Do You Copy? A Guide to Walkie Talkie Lingo

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Smartphones are everywhere in modern life. According to statistics, there are 4.3 billion smartphone users worldwide. However, walkie talkies are still widely used in all walks of life. Even a certain amount of people love to collect different categories of two way radios, which are also known as the Ham. Unlike smartphones, we have our walkie talkie language in this field. Before using a walkie talkie, it is important to master walkie talkie lingo and terms for a better experience.

Why need walkie talkie codes?

Other people may think it’s comical and troublesome when using walkie talkie lingo instead of speaking normally.

Walkie-talkies do not have the same clarity and clear sound quality as smartphones do. If a person communicates normally by using walkie talkies, there is a possibility that some words and information will be lost in the process of signal transmission. This can lead to unclear communication and even misunderstanding.

However, using walkie-talkie codes makes your message shorter and clearer, which is important for first responder departments such as firefighting, police, and military.

 

Remember that walkie-talkie lingo will vary in different industries and places, and will be adjusted for different activities. Next, I will introduce some basic walkie-talkie codes, which are common worldwide. You can take notes and use these terms when talking to another Ham.

Basic Codes

  • Affirmative = Yes
  • Copy = Message understood.
  • Disregard = Ignore the previous message
  • Negative = No
  • Roger or Roger that = Message understood
  • What’s your 20? = What’s your location
  • Do you copy? = Can you hear me
  • Loud and Clear = Your radio is working
  • Radio Check or Mic Check = Is my radio working
  • Say Again or Go Again = Say your message again
  • Over = I’m done with my transmission, ready for your reply
  • Out = I’m done transmitting for now
  • Stand by = I’m busy at the moment, I’ll call you asap
  • Eyes on… = I can see what we’re talking about
  • Spin that = when a message needs to be conveyed to another radio channel. Example: “Spin that message to transportation on channel 3, please.”
  • Going off radio = Turning off your radio and won’t be in communication

10-Codes

That’s an even a more simple way to communicate —- 10-codes. When using a 10-code, you say “ten” and add the corresponding number. The receiver will immediately know what you mean. But just as the basic codes, it may vary from different industries. Next, I introduce some 10-codes that are standard all over the world:

  • 10-1 = The Signal is bad; transmission is received poorly
  • 10-2 = The Signal is good; transmission is received well
  • 10-3 = Stop the transmission
  • 10-4 = Transmission is received
  • 10-5 = Relay the message to (name or someone else)
  • 10-6 = Stand by, busy
  • 10-7 = Out of service
  • 10-8 = In service
  • 10-9 = Repeat message
  • 10-10 = Transmission is completed, please stand by
  • 10-11 = Talking too fast
  • 10-12 = Visitors are present
  • 10-13 = Road conditions and advise weather
  • 10-14 = Escort or convoy
  • 10-15 = We have a prisoner in custody (10-codes was invented by a police officer, so you can see why has this message)
  • 10-16 = Make a pick up at
  • 10-17 = Urgent business
  • 10-18 = Anything for us?
  • 10-19 = Nothing for you
  • 10-20 = Location

Walkie Talkie Etiquette

Since we are just done with learning walkie talkie lingo, it’s most important to know how to talk on a walkie talkie. There is a certain etiquette you should follow.

First, speak slowly and pronounce clearly. It’s harder to understand people’s voices over a transmission, even on smartphones. In addition, a certain pause would help the receiver to get your point.

Second, don’t shout at the microphone. All you need is to keep a normal speaking volume.

Last but not least, don’t forget to hit the transmission button before you start talking. This is because radios have a few seconds delay. They may miss the beginning of your message if you start too soon.

When it comes to the end of the conversation, take your finger off the button a few seconds after you’ve said: “over and out”. This action will ensure they hear the end of your message.

Conclusion:

You already learn the walkie-talkie codes (walkie-talkie lingo) and etiquette. Now it’s time to enjoy the fun from walkie-talkies with your Ham partners. If you are looking for a ham radio, we have UV58D, UV58, and many other radios for you.

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