Boy Scouts of America

Amateur Radio Terms

The terms and Q-signals can be quite confusing for Scouts. We’ve listed the common ones here. You might also want to download and print out the Radio Scouting Quick Reference Card for use by Scouts on the air. You can find it at this link https://www.k2bsa.net/radio-scouting-quick-reference-card/ 

 

ATV

Amateur television. Sometimes called Fast Scan TV. Same as commercial TV.

CQ Jamboree or CQ JOTA

A request for any other JOTA station to answer my call.

CW

A mode for sending messages by Morse Code.

FM

Frequency modulation

Ham

Slang for amateur radio operator.

Logging

To record details of the contacts made for future reference. The log includes call signs, time, frequency, names, etc.

Net

A group of stations who meet “on the air” at a specified time for a specific purpose.

Packet

A digital form of communications as in teletype but more reliable. Requires a computer, an interface box, and a radio transceiver.

QSL Card

A written acknowledgment that a contact has been made by amateur radio between the two parties. QSL cards are usually of the postcard variety.

RTTY

Radio teletype.

Schedule

A prearranged meeting “on the air” at a preset time and frequency.

Shack

The room where the amateur operator has his radio.

SSB

Single side band. A form of voice communications.

SSTV

Slow Scan TV. A single frame shown like a still picture. Example: WX photo from satellite.

TNC

Terminal node controller. The interface in packet between the computer and the transceiver.

Transceiver

A transmitter and receiver in a single box.

XYL

Wife

YL

Young lady (girlfriend)

73

Best wishes

88

Love and kisses

Q Signals

The “Q” Code was originally developed as a way of sending shorthand messages in Morse Code. However, it is still used by operators for voice communications. Some of those in common use are listed below.

QRA What is your call sign.

QRM I have interference (manmade).

QRN I am receiving static (atmospheric noise).

QRT I am closing station.

QRX Please wait.

QRZ Who is calling me?

QSB Your signal is fading.

QSL I acknowledge your contact.

QSO Are you in contact with__________?

QSY Change frequency to__________.

QTH My location is__________.

Phonetic Alphabet

A – Alpha

B – Bravo

C – Charlie

D – Delta

E – Echo

F – Foxtrot

G – Golf

H – Hotel

I – India

J – Juliet

K – Kilo

L – Lima

M – Mike

N – November

O – Oscar

P – Papa

Q – Quebec

R – Romeo

S – Sierra

T – Tango

U – Uniform

V – Victor

W – Whiskey

X – X‑Ray

Y – Yankee

Z – Zulu

Bray Barnes

Director, Global Security Innovative
Strategies

Bray Barnes is a recipient of the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, Silver
Beaver, Silver Antelope, Silver Buffalo, and Learning for Life Distinguished
Service Award. He received the Messengers of Peace Hero award from
the royal family of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and he’s a life member of
the 101st Airborne Association and Vietnam Veterans Association. Barnes
serves as a senior fellow for the Global Federation of Competitiveness
Councils, a nonpartisan network of corporate CEOs, university presidents, and
national laboratory directors. He has also served as a senior executive for the
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, leading the first-responder program
and has two U.S. presidential appointments

David Alexander

Managing Member Calje

David Alexander is a Baden-Powell Fellow, Summit Bechtel Reserve philanthropist, and recipient of the Silver Buffalo and Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. He is the founder of Caljet, one of the largest independent motor fuels terminals in the U.S. He has served the Arizona Petroleum Marketers Association, Teen Lifeline, and American Heart Association. A triathlete who has completed hundreds of races, Alexander has also mentored the women’s triathlon team at Arizona State University.

Glenn Adams

President, CEO & Managing Director
Stonetex Oil Corp.

Glenn Adams is a recipient of the Silver Beaver, Silver Antelope, Silver Buffalo, and Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. He is the former president of the National Eagle Scout Association and established the Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award. He has more than 40 years of experience in the oil, gas, and energy fields, including serving as a president, owner, and CEO. Adams has also received multiple service awards from the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers.