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Manager - N2MG
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Survey Question

Question

Do you get on the air and call CQ?

Results (2191 answers)

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Survey Comments

CQ a rare event inG land!

Very rarely will one hear CQ on 144 or 430 Mhz in UK, mostly people use these bands to talk to their mates only, or spouses! very much like a PMR band, of course there is the repeaters where great DX can be worked on low power from a handie, perhaps CQ might be used there in the future!!! sort of "dial a copy" geddit???

C Q is heard more often on 3.5 & 7 Mhz
I use it regularly along with most others world wide on PSK31.


Posted by G3OZN on 2005-04-22

CQ, CQ, CQ 2

Does calling CQ on 2M FM count? Sorry for the late reply, but yes, I sometimes call CQ on 2M FM here in Desert Hot Springs,(Palm springs) Ca. I have a small install and I delight when I get a response. To date, I have worked four hams in the area. I still get the same thrill as when I was a boy (30 years ago) on 11M CB.

I have a Kenwood 2M 50 W rig and a J-Pole which I myself built (from plans obtained on the 'net). Not too many people working 2M Simplex around here the same times I am calling, but it's still a real thrill.

73
kf6hcd
Posted by KF6HCD on 2005-03-24

CQ

I do call CQ. I don't get to many responses however. I like having a QSO that is a little more then, "your 5/9, thanks and good luck". I like getting to know someone especially if they are DX and from another country. To me that’s what being a ham is about.
73 de Eric, N2UQB
Posted by N2UQB on 2004-12-30

CQ

I do call CQ. I don't get to many responses however. I like having a QSO that is a little more then, "your 5/9, thanks and good luck". I like getting to know someone especially if they are DX and from another country. To me that’s what being a ham is about.
73 de Eric, N2UQB
Posted by N2UQB on 2004-12-30

Calling CQ

I once called CQ on the car horn to a fellow ham I had passed on the Interstate.(I noticed his license plate) We had a nice QSO on 52 simplex.

I always thought calling CQ was standard practice. I didn't get a license just to listen.

de N8KG/--... ...--
Posted by N8KG on 2004-12-30

Calling CQ

I once called CQ on the car horn to a fellow ham I had passed on the Interstate.(I noticed his license plate) We had a nice QSO on 52 simplex.

I always thought calling CQ was standard practice. I didn't get a license just to listen.

de N8KG/--... ...--
Posted by N8KG on 2004-12-30

CQ

I was working on Heathkit HW-22A, 2:00 AM
this one had took a little extra attention.
About 65 watts out of a set of worn 6GE5's
150' of LM-400 to a A-4 at 50 feet. First time in probably 20 years the rig had come to life. Called CQ two or three times, first
to answer was a 4X long path!...worked about
15 Middle Eastern Stations...Sure I call CQ.
Greg/de kb8njh
Posted by KB8NJH on 2004-12-30

Call CQ on 2m

In my neck of the woods, I never hear anybody call CQ on 2m repeaters. Most often, it's net groups getting together at the usual time; sometimes, it's a ham saying "listening" (which seems silly to me, but that's protocol); and then, occasionally, I hear a point-to-point call. (There's at least one married couple that seem to prefer ham to cell phone.)

But I call CQ on 2m repeaters, because I'm not just "listening", I want to chat! And more often than not, somebody jumps right on for a qso. (There was some talk in another thread about how folks on 2m can be snooty; but I haven't experienced that.)

It's been good for me. I'm no good at conversation, and a chew of longer than about two minutes makes me sweat; but the CQ exercise has built up my confidence in doing the ham thing. Still haven't broken into a net, though, or even answered a CQ...

73 - KI4HTE Jack
Posted by KI4HTE on 2004-12-27

Calling CQ

I usually answer the cq preferring not to let the calls go unanswered. Having been a ham for a while, I prefer to listen. Somtimes I jump into make a comment on existing roundtables. Still if the urge strikes, I do call CQ. That call is usually not long when I am at my fixed station. On the road, I like calling CQ IN CW. Mobile cw is fun. You never know who will comeback. I worked Kwait that way!
Posted by removed on 2004-12-27

cq

> On 2m phone, I don't see much sense in it
> outside of an emergency ...

Mobile stations travelling on unfamiliar roads on 2m calling CQ seems to make sense to me. They (I) want to talk...
Posted by KE7CJY on 2004-12-27

Depends on Mode

For some reason, I get a lot more responses using CW than I do with voice. Very frustrating.

Danny
Posted by KG4EKQ on 2004-12-27

Every Time I'm on.

Yes I call "CQ" even when I operate QRP. You just never know. This is important especially on the V/UHF bands. I have made many contacts calling on both 144 and 50 MHz. Not always DX but good talk anyway.
Posted by N2WEC on 2004-12-26

Calling CQ with a 47 X 2

I think we found the guy making the 47 X 2
calls fellows !! (Lighten Up !!)
Posted by KK4DW on 2004-12-23

CQ CQ KE6BOL DE CQ

Packet and voice! Sorry, still working on my code...

73 KE6BOL OP MARK
Posted by AI6CG on 2004-12-23

numbnuts

Numbnuts and boobs? I thought this was a ham radio site. Come on guys, clean up your act a little.
Posted by AA9UC on 2004-12-22

numbnuts

Numbnuts and boobs? I thought this was a ham radio site. Come on guys, clean up your act a little.
Posted by AA9UC on 2004-12-22

calling CQ

I am from the old school of radio operations , and I feel that if you or I, are going to keep the radio going like it is to go,that we need to go and do what is asked of all radio operaters, CALL CQ before talking or coming on air. Thanks Paul
Posted by CDX584 on 2004-12-21

cq

Yep, i listen first for about a couple minutes then start the automation of cq cq cq de.... i find myself calling for hours at a time some days and wonder where all the FISTS or RAIBC ops have gone? Surely i cannot be alone ..--..
Posted by G6XCJ on 2004-12-21

CQ...CQ...CQ...

The problem on 2M is that most operators do not monitor 146.520 FM, 144.200 SSB enough, or at all. Everybody needs to program their rigs to scan for popular frequencies, as well as for CQ channels. Everybody should do this! The same goes for 6M!!! I was flabbergasted when I finally got my license...and discovered that nobody was listening for CQ/QSO's. Then....there was one guy on 6M that answered my call...yes there IS hope afterall. No! it was/is not an antenna problem! Come on people...listen for CQ's...program your rigs to scan the frequencies! 73's John KI4DSB
Posted by KI4DSB on 2004-12-20

CQ depends

Well since most of my operating time is mobile. The 2 m and 70cm gets a lot of attention. Also since 10m propagation is down I don't do as much CQ'ing as I did couple of years ago. Although, I still test the 10 m band even when I don't hear anything. Just in case someone is monitoring and has not detected good band propagation. So I averaged out my CQ activity of over time.

I would be curious of how many people monitor radio activity at home as they do other chores in the home. And how that compares to say 5, 10 20 years ago increments. Also what bands they used to monitor and what they currently monitor such as HF, VHF and so on.


Jay AB9CG
Posted by AB9CG on 2004-12-20

Where they have gone?

My answer is - No - even though I do call CQ very rarely. Being a HF cw operator I have experienced for long decades that a CQ call is not effective when running QRP or average power and antenna.

On one hand it must be quite a shame to be heard while seeming to be completely deaf due to a heavy and never ending QRN of a city or a metropolis.

On the other hand let us take an example: 10 m band, no station heard at all just one from a rare DXCC country. Of course, there is pileup and many stations can be copied well. They complete the QSO then disappear.

I call CQ and no answer. Where have they gone?

73, dx de Tibi, HA2MN

Member of SPAR Rag Chewer's Club No. 75 in CW and Phone.
http://www.spar-hams.org
Posted by HA2MN on 2004-12-20

cq

Yes. I call cq a lot. Usually get a return most of the time, unless conditions are poor. Never tried calling cq on 2 meters; maybe I'll give it a go

Jim/W7QEB
Posted by W7QEB on 2004-12-19

CQ OFTEN

I call CQ on 6 and 2 Daily. Especially using WSJT. I like to chase grids but now have a fairly low power station. Even so we have picked up 20+ new grids on 6 and 2 calling CQ on Meteors.

Posted by WQ5S on 2004-12-18

Results Percentage

It's funny how each answer on this survey has a 10% separation! I'm glad to see the majority of those who replied indicated they do call CQ though. I also call CQ daily on many simplex channels. Although I don't always get a reply, I do call regularly. When I get a response it's always a fun conversation.

I agree with the idea that there are usually several people listening on simplex channels. However, many are just not putting out their callsign, therefore, it would appear to everyone else there isn't anyone on the frequency!

I make a habit of calling CQ on numerous frequencies on a daily basis, and I'm always pleased when I can "drum up" a conversation with anyone!
Posted by YEPSURE on 2004-12-17

-.-. --.- -.-. --.- -.-. --.-
Posted by OLDFART13 on 2004-12-16

CQ

About half of my QSO's are made by my calling CQ. Oddly, I rarely call CQ during contests; as I like to run around the band to see who is out there.

Bill KW4J
Posted by KW4J on 2004-12-15

I like to get on echolink and call cq
Posted by TECH2005 on 2004-12-14

CQ

When I started in ham radio 45 years ago I called CQ all the time. Now, I listen, listen and listen, first. If the band seems dead, I'll call CQ to see what the band conditions really are. Sometimes the bands seem dead because everyone assumes they are.
John KE5RI
Posted by KE5RI on 2004-12-13

CQ CQ CQ 20 Meters CQ CQ CQ KD5OWO CQ CQ

I call CQ almost daily on one of the bands, somtimes I get a response, somtimes I don't. When I don't I QSY and find somthing interesting to listen to.

CQ CQ CQ This Is KD5OWO CQ CQ CQ
Posted by KD5OWO on 2004-12-13

CQ

I used to call cq a lot when I was first licensed and then when I upgraded to general on ssb. Short cq's and then LISTEN. Nothing gets under my skin much quicker then someone calling cq for 5 minutes, takes a small breather, and goes after it again, without giving a listening station a chance to answer the cq . "is the frequency in use?" several times, and two or three "QRL? on cw shows you have manners.

Mike - K9MI


Posted by K9MI on 2004-12-12

Rarely CQ

CQ CQ CQ 10-10 was my favorite. After I received my 10-10 #, I was having a blast keeping the 10 meter band active.

At that time, My call sign was KC5NOD and I have a fine collection of 10-10 QSL cards. I actually had a wall covered in QSL wallpaper.

Now, I have a really nice IC-706 but no antenna system to go with it. The property I live on is way too small to put a REAL antenna on. And I'm side by side with neighbors, I'd probably give off too much RF anyway and have neighbors shooting me in a couple of days.

Someday I'll be calling CQ CQ CQ again, so listen up for me!
Larry W5LJM

Posted by W5LJM on 2004-12-12

CQ

What does an O F expect when he calls CQ 47 times and does not come up for air? How can anybody answer his CQ if the boob does not release the PTT, (Push to talk button should be renamed the RTL, RELEASE TO LISTEN)

I once stopped listening to a repeater for 2 years because of a boring wind bag hoaging the repeater. Two years later I tuned in to that repeater agin, you guessed it the same wind bag was still on doing the same thing.

Who knows, maybe it was still the same conversation :)

DE AA1IK
Posted by AA1IK on 2004-12-11

CQ

What does an O F expect when he calls CQ 47 times and does not come up for air? How can anybody answer his CQ if the boob does not release the PTT, (Push to talk button should be renamed the RTL, RELEASE TO LISTEN)

I once stopped listening to a repeater for 2 years because of a boring wind bag hoaging the repeater. Two years later I tuned in to that repeater agin, you guessed it the same wind bag was still on doing the same thing.

Who knows, maybe it was still the same conversation :)

DE AA1IK
Posted by AA1IK on 2004-12-11

Calling CQ

Of course I get on and call CQ! I've just recently got into the habit, its been enjoyable. I had the most pleasant chats with the greatest people, and not to mention helpful. I've not been able to get on the radio for a couple of weeks now, this is my second time on the puter in 2 weeks, as I just had total knee replacement surgery 2 weeks ago,so I'm still not quite up to par. But listen around the bands, as I'm going to fire up the rig tomorrow and call CQ listen for me! 73 all and Happy Holidays!
Mark AI4HO
Posted by KI4CRA on 2004-12-11

CQCQCQCQCQCQCQ ...CQ de (QRN)

I enjoyed KK4DW's comment about those 47x2 CQ's. That's about one sure way to guarantee that I won't burden the calling station with my hamfist. Most usually I'll tune away after the first dozen or so CQ's in hopes of finding a caller with a callsign to answer.

Also, do ya wonder about those who key "QRL?" and after a millisecond or two of listening for a response launch immediately into a CQ or station call? Even after getting a "C", or a "YES" or a "QRL" in reply? Why ask if you're gonna ignore the answer?

Finally, I've taken KG4RUL's advice and am much more likely to CQ into a quiet freq than before. On 40 or 20 CW that is; can't quite bring myself to do it on 2m just yet ...

Jim
KE5CXX

Posted by EXWA2SWA on 2004-12-10

CQ on 2m

Funny true story, just happened to me last night:

I was on 2m SSB (not FM!) around 0200 UTC, called CQ on 144.200.

Got an answer by someone using CW with a bad chirp! It was WY6S, using a handie-talkie PTT button to call me. His HT was inside his car, about 20 miles away, no outside antenna. But CW carries very well...

His new HT receives SSB evidently, but cannot transmit SSB or CW, only FM. So he called me cross-mode. We continued a QSO on 146.52 FM once I figured out what he was doing.

But that sure was cool.

So, *definitely* do call CQ, you never know what will happen.

WB2WIK/6
Posted by WB2WIK on 2004-12-10

Yes, & don't forget 6 meters!

Yes, I always try to call CQ when looking for both DX and casual ragchew whenever I don't hear DX (especially on 20). Please, DON'T shy away from calling CQ on 6 m SSB!!!!!! I think more peaple sit and listen for activity than key the mic on 6. Trust me, call CQ on 6 m SSB for a few nights & you won't be disappointed!
Posted by KF4LVC on 2004-12-09

calling CQ

I call CQ every time I switch on, I know around my way (on 2m) there's lots listening, but not calling. So the only way to wake em up is shout to them.
99% of the time I get a quick reply.
Posted by M3WBS on 2004-12-09

"Nets" = Ruts

I called CQ last evening on 75m SSB and made a string of contacts, one after another. Every single contact said, "I heard your CQ. It's been years since I heard anybody call CQ on 75." And then we had some nice chats.

I was on some nondescript frequency. Prior to calling CQ, I asked, "Is this frequency in use?" three times, about 20-30 seconds apart, and nobody replied.

My first contact, who answered me, advised me that I was on the frequency of some net or other, but the net probably didn't show up because nobody seemed to be there. That's a net? That's a rut!

Those who complain about contesters interfering with "nets" are in the same rut. It's a rut so deep it might've been blazed by a Sherman Tank, and it might be as old as one. This is ridiculous.

How could I interfere with a net that wasn't there, simply because I was on its frequency -- so if anybody did eventually show up, I would be interfering with them?

This is pretty nutty stuff.

Anyway, call CQ! I can't believe an old-timer who uses 75 daily (and I surely don't -- I've rarely used it in 35+ years) said mine was the first CQ he'd heard in ages. More nutty stuff.

WB2WIK/6
Posted by WB2WIK on 2004-12-09

not on 2 meters

I have tried calling cq on 146.520 dozens of times - only once did anyone answer. Is this still being used as a calling frequency?
Posted by W3TTT on 2004-12-09

cq, cq, cq

Yes i do call cq, maybe someone out there is listening, from that one state or country that you may need a confirmation...
Don't laugh i did call cq (6meters)and got a ship 200+ miles off the coast of Mexico.
Have fun and
Happy Holidays
73 de w3nrl
Nick
Posted by W3NRL on 2004-12-08

Yes, often even...

Yes. As often as my schedule will allow.

Lately I've spent most of my free time calling CQ on 6 and 2 meters using the different digital WSJT modes. Try it!

73
Dan

--
K9ZF /R no budget Rover ***QRP-l #1269
Check out the Rover Resource Page at: <http://www.qsl.net/n9rla>
List Administrator for: InHam+grid-loc+ham-books
Posted by K9ZF on 2004-12-08

CQ Etiquette

It is extremely aggravating to hear some numbnuts calling: "CQ CQ CQ CQ CQ CQ CQ CQ CQ CQ CQ CQ CQ CQ CQ CQ CQ CQ CQ.... de "XYZ" and before you can reach for your key he starts off again CQ CQ CQ CQ CQ CQ CQ CQ CQ CQ CQ CQ CQ CQ CQ CQ ... and on and on.

A simple 3 x 2 call is perfect with a polite pause to listen for a reply and please tune a little up and down ??? If your CW is notched down to a micron you won't hear anyone. Open up your bandwidth when calling and then notch down when you get an answer and if you have reverse CW, pop the button and listen up and down. Most important of all, listen all around your chosen frequency carefully before you transmit ANYTHING on the air. It should be a capital punishment for someone to flip the power switch and then start tuning up right on top of an ongoing QSO without any regards at all to what it is doing to the poor guy listening for his QSO contact. Okay - I feel so much better now and am releasing the hostages.
Posted by KK4DW on 2004-12-08

I do now!!

After reading some recent articles about the importance of calling cq... I have made it a practice to call everytime the radio gets turned on, even over a "dead" band. It's a chance to talk to the "neighborhood" hams!

Scott,
KD4SIR
Posted by KD4SIR on 2004-12-08

Of course I do... if nobody called CQ there would be a lot of dead air.

Marco, W7WIK
Posted by AA5ET on 2004-12-07

Of course I do... if nobody called CQ there would be a lot of dead air.

Marco, W7WIK
Posted by AA5ET on 2004-12-07

call cq

I rather chase the dx stations instead of calling cq,why? a US call sign is not wanted by the DX station,you might be spent hours calling cq and nobody will answer,besides unless you have checked the band before for propagation,you will be sending a useful cq,the best way to do it is listen,listen and listen,when you hear a station you are interested in,go ahead,aim your gun and shot,good luck to all.
Hector
AD4C
Posted by AD4C2004 on 2004-12-06

CQ

The best way to create a QSO -.-. --.-
Bob, WA6BOB
Posted by WA6BOB on 2004-12-05

cq dx

I always call cq dx. Exept on the hhh net.
www.hhhnet.net Hope to catch you on the hhh net.
73's KP4 XA Edwin P.R
Posted by KP4XA on 2004-12-05

CALLING CQ

ISN'T THAT WHAT REAL HAMS DO????
Posted by K7NNG on 2004-12-04

It's Like Fishing!

You never know what you're going to get on the hook!
Posted by AD5GX on 2004-12-04

Only this way:
-.-. --.-
Posted by K1RDD on 2004-12-04

CQ

Especially now at this point in the sunspot cycle, some of the bands may appear to be dead, but I will always remember what one of my Elmers told me soon after I got my license.

"I have never heard two receivers talking to each other!"

73,
de Scott NØIU



Posted by N0IU on 2004-12-03

Calling CQ

When not just ragchewing I will throw out a
cq just to see who might may be listening Mostly on Saturday evenings late or Sunday afternoons I also enjoy calling cq on 146.520 while traveling.I have made many interesting contacts on 146.520.Enjoy your radios es 73
de ae4nr
Posted by AE4NR on 2004-12-03

its like Fishing ?

Calling cq is a lot like going fishing , you never know who your going to catch , could be rare dx , or the guy down the road , or your worst night mare on a key lol .
Be prepared ! i work all cw , i call cq lots of times & really dont fear much ,even that nightmare on a key i just spoke of . after all after operateing for a while a cw op becomes part mind reader lol . but if your new to cw ,it is best to choose your battles (qsos) . i think lots of new cw ops are intimidated when they have troubles with copy & tend to leave cw because they think they should be able to do it all right off , it takes time & patience & understanding to copy under many differnt type of fists & band condx out there . so really is best to only work what you are confortable with for copy till you gain experience . never be afraid to say qrs(send more slowly) if they dont they werent worth the effort anyway.
cq cq cq de k8fly hope to meet you on the air

Posted by K8FLY on 2004-12-03

Calling CQ

Glad to see so many people still calling CQ.

One thing I have noticed is that many of the folks calling or answering a CQ are not doing it in the "optimal way," at least on HF. In the "old days" people would repeat their call several times when calling or answering. That is a good idea on HF, given QRM and QSB. Being brief on VHF FM, where most hams nowadays have migrated from, is obviously OK.

For whatever its worth :<)

73 de Bill / K8DXX, K8DXX, K8DXX .....
Posted by K8DXX on 2004-12-03

Calling CQ

I call CQ on 6-meters quite frequently. Trouble is, noone ever answers!

KC2FTN
www.hamwave.com
Posted by KC2FTN on 2004-12-03

Calling CQ


Contrary to recent operating practices, I still call CQ, and why not ?
73 De K2JX
Posted by K2JX on 2004-12-03

i like to call cq on echolink
Posted by TECH2004 on 2004-12-03

CQ

CQ Contest, CQ contest...!

Gene, K1ZF
Posted by K1ZF on 2004-12-02

cq

Yeah I do. When I'm on the air and not on a net. CQ contest works also. Just don't forget, if you here one, answer it. Talk up amateur radio. Mark, KE3UY.
Posted by KE3UY on 2004-12-02

yes, I CQ

I CQ all the time on PSK
Posted by OBSERVER11 on 2004-12-02

CQ

On HF CW, I prefer to answer others, but will call if it seems appropriate. I like to hear keys working.

On 2m phone, I don't see much sense in it outside of an emergency ... but that's just me. I'll answer if no one else does, but won't call except in most rare of circumstances.

Jim
KE5CXX



Posted by EXWA2SWA on 2004-12-02

If you call they will come

Sorry about the play on words but, if other operators don't know that you are there, they won't try either.

A year ago, I had purchased a Comet trunk lip mount and a 6M Hamstick. I installed it and tuned up. Then to 100 watts and called CQ on the SSB calling frequency.

Two operators cam back from Nava Scotia to my Charleston, SC location. If I had not called I would have missed out on a 59 contact, in spite of the 20dB loss to antenna polarity differences.

Dennis / KG4RUL
Posted by KG4RUL on 2004-12-02

On certain bands/modes

I find that I generally call CQ on 6 meters, especially during a band opening, and sometims on HF. On HF it is most often on some rarer digital mode like Hellschreiber, MFSK16, or MT63. On the other modes there is generally enough other activity to find someone to work.
Posted by NE0P on 2004-12-02

Antenna differences

To KG4RUL,

Antenna polarization differences do not matter once you get into ionospheric communication. That would include Eskip, Aurora, meteor scatter, and plain old F2. The crosspolarization loss only applies to groundwave and tropo communication. I have made plenty of 6 meter contacts using a vertical.


Posted by NE0P on 2004-12-02

CQ

When I get on, I call CQ QRP. I run low power all the time. Lately mostly 40mtrs on 7040Khz. running 500mW. Please even you QRO stations. Please call CQ on this frequency and give us QRP and QRPp stations thrill.

Thanks to W4QBE, I was able to complete a >800mile path with 150mW on 30mtrs last year with a Pixie2 transceiver.

Ken
Posted by AE1X on 2004-12-02

Yep

...and I usually get answers!


Posted by WB2WIK on 2004-12-02

CQ CQ


I noticed that many hams have forgotten the CQ Rule - 3 CQ's de Callsign three/or/twice and 3 Cq's...callsign...I have hrd many ops call cq 6-10 times and give their callsign once. Come on now that makes no sense....
Where did you learn that?

73

Mike, K8XF


Posted by K8XF on 2004-12-02