Saying your call sign
Every 10 minutes
During any conversation that runs long
At the end
When you sign off: 'W4JUM, clear'
In English or Morse
Plain voice is fine; phonetics help
No call sign, no transmit
Even a quick test needs your ID
Allowed and not allowed
Allowed
- Talking with other hams about almost anything
- Emergency messages, even by unlicensed people when life is at risk
- Helping at races, parades and storm spotting
Never allowed
- Codes or encryption to hide meaning
- Business or paid work
- Music, profanity or false distress calls
Letting family use your radio
- You stay the control operatorYou must be right there and responsible
- They speak, you identifyGive your call sign on schedule
- Stay within your privilegesOnly frequencies your license allows
- Better yet, get them licensedEach person who wants to talk alone needs their own license
Unlike GMRS
A GMRS license covers the family. A ham license covers only the person who earned it.
Sources: FCC Part 97 (97.113, 97.115, 97.119)
Remember
Say your call sign every 10 minutes and at the end, and keep it plain, honest and noncommercial.
Tap or press Enter to flip
Answer key
- How often must you give your call sign during a long conversation?Every 10 minutesThe rule is every 10 minutes and at the end of a contact.
- Which of these is prohibited on ham radio?Using codes to hide your meaningMessages must be in the clear; encryption is not allowed.
- Can an unlicensed family member talk on your ham radio?Yes, with you present as control operatorYou must be present, responsible, and give your call sign.
- When may an unlicensed person transmit without you?Only in a true emergency when life is at riskIn a real life-threatening emergency, anyone may use any means to call for help.
- Does one ham license cover the whole family?No, each person earns their ownHam licenses are individual; GMRS licenses cover family members.