Talking on a repeater for the first time can be a daunting task. Potentially lot’s of people, especially seasoned OMs and YLs, who know the ins and outs of amateur radio, can listen. I know I was quite nervous my first few rounds. For that reason I want to provide a short “how to”, to help you at your first few calls.

For the general rules of a CQ call see the cheatsheet.

P2P

Often you will end up talking to one other amateur radio operator. In this case the rules are more simple.

Call

In the course of the call you should say

  • your name,
  • your QTH (where you live),
  • your gear (what you use at the moment).

QSL cards

Usually QSL cards are not sent for QSOs on repeaters. Some people, including myself, do send QSL them though, when it was your first QSO with this operator. In any case these cards cannot be used for contests.

Rounds

When you enter a round of two or more operators rules are bit more difficult. First of all you should break in between calls by stating your callsign. Please do wait until somebody answers your break, don’t constantly throw in your call sign.

Generally there can be two ways to handle rounds:

  • star shaped or
  • circular.

When the round is led in a star shape every operator passes the mic back to the same operator (the “center” of the star), who gives it to the next person. This setup is used in larger groups where moderation is more important.

When the round is smaller the head operator (who started the round) defines circular rounds. Here the mic is passed on to the next in line. The last person passes it back to the head OP, who in turn asks if someone wants to join before starting a new round.

Beginning of round

  • Introduce yourself (see Call above)
  • Thank the leader of the round
  • Greet SWLs

Start and End of call

  • Leave a short break in between calls, so somebody might break
  • Start your call with the last persons call sign followed by your call sign
  • End your call with the next persons call sign followed by your call sign

End of round

If you want to leave a round you usually announce it and then still listen for one round. You can announce by saying one of the following phrases or any other variation.

  • I wish you all 73 and am listening for one more round.
  • 73 to all of you. Listening one more round, before I’m off for good.

Also it is polite to greet all SWLs when clearing.

Organisation

Keep a sheet of paper to …

  • write the order of callers (cross out when someone leaves)
  • write a list of things you want to say. It makes sense to put greetings and thanks at the beginning of your call.
  • keep an area of the page for things you want to process after the conversation has ended

Further

  • cross out items that are not relevant for your call
  • be brief