Ham Radio Glossary

0-9
73
73 is an old telegraph code that means “best regards”
88
88 is an old telegraph code that means “hugs and kisses”
A
Amateur Service
A radiocommunication service for the purpose of self-training, intercommunication and technical investigations carried out by amateurs, that is, duly authorized persons interested in radio technique solely with a personal aim and without pecuniary interest.
Amateur Station
A station licensed in the amateur service, including necessary equipment, used for amateur communication.
Amateur operator
A person holding a written authorization to be the control operator of an amateur station.
D
DE
The Morse code abbreviation for “from” or “this is.”
DX
Telegraphic shorthand for “Long Distance”. Usually DX refers to a long distance signal.
DXing
The practice of receiving and identifying distant radio signals, or making two-way radio contact with distant stations in amateur radio, citizens’ band radio or other two-way radio communications.
Dummy load
A station accessory that, replacing an antenna, allows you to test or adjust transmitting equipment without sending a signal out over the air. Also called dummy antenna.
Duplexer
A device that allows a dual-band radio to use a single antenna resonating on two different bands.
S
SWR Meter
A measuring instrument that can indicate when an antenna system is working well. A device used to measure SWR.
Solar Flare
A sudden eruption of energy on the solar disk lasting minutes to hours, from which radiation and particles are emitted.
Sunspot
Temporary areas of concentrated magnetic field on the sun, resulting in a darker area on the photosphere of the sun
Sunspot Cycle
The number of sunspots increases and decreases in a predictable cycle that lasts about 11 years.