A ragchew is an unhurried conversation with another amateur, for its own sake: no contest exchange, no award to chase, no message to pass. Two people talk about radios, antennas, weather, work or anything else. It is the oldest and simplest way to use the hobby, and a relaxed way to get comfortable on the air.
How a ragchew unfolds
Illustrative proportions. A ragchew can last five minutes or an hour.
The opening is short: one station calls CQ, another answers, and they swap a signal report, names and locations (see Signal reports: RS, RST and the S-meter). After that nothing is scripted. The rest of the contact is just talking, in turns, until one of you needs to go.
The call itself follows the same pattern as any other contact:
CQ, who you are, then listen. No answer: repeat.
Getting started
Choose a band that is open. Local ragchews live on VHF and UHF repeaters or Simplex operation. For distance, tune HF where the band is open and listen.
Answer a CQ before you call one. Replying is easier than calling, and most operators enjoy hearing from a newcomer.
Call CQ if you want to be found. Say "CQ" a few times, "this is", your call sign, then stop and listen. Repeat as needed. On a busy band, ask whether the frequency is in use first.
Say what you are happy to talk about. "CQ, looking for a ragchew" tells others you are not in a hurry.
Talk about what you know. Your station, your antenna, your town and your other hobbies are all good material. Ask questions; people love to explain their setup.
Manners
Identify with your call sign at least every 10 minutes and at the end of the contact. A long conversation is easy to lose track of, so say it at each turn if you like.
Leave gaps between overs so someone with an urgent call or a break-in can be heard. See On-air etiquette.
Share the frequency. Nobody owns it. If a pile of stations arrives, or a net is due, move up or down.
Keep it appropriate. Part 97 prohibits obscene or indecent language, and amateur radio may not be used for business. Beyond that, keep it friendly.
Avoid long monologues. In a roundtable of three or more, pass the microphone around.