Req 8a6 — Make a Contact
This is the capstone of Option A — you put everything you’ve learned into practice by conducting (or simulating) an actual radio contact.
Structure of a Typical Voice QSO
A standard amateur radio contact follows a predictable pattern:
- Call: “CQ CQ CQ, this is [your call sign], [phonetic call sign], calling CQ and standing by.”
- Response: The other station responds with both call signs.
- Exchange: After initial contact, exchange:
- Signal report (RST: Readability 1–5, Strength 1–9)
- Name and QTH (location)
- Equipment description (rig, antenna, power)
- Weather or other conversation
- Sign-off: “73, [their call sign], this is [your call sign], clear.”
Both stations must identify with their call signs at least every 10 minutes and at the end of the contact.
Logging Your Contact
Every contact should be recorded in a log. A proper log entry includes:
| Field | Example |
|---|---|
| Date | 2026-04-05 |
| Time (UTC) | 1430 |
| Frequency/Band | 146.520 MHz / 2m |
| Mode | FM Voice |
| Call sign of other station | W5XYZ |
| Signal report sent | 59 (readability 5, strength 9) |
| Signal report received | 57 |
| Name | John |
| QTH | Dallas, TX |
| Notes | Simulated contact for Radio MB |
The QSL Card Alternative
If you already hold an amateur radio license and have been active on the air, you may submit five QSL cards instead of doing a single 10-minute contact. QSL cards are postcards exchanged between operators to confirm a contact. Each card proves you made a real, logged contact with another ham.
You’ve completed Option A. Continue to the next section of Requirement 8 below, or jump ahead to Requirement 9 using the sidebar if you’ve finished your chosen option.