How to Talk to Someone Using Ham Radio

Ham radio is cool, but it can be very nerve-wracking to talk to someone on ham radio. Talking to someone on ham radio is commonly known as a 'QSO' or a 'contact'.  Although it can seem really scary at first, you won't regret a moment of it. And after a few 'contacts', you'll be wanting to make more and more. There are many ways to make a QSO, some of the most common being through morse code (CW), phone (voice communications), and data (RTTY, teletype). 

So, how exactly do you make a QSO using ham radio?


Well first, you must pass an exam and get a license...

_{If you are from Britain you may consult M0HIZ for questions about the exam process as this Instructable is structured around the U.S. process of licensing.}

Step 1: Licensing

First off, you must get be licensed to operate on ham radio frequencies. It requires some basic knowledge and studying, but can easily be accomplished. Children as young as 8 years old have gotten licensed, or as hams say, got their 'ticket'. 

How do you get a license, or 'ticket'? 

First, you must purchase study material. There are different forms of studying material, and you should use whichever you feel most comfortable with. I, myself have studied using both online programs and books. There are different types of licenses. Each type gives you a certain amount of privileges. These are the different types:

Technician 
Allows you to operate on a limited range of frequencies. You also can transmit using no more than 100 watts. 

General
Allows you to operate on a much larger range of frequencies. You can transmit a maximum of 1500 watts. 

Extra 
Allows you to operate on all ham bands and frequencies. You can transmit a maximum of 1500 watts.

What are the frequencies each licensee can transmit on? Here is a chart diagramming what each licensee may transmit on: http://www.arrl.org/images/view//Regulatory_/Color_Band_Chart_Image.jpg

For you to make a QSO, all you really need is a Technician class license, but General and Extra licenses offer much more frequencies to transmit on and more power. However, the General and Extra licenses offer frequencies that often are better to use to make a contact with someone farther away. Why? Unfortunately there is only so much I can write in this how-to. However, you don't need more than 100 watts to have a QSO with someone anywhere in the world (as long as the conditions are good or the skip is in!). 

What do you mean when you say 'conditions are good' or 'the skip is in'. Are you talking about the weather? Well, yes. However, I don't mean that when conditions are good, it's partly cloudy and the temperature is 80°F. It refers to the atmospheric conditions. If the skip is in, you could probably make a contact with someone across the globe using way less than 100 watts! And that is a huge accomplishment. 

What are these study materials you talked about earlier? 

There are many different programs and authors, but here are some of the most popular:

Online Programs: http://www.hamradiolicenseexam.com/ , http://qrz.com/hamtest/ , http://www.eham.net/exams/

Literature (Books and Online Literature): http://www.arrl.org/shop/Licensing-Education-and-Training/ , http://www.kb6nu.com/tech-manual

I've studied and taken the online practice exams. What now? Now, you take the real-deal exam. Where? The ARRL (Amateur Radio Relay League) website has a whole section that advertises ham radio exams in your area. There are no online exams, so you must drive to the nearest place where there is an exam. ALWAYS email the examiner before going, because sometimes they cancel without notice. You can find the nearest one to you here: http://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-exam-session . 

What do I bring to an exam? You should always bring 2 sharpened pencils, a pen, ~$20, legal photo ID (such as a passport or driver's license), but if you have no legal photo ID, you may bring two of the following items: Social Security Number, birth certificate, library card, utility bill, or a driver's license. 

Great! I passed, now what? Now you must get the proper equipment to make a QSO...

Comments

[emdarcher]

This looks really cool, i think my grandpa probably has some equipment I could use for this, he has a big old antenna which we used with an old shortwave radio of his, and we got stations all the way from china from a copper wire strung up his roof as an antenna.
And would it be possible to DIY a morse code tapper easily? looks pretty simple, will have to search this site and see.

I might try to learn the morse code by making and arduino morse code trainer like in this instructable
http://www.instructables.com/id/Arduino-Morse-Code-Shield/

and will maybe do a kit to be cheaper on the transiever, if my grandpa doesn't have one.

BTW Ethan is an awesome name, its mine too. :)

[InventorManAlways]

Thanks for the comment, Ethan! ;-)
Yes, it is very simple to make a Morse Code 'tapper' or key, I have seen some people make one with a a few paper clips and a block of wood.

Look on YouTube or Google and search "How to make your own Cheap Morse Code Key" and you can find a video of making one with a clothes pin and a few nuts and bolts.

Learning Morse Code is a bit of a lost art, but a darn good one still used by tens of thousands of people internationally. My grandfather taught me Morse Code and helped me start. It's not as hard as it seems, and loads of fun.

Good luck, and send another comment if you have any questions!

[stringstretcher]

I built a "bug" or speed key way back when, using a Radio Shack plastic training key and a couble of nails as contacts. Got speed up and sounded very musical. Make your stuff. More fun.

[LightSource]

This is a great Instructable on Ham Radio! I've been licensed for over 30 years and the hobby is really amazing now. I do encourage folks to go beyond the Tech license as not much is going on on the VHF/UHF bands these days. Also, thanks for talking about CW. Most of my operation has been using CW. There are a ton of resources on the 'net for learning CW. Big tip for CW: DO NOT start at a low speed. Learn the characters at 20 words per minute with 5 wpm spacing.
73,

LS

[Trike Lover]

Nice to see such a thorough, well written and researched article. I got my first license in 1975, and at that time it was CW or Code only on High Frequency. I started with a wire antenna made from a design in one of the magazines, and a very, very old radio I bought for $25. Later on, I built several low power or QRP (under 5 watts) radios, and have talked to amateurs in about 159 countries. I studied for my Advanced ticket, which at the time had a much faster code requirement, and after that I was also able to use voice. It's a great hobby, fun at any age, and you don't need a lot of money to get started. Most hams are generous to newcomers, and will help out with the loan of equipment, or point you in the right direction to get some good second-hand gear. I've also been involved in several real emergency operations, where amateur radio was the only line of communication. It's been quite a while since 1975, and I'm still finding new projects to build, new people to meet both on the air and in person, and new ways of enjoying the hobby. With the Internet, we are incredibly fortunate in that so much excellent material on every aspect of amateur radio, from material needed to study for a first license, to plans for new projects and activities. One of the neatest is that many of the astronauts on the International Space Station are also amateurs, and it doesn't take much by way of equipment to chat with them. Thanks for a really good piece.

[Jugfet]

A good guide to getting people into amateur radio. I was into it for years and sort of drifted off to do other stuff, but I was given a little handheld VHF / UHF set for xmas. That has sent me delving into the box in the loft to drag out the kit again.
A great hobby and you'll make good friends all over the world.
73's
G7WJJ Roy

[Wazzupdoc]

Good to see some amateur radio enthusiast here! Good job on the 'ibble. I'm a radio experimenter, mostly designing and building small low power beacons and remote sensing transmitters . I've had my license for 2 years and haven't really talked to anyone yet. The digital modes interest me most. Just Google Hellschreiber and you'll see an interesting old/new technology. 73 KB3VLW

[Happy-Hippie]

I got hooked on radio when I found a radio shack DX-160 shortwave radio (Which I still have today) in the trash took it home an repaired it the first thing I heard was CB 11 meters an I was hooked I set up a CB base station build my beam antenna got my call letters joined a CB club which had rules rule 1 no handles you had to use your call sign just like the hams a lot of the guys in the club wore hams an in 1995 I got my ham ticket an have not look back I still enjoy 11 meters but it is sad that CB got a bad rap because for a lot of guys it was the first step to becoming a ham radio operator. =^..^=

Quinton
KF6FDI

[econjack]

A fun read. I've been licensed since 1953 and have always enjoyed it, especially running "phone patch traffic" between Guam and the Marshall Islands and Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha. This is a service hams do free, which enables husbands and wives to stay in contact without phone charges. Back in the '70's, this saved them a lot of money and was a rewarding experience for us, as well.
Thanks for reminding me of this fun time from the past...
W9NMT

[johngriswold]

Good job, Ethan -

Recently a girl only 6 year of age passed her Technician class license. There was some brouhaha over whether she could actually understand and manage the responsibilities and "dangers", as if she were going to be building a kilowatt amp. But yes, with very little effort, you too, can join the ranks of Amateur Radio.

Additionally, one can (and I can provide documentation) contact other hams thousands of miles away with < 1W of power, using Morse Code, which is a very power-efficient mode.

And current exam fee in the US is $15. I just gave exams last night :)

73,
John KK1X

[Davak72]

When you say "if you buy one that puts out too many" amps, I think you must be talking about the output voltage, not current capacity. Unless you are dealing with a constant current source (which most power supplies are not), there is no such thing as too many amps. But I understand what you mean, you certainly want the correct voltage and enough current from your supply.

[Spokehedz]

NOTE: I AM NOT A HAM. My experience comes from other areas of electronics.

This is what I came here to post. How I think of Amps Vs. Volts is this:

"Volts are provided, but Amps are requested." (This isn't 100% accurate, but it works.)

If something says it outputs 13.8v, then that is what it outputs. Nothing can change this (one exception will be noted below) whenever it is turned on. If it says it is a 50A capacity/supply, that means it can reliably output 50A of current, but it is also happy to output 10A, or 18A, or 37.6A or anything below 50A--usually. Sometimes power supplies need a minimum amount of current output otherwise they shut off. The point is that the Amps listed on the power supply is an UPPER limit of the amps provided, but it can provide lower amounts.

The one exception I mentioned? If you start drawing too many Amps, some lower quality power supplies will have what is called 'voltage sag' which the volts will drop... But this is NOT a good thing, and you want to avoid it if at all possible. How I do this is that I always 'overbuy' on Amps. if I know that I am never going to need more than 20A then I buy a 30A or 40A if I can find a good deal on one.

The only time you wouldn't want to have too many Amps is if you are trying to stay under a certain power (license requirement) or if you are connecting new equipment and you don't know it's draw.

[InventorManAlways]

Thank you both for the correction, I failed to proof read my article.

-KB1WMR

[hehinckley]

If you want to learn Morse Code, google "Just Learn Morse Code" for the free software. I already have my license, but I use this to bump up my speed.
You did a nice article!

[cedarhouse]

Radio Amateurs of Canada
https://www.rac.ca/
Leads to Licensing requirements, Study Guides, Courses, Club contacts; and a world of friendship and enjoyment ,

[cedarhouse]

73 in Telegraphy and Morse Code Shortform

http://www.signalharbor.com/73.html

http://www.kent-engineers.com/abbreviations.htm



In popular culture
(from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/73_%28number%29 ).

Dr. Sheldon Cooper in The Big Bang Theory, played by actor Jim Parsons, in Season

4 Episode 10 The Alien Parasite Hypothesis states "The best number is 73. Why? 73

is the 21st prime number. Its mirror (37) is the 12th and its mirror (21) is the

product of multiplying 7 and 3. ... In binary, 73 is a palindrome, 1001001 which

backwards is 1001001." This episode is the 73rd episode in the entire Big Bang

Theory series.

Sheldon's roommate, Leonard Hofstadter, then quips that "73 is the Chuck Norris

of numbers," to which Sheldon replies "Chuck Norris wishes. [...] All Chuck

Norris backwards gets you is Sirron Kcuhc!"[1]

Sheldon's devotion to the number is illustrated in several further episodes, when

he wears a t-shirt emblazoned with it, for example in The Roommate

Transmogrification.

[Robsarge]

Thanks for the reminder, have been away since early 90's...thanks for a great instructable! Might be the kick I need to get back. Thanks WB1BSW/4 -- Rob

[CodfishCatfish]

I agree. It's very nice to read this interesting article. I have the limitation in the UK of just 50w (intermediate license) but have had many QSO's on my 3 element yagi. My furthest is Chilli with a 11,600km (QRB) contact on just 20w using a G5RV (a wire dipole antenna) and PSK31. (a data mode used for sending messages). I have had many phone QSO's with the USA on just 30w on the Yagi so less is often more (fun that is). I can send Morse at 12wpm but sadly can only receive at 6wpm at the moment but practicing hard. It might be note worthy that WSPR and QRSS often make global contacts on just 1 watt, so an inspiration to anyone going for the technical license. I do hope the author follows up with EME, and data such as JT65HF (my most popular data mode apart from PSK) as a couple of examples. Thanks for the article and hope it's gets the attention it deserves. 10/10

[Davak72]

Thanks for the instructable!

[chaitanyak]

thanks! have been looking for a starter instructable like this!

[anode505]

Very nice right up! Though I'm in the club of no antenna tuners. They just waste power. They do not make the antenna work better, just fool the radio into thinking it has a resonant antenna.

If just using a dipole or fan dipole, make the dang thing resonant, its not that hard.

(sorry, pet peeve. GREAT article)

[bytes2go]

Amateur Radio is a great hobby as well as a service ! When all else fails, we hams can get the message through when lives are at stake... With computers it's now possible to do dozens of digital modes including PSK31, RTTY, and over a dozen others. Digital is also very efficient, I've made a contact in Argentina from IN using only 25 watts ! I found the online practice tests were the best way for me to prepare for the exams. Am now re-learning the code and can't wait to make some contacts using that.. Every Ham needs to go to the largest Hamfest in the world at least once in their lifetime @ Dayton, OH each May (hamvention.org), it's amazing what you can find and learn there as well as making some great friends. Great article !!
73,
Paul K9PLG

[tjfoth]

Ethan,

Great article and starter on ham radio. Your open comments infer that General Class licenses have power restrictions. I'm quite sure you know that the General Class and Extra Class share the same power privileges (part 97.313). I just want your readers to know there is quite a bit you can do on the high frequency bands (and at 1500 watts, when and where allowed) with the General Class license... which is now pretty easy to obtain.

Tom
WB9FWK

[squalyl]

See also http://www.ham-operating-ethics.org/

[mfoley4]

This is a really useful Instructable! The tips on getting your license, and the QSO or conversation were very useful. I had my General Class ticket ... N1KOO ... and made hundreds of morse code contacts all around the world .... South America, Europe, Japan....even an icebreaker in the Artic Ocean. I also enjoyed low power QRP. It's an old hobby ... but a lot of fun ... and you learn a lot too.

[M0HIZ]

If anyone would like information about the British amateur radio exam process, I am happy to answer your questions as I have passed all three exams.
If you want to take up amateur radio, just stay confident and try not to get flustered on the air.

[KB6NU]

I invite all of you to download my free study guide by going to http://www.kb6nu.com/tech-manual.

73, Dan KB6NU