Making Your First Ham Radio QSO Contact

I describe some basics for making your first ham radio QSO contact. How do you find and access a repeater (frequency, offset, PL tone)? How do you join a ham radio QSO? How do you start a QSO on a repeater not in use? How do you call for a ham on a repeater? How do you know when to ID during a QSO? How do you make a simplex ham radio call?

[HerdingDogRescuer]

Big help! Thank you! You are correct in that the exam prep gives no information about how to actually do the hobby.

[jasonmurawski]

Im going to be getting my tech license in a few weeks, this video helped a lot.

[MrCCW]

This is a super helpful and well done video. I just got my technician ticket and appreciate the content. Thanks!

[davidp]

Just passed my tech test today. This helps a lot

[wlex]

Good stuff man. I'm a fairly newish ham and am still learning. Keep up the good work in spreading the hobby.

[AnnaKra]

One of the best videos on the subject. Thank you.

[fredericramsey]

Great info. The onlty comment I would add is that "for ID" means nothing. Everyobe on the repeater will know why you send your call sign.. K8FER

[nativetexan]

I am shy and most of the time, don't have a lot to gab about (I live a boring life, pretty much). But when I do have something to share, it is usually quick and to the point. Sometimes, the conversation will carry on for a while, depending on the topic the other ham brings up. All the same, Ham Radio is there for me when I need it to get a load off of my chest.

[davidwigginton]

I just got my technician ticket two days ago. Thank you for a simple, but very informative video! KI5PFN

[jeffb]

Excellent advice and guidance. Thank you for demonstrating.

[Johnyrocket]

My 1st 5 contacts were all summits on the air over a weekend. I talked thru repeaters on GMRS a million times.

[NormandSimoneau]

Nice video, I love the way you give the examples.

don't give up

[KARMAkazeMoto]

This and your other vids are really useful. I think you should have kept your channel going. I'm sure I'm not the only one that appreciates easy to follow information from someone friendly and grounded... normal. 🙂 But I know how time-consuming producing videos can be, and it's easy for life and other obligations to get in the way. Anyway, just thought I'd encourage you to continue on. Have a great summer!

[jorgerivera]

Hi Really helpful information and to the point..👍

[Hydrophish]

Just got my ticket and this was a very nice and simple tutorial for getting started on a repeater. KJ7PUT

[TheRiverPirate]

I personally thought it was so cool you contacted a Royal Caribbean ship a year or so ago Joe! Any cool contacts lately Joe? Very interesting how Ham Radio conversations get started!

[ellisc.foleyjr]

A well informative narration on what and how to do things with your newly acquired hobby. As for the Baofeng Radios they are fine. in order for them to be sold in this country they have to meet FCC specifications. I have owned two of them since their inception and find no faults to worry about. A really inexpensive way to "try " the hobby. Keep in mind there is more way more to this hobby than just FM repeaters. The are tons of modes. AM. FM. SSB. CW. digital, ATV, Teletype, keyboard to keyboard(PSK) HF bands . Satellites to talk thru. Check out the ARRL's sight as well as tons of videos here on you tube. been a ham for 48 yrs now and still learning and having fun. come join me and do the same. 73 Gud dx ! de Ellis WA1RKS

[bamsefarkanstrup]

Hello from Denmark oz1kai, hope to here you on the amatør band,

[joedoey]

Ok, Kermit.



Lmfao. For real, though.... awesome video. Thank you very much for the info.

[steveenter]

You nailed it as far as knowing enough to pass a test but not having a clue how to make that first call. My dumb question. How about making first contact on a repeater and actually connecting to the repeater. Talk about a basic question. Almost embarrassed to ask, but...