In this section we look at some ways of establishing contacts using CQ calls. Without doubt the best way to learn about this is to listen on the bands.
Before starting to transmit on a frequency we always
· Listen to see if it is being used.
· Ask if it is in use.
”This is M6XYZ. Is the frequency in use please?”
Remember due to propagation, we may not be able to hear both sides of a contact that other people are making. If the frequency is already in use, we move to another frequency.
Have a listen on h.f. s.s.b., h.f. c.w., v.h.f. s.s.b. and v.h.f. f.m. to the different styles of CQ calls that are used.
On the v.h.f. and u.h.f. bands, there are calling frequencies, specifically for the purpose of calling CQ. Once another station comes back to us on a calling frequency, we should agree to move to another frequency that it not in use.
On f.m. calls are kept quite short, as the operation is channelised (fixed frequencies), any station listening wil already be on-frequency. “CQ, CQ, CQ from M6XYZ”, then listen, then “CQ, CQ, CQ from M6XYZ”, then listen. We shouldn’t keep calling for more than a few seconds.
On s.s.b. CQ calls are generally a little longer, and repeat the callsign to allow stations hearing the call to tune on to your frequency. “CQ, CQ, CQ, this is M6XYZ, Mike 6 X-Ray, Yankee, Zulu calling CQ, CQ from M6XYZ”, then listen, and call again if you don’t get a reply. Note the use of the phonetic alphabet to give the callsign.
On h.f. in particular, you will hear stations calling “CQ DX”, meaning that they are only wishing to talk to stations a long way away from them (outside their continent). You will also hear stations calling CQ for a particular country “CQ Japan”. You should respect their request and not reply unless you meet their criteria.
On v.h.f. s.s.b. and above, it is good practice to include some indication of your location to assist stations hearing you to turn their yagi beam antennas to point towards you. “CQ, CQ, CQ this is Mike 6 X-Ray Yankee Zulu in Dorset calling CQ, CQ from M6XYZ”.
The best way to learn how to call CQ, is to listen to other people calling.
On the v.h.f. and u.h.f. bands there are calling frequencies (often referred to as calling channels) for both s.s.b. and f.m. Once we have established a contact we agree which channel or frequency we will move to. It is a good idea to agree what to do if that frequency is in use.
“M6ABC, this is M6XYZ, lets QSY to 144.575 MHz, but come back to this frequency if it is in use”.
QSY is a ‘Q’ code (some common abbreviations used in amateur radio), meaning to change frequency.