8. Option A: Amateur Radio

Make a Contact

8a6.
Using proper call signs, Q signals, and abbreviations, carry on a 10-minute real or simulated amateur radio contact using voice, Morse code, or digital mode. Properly log the real or simulated amateur radio contact, and record the signal report. Note: Licensed amateur radio operators may substitute five QSL cards as evidence of contacts with five amateur radio operators.

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:

  1. Call: “CQ CQ CQ, this is [your call sign], [phonetic call sign], calling CQ and standing by.”
  2. Response: The other station responds with both call signs.
  3. 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
  4. 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:

FieldExample
Date2026-04-05
Time (UTC)1430
Frequency/Band146.520 MHz / 2m
ModeFM Voice
Call sign of other stationW5XYZ
Signal report sent59 (readability 5, strength 9)
Signal report received57
NameJohn
QTHDallas, TX
NotesSimulated contact for Radio MB

  • Date

    Example
    2026-04-05

  • Time (UTC)

    Example
    1430

  • Frequency/Band

    Example
    146.520 MHz / 2m

  • Mode

    Example
    FM Voice

  • Call sign of other station

    Example
    W5XYZ

  • Signal report sent

    Example
    59 (readability 5, strength 9)

  • Signal report received

    Example
    57

  • Name

    Example
    John

  • QTH

    Example
    Dallas, TX

  • Notes

    Example
    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.