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You've got your licence, you've got your radio, and now it's time for the moment of truth — your first contact (known as a QSO in ham radio). It's completely normal to feel nervous. Every ham remembers their first QSO, and the community is overwhelmingly welcoming to newcomers.
Before keying up, spend some time listening. Tune around the bands and pay attention to how other operators conduct their contacts. Notice the rhythm of conversations, how people identify themselves, and the general flow of a QSO. Even 30 minutes of listening will make you much more comfortable when it's your turn.
You must identify your station with your callsign at the beginning and end of each contact, and at least every 10 minutes during an extended conversation (the exact interval varies by country — check your local regulations). Practice saying your callsign using the phonetic alphabet until it rolls off the tongue naturally.
For example, if your callsign is W1ABC, you would say: "Whiskey One Alpha Bravo Charlie."
Make sure everything is connected properly and working. If you're on VHF/UHF, ensure your radio is set to the correct frequency and offset for the repeater you want to use. If you're on HF, check that your antenna is connected and your SWR is acceptable.
For most new hams, the first contact will be through a local repeater on VHF or UHF. This is the easiest way to start.
Look up active repeaters in your area using an online repeater directory or a smartphone app. You'll need the repeater's frequency, offset (the difference between the transmit and receive frequencies), and any CTCSS tone (a sub-audible tone required to access many repeaters). Program these into your radio.
To call on a repeater, simply press the PTT (push-to-talk) button, wait a moment, then say:
"This is [your callsign], listening."
or
"[Your callsign], monitoring."
Then release the PTT and wait. If someone is available and hears you, they'll come back with a response. For example:
"[Your callsign], this is [their callsign]. Good morning! Welcome to the repeater."
Repeater QSOs tend to be casual and conversational. Common topics include your location, what equipment you're using, the weather, and general chat. Since you're new, mention that this is your first contact — you'll almost certainly get an enthusiastic and encouraging response.
Remember to:
If you hear a conversation on a repeater and want to join in, wait for a pause between transmissions and quickly say your callsign. The operators will then invite you into the conversation.
Many repeaters host scheduled nets — organized on-air gatherings with a specific format and a net control operator who manages the session. Nets are an excellent way to make your first contacts in a structured environment. The net control operator will call for check-ins, and you simply give your callsign when prompted. See Net Operations for more.
HF operating is different from repeater use. There's no infrastructure — you're communicating directly with other stations, sometimes thousands of kilometres away. The two most common ways to make an HF contact are calling CQ and answering someone else's CQ.
The easiest way to make your first HF contact is to answer someone else's CQ (a general call to any station). Tune around a band and listen for someone calling CQ:
"CQ CQ CQ, this is [their callsign], calling CQ and listening."
When they finish calling, transmit your callsign clearly:
"[Their callsign], this is [your callsign]."
If they hear you, they'll come back to you and the QSO begins.
When you're ready, you can call CQ yourself:
"CQ CQ CQ, this is [your callsign], [your callsign], calling CQ and standing by."
Repeat this a few times with pauses to listen for responses.
A standard HF voice contact follows a fairly predictable pattern. The minimum exchange usually includes:
A short QSO might sound like:
"W1ABC, this is G4XYZ. Good afternoon, you're 5 by 7 here in London. My name is James. Back to you."
"G4XYZ from W1ABC. Thanks James, you're 5 by 9 here in Boston. My name is Mike. Running 100 watts to a dipole. 73 and thanks for the contact. W1ABC."
"73, Mike. G4XYZ clear."
If voice feels daunting, digital modes like FT8 are another way to make your first HF contact. FT8 contacts are largely automated by software — you click on a station calling CQ, and the software exchanges the information. It's an excellent way to confirm that your station is working and to start filling up your logbook.
It's good practice (and in some countries a legal requirement) to keep a log of your contacts. At minimum, record:
You can use a paper logbook, a spreadsheet, or dedicated logging software. Digital logging software can also upload your contacts to online databases like Logbook of the World (LOTW) and eQSL, which is essential if you want to pursue awards.
See Logging Contacts for more details.