How Berlin talks
A few rules so everyone on the channel gets through.
You don't need a radio licence and you don't have to learn any secret codes. Press the button, talk, let go — that's it.
Still, an open channel works a little differently from a voice message: everyone is listening at once, and only one person can speak at a time. A few simple rules keep it from turning into noise.
- Listen first, then press. While someone is talking, leave the button alone. Your turn comes right after.
- Say what matters. You've got sixty seconds at most. Usually far less is plenty.
- Blunt is fine. Disrespectful isn't. Berlin bluntness is part of the deal — as long as respect doesn't go out the window. Insults, incitement and tearing people down have no place on the channel.
- Don't turn the channel into an advert. A good tip for the flea market or the street festival: sure. Spam and self-promotion on a loop: nope.
- Private stays private. No real names, addresses or phone numbers on air — not yours, and certainly not other people's. That's what your pseudonym is for.
In short: talk the way you would to a stranger at the corner kiosk.
Radio speak — nice to know, not needed
Radio language comes from a time when messages were still sent in Morse. Short, fixed codes got through faster and were understood even when the connection was poor.
You still hear a few of them today. You don't have to use any of it on 030.berlin. But if someone throws a “QSL” or “73” your way, now you know what they mean.
The useful Q-codes
- QRV — I'm ready and receiving. “Currywurst36 is QRV.”
- QRX — one moment, please stand by. “Quick QRX, back in a sec.”
- QTH — my location. “My QTH is Tempelhofer Feld right now.”
- QRZ — who's calling me? Handy when you didn't catch who spoke to you.
- QSY — we're changing channel. “QSY to channel 9.”
- QSL — understood, receipt confirmed. The radio version of “got it”.
- QSO — a conversation, a contact. You talked to each other? Then you had a QSO.
- QRT — done for today. Radio off, browser closed — that's it for today.
For the real old hands
- QRM — other stations are interfering with reception.
- QRN — crackle and other natural interference.
- QSB — the signal fades in and out.
You'll rarely need these three on 030.berlin. But at least now nobody can tell you QRM is a new club night.
The classics
- “Roger” — understood.
- “Break” — I'd like to cut in for a second.
- “Come in” — I'm done, your turn. On 030.berlin the talk button does it for you: just let go.
- 55 — good luck, all the best.
- 73 — best regards. The classic sign-off among radio folk.
So what do I actually need to remember?
Really just this: listen first, keep it short, let others have their say, no abuse, no private data.
The rest you can use, ignore, or drop knowingly into your next QSO. What matters is that Berlin comes through.
73 — we'll hear you on channel 9.