Before you press PTT
- □ My amateur radio license has been granted and my chosen frequency is within my privileges.
- □ I know the repeater receive frequency, offset direction/amount and access tone.
- □ The antenna is connected, the radio is programmed, and I have selected suitable power.
- □ I have listened first and the repeater is not in use.
My callsign: __________________________
Repeater frequency: ________________ MHz
Offset / tone: __________________________
A simple first-contact script
1. Make your call
“This is [your callsign], listening. I'm new to the area and would appreciate a signal report.”
2. When someone responds
“Thanks for coming back to me, [their callsign]. You're coming through clearly. My name is [first name].”
3. Wrap up courteously
“Thanks for the contact and your help. [Their callsign], this is [your callsign], clear.”
These are examples, not mandatory wording. Use plain language, give your callsign as required, and let ongoing traffic finish before you call.
Record your first QSO
Date / time: ________________________________
Station contacted: ________________________
Signal report / notes: ______________________
My next experiment: _______________________
If it doesn't work
Listen again. Check volume, frequency, repeater offset and access tone against a trustworthy current listing or with a mentor. Don't keep transmitting repeatedly if you get no reply. An unanswered call does not necessarily mean your radio is broken.
Remember: Never transmit before your license grant or outside your authorized privileges. Keep clear of electrical hazards and use a safe location when operating.