How to respond to CQ

CW Etiquette: Answering CQs, Correcting Callsign Errors, and Frequency Takeover

Using proper techniques when responding to a station calling CQ and correctly interpreting end-of-contact prosigns (such as SK and CL) are essential marks of a proficient CW operator. Here are practical guidelines for common QSO scenarios.

1. How to Properly Answer a CQ Call

Suppose you hear station W1ZZZ calling CQ and you wish to establish a contact. Follow these core guidelines:

• Match the speed: Never send at a speed faster than the station calling CQ. Matching or sending slightly slower is a fundamental rule of CW etiquette.
• Keep target callsigns brief: Do not send the target callsign more than once. In many cases, it can be omitted entirely if it is obvious who you are responding to.
• Ending prosigns: You may conclude your call with K or AR (e.g., LZ2ZZZ LZ2ZZZ K or W1ZZZ DE LZ2ZZZ AR). In everyday casual operating and contesting, sending just your callsign without ending prosigns is common practice.
• Avoid unnecessary filler: Never append phrases like „PSE K“ or „PSE AR“ to your call—they add redundant clutter.

2. Correcting a Busted Callsign

If W1ZZZ answers your call but misinterprets your callsign (e.g., copying you as LZ2ZZY instead of LZ2ZZZ):

LZ2ZZY DE W1ZZZ TKS FOR CALL UR RST 479 NAME JACK QTH BOSTON LZ2ZZY DE W1ZZZ K

Correct Response: Emphasize the miscopied portion of your callsign by repeating it multiple times to draw the operator’s attention to the correction:

W1ZZZ DE LZ2ZZZ ZZZ LZ2ZZZ TKS FER RPRT...

3. Calling a Station Finishing a QSO (SK vs. CL)

When two stations are concluding a contact, pay close attention to their final prosigns:

If you want to call one of the stations (e.g., F1AA) immediately after they finish a contact with SK, **you must include their callsign** so it is clear who you are calling:

F1AA DE LZ2ZZZ LZ2ZZZ AR