Ham Radio Basics--Ham Radio Jargon and Plain Language

Jim, W6LG, discusses plain language for emergencies and HF communications. It is something to consider.

[eekmeout]

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

[jimmyw]

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

[hectorjulian]

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

[gregjones]

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.

[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.

[afleak]

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

[jdp]

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 .

[MrWmburr]

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

[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.

[jamesbonanno]

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.

[thompo]

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

[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

[farrodread]

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

[michaelcorby]

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.

[kbz]

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.

[francis]

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.

[joetrainor]

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.

[NYTA]

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

[Mhz]

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.

[chrisgomez]

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.