Making the first contact using an amateur radio transceiver.
Short guide to get you transmitting on the amateur radio bands.
The amateur radio hobby these days has more facets than ever. Software-defined radio (SDR), which emerged in the late 1990s, truly revolutionized radio technology. It opened up amateur radio to a wider range of enthusiasts and paved the way for innovative applications by integrating internet technology with SDR.
The art of voice communication is one of the key skills, and there is no better place to practice it than being an amateur radio operator.
When you have successfully passed your exam, received your licenced call sign and have your first radio station ready to operate, this will be the time to make your first contact from your own operating station.
For the first contact it doesn't matter whether you use a VHF handheld with a relatively low power of 7 to 10 Watts, or if your first contact will be through using an HF transceiver with 20 - 100 Watts.
It is appropriate to mention that operating an HF station with power output of 80 - 90 Watts gives the operator the most effective result between the output power used and the range/distance covered or contact quality/ signal strength achieved. Using higher power of at least 300 Watts, or more will enhance your chances of being heard over longer distances , IF your licence conditions allow the use of high power.
I've had some contacts where the station was using 1kWatt, but for such use, additional amplifying equipment is required, I also believe there will be some additional learning curve to be undertaken to use the additional high power effectively and safely.
Making your first contact (first QSO)
- Listen first to your chosen band: make sure the frequency is audible and clear and that you understand the ongoing conversation style (if any).
- When the QSO you have been listening has finished , wait for the other station to say CQ - e.g. CQ 20, M7ABC is calling CQ on 20 metres (14 MHz).
- Call clearly: say the other station's call sign first, then yours. As an example: "M0ABC this is M7XYZ".
- Wait for the other operator to acknowledge your call. The bands can be busy, and there will be many stations trying to make contact with the operator calling CQ.
- Keep it simple: exchange the your signal report, name, and location, then expand the conversation if the other operator is happy to chat.
- Keep a log of your calls. The log should contain date/time in UTC, band, modulation - FM for handhelds, USB or LSB for HF, call sign, name of the other operator.
- It is debatable if local FM calls should be logged with UTC. DEFINITELY note if the time is British Summer Time. It may be confusing remembering the call with the operator when UTC is recorded. The world of amateur radio is relatively small, so as a newcomer you will come across the same operators many times through your first months.
Exchanging of QSO Cards.
In the past most amateur radio operators exchanged cards with their call sign and details about the contact. The RSGB offers such a service, which will save immense amounts on postage.
QRZ website.
The QRZ website allows amateur radio operators to register and use their services free of charge. It is a " go-to" resource to identify the call sign of the operator you have contacted.
World Map.
It is a good idea to have a map of both your local area - if operating VHF locally - and a world map. A list of nearby countries with their call signs is also a useful addition.
Grid square maps.
The Maidenhead Locator System assigns to each location a grid square. It is recommended to have that information somewhere readily available when operating your station as many amateur radio operators use this system and collect the square identity you operate in.
HamClock.
Having detailed information about day and nighttime, map of the world, and stations working on the bands and band propagation conditions, gives the amateur radio operator a tool for making more connections faster.
HamClock is an open-source clock developed by the late Elwood Downey, WB0OEW, at the Clear Sky Institute.
HamClock is available for download on the Internet, and it can also be purchased in a hardware version from the usual radio equipment supply stores.
HamClock websiteIn addition, SARS has tested a version of the software running on an Android TV single-chip device using Armbian OS. Contact the webmaster - Pavol. 2E0LCP, for further details.
Clear Sky Institute software would deserve a separate article, recommended to anybody interested in astronomy, and also a simulation of Sun and Moon (and other objects in the Sky) constellations, and its influence into architecture planning.