Plain-language answer: A QSO is a two-way radio contact in which stations exchange enough information to establish communication.
Why it matters in the field
What counts can vary by operating activity or award, but good practice is to exchange callsigns accurately and communicate clearly before logging the contact.
What to do
Listen first, identify with your callsign, copy the other station carefully, and record UTC, band, mode, and any required exchange.
The common mistake
Logging a callsign from a cluster or partial exchange without completing the contact.
Field boundary
Current regulations, safety clearances, equipment manuals, exact antenna geometry, and site conditions control. Test the complete installed system at low power before relying on it.
