Making HF Contacts
HF is Different from VHF
Operating on HF is a different experience from using a VHF repeater. There's no repeater to help — you're talking directly to the other station, and conditions change constantly.
Calling CQ — Calling Anyone
On HF, you call CQ when you want to talk to anyone listening:
- Find a clear frequency. Tune around and listen. When you find a gap, ask: "Is this frequency in use?" Wait. If no reply, you're good to go.
- Call CQ:
"CQ CQ CQ, this is Victor Kilo Two Foxtrot Alpha Bravo Charlie, VK2FABC, calling CQ and standing by."
- Listen. If someone replies, exchange callsigns, names, locations, and signal reports.
- No reply? Try again. If no luck after a few calls, try a different frequency or band.
Answering a CQ
If you hear someone calling CQ:
"VK3XYZ, this is VK2FABC, Victor Kilo Two Foxtrot Alpha Bravo Charlie, over."
Give their callsign first, then yours. Use phonetics. Speak clearly and not too fast.
The Typical HF Contact (QSO)
A basic HF voice contact usually includes:
- Signal reports: "You're 5 and 7" (Readability 5, Strength S7)
- Name and QTH (location): "My name is John, and I'm in Sydney"
- Equipment info: "Running 10 watts to a dipole at 10 metres"
- Anything else: Weather, hobbies, whatever you want to chat about
- Sign off: "Thanks for the contact, 73!" (73 means "best regards")
Common HF Abbreviations
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 73 | Best regards (used at the end of contacts) |
| QTH | Your location |
| QSL | Confirmation of contact (also a QSL card — a postcard confirming the contact) |
| QSY | Change frequency |
| QRM | Interference from other stations |
| QRN | Natural interference (static, noise) |
| QRP | Low power operation (that's you at 10 watts!) |
| DX | A distant station (or long-distance communication in general) |
| OM/YL | Old Man (male operator) / Young Lady (female operator) — traditional terms, not age-related! |
QRP (low power) is a feature, not a limitation! Many operators specifically choose to run low power because it's more challenging and rewarding. At 10 watts you're a QRP operator by definition — and when you make a contact across the ocean at 10 watts, it feels amazing. Some stations will even give you an extra-enthusiastic report when they hear you're running QRP.