Callsign and Transmission Etiquette | Ham Radio Basics

What order do you use callsigns? When do you use phonetics and are there any hard and fast rules with on air etiquette? This can be confusing for new hams. Find out more Ham Radio Basics which help you further your journey in amateur radio!

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[MrBurntfinger]

I learned early on to use phonetics when giving my call sign. Our club has a 2 meter net and sometimes it's hard to distinguish KD8 from KC8 or KE8.Phonetics makes it so much easier. Another reason I like to use phonetics is that causes me to slow down. Many people say their call signs much faster than their normal speech which makes it hard to copy correctly. Since I started doing it, several other members of my club do it. Makes it easier for net control as well.

[TruthWarrior]

Etiquette varies depending on band at times. What goes on on 2m, 70cm SSB I have heard no where else, on the other hand the nets in the mornings on 80m often seem very relaxed.
It doesn't hurt to listen for a bit and get the idea and it doesn't hurt to know somebody on the frequency when you key down to give you some confidence and answer any questions.

[mwalker]

I do enjoy Astro Leah calling CQ, definitely no mic fright there anymore. Cheers gents, KJ7FEE

[TheNoCodeTech]

Some very good information here for the new folks.
More please.

[JosephVEGKT]

Good thing I don't have the VK3BPV problem!

Great stuff, Hayden! Thanks for posting. 73 de VE3GKT

[KXUL]

Good video guys! I agree completely, as a rule, phonetics should not be used on the repeaters UNTIL it is obvious the other person is having trouble copying your call or during emergency drills. Calling CQ on the repeaters is another thing I hear from new HAM's instead of the tradition of giving your call followed buy 'Monitoring' or 'Listening'. There should not be any set rule for calling CQ on HF. For the most part the instructional examples given for calling CQ are just that, examples meant to be a basic guideline to follow. Back in 1992 I remember studying the "Now You're Talking" HAM radio license study book put out by 'Radio Shack'. I used it to study for my 5 WPM Novice and my Tech-Plus license and it discussed repeater etiquette and calling CQ on HF. Our new HAM's would likely follow these guidelines if only they were aware or reminded. 73!

[reidlanham]

When I am answering a qrz in a contest or anything else, I answer phonetically. On the few SOTA activations that I have done I have always called cq phonetically. When checking into the local net on a repeater I give my callsign. I guess it is just dealer's choice!

[temporarilyoffline]

I feel like these two blokes know what they are talking about.

[MichaelRisser]

I always use phonetics on the HF bands, and on VHF when using simplex. Sometimes I will on repeaters, but not always. It just helps to cut down on confusion.

[hcy]

For German exams you learn to always use phonetics. And correct phonetics (NATO alphabet, Mike not Mexico, India not Italy etc.).

[tomstrum]

10-4 20 Roger That Good Buddy Your Turn Key the Mic

[vkaafhamradio]

Good point on using phonetics when intelligibility could be poor. When you're checking in to a net on a repeater, it can be useful to use phonetics to slow things down enough that net control can have an opportunity to note your callsign.

On V/UHF repeaters in the middle of an Australian state, a mixture of alphabetic & phonetic can be used eg V - K - 2 - Alpha - Alpha - Foxtrot. Everyone checking in to a NSW net is going to be a VK2 so that much is understood, no need to use Victor Kilo Number Two!

Also, when a repeater net control is asking for check-ins or callbacks, there is a high likelihood for doubling. Stretching out your call with a phonetic suffix might get you heard over the collisions.

Same theory when chasing a rare DXpedition or contest station on HF. Tailend the cacaphony. If you're the last station the DX op hears, you're most likely to be the one they call back. Just calling the DX with your suffix is often thought to be poor DX etiquette, though. Always use a full callsign when calling DX or contest stations.

[polarbear]

What if i transmit from another country? Would i modify my callsign?

[tracysroberts]

We have VK3TTT and VK3CCC on our local 2m repeater so I've got in the habit of using phonetics. Often I'm just "Triple Tango". Cheers, Tracy VK3TTT

[SpaceGuy-vo]

I do think that comparing ham conventions with grocery talk is not reasonable. Ham talk is comparable to situations when one talks into a microphone and thousands can listen. The requirement for a code of conduct and structure, regulation is different. And this does not eliminate the fun. On the contrary, because all rules are meant to make it easy and relaxed for those who listen to you to hear and understand and get all the info with ease.

[agoraphobicadam]

Sometimes when I talk to my nurse on the phone when were done I have said, Ok...This is KO4HPC I'll Be qrt on your final. lol
I'm such a numpty.

[PeterAichberger-uf]

To late it's now a glorified cb type class licence in Australia

[kellypaws]

Etiquette does matter. When struggling to make a DX call, sticking to known and predictable patterns and phonetics increases the chance of a clear QSO. The people that make up their own phonetic alphabet, or don't give callsigns are just trouble and nothing but.

Standards became so for a reason. Eroding them, erodes the reasons they came to be, and ultimately erodes amateur radio.

[goldandgemstoneprospecting]

LOL turn it off the old time nerd switch

[greenskynz]

dont much about this stuff, seems quite formal etiquette. but lets pretend i go for a bush run, want to contact my wife on a chosen frequency. can i just say hello Betty im ok, can you hear me. ?