Key Up

Rehearse before you transmit

A free ham radio simulator. Talk to a practice station and get coached on what real operators listen for. Nothing goes out on the air.

147.060MHz

+0.6 MHz · Tone 88.5

Standing by

Nobody answered?

New ham · Beginner

Your first call is met with silence. Learn why that's normal, call again the right way, and meet the local who answers.

Your call sign

First name

Say it as November Zero Charlie Alpha Lima Lima. No call sign yet? Leave it blank to practice as N0CALL.

Read replies aloud Radio sounds

Silence is normal. People often listen while driving or working and don't answer the first call.
Wait a minute or two before calling again. Calling over and over sounds like a stuck microphone.
Asking for a radio check gives people an easy reason to answer.
Still nothing after a few tries? Check your tone and offset, then try during a net or on a weekday evening.

N0CALL

November Zero Charlie Alpha Lima Lima

Want the words first? Read what to say on ham radio, word for word.

Coming back after a break? Start with the refresher.