Phonetic alphabet
Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, Echo, Foxtrot, Golf, Hotel, India, Juliet, Kilo, Lima, Mike, November, Oscar, Papa, Quebec, Romeo, Sierra, Tango, Uniform, Victor, Whiskey, X-ray, Yankee, Zulu.
Printable Ham Shack Helpers
Quick reference cards for common ham radio tasks.
Phonetics, Q-codes, RST reports, coax loss notes, ferrite mixes, connector IDs, band reminders, and an antenna decision helper.
ABC PhoneticsRST ReportsDIY Antenna picker
Shack Desk
Fast answers while operating.
Keep this page open on a phone or second monitor for common operating references.
- Use phonetics when signals are weak.
- Use RST reports consistently.
- Pick simple antennas first, then improve.
Antenna Decision Helper
What antenna should I build?
Choose your band, space, and goal. The helper suggests a practical starting project already covered on the site.
Reference Cards
Printable-style ham shack helpers
These cards are concise by design so they are useful while operating.
Common Q-codes
QTH location • QSO contact • QSL confirm • QRZ who is calling • QRM interference • QRN static • QRP low power • QSY change frequency • QRT stop transmitting.
RST report
Readability 1-5, Signal strength 1-9, Tone 1-9 for CW/digital tone quality. Example: 59 voice, 599 CW.
Connector guide
PL-259 mates with SO-239 • BNC quick VHF/UHF/lab • N connector better weather/UHF • SMA common handheld/SDR • Powerpole common DC power.
Coax loss reminder
Loss rises with frequency and cable length. Use better coax for VHF/UHF long runs. Keep jumpers short, connectors clean, and outdoor joints weatherproof.
Ferrite mix quick note
Mix 31 is a common HF common-mode choice. Mix 43 is often useful higher in HF/VHF. More turns through a core usually increases choking impedance.
Basic HF band notes
80/40m often better at night. 20m is a daytime/dusk workhorse. 17/15/12/10m improve with solar activity. Always check conditions and local noise.
Build order
Start with a dipole or end-fed, add a choke/balun, build a dummy load, add safe DC power, then improve with directional or portable antennas.