BasicB-002-005-001
What is the correct way to call "CQ" when using Morse code?
C
Answer
Licensing, station identification, and operation
Type
A
Send the letters "CQ" three times, followed by the word "DE," followed by your call sign once
B
Send the letters "CQ" ten times, followed by the word "DE," followed by your call sign once
C
Send the letters "CQ" three times, followed by the word "DE," followed by your call sign three times
D
Send the letters "CQ" until someone answers
Answer Notes
The standard and most effective format for a Morse code (CW) CQ call is the '3x3' method. You send 'CQ' three times to grab the attention of anyone tuning across the band, followed by 'DE' (the Morse abbreviation for 'from').
After 'DE', you send your call sign three times. This repetition is crucial because band conditions, static, or fading (QSB) can cause the receiving station to miss a character. Sending it three times ensures they can accurately piece together your call sign.
Options suggesting you send your call sign only once do not account for these challenging band conditions, while sending CQ ten times or endlessly is considered poor etiquette and clutters the frequency.
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Before transmitting, the first thing you should do is:
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How should you answer a routine Morse code "CQ" call?