QSL? Roger roger.

Radio amateurs provide an important link in an internet world

MOSES LAKE — “Whiskey 7 Bravo Juliet November, is that a roger?” The man’s voice, using the NATO phonetic alphabet to spell out a call sign, had a clear Caribbean lilt discernable even through the static and the distortion. “Roger, the name here is Brian.” Brian Nielson acknowledged his call sign and spoke clearly into the microphone hanging over his desk. “Go ahead.” “You’re coming in five by nine here on the beach in Barbados, over,” the voice replied, using the international amateur radio code to describe a clear and strong broadcast. The Barbadian then described the sun, the sand, and the surf right in front of him, and the fact that he was taking the day off from work. “Oh, on the beach, roger,” Nielsen said. “It’s kind of chilly here. We’re not on the beach. It’s snowy outside and 32 degrees. And we got about an inch of snow this morning. So I’m really envying you guys over there.” Nielsen extended an invitation to visit Moses Lake next time his conversation partner was in the United States. “Take care and 73,” Nielsen said, adding his call sign — W7BJN — and using the international amateur radio code for kindest regards. “Roger roger,” the Barbadian radio operator replied. “73s to you, my friend, and good luck.”