Question
Which of the following indicates that you are looking for an HF contact with any station?
Answer Options
- A) Sign your call sign once, followed by the words “listening for a call” – if no answer, change frequency and repeat
- B) Say “QTC” followed by “this is” and your call sign – if no answer, change frequency and repeat
- C) Repeat “CQ” a few times, followed by “this is,” then your call sign a few times, then pause to listen, repeat as necessary
- D) Transmit an unmodulated carried for approximately 10 seconds, followed by “this is” and your call sign, and pause to listen – repeat as necessary
Correct Answer: C
Explanation
The internationally recognized procedure for initiating a general call for any station to respond is to transmit ‘CQ’ (Seek You). In a voice (phone) contact, this involves repeating the phrase ‘CQ’ a few times, stating ‘this is,’ and then repeating your call sign a few times. After this sequence, the operator must pause to listen for any stations that respond.
This method is the standard operating procedure for seeking a contact, indicating to any listening station that you are available and willing to talk. It is efficient and ensures proper identification, while the pause allows ample time for distant or weak stations to reply.
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