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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/ham-radiogram-check

What does check mean in a radiogram header?

The number of words in the message text.

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  1. The number of words in the message text ✔
  2. A list of stations that relayed the message
  3. The call sign of the originating station

Why: The check is a word count of the message text. The receiving station compares its count with the header to catch a missing or extra word.

Huh, didn't know that: Counting words is a simple way to catch a dropped or extra word in a relayed message.

The dad joke
I asked the net for a check. They counted my words instead of paying my bill.
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References

Answer: The number of words in the message text. The check is a word count of the message text. The receiving station compares its count with the header to catch a missing or extra word.

  1. 2026-2030 Technician Class Question Pool, T2C11 ncvec.org/downloads/2026-2030%20Technician%20Pool%20and%20Syllabus%20Public%20Release%20Feb%2019%202026.pdf
    The number of words or word equivalents in the text portion of the message
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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