I keep hearing different interpretations about when exactly we need to identify our stations. Per Section 97.119, each amateur station must transmit its assigned call sign at the end of each communication, and at least every 10 minutes during a communication. But what constitutes a "communication"?

For example, if I'm having a long ragchew with another ham, is each transmission part of one continuous communication, or do I need to ID after every over? And what about when operating digital modes like FT8 or RTTY?

I want to make sure I'm following the rules correctly - no station may transmit unidentified communications or signals, and I don't want to inadvertently violate Part 97.

The key word in 97.119 is "communication" - this means the entire QSO, not each individual transmission. So in your ragchew example, you only need to ID at the very end of the contact and every 10 minutes during. The call sign must be transmitted by CW emission, by phone in English, or by RTTY/data when using digital modes.

For digital modes like FT8, most software handles the ID requirement automatically by including your call in every transmission. With RTTY or packet, you still need to follow the 10-minute rule manually unless your software does it for you.

Just remember that if you use any indicators like /P for portable, they must be separated by a slash or suitable word, and self-assigned indicators can't conflict with other FCC indicators or country prefixes. Keep it simple and clear!