How to use this glossary
Ham radio has a lot of jargon. This page groups the terms newcomers most often meet so you can scan one section at a time.
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Operating terms
- 73: Best regards, a standard sign-off.
- 88: Love and kisses, used between friends or between operators who know each other well.
- 72: Some low-power (QRP) operators use this as a variant of 73. It is not universal.
- CQ: A general call to any station. See CW abbreviations.
- Call sign: Your unique identifier on the air, assigned by your country’s regulator.
- DX: Long-distance communication, usually with another country.
- Net: A scheduled on-air gathering, often on a repeater or HF frequency.
- QSO: A contact between two stations.
- QSL: Confirmation of a contact, or a card that confirms it.
- Ragchew: A relaxed, long conversation.
- Roger: Received and understood.
- Simplex: Direct station-to-station communication on one frequency, without a repeater.
- Break: A word used to interrupt a conversation, often for urgent traffic.
- Phonetics: Spelling words such as call signs with standard words. See the phonetic alphabet.
Number codes
The number codes 73 and 88 are traditional telegraph-era shorthand. “72” is a QRP variant seen in some circles. You may also see “44” or other numbers in particular communities, but these are not widely standardized, so ask the person who used them or check their group’s conventions.
Q signals
Q signals include QTH (location), QRM (interference), QRN (natural noise), QRP (low power), QRO (high power), QSY (change frequency), QRZ (who is calling), QRS (send slower), QRT (stop transmitting or shut down) and QRX (stand by). For details see our guide to Q signals for ham radio and our explanation of QTH.
Signal and technical terms
- RST: Readability, strength and tone, a signal report. See the RST chart.
- S-meter: A receiver meter showing relative signal strength.
- SWR: Standing wave ratio, a measure of how well an antenna system is matched to the radio and feed line.
- Frequency: How many times per second a wave repeats, measured in hertz.
- Wavelength: The distance a wave travels in one cycle; bands are often named by wavelength, such as 20 meters.
- Band: A range of frequencies allocated for a purpose.
- Bandwidth: The width of the frequency range a signal occupies.
- Modulation: Placing information on a radio wave.
- Power: How much energy a transmitter produces, measured in watts.
- dB: Decibel, a unit for comparing signal levels.
- Noise floor: The level of background noise on a band.
Station and equipment
- Transceiver: A radio that both transmits and receives.
- Handheld (HT): A portable handheld transceiver.
- Antenna: The part that radiates and receives radio waves.
- Feed line: The cable linking the radio and antenna, such as coax.
- Amplifier: A device that increases transmitter power.
- Tuner: A device that matches the radio to an antenna.
- Rig: Informal word for a radio.
- Shack: The room or space where you operate.
- Key or paddle: A device for sending Morse code.
- Microphone (mic): For voice transmission.
Propagation and antennas
- Propagation: How radio waves travel from one place to another.
- Skip: Signals returning to earth via the ionosphere, enabling long distances.
- Line of sight: A path with no obstructions, typical for VHF and UHF.
- Dipole: A simple, widely used antenna of two equal-length elements.
- Vertical: An antenna that stands upright.
- Beam: A directional antenna.
- Ground plane: A conductive surface or radials that improve some antennas.
Modes
- CW: Morse code.
- SSB: Single sideband voice, common on HF.
- FM: Frequency modulation voice, common on VHF and UHF and repeaters.
- AM: Amplitude modulation.
- RTTY: Radioteletype, an older digital text mode still used in contests.
- Digital modes: Computer-based modes such as FT8, PSK31 and others.
- APRS: Automatic Packet Reporting System, for sharing position and data.
Repeater terms
- Repeater: A station that receives a signal and retransmits it, extending range. See repeater etiquette.
- Offset: The frequency difference between a repeater’s input and output.
- CTCSS or PL tone: A sub-audible tone needed to access some repeaters.
- Courtesy tone: A beep that signals when it is safe to transmit.
- Time-out timer: A limit on how long one transmission can last.
- Autopatch: A repeater feature linking to the phone network, not offered everywhere.
Licensing and organizations
- License class: A level of license with defined privileges.
- Regulator: The government body that licenses amateurs, such as the FCC in the United States.
- Volunteer examiner (VE): A volunteer who administers exams in some countries.
- ARRL: The American Radio Relay League, a US national association.
- IARU: The International Amateur Radio Union.
- Club: A local group of operators.
- Elmer: A mentor to newer hams.
FAQ
What are some common words used in ham radio?
The ones you will hear most are CQ, QSO, QTH, 73, DX, repeater, simplex and call sign.
What is the 333 rule for ham radio?
This is not a standard amateur radio rule that we can confirm. It may be a local or situational convention. Ask whoever mentioned it to explain what they mean.