Questions tagged [jargon]
Questions about acronyms, words, phrases, or other terminology specific to amateur radio.
10
questions
27
votes
4answers
4k views
What is a link budget, and how do I make one?
Like the question title says, what is a radio link budget? For what is it useful, and how do I make one?
5
votes
1answer
2k views
What is the difference between a scanner and a receiver?
What is the difference between a scanner and a receiver?
9
votes
4answers
40k views
What is the difference between channel & frequency & band in RF?
I am reading about wireless networks basics. I found three terms I cannot find exact definition for: channel, frequency band, frequency.
Can anyone give exact definitions for them?
11
votes
1answer
5k views
What do the three-letter modulation codes (emission designators) stand for?
I've seen these weird three-letter modulation codes like J3E, A3F, A1A, F3E and so on. Someone even wrote 2K40J3E or 12K5F3E. What do these codes stand for?
5
votes
1answer
246 views
What do hams mean when they refer to “higher bands”
For example, the Ultimate3S kit info page says:
Produces 250mW RF output on 30m (lower output on higher bands)
Would bands "higher" than 30m mean:
bands with higher frequency e.g. 20m/17m/15m?
...
8
votes
4answers
5k views
What's the difference between “minimum SWR” and “resonance”?
Is the point of minimum SWR equivalent to resonance? Exactly what does resonance mean, anyway?
7
votes
5answers
783 views
Is a 5 watt UHF/VHF handheld considered QRP?
QRP doesn't have a strict definition, though 5W or less seems to be a common threshold. So would "QRP operation" usually be considered to include UHF/VHF handhelds?
5
votes
2answers
134 views
What is a QSL card?
What is a QSL card? Why would I ever receive one? Why would I ever bother to send one? If so, when? Is it rude not to?
Are they postcards sent by physical postal mail, or are they now digital ...
4
votes
1answer
1k views
Pirate Radio vs Ham Radio
I've recently came across the terms "Pirate Radio" and in the URL of this page, "Ham Radio". What is the difference between these terms? And what is the difference between the transmission of a Pirate ...
4
votes
5answers
181 views
