Plus 100,000 AM/FM radio stations featuring music, news, and local sports talk. Cell phones might not work in certain areas, but radio signals can be transmitted and received from anywhere on planet Earth. They use tone access to help reduce the amount of interference from other repeaters and other strong signals in the immediate area. Stream Making Contact free online. Once you find a repeater to use, take some time to listen and familiarize yourself with its operating procedures. Such contacts are called ragchews.Ragchews take place across continents or across town. If you are using a repeater , the above procedure is slightly different. If you don’t want to call CQ to start a conversation, you can join a conversation that is already in progress. We step up in our communities. The Pandemic, Loss and Racial Inequity According to the CDC, Blacks and Latinos are 3 times as likely to die from COVID as their white counterparts. The point is to make as many contacts as possible during the contest period by sending and receiving as many short messages as possible — sometimes thousands. You’re not trying to attract the attention of someone who is casually tuning his receiver across the band. There are various ways to find a repeater. This may not be easy, particularly in crowded band conditions. Contact distrib@radioproject.org and ask to receive for our emails to stations. When a new ham gets his or her license, it will most likely be a Technician class license, which will give you access to the entire amateur VHF and UHF bands. If this is the case, simply choose another station to call. Other Making History, BBC Radio 4, PO Box 3096, Brighton, BN1 1PL Position the microphone about one inch from your lips. Not all hams use repeaters. Many of them, especially very casual operators, still prefer the simple direct connection between two stations. You don’t have to be involved in the contest to participate; your contact will count regardless. a licensed operator in your immediate area, if possible, and have him or her initiate a call. (On some radios this may be called a clarifier.) Keep your CQ very short. If there is no answer, pause for 10 or 20 seconds and repeat the call. Your first FM voice contact may take place through a relay device known as a repeater. The following is the alphabet used, and it should be memorized: So an operator whose call sign is AC6V is calling. Making Contact (aka International Media Project) Media Production Oakland, California 123 followers Radio stories and voices to inspire and take action. Catch up on your favourite BBC radio show from your favourite DJ right here, whenever you like. Search. So you will hear this expression: "CQ CQ CQ DE AC6V AC6V AC6V K." Notice the "K" at the end – it is the universal symbol for "end of transmission." If such a call over a short distance is not successful, then you can determine that you might have problems with your equipment. Media that helps build a movement: Making Contact is an award-winning, 29-minute weekly magazine/documentary-style public affairs program heard on 140 radio stations. The result is an SSB signal that has consistent power at the highest level possible. If you attempt to make contact with someone and your call doesn't get answered, do not despair. Do not attempt to engage him in conversation. There are dozens of specialities or activities under the broad banner of Amateur Radio. Below is my confirmed and logged contact with the craft Apr-08-2018 15:16:15 utc DCS enables you to digitally block all signals from everyone except the specific individual that you wish to communicate with. In fact, there are actually specific frequencies used nationally (in the United States) just for the purpose of general conversation among hams. How to use tone access and set the tone accordingly. Hams love to talk, but there are times when you should keep the conversation short. Whenever you transmit, you’re representing all of Amateur Radio. This disproportionate harm has sparked a response from community organizers and researchers alike. Watch other hams make contacts to familiarize yourself with the process, but don't be afraid to make your first contact. This is a method of boosting your average output power when you’re operating SSB. You will respond, in Morse Code, as follows: "AC6V DE DF2A DF2A DF2A K." Notice that you are repeating your call sign (DF2A) three times, just as you would with a normal voice call. Casual operation of a ham radio is a very enjoyable hobby because it offers a great deal of freedom within a general framework of regulations. The expression "CQ" is Ham radio shorthand for letting people know that you are calling. Speak in a normal tone of voice. Press you microphone button and respond: "Alpha Charlie Six Victor, this is Delta Foxtrot Two Alpha…this is Delta Foxtrot Two Alpha...this is Delta Foxtrot Two Alpha, over." CQ Contest! Note the call sign of the person calling – you will repeat it to alert the operator that you are speaking to him or her. For example, a DX operator may be trying to contact as many people as possible, as rapidly as possible. Oakland. They will use the letters "DE" to mean "from." With the RIT off, tune down into the signal until it disappears. Nothing rivals AM for audio quality except FM, but FM is only legal when you are operating above 29.500 MHz. "QRZed" is a symbol used in ham radio that means "Who is calling me?" Toll-free:1-888-277-5289 This is NY2EC.” If nobody replies, you’re clear to call. Does the other operator agree with your views? Notice that you are saying the call sign of the operator that you are contact, Listen for any responses. It should be noted that not all repeaters use tone access of DCS. 831 Followers, 2,809 Following, 293 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Making Contact (@makingcontactradioproject) 835 Followers, 2,776 Following, 327 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Making Contact (@makingcontactradioproject) ... Making Contact Radio voices to take action! Time is essential when it comes to a contest! Making History: Contact details. This is common and it should not discourage you. Make your call short, like this: AR means “end of message." Let's look at the expression in detail. Then, turn the RIT on and adjust until you hear the signal again. If it looks like your rag chew is heading in those directions, use good judgment. Speech processing is good when you are operating at low power or with a poor antenna. Learn More. For example, a DX operator may be trying to contact as many people as possible, as rapidly as possible. If you call CQ three or four times and don’t get a response, try another frequency. These are temporary stations set up at events throughout the country: at county fairs, boat races, etc. So hams will want to transmit signals using that frequency since that is the frequency the repeater is expecting. Usually, the other stations will allow you this brief interruption. Making Contact, www.radioproject.org, is an award-winning, 29-minute weekly magazine/documentary-style public affairs program heard on 150 radio stations in the USA, Canada, and Ireland. If you are heard by the DX station, only give the information he is looking for – a signal report and your location. The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) maintains a list of all of these rules, and all operators are encouraged to the FCC Rule Book,which is published by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL). Stream Making Contact free online. By far the most common type of activity for hams is just engaging in conversation, which is called chewing the rag. When spoken, you use a universally accepted word for "A," "C," and "V." These words are Alpha, Charlie, and Victor. It is possible for you to hear certain stations, but your own radio signal strength might be too weak to be heard over great distances. The actual expression is "QRZ" but the letter Z is often pronounced as "Zed. Hiram Percy Maxim 150th Birthday Celebration, Volunteer Form for Deployment Consideration, Advertising and Other Business Opportunities. This is the process: If you attempt to make contact with someone and your call doesn't get answered, do not despair. Let's assume your own call sign is DF2A. As we close out 2020, we are grateful for your support. In addition to discussing rules, the book offers new operators from tips on how to best use their equipment and how to best operate a station. After you stop transmitting, the repeater sends an unmodulated carrier for a couple of seconds to let you know it is working. Special Event Stations, DXCC Program, W100AW & W1AW QSLs via Bureau, Amateur Code, Operating Resources, QSL Service, Centennial QSO Party, NPOTA, Operating Specialties, W1AW, International Grid Chase 2018, Hiram Percy Maxim 150th Birthday Celebration, Awards, Contests, Amateur Radio Direction Finding, Logbook of the World, FCC License Info and Forms, Getting Licensed, Volunteer Examiners, License Certificates, Amateur Radio in the Classroom, Courses & Training, Get on the Air, What is Ham Radio, Volunteer Instructors/Mentors, Learning Center, Member Directory, myARRL, Membership Certificate, Blind Membership, Join ARRL/Renew Membership, member feedback, Dues Increase FAQ, Member Support, Techquestion, Membership Levels, Member Discounts, State and Local, Volunteer Consulting Engineer Program, Volunteer Counsel Program, Antenna Regulation and Zoning, CCR Study Information, International, Federal RFI Preemption, Technical Relations Office, Federal, Volunteer Monitor Program, Volunteer Monitor Resources, NTS Manual, Public Service Resources, Public Service Honor Roll, NTS, Volunteer Form for Deployment Consideration, Puerto Rico - Caribbean Recovery 2017, 2018 Hurricanes, Hurricane Maria - 2017, Hurricane Irma - 2017, Hurricane Harvey Response, ARES, Served Agencies and Partners, 2019 Hurricanes, Ham Aid, 2020 Hurricanes, SKYWARN Recognition Day, ARRL References, Tech Tips, Tech Portal, Radio Technology Topics, ARRL Lab, Radio Frequency Interference (RFI), Recruiting & Outreach, Clubs, Volunteer Opportunities, Youth, Collegiate Amateur Radio, The ARRL Foundation, Donate to ARRL, Hamfests and Conventions Calendar, ARRL Publication Dealers, ARRL Store, List all Products, Return Policy, Customer Service/Support, Product Notes, Shipping and Tax, Site Index, Centennial, Visit Us, Privacy Policy, ARRL Strategic Plan, Library, Advertising and Other Business Opportunities, Organization Structure, Media and Public Relations, ARRL Social Media, General Information, Copyright, Contact ARRL, Employment Opportunities, ARRL, the national association for Amateur Radio So in this example, the operator is using a call sign of AC6V. Find out what he needs before you call and make the contact short. Remember that private conversations don’t exist in Amateur Radio. Best Making Contact By National Radio Project Podcasts For 2020. Repeaters are either professionally maintained by ham radio organizations or maintained by small operators who want to provide a service to the community. Will he (or others) be offended? Suppose K5RC heard someone calling him, but didn’t quite catch the call because of interference (QRM) or static (QRN). Listen online, no signup necessary. Listen to free internet radio, news, sports, music, and podcasts. Just listen to the contest station and determine what he is looking for. A typical CQ goes like this: The letter K is an invitation for any station to reply. Making Contact: Reproductive Rights in Pop Culture. ", If the calling station misstates your call sign by a single letter or another small error, you should wait a moment to be certain that he or she is not actually responding to a station with that call sign. BBC Radio 4. After one of the other hams acknowledges you, politely ask to make a quick call on the repeater. The more contacts you make, the more comfortable you will feel. We run for and hold public office. Your transceiver manual tells you how to properly set up your rig for SSB voice operating. “Rag chewing” is ham lingo for a long, enjoyable conversation. Plus 100,000 AM/FM radio stations featuring music, news, and local sports talk. Listen without limits with BBC Sounds. The RIT adjusts your receive frequency slightly, but leaves your transmit frequency unchanged. Stream Tracks and Playlists from Making Contact on your desktop or mobile device. “Is the frequency in use? When you finish speaking, the transceiver should return to the receive mode (after a short delay). So how do you zero beat? New hams are often unfamiliar with the style of communication on the VHF and UHF bands when they first start listing and interacting with other people. As you are tuning the band, as we described in the previous chapter, you might hear something like this: "CQ CQ CQ…this is Alpha Charlie Six Victor standing by…" You may hear the expression repeated three times. A speech processor takes a normal voice signal, which varies constantly as you speak, and processes the signal to minimize fluctuating power levels. This is called. Some general rules apply: To start a contact, call "CQ" or answer someonecalling CQ. If the frequency seems clear, ask if the frequency is in use, followed by your call. DEC 16, 2020. The ARRL is a member-society and International Secretariat of the International Amateur Radio Union. You will hear the Morse Code symbols of someone calling. Once sure, then it is possible to call, making sure it is at exactly the right time to give the best chance of making contact and gaining a QSO. Listen before you call. But, it should be said that rules are not always very restrictive. Making Contact is committed to … To contact members of the Committee by email please visit our Who’s Who page. Media that helps build a movement: Making Contact is an award-winning, 29-minute weekly magazine/documentary-style public affairs program heard on 140 radio stations. Turn the level down if other operators tell you that your signal is distorted. In this instance, using ham radio phonetics is not necessary – they will simply tap the appropriate Morse Code for their call sign letters: AC6V. CQ means, “I wish to contact any amateur station.”  When answering a CQer you should zero beat the other ham's frequency. If your friend responds to your call, ask him to move to a simplex frequency or another repeater, or to stand by until the present conversation is over. Contact ARRL. Are they having an animated, involved discussion? Repeater directories will also list the correct tone for each repeater in your area. You’ll find AM conversations primarily on 80 and 40 meters, and occasionally on 10 meters just above 29 MHz. U.K. Or Call the BBC Audience Line. If the DX operator seems to be making short contacts (signal report and “good-bye”), it is best to do the same. You might hear a response like this: "AC6V calling…please come again." Use our class locator to find a class offered in your local area. This disproportionate harm has sparked a response from community organizers and researchers alike. You should refer to the repeater directory for more information. Then get the other person to talk about himself. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders. These are specially designed transceivers that instantly retransmit signals heard in their receivers. Newington, CT, 06111-1400 USA Use our class locator to find a class offered in your local area. Plus 100,000 AM/FM radio stations featuring music, news, and local sports talk. You might hear something like this: "DF2A DE AC6V TKS FOR THE CALL…" Notice that "TKS" is shorthand for "thanks.". by Jack Wagoner WB8FSV. After long months with no way of making contact with Voyager 2, NASA has finally reestablished communications with the record-setting interstellar spacecraft. You’ll also find speech processing (or speech compression) as a feature on most radios. Many of them, especially very casual operators, still prefer the simple direct connection between two stations. SSB packs a great deal of power into a small slice of the radio spectrum, allowing many more conversations to occupy the same band and SSB is also very efficient in terms of transceiver design, but it doesn’t have the audio quality of AM. It is now time for you to respond, thus making your first call. The phrase chewing the rag was well known even in the late Middl… On the other hand, speech processing can distort your signal. They use, Not all hams use repeaters. It checks for a specific "tone" from Ham radio operators and if these operators are not transmitting the correct tone, it will not retransmit their signals. Stream live events, live play-by-play NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, … Notice that the expression begins with "CQ CQ CQ," just like a voice call, but instead of saying "this is," they will tap the letters "DE" and then give their call sign. Tone access will effectively block all output frequencies of a repeater except for specified frequencies that it wishes to transmit signals on because all incoming signals to the repeater must have the correct tone. Amateur radio is also known as ham radio, why, nobody knows for certain. Listen to the audio pronunciation of Making Contact (radio program) on pronouncekiwi. National Radio Project produces Making Contact, an award-winning, 29-minute weekly magazine/documentary-style public affairs program heard on 140 radio stations in the USA, Canada, South Africa and Ireland. Like all hobbies, there are "tricks of the trade" that must be learned and followed in order to get the most enjoyment and fulfillment out of your endeavors. © Copyright 1999-2020 Universal Class™ All rights reserved. The idea: Contact as many stations as possible during the contest period. For example, a DX operator may be trying to contact as many people as possible, as rapidly as possible. When traveling throughout the United States, many people tune to these national channels: 52.525, 146.52, 223.50, 446.00, and 1294.5 MHz. The ARRL also publishes TravelPlus, a map-based CD-ROM that allows you to trace your proposed route on a color map and print a list of repeaters along the way. The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) maintains a list of all of these rules, and all operators are encouraged to the, As we have already learned, a repeater will listen for certain radio signals on specific frequencies and then repeat these signals on a different frequency. The distance between the two frequencies is called its, Repeaters are not immune to interference, as is the case for all radios. When answering a CQ, keep the answer short. The origins of the word ragchew are fairly clear. All are welcome. A high ALC reading indicates that you are overdriving your radio and possibly distorting your signal. There are costs associated with its maintenance, and most hams are encouraged to join local radio clubs which help to support and defray the cost of such equipment. The ARRL publishes The ARRL Repeater Directory, an annual, comprehensive listing of repeaters throughout the US, Canada and other parts of the world. If your signal strength is strong enough, however, there are other considerations that you should evaluate: Although many people set up a ham radio in their own home, many operators use portable radios in their cars and trucks that they use primarily when they are traveling. Making Contact may refer to: Making Contact, a 1983 album by UFO; Joey, a German film, directed by Roland Emmerich, released in some countries as Making Contact; Making Contact: Uses of Language in Psychotherapy, a 1986 book by Leston Havens; Making Contact, a 1998 non-fiction book on UFOs; Making Contact, an American independent radio show This advises others on frequency that you have joined the system and are available to talk. When you start speaking, the transmitter should activate automatically. Don’t use the word BREAK to join a conversation. Making Contact is committed to … This gives everyone else a chance to make their contacts. Don’t make up your own phonetics. 526 Tracks. If you have doubts, it is best to change the subject. Repeaters are not immune to interference, as is the case for all radios. Start with the basics: your name, location, the signal report, and a brief summary of your station (how much power you’re running and the kind of antenna you’re using). If you are sure that he or she is actually trying to reach you, then you would respond with this: "AC6V, this is DF2A (repeat three times)…do you have my call correct, over?". You are now ready to make your first call! They might be some logical explanations for the lack of response and it is all part of the troubleshooting that hams do on a regular basis. The phonetic alphabet is helpful when the other station can't hear you well or when the operator is not a fluent speaker of English. There are advantages to using simplex operation, including reduced traffic on the airwaves (simplex frequencies tend to be less crowded) and many local groups of hams use certain frequencies as on-the-air meeting places, so it makes contacting others easier. Most repeaters operate on the 2 meter and 70 cm bands. The most commonly used mode of communication within these bands is the use of an FM repeater. Most amateur transceivers have AM capability, so if you hear an AM conversation put your radio into the AM mode and give it a try! Then he might come back with: Learn More about Morse Code (CW) on our Learning Morse Code page. For example, a ham transmits signals on one frequency and the other,. Local area time you are using a call like this: `` AC6V calling…please come again ''. To inspire and take action inch from your lips ( AM ) dominated radio! An area, are not immune to interference, as rapidly as.!, casual operator to send signals farther above 29.500 MHz level set at medium and for! Repeater etiquette to call songs including `` Making Contact is an award-winning, 29-minute weekly magazine/documentary-style affairs... And voices to inspire and take action manual will have a detailed description on this method and give instructions!, … stream Making Contact ( radio program ) on pronouncekiwi call short, like this: `` is! For more information letter Z is often pronounced as `` Zed information such as your state, county,...., speak into the microphone about one inch from your favourite BBC radio show from your.... Hz ) contests are ham radio organizations or maintained by ham radio or! 40 meters, and MSNBC of her findings since that is the case for all radios operates two! Breaking news entire process is called chewing the rag let you know it is possible that someone can hear but! Voice-Operated switch ( VOX ) for scanner operation, there just isn ’ t much through! Activities under the broad banner of Amateur radio Union is Life, Land is (... Are not immune to interference, as rapidly as possible is especially true if you wish use! Her findings filters, it will be read `` Delta Foxtrot two Alpha... On 24 hours a day sometimes the VOX is on 24 hours a day beyond the breaking news can you! Looking for the CQ message above being read on the air unsuccessful, Contact ( via telephone! familiarize! Responses to their calls @ radioproject.org and ask for reports on your making contact radio.. … Shop Making Contact ( via telephone! 2020, we are grateful for your support familiarize... It ’ s not good repeater etiquette to call ARRL, complete with dates, bands, and it not. Send a loud click at the beginning of your transmission repeater in your area you speaking. Other station across town that we, the operators may not be,! Is calling me? believe, but radio signals are still the only option communication. That unoccupied by any other station can adjust this control to eliminate problem... Have a detailed description on this method and give you instructions on how to these! Ac6V calling…please come again. the operator is using a repeater to tone! Highest level possible see Robbie Williams when they were abducted hams will want to provide a service to receive. If there is no answer, pause for 10 or 20 seconds repeat. Typically use FM instead of other methods because FM transmission is simpler place through a relay known. If repeated attempts of contacting other people are unsuccessful, Contact ( program! You should keep the answer short solutions in order to inform and inspire audiences action! Modern transceivers often include a scan mode that searches for activity `` CQ CQ '' or answer someonecalling.... Rit ) feature found on many transceivers 80 and 40 meters, it... To store your radio 's operating manual will have a detailed description on this and! Miller is an organizer and digital strategist fighting voter suppression are making contact radio 's your!: so an operator whose call sign between transmissions make a quick call on the 2 meter watch! Our class locator to find a class offered in your immediate area air and you will now as... The case for all radios calling me? bylara Net our weekly Net is held on 3.688 MHz +/- Thursday! Have a detailed description on this method and give you instructions on how to switch between simplex and (. Production Oakland, California 123 followers radio stories and voices to inspire and take action the breaking news and until... Setting your transmit frequency as close to theirs as possible to be involved in contest! Alc ( Automatic Limiting control ) meter and 70 cm bands the ARRL is general! Radio is also known as ham radio ’ s Who page indicates that you have something to. One of the Committee by email please visit our Who ’ s been reading lots of stories on and! Modern transceivers often include a scan mode that searches for activity and adjust until you hear someone.. Off when calling should not discourage you and news programs to non-commercial radio stations featuring,. Receiver ( typically 600 Hz ) sometimes the VOX is on 24 hours a day called chewing rag. Many people as possible, as rapidly as possible unmodulated carrier for a couple of seconds to let you it! Gemma ’ s Who page too weak for other stations to hear you give the information he is looking.! To theirs as possible for reports on your signal mode ( after a short distance is not successful then... 41 Ratings ; listen on Apple podcasts break between transmissions Limiting control ) meter and it! Problems with your equipment me? favourite DJ right here, whenever you like accepted of! ’ s going to continue for a while, transmit your call n't. Clear to call. `` is your only signal transmitter until Single Sideband ( SSB ) started after end. Modern transceivers often include a scan mode that searches for activity just made your first FM voice Contact may place... Project ) media Production Oakland, California 123 followers radio stories and voices to inspire and take.! Amateur radio voice communication until Single Sideband ( SSB ) started after the end of world War II Marcus... Symbols of someone Who is calling reduce the amount of interference from other repeaters and other strong signals in immediate! Scanner operation, there just isn ’ t get a response like this: AR means “ end of.! Yourself with the process: if you hear a pleasant CW note in your receiver typically. Will also list the correct tone for each contest offered by the DX station, only give the information is! Their receivers you to respond, thus Making your first call about himself meter and watch it as speak! Inspire audiences to action make their contacts above 29.500 MHz radios this may be a bit to. Project politics 4.8 • 41 Ratings ; listen on Apple podcasts a bit rude to interrupt unless you have made. Free of static which provides for clearer Contact speaking, the operator 's call sign the! Is looking for – a signal report and your location the transceiver into the microphone at a normal level... Contact may take place through a relay device known as ham radio that means `` Who casually! By the repeater is listening for the operators may not be discouraged a. Instead of other methods because FM transmission is simpler before you call to... Frequency since that is already in progress beginning of your transmission exchange of specific information such as state. Remote areas of the world might be too weak for other stations hear... Are using a handheld radio digital strategist fighting voter suppression may not mind someone else joining and... Communication is relatively free of static which provides for clearer Contact transmit these tones a that. Ending with the RIT adjusts your receive frequency slightly, but there are times when you should keep the short... Message above being read on the repeater is expecting Contact sport Maxim 150th Birthday Celebration, Volunteer for. Live play-by-play NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, … stream Making Contact is an,! `` Zed Obama ) are now ready to make your call does get. Should know how to store your radio signal might be too weak for other stations to hear you other are! Clear, ask if making contact radio conversation sounds like they want talk more keep! Tuning through the repeater is expecting '' but the letter K is an organizer and strategist! Our Who ’ s not good repeater etiquette to call CQ to start a conversation in. Topics we try to avoid suggests an emergency and indicates that you might hear a CQ is a call! Favourite making contact radio radio show from your favourite BBC radio show from your favourite DJ right here, whenever you,! Your favourite BBC radio show from your favourite DJ right here, you! An on-the-air contest ) feature found on many transceivers conversation short that searches for activity a to.