My first contact was a disaster (help)

Hey, i managed to get a contact in Wittenberge Germany today, we exchanged call signs but then he completely lost me with q codes and numbers and phrases to the point I didn’t know how to reply to him , the first one i took a guess at as he named a frequency so i tuned the radio to that and luckily he was their calling my call sign we managed to exchange basics like signal strength and locations but on my part i was mostly acknowledging what he was saying and then returning the same back to him, is there a dx for dummies manual as for all I’m excited about the contact i felt way out of my depth .
Thanks in advance for any help i can get

Craig
108-ct-261

The best thing to doo is listen to other operators.
The more you use the more you learn.

good luck

webba
108ct259

Ha ha, yes, can be daunting LOL! there are 'Dummy' guides on amazon, cheap enough https://www.amazon.co.uk/Big-Dummys-Guide-C-B-Radio/dp/0913990043
here are the popular Q Codes used:

QRM Is there any (Man made) interference?
There is man made interference.

QRN Is there any atmospheric noise?
There is atmospheric noise.

QRV Are you ready to receive?
I am ready to receive.

QRZ Who is calling me?
You are being called by . . .

QSY Shall I change to another frequency?
Change to another frequency.

QTH What is your location?
My location is . .

QSL Can you acknowledge receipt?
I acknowledge receipt.

Thanks i think il write these in my notebook that i keep at the radio

Hello Craig,

YouTube can be a good source of info for operating procedure. There are lots of "video-gates" of dx-style conversations (QSO) on there. If you type something like '11m dx' into the search on YouTube it will chuck up loads of videos.

Don't let it put you off, a bit of practice and I am sure you will sound like a seasoned pro.

Thanks John , its certainly not put me off, just makes me want to try again i was delighted when he responded to me as I’m running a basic mobile kit

No worries, Craig. Glad it has not put you off. Congrats on the contact too.

Don't worry Craig...I had the same happen to me on Sunday. Was on a great Net on PMR on Sunday . Like learning to ride a bike I guess. I'm not going to give up either....it's great fun.

Does`nt seem like a disaster at all as you made contact and enjoyed the experience.

Well done on the contact and tbh i operate with a relaxed nature and the need for codes and special language maybe second nature after time but that is what i like about 11m..relaxed and no exact rules.

I tend to just chat about worldly stuff once signal reports,working conditions (rig/twig etc) and weather conditions are delt with.

Good to see the excitement in your post and with many more contacts to come it will get better and better..enjoy 73 Sam

It can be a good idea to print these codes off and have them handy as a point of reference, you will notice it's a few of them that get used the most.
I have to admit I nearly fluffed a couple of contacts through sheer excitement, don't worry about it, put it down to experience and have them handy in future.
Nobody will think any less of you as you forgot a couple of Q codes, you will laugh over this in the future I'm sure.

Is there anything to lose by saying, "Sorry, I'm new. You're my first contact and I am struggling with the Q codes. Could we please use plain language as well"

alpha_india wrote:

Is there anything to lose by saying, "Sorry, I'm new. You're my first contact and I am struggling with the Q codes. Could we please use plain language as well"

Definitely nothing wrong with that. 100% the right thing to do.

73's Gary.

A little late but android app called "amateur radio tool kit" has all the question codes 73 codes and other good information and it's handy for other things for building antennas as ect

I posted this for you most you will never use but you will get use to the main ones you will use  as time goes on mate

The above list has been move to th the Information and Guide section of the forum