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How to Make VHF QSOs

Ham radio, also known as amateur radio, is a radio service regulated by communications regulators in all nations of the world in a collaborative manner that facilitates free and open communications with people all around the world. Frequency bands have been agreed upon internationally. Ham radio operators use a shorthand called "Q" signals to break past language barriers. QTH means "Location," QRM means "Interference" and there are many others. QSO means "Conversation" in ham radio shorthand. In the VHF frequency spectrum, repeaters and satellites are normally used to extend conversations because of the line-of-sight nature of VHF.

Things You'll Need

Repeater directory guide (available from American Radio Relay League; see Resources)
VHF radio

Instructions

- 1
  Locate the repeater frequency information in the repeater directory for the closest repeater in the area in which you desire to initiate a conversation. A repeater will have two frequencies listed: an input frequency and an output frequency. The repeater input frequency is the output frequency of your radio, and the repeater output frequency is the receiving frequency of your radio. The frequencies are reversed between the two.
- 2
  Program the VHF radio according to the repeater frequency information listed in the repeater directory. Program the repeater input frequency into the radio transmit frequency bank, then program the repeater output frequency into the radio receive frequency bank. Pay attention to the repeater "offset," which will normally be plus or minus 600 kilohertz for the 2-Meter (VHF) repeaters. This must be programmed into the VHF radio's repeater offset setting.
- 3
  Listen to the VHF frequency chosen for at least one minute before attempting to initiate a new VHF QSO on the repeater. This is a common courtesy all ham radio operators use to make sure a current conversation isn't under way by others on the repeater. If the frequency is all clear, it is then time to initiate the QSO on the repeater.
- 4
  Press the microphone key and then make the call to the station you desire to communicate with, using that person's FCC call sign. If your call sign were KW1P and the other station's call sign is KC7ZZ, the call would go as follows: "KC7ZZ, KC7ZZ, this is KW1P." If you want to talk to anyone randomly, the call would go as follows: "CQ, CQ from KW1P." The shorthand "CQ" means "calling any station." Though it is mostly used for Morse code, it has found its way into voice communication by ham radio operators as well. Release the microphone key once the call has been made and wait at least 30 seconds before trying again.
- 5
  Call two or three more times, leaving 30 seconds between each attempt. If the conversation hasn't been initiated by then, give things a rest for five minutes or more. If a QSO has been initiated, however, feel free to communicate with the person as desired. Remember to satisfy the FCC rule that you give your call sign identification every 10 minutes worth of conversation. Failure to do so may result in a fine to your station should any FCC field officers be monitoring the conversation and identification rules aren't followed during that conversation.

Ham Radio