First Steps
You have read about what amateur radio is, learned the basic concepts, and explored the frequency bands. Now it is time for the practical part: getting on the air. This guide walks you through every step from studying for your license to completing your first contact (QSO).
Step 1: Get Your License
Operating an amateur radio transmitter without a license is illegal in virtually every country. The licensing process ensures you understand basic radio theory, regulations, and safe operating practices.
General Process
- Study the material for your country's entry-level exam (see License & Exams)
- Take the exam -- formats vary by country (in-person, online, or both)
- Receive your callsign -- this is your unique identity on the air
- If required, register your station with the relevant authority
How Long Does It Take?
For most entry-level exams:
- China (CRAC A class): 1-2 weeks of study
- United States (FCC Technician): 1-3 weeks of study
- United Kingdom (Foundation): A weekend course plus exam
- Japan (4th class): A few weeks of study
Do not be intimidated -- entry-level exams are designed to be accessible to motivated beginners. Thousands of people pass them every year with no prior electronics background.
Step 2: Buy Your First Radio
Recommended First Radio: A Dual-Band Handheld (HT)
For most new HAMs, a VHF/UHF handheld transceiver (HT) is the best first radio. Here is why:
- Affordable: Entry-level HTs cost as little as $25-50 (USD)
- Portable: Take it anywhere -- to a hilltop, a park, or a hamfest
- Practical: Access local repeaters immediately for voice communication
- Simple: FM operation is straightforward, with no complex tuning required
Popular entry-level HTs include models from Baofeng (e.g., UV-5R), Yaesu (e.g., FT-65R), and Kenwood (e.g., TH-D75A). More expensive radios generally offer better receivers, build quality, and features, but even a budget HT will get you on the air.
What About HF Radios?
If your license class permits HF operation, you may want to explore HF transceivers later. HF radios are more expensive (typically $500-3000+ USD for new units) and require external antennas, but they open the door to worldwide communication. Popular beginner HF radios include the Yaesu FT-891, ICOM IC-7300, and Xiegu G90.
Essential Accessories
- Better antenna: Replacing the stock rubber duck antenna on an HT with an aftermarket whip antenna can noticeably improve performance
- SMA adapter / antenna cable: Useful for connecting external antennas
- Programming cable: Many HTs are much easier to program via computer software (such as CHIRP) than by hand
- Extra battery or battery eliminator: Extends operating time
- SWR meter: Essential once you start using external antennas or HF equipment
Step 3: Program Your Radio and Find Repeaters
What is a Repeater?
A repeater is an automated radio station, usually installed on a hilltop or tall building, that receives signals on one frequency and simultaneously retransmits them on another. Repeaters dramatically extend the range of low-power handheld and mobile radios.
To use a repeater, you need to program your radio with:
- Receive frequency: The repeater's output frequency (what you listen to)
- Transmit frequency: The repeater's input frequency (what you transmit on), which is offset from the receive frequency
- Offset direction: Whether the transmit frequency is above (+) or below (-) the receive frequency
- CTCSS tone (also called PL tone): A sub-audible tone your radio must transmit for the repeater to accept your signal. This prevents the repeater from being triggered by stray signals.
How to Find Local Repeaters
- RepeaterBook (repeaterbook.com): A comprehensive global directory of amateur repeaters
- Your national amateur radio organization's website: Many publish repeater lists
- Local radio clubs: Club members can tell you which repeaters are active in your area
- Listening: Tune around the 2-meter and 70-centimeter bands and listen for activity
Programming Tips
- Use CHIRP (free, open-source software) with a programming cable -- it is far faster and less error-prone than manual programming
- Start by programming the most active local repeaters
- Also program some simplex frequencies (e.g., 146.520 MHz, the US 2-meter calling frequency, or your country's equivalent)
Step 4: Listen First
Before you transmit, spend time listening. This is one of the most valuable things a new operator can do.
- Learn the rhythm and etiquette of conversations on your local repeaters
- Notice how operators identify themselves (callsign at the beginning and end of transmissions)
- Pay attention to how operators join an ongoing conversation
- Familiarize yourself with local conventions and customs
- Get comfortable with your radio's controls
There is no minimum listening period required -- but even a few days of careful listening will make your first transmission much smoother.
Step 5: Make Your First QSO (Contact)
What is a QSO?
A QSO is a two-way radio contact between two or more stations. The term comes from the Q-code system (see below). Your first QSO is a milestone moment in amateur radio.
How to Call on a Repeater
- Listen first to make sure the frequency is clear
- Key up (press the PTT button) and say: "This is [your callsign], listening" or "[Your callsign], monitoring"
- Wait for a response. If someone comes back to you, you are in a QSO!
- Exchange basic information: name, location (QTH), signal report, what radio you are using
- End the contact by saying something like: "Thanks for the QSO, 73. This is [your callsign], clear."
How to Call CQ (General Call)
On simplex frequencies or HF bands, you can call CQ to invite anyone to respond:
- "CQ CQ CQ, this is [your callsign], [your callsign], [your callsign], calling CQ and standing by"
- Wait 5-10 seconds for a response
- If no one responds, try again. Move to a different frequency if needed.
Basic QSO Exchange
A typical casual QSO includes:
| Item | Example |
|---|---|
| Callsigns | "This is W1ABC" |
| Name | "My name is John" |
| Location (QTH) | "I'm in Boston, Massachusetts" |
| Signal report | "You're 59 into Boston" (see RST system below) |
| Equipment | "I'm running a Yaesu FT-891 with a dipole antenna" |
| Closing | "Thanks for the contact, 73!" |
Signal Reports: The RST System
Signal reports use the RST system:
- R (Readability): 1-5 scale (1 = unreadable, 5 = perfectly readable)
- S (Signal Strength): 1-9 scale (1 = barely perceptible, 9 = extremely strong)
- T (Tone): 1-9 scale (used for CW only; 9 = perfect tone)
For voice contacts, you give an RS report (e.g., "five nine" or "five seven"). For CW contacts, you give a full RST report (e.g., "599" or "579").
Essential Q-Codes
Q-codes originated in maritime telegraphy and are still widely used in amateur radio, especially in CW communication. Here are the most important ones:
| Q-Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| QRG | Your exact frequency is... |
| QRH | Your frequency varies |
| QRI | Your tone is... |
| QRK | Your signal readability is... |
| QRL | This frequency is in use (always ask "QRL?" before transmitting on a frequency) |
| QRM | I am being interfered with (man-made interference) |
| QRN | I am troubled by static (natural noise) |
| QRO | Increase power |
| QRP | Decrease power / low-power operation (typically 5W or less on HF) |
| QRS | Send more slowly |
| QRT | Stop sending / I am shutting down |
| QRV | I am ready |
| QRX | Stand by / Wait |
| QRZ | Who is calling me? |
| QSB | Your signals are fading |
| QSL | I confirm receipt / QSL card (written confirmation of a contact) |
| QSO | A two-way contact |
| QSY | Change frequency to... |
| QTH | My location is... |
Common Abbreviations and Jargon
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 73 | Best regards (the standard sign-off in amateur radio) |
| 88 | Love and kisses (sometimes used humorously) |
| CQ | General call ("seeking you") -- an invitation for anyone to respond |
| DX | Long distance / a distant station |
| HT | Handheld transceiver |
| OM | Old man (friendly term for a male operator) |
| YL | Young lady (friendly term for a female operator) |
| XYL | Ex-young lady (wife) |
| Rig | Radio equipment |
| Shack | The room or space where you operate your station |
| Ragchew | A long, casual conversation |
| Elmer | A mentor in amateur radio |
| Lid | A poor or inconsiderate operator |
| Pileup | Many stations calling one station simultaneously (common in DX and contests) |
The Phonetic Alphabet (NATO/ICAO)
When spelling out callsigns or words over the air, use the standard phonetic alphabet to avoid confusion:
| Letter | Phonetic | Letter | Phonetic |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Alfa | N | November |
| B | Bravo | O | Oscar |
| C | Charlie | P | Papa |
| D | Delta | Q | Quebec |
| E | Echo | R | Romeo |
| F | Foxtrot | S | Sierra |
| G | Golf | T | Tango |
| H | Hotel | U | Uniform |
| I | India | V | Victor |
| J | Juliet | W | Whiskey |
| K | Kilo | X | X-ray |
| L | Lima | Y | Yankee |
| M | Mike | Z | Zulu |
Example: The callsign W1ABC would be spoken as "Whiskey One Alfa Bravo Charlie."
What's Next?
After your first contact, the world of amateur radio opens up in many directions:
- Join a local club: Meet other HAMs, learn from experienced operators (Elmers), and participate in club activities
- Get on HF: If your license permits, explore the HF bands for worldwide communication
- Try digital modes: FT8 is an excellent entry point -- contacts can be made with very low power and simple antennas
- Participate in a contest: Even casual participation is fun and helps you improve your operating skills
- Pursue awards: Work toward DXCC (contacting 100 countries), WAS (Worked All States), or other awards
- Experiment: Build antennas, try portable operation (SOTA/POTA), explore satellite communications
Welcome to the hobby. 73!
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