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On-air etiquette

Amateur radio is a fascinating hobby that brings people together over the air. To keep communication effective, it is important to observe a certain etiquette and a set of rules. The main recommendations below will help you improve the quality of your contacts and avoid misunderstandings.

  1. Identify yourself with your full callsign Every radio amateur has a unique callsign, for example "UR5ABC". Identify yourself at the start and at the end of a transmission, and every 10–15 minutes during long contacts. If you are not sure who is calling you, use QRZ? ("Who is calling me?").

  2. Listen before you talk Before you start transmitting, check the frequency so that you do not cut into someone else's conversation. If the frequency is busy, look for another one.

  3. Do not break into other people's conversations uninvited If you hear that someone is in contact, do not join in without an invitation. If you want to join, wait for a pause and politely introduce yourself with your callsign. For an urgent transmission use QSK ("I can be interrupted if necessary").

  4. Use only the frequencies and transmitter power permitted to you Your licence class determines which bands you may work and at what power under the regulations. On the 80 metre band (3.600–3.650 MHz), for example, class A may use up to 200 W, class B up to 100 W, and class C (beginners) up to 40 W. The 6 metre band (50 MHz) is open only to class A operators, and only with an additional licence.

  5. Avoid prohibited subjects

  • Politics: any political topics or figures, so as to avoid arguments.
  • Religion: religious discussion and proselytising are likewise not allowed.
  • Commerce: advertising goods or services, or any business activity, is not permitted.
  • Indecent content: immoral, indecent or offensive subjects.
  • Divisive issues: contentious or provocative topics that may stir up hostility.
  1. Use Q-codes

Q-codes shorten transmissions and improve communication. Here are a few useful ones:

  • QTH: your location, for example "My QTH is Kyiv".
  • QRN: natural interference. "There is a lot of QRN today because of the thunderstorm".
  • QSB: fading. "Your signal is fading, there is QSB".
  • QRM: interference from other stations. "There is a lot of QRM on the frequency".
  • QRP: low-power operation. "I am working QRP with 5 W".
  • QRO: increasing power. "I am switching to QRO to improve the signal".

  1. Leave pauses between transmissions Leave short pauses after transmitting so that other operators can reply or join the conversation. If you need a moment, use QRX ("Wait a minute").

  2. Speak clearly and concisely Get to the point, avoiding long pauses or drawn-out conversations. When you have finished operating, use QRT ("I am closing down"). For example, "I am QRT, thank you for the contact".

  3. Help others and be patient If you hear a newcomer or someone who needs help, try to support them. Use QRX for a pause if you plan to come back later.

  4. Keep an eye on your signal quality Monitor the quality of your signal. If other operators report interference or problems, check your equipment.

  5. Do not transmit music or recordings Broadcasting music on the amateur bands is strictly prohibited. Only voice communication or other permitted modes are allowed, such as CW, digital modes or other technical unencrypted forms of data transmission.

  6. Close the contact properly Use 73! ("Best regards") to finish a contact. If you need to confirm the contact, use QSL services such as QRZ.COM, LoTW, eQSL and others.