Hey, YOU... Quit Be'ina LID :)
In the below text, CQ OP is an operator calling CQ and running the frequency. Caller is the operator trying to contact the CQ OP.
As a Caller, Hunter, Chaser:
- When you turn to a CQ OPs frequency, take some time to listen to how they are handling other callers. Get a feel for the flow of QSOs, the rhythm and typical exchange before sending your callsign.
- Don't send your callsign until you are sure that the CQ OP is listing for the next callsign. If you don't hear them sending, and the operating frequency is quiet, they might be trying to decode a weak station that you can't hear. If you transmit, they will likely have to ask the other operator to repeat what they sent. (See the previous bullet point.)
- Don't ever send a "?" when you don't hear anything on the operating frequency. Chances are good that if you just arrived on the frequency, and things are quiet, the CQ OP is listening to someone that you can't hear, and you will interrupt their attempt to decode the other caller's callsign. (See the first bullet point above.)
- Send your callsign only once - at any time. If the CQ OP needs you to repeat it, They'll ask you to resend it. Also, sending your callsign repeatedly when trying to make initial contact doesn't increase your chances of being picked out of the pile-up - it usually just slows the whole process down and will annoy everyone.
- Don't send the letter "K" after sending your callsign or when turning over. Most people don't use "K" in event exchanges. More often than not, sending "K" causes confusion, it's not necessary, and the letter "K" might just become part of your callsign by mistake.
- Transmit slightly above or below the CQ OP's operating frequency by 50 to 100 Hz so you stand out and don't become part of "the blob." Using Transmit Incremental Tuning (XIT) is the best way to offset your transmission while keeping your receive pitch where you like it. DO NOT zero beat the CQ OP's frequency or you will be assimilated into "the blob" and disappear into the Collective.
- If the CQ OP sends a partial callsign followed by a question mark, that means they are asking a caller to repeat their callsign so they can get the complete callsign. Do not send your callsign unless the letters the CQ OP send before the question mark are actually IN your callsign. If they give up trying to decode that other caller's callsign they will call "QRZ" or "CQ" again. It's only then that they are ready to move to the next caller.
- When the CQ OP is completing a QSO with another caller, don't transmit your callsign until the QSO with that caller is complete. Listen for a dit-dit (two bits), QRZ, or 73 - sure signs that the QSO has completed.
- After your exchange with the CQ OP, and after they've sent 73, TU, or dit-dit to you don't send anything more. During a pile-up, they won't hear your tail-end transmission, and they likely won't hear the next callers's callsign either.
- If you don't get in the CQ OP's log, you more than likely doubled with another caller. Please make sure you know the callsign the CQ OP is addressing in their transmission. If you're not sure that their transmission is intended for you, just go silent. If they are truly working you, they will come back with your callsign and attempt to reengage with you to complete the QSO - They want to complete QSOs.
- Please, please, please do not tune-up your rig on the CQ OP's operating frequency. Even if your rig transmits only five watts during the tuning process, that's more than enough to cause significant interference.
- Evan (K2EJT) has a great video covering many aspects of good POTA etiquette and hunting practices. You can view it here: CW Etiquette and POTA
- It is strongly recommended that you to become familiar with the DX Code of Conduct. It applies to POTA, WWFF, SOTA, and most other events as well.
- Bottom line: Be patient and be courteous when operating CW mode, or any other mode for that matter. Orderly and efficient QSOs are the goal, with a lot of fun mixed-in!
As a CQ OP, Activator, person calling CQ:
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