KT4DS — HF SSB Operating Script

How to use this script

Blue boxes = what you say on air. Read them naturally — don't rush.
Gray labels = the phase of the contact (for your reference only).
Amber boxes = tips and reminders.
Green boxes = conversational prompts to keep the rag chew going.
You don't have to follow every line verbatim — use it as a confidence anchor.
Keep a pencil handy to jot call sign, name, location, and signal report.

Part 1 — Calling CQ (You initiate the contact)

Step 1 — Listen first

Before transmitting, listen on the frequency for at least 30 seconds. Then ask: "Is this frequency in use?" Wait 5 seconds. If clear, proceed.

Step 2 — Call CQ

CQ Call

CQ CQ CQ, this is Kilo Tango Four Delta Sierra, Kilo Tango Four Delta Sierra, calling CQ and standing by.

Tip: Say your call sign twice. Three CQ's is standard. Speak clearly and at a relaxed pace.

No reply — try again

CQ CQ CQ, this is Kilo Tango Four Delta Sierra, KT4DS, calling CQ on [frequency], standing by for any call.

Tip: Wait 10–15 seconds between CQ calls. After 3–4 unanswered calls, try a different frequency.

Part 2 — Someone Responds to Your CQ

Step 3 — Acknowledge and give your exchange

Acknowledge

[Their call sign], this is KT4DS — thanks for coming back! You're [signal report, e.g. five nine] here in Venice, Florida. My name is Dwight. How do you copy? KT4DS.

Signal reports: 5-9 = perfect. 5-7 = good but slightly noisy. 5-5 = readable but weak. Always be honest.

Part 3 — Answering Someone Else's CQ

Step 4 — Call the station

Answer their CQ

[Their call sign], this is Kilo Tango Four Delta Sierra, KT4DS, over.

Keep it short — just your call sign. Let them acknowledge you first before giving your full exchange.

Step 5 — They acknowledge you — now give your exchange

Your exchange

Thanks for the call! You're [signal report] here. I'm located in Venice, Florida — that's on the Gulf Coast, about 20 miles south of Sarasota. My name is Dwight. What's your name and location? KT4DS, over.

Always end your transmission with "over" (more to say) or "back to you" during a rag chew.

Part 4 — The Rag Chew (Keeping the conversation going)

Your standard follow-up — rig & antenna

Your station info

I'm running a Kenwood TS-590S into a 5-band vertical — Diamond CP-5HS II — on the roof of my single story house. What are you running at your end? Over.

Operators love talking about their gear. This is a great rag chew starter.

Weather — always a reliable topic in Florida!

Weather exchange

It's [weather description] here on the Gulf Coast. How's the weather where you are? Over.

Weather is universally relatable and a go-to for filling natural pauses.

Conversational prompts — use any of these

They mention their location:

Oh, [their city] — what band conditions have been like from your part of the country lately? Over.

Pause in conversation:

Well, I'll tell you, propagation on [band] has been [good/interesting/unpredictable] lately — are you finding the same from your end? Over.

They ask about your ham history:

I've been licensed since mid-2018. I curated my call sign KT4DS for minimal keystrokes in Morse — though I'm primarily on SSB voice for now. How long have you been in the hobby? Over.

You hear noise or QRM:

We've got a bit of QRM creeping in here — you're still readable though. Shall we continue or would you like to QSY to another frequency? Over.

Natural end of topics:

Well, I've really enjoyed the contact today — always great to find a clear frequency and a friendly operator! Shall we wrap up with a final exchange? Over.

Part 5 — Closing the Contact

Standard sign-off

Well [name], it's been a real pleasure working you today! I'll give you a [signal report] and hope to catch you again on the bands. This is KT4DS in Venice, Florida — 73 and good DX! KT4DS, clear.

"73" means best regards. "88" means love and kisses (use only if appropriate!). "Clear" means you're done.

Short sign-off

Thanks for the QSO, [name] — 73 to you and yours. KT4DS, going QRT.

"QRT" means you're shutting down or leaving the frequency.

Part 6 — DX Contacts (Working stations outside the US)

DX contacts are usually shorter and more structured than domestic rag chews. Keep it crisp — many DX operators are working a pile-up and appreciate brevity. Signal reports, names, and locations are the core exchange.

Calling a DX station

[Their call sign], Kilo Tango Four Delta Sierra, KT4DS, Florida, over.

Short and clear. Give call sign, state, and "over." Don't give a full exchange until they acknowledge you.

DX exchange (once acknowledged)

Thanks [name / call sign]! You're [signal report] here in Venice, Florida — that's Gulf Coast, grid square EL96. Name here is Dwight. Thanks for the QSO — 73! KT4DS.

Grid square EL96 covers the Venice / Sarasota area. DX operators often log grid squares.

Quick Reference — Common Q-Codes & Pro Words

QSO	A contact / conversation
QTH	Your location
QRT	Shutting down / leaving frequency
QSY	Change frequency
QRM	Man-made interference
QRN	Natural static / noise
QRZ?	"Who is calling me?" or "Who's there?"
QRX	"Stand by" / I'll call you back
59 / 5-9	Perfect readability and signal strength
73	Best regards (the classic ham farewell)
Over	Your transmission is done — expecting a reply
Out / Clear	Conversation is finished, closing the contact
Roger	Message received and understood
Break	Interrupting to add something urgent

Signal Report Reminder — RST System (for SSB use RS only)

R5 S9 = Perfectly readable, extremely strong signal ("Five Nine")
R5 S7 = Perfectly readable, moderately strong
R5 S5 = Perfectly readable but weak
R4 S4 = Readable with some difficulty, fairly weak
R3 S3 = Readable with considerable difficulty
Honest reports are appreciated — "59" for everything is known as a "rubber stamp" report and experienced ops notice.