain why that is?

[@thesuccessfulbarber]

CQ is used more for long distance.. CQ DX If you want to call on the local repeater, just say your call sign .. You can add 'listening' "KC1ORG Listening''

[@fixr]

Was that last one a LIB or LID?

[@scholliderechte]

Hihi - in German is used kind of interchangeable with haha. So hams are laughing in German 😉

[@HamRadioInAction]

That may be where it came from. Thanks for sharing.

[@MARS-GREENH0USE]

13:34

[@zebulonjakub3460]

73!

[@k2bny]

Great video. Thanks. 73 KD2UQE

[@kennyzail6224]

I noticed you said "net" [7:27] and I don't recall you explaining the term. KZ4MTV

[@HamRadioInAction]

Good catch. It’s a scheduled meeting of hams at a set time on a predetermined frequency. It is run by a net controller who acts as MC. I also used QSO in the intro, I defined it later but I shouldn’t have used it there.

[@gtgodbear6320]

What's the most advanced radio you can get without a license?

[@ivandubinsky1857]

Depends where you are...in the USA, it would probably be GMRS radio. It requires a paid license good for your entire family but there is no exam required. For absolutely no license, it would be FRS but the range is extremely short.

[@Nfarer]

I've heard QRS'ED referencing logging info? Ring a bell at all?

[@caseycollins8579]

You might be referring to QRZ, Brian mentions this around the 11 minute mark. Z sounds like see phonetically (cue-are-zed)

[@Nfarer]

Casey Collins ty

[@HamRadioInAction]

This sounds right. I’m pretty sure you can log contacts on qrz dot com.

[@shastaham7630]

QRS - Shall I send more slowly? Send more slowly.

[@Nfarer]

Ham Radio In Action off topic, but could you recommend a budget battery for a yaesu 891?

[@W4BIN]

"Q" codes: QRM = man made noise. QRN = natural noise. 73 = end of work. QRX = wait. CUL = See You Later. Ron W4BIN

[@josealcantara452]

This rule cb radios too???

[@tradedate]

No. CB has it's own jargon. And don't use cb jargon on ham bands.

[@ivandubinsky1857]

One more nitpick...I can't say I agree with encouraging brand new hams to use curtesy, made up phonetics for their callsigns. The standard international phonetics were developed for a reason. I can't say how many times I've asked other operators to please "say again" your callsign using standard phonetics because the made up ones they were using weren't readable under less than optimal conditions.

[@chrissewell1608]

I disagree with your opinion on the "CQ". New Hams are taught that this is a great way to call up stations in an area, for making a contact. Whether your own a repeater, or something else! I have been a ham for 30 years, and still use it, when I need to test a radio / antenna, and get a response. I also use it when trying to find a contact on EchoLink. Its not always a bad thing!

[@flashMXdesigner]

Please, it's Morse Code, not 'Morris code'. It's laudable that you're trying to make things simple for new hams but spreading inaccuracies doesn't help. 73 is regards, so there is no regards's. Encourage new users to use phonetic alphabet, for 5 characters of their own call sign. QRP, 10 watts or less on SSB, 5 watts or less on CW, Less that 1 Watt (into miliwatts) QRPp. All offered in spirit of more info. 73

[@t1czer]

If it was Madagascar or Penguins of Madagascar universe i'm sure it would be Maurice Code tho. But it isn't. It's just Morse Code.

[@gblan]

What's the deal with talking in "codes" at all? Don't they all speak English? Something wrong with just talking like normal people?

[@timfoley3189]

Do I really need to be a REAL young lady or can I just identify as one? Don't respond this, is a joke! Back on CB bad guys would use bad girls to do bad things to CB'rs! Be careful on anything that identify's you or your location! And Thefreakscomeoutatnight! CB is fun at Night! Be careful!!

[@radiohobbyist13]

I'm not intimidated by jargon or codes, I'm annoyed by it. I much prefer to talk to people who use plain language. You do not need to talk like you're talking on a radio.

[@ITAC2]

Seriously, there is no logic or reason to using Q-codes or jargon of any kind on clear voice FM or digital. Leave that garbage in the Crackerjack box with the magic decoder ring and the vest with 15 league badges. Make it simple for the new human being joining the hobby, by speaking like a human being. You know, like you would at the dinner table or over a beer.

[@robt3518]

Q-Codes should only be used during CW sessions, NOT on a repeater or via voice period. Emergency services has stated plain language and we should use plain language. and OMG do not say "hi hi" and then laugh.