Depending on your radio and license you may have to decide on where and how you want to begin operating. If you are using a hand-held transceiver you may begin through a local repeater or direct (simplex) on the VHF and UHF bands. So let's give a quick run-down of each of these operations.

Using a HT and a Repeater

Many amateurs begin by getting the Technician class license. By far the most common mode of operation for them is the HT through a local repeater. Assuming you have the HT set up to the appropriate frequency, offset, and if necessary, CTCSS tone then you are ready to make your first contact.

It may seem obvious but you need to know your call sign before you begin. You might also want to review the appropriate Standard ITU phonetics in case someone asks you to clarify your call sign.

To Initiate a Call

1. Press the mike button on the HT and say "KE5??? listening." Of course you would use your own call sign.

That might be all you need for a response. But if there is no response (which is also likely) then you might try again by repeating the same "KE5??? listening."

Usually you don't need to call CQ on a repeater although in some area's people do and if that is the custom then there is nothing wrong with that. We will look at calling CQ shortly.

2. You get a response something like "KE5??? this is W5???. My name is Phil. Back to you."

At this point you want to wait for the repeater's tone or tail to drop to indicate it is okay to proceed.

3. Press your mike button and respond. At this point the discussion can be whatever you make it. Give your name and location and any other information you wish to Phil.

To Respond to a Call

To respond to a call over the repeater with a HT you would take on the role of the opposite person in the above discussion. You hear W5??? calling on the repeater so answer as follows after the repeater tone or tail drops:

1. "W5??? this is KE5???. Good morning my name is Don.

2. Basically the exchange would proceed as discussed above. Be sure to identify your station at every 10 minutes and definitely identify yourself at the end of the contact as explained above. Most people try to identify right after the repeater ID's itself every 10 minutes. It serves as a good reminder.

Making Direct Phone Contacts

Whether you are operating HF, VHF or UHF without a repeater the procedure is essentially the same. In each case you will be transmitting directly by radio waves to another amateur's radio. You only need to set the operating band and frequency without the need for an offset or tone to access a repeater. However, depending on your radio and antenna it may be necessary to tune the antenna before beginning.

Calling CQ to Make a Contact

Let's assume your license permits you to operate SSB on 10 meters.

1. Begin by finding a clear frequency such as 28.360. Speak clearly into the mike and ask "Is this frequency in use? This is KE5???." If you get no response you might ask a second time just to be sure. Again if there is no response then proceed to step 2. If someone says that the frequency is in use then just move to another clear frequency and try again.

2. Now call "CQ CQ CQ. This is KE5??? calling CQ CQ CQ and waiting for a call."

Now you listen for the return call. Being on an HF band (10 meters) it is possible to get a call ranging from very strong to very weak.

3. You hear "KE5??? this is Papa Yankee 1 Alpha November Foxtrot PY1ANF calling."

4. You respond by saying "PY1ANF (using phonetics is best) this is KE5???. Thanks for the call your signal is 59. My name is Don and my QTH is <SomePlace> Arkansas. So how do you copy? "

You have made your first HF contact. At this point you can make the contact as long or short as you like depending on the band conditions and what you find to discuss with your new friend in Brazil.

5. You end an HF contact by giving both call signs and signing off. For example: "... thanks Luis for the contact and 73 to you and your family. PY1ANF this is KE5??? signing off."

What do you do if more than one station responds to your call? If you hear one call clearly then simply respond to that station as discussed above. If you hear only parts of call signs, maybe "Alpha November" then in step 4 begin by saying "the station with Alpha November come again." Once you have heard the complete call sign you can proceed as in step 4.

Responding to a CQ

Begin by tuning within the range of frequencies that you are permitted to operate and find a station calling CQ. To respond to the station you take on the role of the other station in the above exchange. The one difference is that after your call you may find out that other stations are also calling and that your call is not immediately recognized. If so wait until the stations complete their contact and then try again. If you don't want to wait then tune for another station calling CQ and answer this call.

Now that you have made some contacts you might want to begin exchanging QSL cards. A collection of cards can be one of the most satisfying aspects of ham radio.

73 KE5NZY