Doc did a nice job of explaining things. I thought I'd add my $.02. Don't feel that asking even the most seemingly silly questions is a bad thing! This radio stuff can be a little confusing to the newcomer. Unfortunately, we radio geeks tend to have our own lingo, and often forget that it's pretty foreign to newcomers.
This might sound silly but I'm honestly not in the know when it comes to 2way communication.
Regarding contacts...
When you guys meet a new contact over the air, do you talk to them for a while? What about? Do they send you a physical card so you can get in touch wiht them again on the same band/freq etc? or is this something you fill out and keep for your records?
The length of contacts vary, not necessarily according to the familiarity of the two (or more) participants involved. Sometimes, I happen upon someone with whom I've never "worked" (contacted), and a lengthy QSO (conversation) ensues. On the other hand, regular friends on the bands often stop by for a QSO and we exchange weather information, any new gear we happen to be using or have recently acquired, and other day-to-day happenings. Those contacts can be relatively short. I"ve been known to enjoy a contact lasting a couple hours!
The "QSL card" is a means to have a physical, often unique and colorful, remembrance of a QSO. It is a confirmation of a QSO for personal use, or for verification of a particular station worked to qualify for an award. One such award in ham radio is "WAS," or Worked All States.
Record keeping (in amateur [ham] radio) is no longer a legal requirement. However, many hams, such as myself, keep detailed records of their QSO's. I prefer a paper log and an old-fashioned index card file. Others prefer computerized logging. Some keep neither. I keep ham records. I do not keep records of my outlaw forays into the netherworld of 11 meters, nor have I since 1966. While some may call it "evidence," I prefer to call it "self incrimination." But that's another subject...
Do you find yourself talking to the same people in another country or area often?
Interestingly, on 11 meters, I more often work the same DX stations (contacts via "skip" [where radio waves skip off of the ionosphere, back to earth, and sometimes back up and down again to achieve long distance communication]) in foreign countries than I do on amateur (ham) radio. Part of that reason is that I'm not really a "DX-er" on ham radio. I prefer stateside "ragchews" (laid-back conversations about anything under the sun).
Note: on CB/11 meters, DX refers to any station, foreign or domestic, worked via skip propagation, whereas on ham radio, DX refers to a station in another country, generally.
As Doc mentioned, probably the best way to become more "in tune" (no pun intended) with this wonderful hobby is to listen. Then, listen. Then, listen some more. That's not to say you can't just jump right in and start enjoying the fun! It just means that, like anything else, you'll become more comfortable with the status-quo by first observing. After that, grab a microphone, key the sucka up, and start blabbin.' Nothin' to it.
I'm just curious as I'm still figuring out all the stuff and reading up on a lot of it.
thanks
jake
Have FUN!
73 (best regards),
Sparky
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