# Make a Contact

Part of the Radio Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/radio/guide/index.md)

*8. Option A: Amateur Radio*

> **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:

| 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 |

> **Tip**
>
> If you're doing a simulated contact (no actual radio transmission), set up the scenario as realistically as possible. Sit with your counselor or a licensed ham, use real call signs and proper procedures, and fill out a real log. The goal is to demonstrate that you know the protocol — simulation is explicitly allowed by the requirement.

## 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.

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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.

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