RF Podcast Glossary: Ham-Speak 101 & RF Classics

This glossary blends the traditional language of Amateur Radio with the wit and wisdom of the Resonant Frequency Podcast community. Some entries are straight-up definitions, others are tongue-in-cheek looks at the culture that keeps us tuning in. 73 de KB5JBV.

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Everyday Ham-Speak 101

73 means Best Regards. The word regards is already plural, so “73s” would be redundant (“regardses”). ✅ Correct form: 73 | Example: Thanks for the QSO! 73 de KB5JBV.

ARES — Amateur Radio Emergency Service

Volunteer operators who provide communications during disasters or public-service events when other systems fail. Local ARES groups coordinate with emergency agencies under the ARRL Field Organization.

Elmer

A mentor who helps new hams learn the ropes. Every operator should try to be one someday.

Morse Code / CW (Continuous Wave)

Communication by dots and dashes. Simple, efficient, and still one of the most reliable modes when conditions get rough.

Q-Codes (Selected)

• QSL – I acknowledge receipt.
• QRM – Interference from another signal.
• QRZ? – Who is calling me?
• QTH – My location is …

Call Sign

Each licensed amateur receives a unique identifier from the FCC. Example: KB5JBV — Kilo Bravo Five Juliet Bravo Victor.

Repeater

A station that listens on one frequency and re-transmits on another, extending the reach of handhelds and mobiles.

Net

A scheduled on-air gathering for information exchange, training, or fellowship. Examples: ARES Net, Traffic Net, Rag-Chew Net.

Traffic

Formal written messages (radiograms) sent through standard ARRL/NTS formats — vital during emergencies when accuracy matters.

QSO

A radio contact between stations. Example: “Nice QSO this evening — hope to catch you again soon.”

73 and 88

73 = Best Regards; 88 = Love and Kisses. 73 is for everyone; 88 is for someone special — use with care!

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RF Podcast Classics — The Culture and Comedy Section

Anti-Elmer

The Anti-Elmer is distinguished by a few unmistakable traits:

• Treats new operators like they’re stupid for asking basic questions.
• Uses technical jargon to sound smart when plain English would do.
• Belittles others to feel important.

Not to be confused with the Clueless Extra who has his own special stick up his coax.

Clueless Extra

• Got their license because CB was getting boring or restricted.
• Treats ham radio as a casual hobby like golf or needlepoint.
• Took the entry exam on a whim because it was “easy.”
• Upgraded to Extra without learning much and now acts like a guru.
• Usually knows less than a new Technician but corrects everyone anyway.

Appliance Operator

The ham who buys everything ready-made, never solders a joint, and calls for help when the mic stops working. Perfectly fine until they start lecturing about oscillators they’ve never seen.

LID

A poor operator. Steps on QSOs, ignores net control, or forgets their own call sign. We’ve all been there once — just don’t stay there.

Ragchewer

The operator who can talk for hours on the air about anything from antennas to grandkids. Friendly, harmless, and a vital part of the hobby.

Silent Key (SK)

A ham who has passed away — their key forever silent. A title spoken with respect and memory.

Applause to the Real Elmers

For every Anti-Elmer or Clueless Extra, there’s a true Elmer out there patiently helping someone make their first contact. You folks are the heartbeat of Amateur Radio.

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Compiled and maintained by Richard Bailey KB5JBV for the Resonant Frequency Podcast. Last updated 2025.