Phonetic Alphabet
The phonetic alphabet is used to aid the understanding of words sent over a noisy radio link. For example the callsign G4BVE could easily be mistaken for G4CBE or other similar variation., but when sent as Golf Four Bravo Victor Echo there is less likely to be a mistake.
To receive the Communicator badge you must know the whole of the phonetic alphabet. Please learn it before Jamboree on the Air weekend.
|
A |
Alpha |
N |
November |
|
B |
Bravo |
O |
Oscar |
|
C |
Charlie |
P |
Papa |
|
D |
Delta |
Q |
Quebec |
|
E |
Echo |
R |
Romeo |
|
F |
Fox-trot |
S |
Sierra |
|
G |
Golf |
T |
Tango |
|
H |
Hotel |
U |
Uniform |
|
I |
India |
V |
Victor |
|
J |
Juliet |
W |
Whisky |
|
K |
Kilo |
X |
X-Ray |
|
L |
Lima |
Y |
Yankee |
|
M |
Mike |
Z |
Zulu |
Q Codes
In addition you need to know at least eight Q codes, but we would like you to learn the following ones, which will improve your understanding of the conversations you will hear on the radio. These codes are used to shorten messages and assist communication under noisy radio conditions.
|
QRM |
Interference (man-made). |
|
QRN |
Static (natural interference) |
|
QRT |
Stop sending/closedown. |
|
QRX |
Standby |
|
QRZ |
Who is calling me? |
|
QSB |
Your signals are fading |
|
QSL |
Acknowledge receipt |
|
QSO |
Contact |
|
QSY |
Change frequency |
|
QTH |
Location |
Another code which you will hear frequently is “73” which means best wishes.
Signal reports
Readability
R1 Unreadable
R2 Barely readable, occasional words distinguishable
R3 Readable with difficulty
R4 Readable with practically no difficulty
R5 Perfectly readable
Signal Strength
S1 Faint, signals barely perceptible
S2 Very weak signals
S3 Weak signals
S4 Fair signals
S5 Fairly good signals
S6 Good signals
S7 Moderately strong signals
S8 Strong signals
S9 Very strong signals
So a fully readable very strong signal will be 5 & 9.