A forum post on eHam CW forum about QCX for those that want to contribute to it is and mentions likely centers of activity for QCX.
No doubt most of us will tune around and answer CQ calls, but the list is for likely CQ frequencies from QCX based on QRP and default QRG.
What is the default 17m start up frequency?
Looking forward to even QCX to QCX contacts. I've yet to have a QSO with a QCX even from main rig, but I think it won't be long.
If anyone is shy of getting on air with your limited or rusty CW, please don't be. You will find us a very very welcoming section of ham radio.
Here are a few tips for those who may be new to it or nervous, or starting out (or returning after a long absence) on CW:
- If calling CQ, please end with K or PSE K -- these are the only two that clearly invite a response
- Reply to CQ calls by first sending other stations callsign, not just your own, e.g.: R6KEE R6KEE DE VK5EEE? VK5EEE KN
- Keep a list of Q codes handy, as well as CW abbreviations (search the web for these)
- If you are still learning CW, check out the menu items on as these contain helpful tips and information
- Always give honest reports, keep a list of the code handy, it's for ear use, not S-meter use, give correct R and S, T=9
- Do not accept "5NN" reports, don't be shy to respond with "PSE MY REAL RST?" ;-)
- Do not be shy to use "QRS" to ask a higher speed operator to slow down, keep using until they are slow enough for you
- Keep a cheat sheet of a "rubber stamp" QSO handy -- see below -- this is NOT a "5NN TU 73" type QSO!
RUBBER STAMP QSO
This is a fail safe, enjoyable way to conduct a QSO in Morse Code (CW) with a great level of exchange of helpful and satisfying information, irrespective of language barriers and ability levels on CW. It is not "rag chew" (chat style long form QSO) nor is it the manifestly unsatisfying, invalid and useless "5NN TU" that seems to be the increasing rage these days.
Rubber stamp QSO allows YOU to control the general style and format of the QSO and to make it an easy one, lasting around 5 to 10 minutes depending on the speed and whether you have the standard 2 or 3 overs. It goes like this, and if you copy this replacing with your own information, keeping it in front of you, you will never become stuck on your overs, and you will find copying the responses easier:
CQ CQ CQ DE VK5EEE VK5EEE VK5EEE? PSE K
VK5EEE VK5EEE DE VK3IM VK3IM VK3IM KN
VK3IM DE VK5EEE GM/GA/GE TNX/TKS FER CALL = (dah-di-di-di-dah) UR RST 459 459 459 OP LOU LOU LOU QTH ADELAIDE ADELAIDE HW? VK3IM DE VK5EEE KN (or <AR>)
other station will likely give you the same information: your report, their name, their QTH, they may even add info about their station.
Your second over will go like this:
VK3IM DE VK5EEE R (only if you received all information, otherwise, ask PSE AGN RST? NAME? BK!) FB DR TIM = HR RIG QCX PWR 3W 3W ANT DIPOLE UP 9M 9M HW? VK3IM DE VK5EEE KN (or <AR> or <AR> KN)
Tim will then give his information and may or not also give his 73 and parting greetings. Your final over will look like this:
VK3IM DE VK5EEE R TKS INFO DR OM TIM ES TKS FER FB QSO (or just R TNX TIM) 73 GL (HPE CUAGN) (QSL SURE VIA BURO) VK3IM DE VK5EEE <SK>
Final dit-dit may be exchanged, or "TU SEE U" or "ESE EE" dance ;-)
You can edit the above template to suit your level of needs, you may also add things like your age, key, if you want the QSO to go on longer, but the point is the above is the very standard world-wide "rubber stamp" QSO that has been around since the early days of ham radio CW and is still the best way to conduct a standard stress free QSO. It serves as a mid way between the unsatisfying "5NN TU" and the "rag chew" which is difficult for beginners, or even difficult if you haven't already built up a friendship with the other party. VK3IM and VK5EEE have rag chewed for 6 hours non-stop... don't ask either of us what we talked about as we both have poor memories!
Above all, have fun and don't be afraid to get on the air, as only that will help to improve your CW over time, and remember, ALL of us were beginners at one stage, every one has been where you may be now as a beginner or less than confident CW OP.
You may also find keeping a log book, with columns such as date, UTC start, end, freq, call sign, RST sent, RST rcvd, your ant/pwr, REMARKS (name, QTH...) not only for possible QSL but also as a record, and entering the data into the log book can itself be fun.
Safety first: when Morsing while driving, do NOT talk to the XYL!
