What changed
Glossary — edited Aug 31, 2026 by Unknown editor
This is the first recorded version, so every line is shown as added. Note: Imported from content/wiki
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**Amateur / ham** — a licensed operator in the amateur radio service.
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**ATV** — amateur television.
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**Balun / unun** — transformer between balanced and unbalanced (or unbalanced and unbalanced) feeds.
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**Beam** — a directional antenna, usually a Yagi.
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**Break** — spoken to interrupt an ongoing conversation, usually because you have something urgent.
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**Call sign** — the unique identifier issued by the FCC; yours, and required identification.
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**CQ** — a general call to any station.
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**CW** — continuous wave; Morse code.
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**DX** — distant station, usually meaning another country.
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**Elmer** — a mentor. Being one is the most valued role in the hobby.
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**FT8** — a weak-signal digital mode; see [FT8](/wiki/operating/digital-modes/ft8).
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**Grid square** — Maidenhead locator, e.g. EM75, identifying your location for VHF and satellite work.
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**Hamfest** — a swap meet, forum program and social event combined.
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**HT** — handheld transceiver.
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**LoTW** — Logbook of the World, ARRL's contact confirmation system.
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**Net** — a scheduled on-air meeting; see [nets](/wiki/operating/nets).
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**QRP** — low power operation, 5 W or less.
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**QSL** — confirmation of a contact, or the card that records it.
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**QSO** — a contact between two stations.
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**Rag chew** — a long, casual conversation.
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**Repeater** — a station that retransmits signals to extend range.
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**Rig** — a transceiver.
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**RST** — the readability/strength/tone signal report.
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**Shack** — wherever your station lives, however grand or humble.
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**Silent key (SK)** — an operator who has died.
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**Simplex** — direct radio-to-radio operation without a repeater.
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**SWR** — standing wave ratio; see [feedline and SWR](/wiki/station/feedline-and-swr).
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**VE / VEC** — volunteer examiner and volunteer examiner coordinator.
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**73** — best regards. Never "73s".
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**88** — love and kisses; used sparingly and traditionally.