If you would like even more information about the QSX / Calling Frequencies and how to make good use of them, this page is for you.
By way of history, Calling Frequencies are not new, however, they have not been well implemented into Amateur Radio traditions and largely confined to VHF and UHF radiotelephony.
Given that, especially in some parts of the world outside of Europe, there is a lack of Quality Telegraphy Time activity, it makes sense to make use of an established tradition within the worldwide maritime radio service, and revive it in a manner suited to the CW radio amateur.
Calling Frequencies are very effective when only a few very simple rules are followed. Keeping it very simple we have only TWO Rules for the QSX Calling Frequencies:
- Make no more than 3 short (maximum 3 X 3) calls within any 5 minute period
- Always QSY off the Calling Frequency if contact is established with another station
Everything else is optional, such as the various tips and tricks and procedures suggested on this page below.
The above two rules were also essentially part of the original rules regarding the worldwide maritime ship-shore distress and calling frequency at 500kHz, with additionally two 3 minute long Silence Periods (“SP”) each hour at H+15 and H+45 during which no calling was to take place. This was to allow for any distress calls from ships far away to be heard with weaker signals, as the Calling Frequency was a very busy cacophony of dozens of CW signals at any given time.
Within our implementation of QSX / Calling Frequencies although it might be nice to revive this tradition also, it is considered impractical and not as yet required. However, if that situation were to change in future due to very busy QSX / Calling Frequencies, it could be introduced via the network of “Radio Officers”, for example to have a silence period where only QRP stations (and those with urgent or emergency messages) should transmit.
Useful Procedures and Q Codes
The following are all examples of ways that you can make calls on the QSX Frequencies and make use of relevant Q Codes as optional.
- Putting out a general call and giving QSY frequency and immediately QSY there
CQ CQ CQ (1-3 times) DE CALLSIGN (1-3 times) QSY 14069 =
Here you have already likely established that 14069 is free and you are going to be calling CQ on 14069 after making a mere (or periodic) announcement on e.g. 14101. - Putting out a general call and giving a QSY frequency but remaining until answered
CQ CQ CQ (1-3 times) DE CALLSIGN (1-3 times) QSS 12 K
Here QSS means “working frequency” and only the 2 or 3 last digits of the frequency are needed, in this case if the call was on 24931 so it means you will go to 24912 if there is any replies. This method suits only the experts, who are regulars. The correct response would be for a station to call you with CALLSIGN DE CALLSIGN R (UP =) (QSY) - Putting out a general call and remaining on frequency until answered
CQ CQ CQ (1-3 times) DE CALLSIGN (1-3 times) K
If any station replies, you answer them with QSY UP2 or QSY 21067 etc.
Note that some may not understand this, not being aware of QSX Frequencies and thinking you are only calling CQ as per usual and come back with a report and QSO, in such cases either conclude the QSO or insist on a QSY. Easiest to understand is UP and then move your frequency slowly up while sending to take them up off the calling frequency.
These are the 3 typical uses of calling on QSX / Calling Frequencies and of course they can be used also for calls to specific stations, or announcing a NET or SOTA or POTA or IOTA operation etc, or for calling to specific countries or DX.
Option 1 is probably the best one to produce intended results during the establishment phase of the QSX Calling Frequencies, with option 2 reserved for optional use among the experts and regulars, and option 3 being less preferable than options 1 and 2 due to the higher likelihood of creating a QSO on the frequency and the possible difficulty getting the other station to understand “QSY”.
QSY has come to be understood among radio amateurs as something negative, as in “get off my frequency it is busy” instead of its true meaning of both stations going to a specified frequency.
Consequently, it can be best to follow up with a more easy to understand “UP 1” or replying to the station while drifting up in frequency. No matter what, do not give in to making a QSO right on the QSX/Calling Frequency as this encourages bad habits, and will also be annoying to those silently monitoring for calls while otherwise occupied.
In any event, on the QSX/Calling Frequencies it is PERFECTLY ACCEPTABLE to call on top of any such QSO or even other callers, however, for best results shift your frequency by around 200 Hz when doing so.
Other appropriate codes that can be used are: QRT (Stop Sending) if there are those making a QSO on frequency, or QSY (Change Frequency).
Other uses of the QSX Calling Frequencies:
- Announcing that you are starting a “Listening Watch” on the QSX Frequency
(CQ) DE CALLSIGN (1-2 times) QSX (or QTX)
QSX in short means “I’m listening on frequency” and QTX in short means “I’m standing by monitoring this frequency until further notices” - Announcing that you are ending your “Listening Watch” on the QSX Frequency
(CQ) DE CALLSIGN (1-2 times) (<SK> or CL)
If a thunderstorm is forcing you to close down you may also use “QAZ” which was used int he old days by aircraft entering thunderstorms meaning roughly “I’m reeling in my antenna (due to thunderstorms)” as in those days these were typically wires trailing the aircraft and manually reeled out and in during flight.
Other codes you may hear on QSX/Calling Frequencies as used by Radio Officers:
HW: at the end of a call on the QSX/Calling Frequency this doesn’t mean “how” but “Here Waiting” meaning I’m waiting on this frequency. On 500kHz they’d sometimes add HW 5TT
UP = or just “=” (as in <BT>) means I’m going up (or down, remember up in wavelength is down in frequency so typically UP is used for either one)
DN 2: Moving down 2kHz. Remember not to go DN 1 because this will put you on the IBP International Beacon Frequency which must be avoided by 0.5 to 1kHz in all cases!
Tips and Tricks
- Monitoring while at the same time listening to the IBP International Beacons
If your CW RX is in lower side band (CW-L), you can use a wide filter while on the QSX/CF and you’ll hear at a high pitch the beacons
If your CW RX is in upper side band (CW-U) you won’t hear them. If you do want to, then either switch to CW-L if possible, or, use SSB to listen and tune to 1.5kHz below the QSX/CF so you will hear the beacons in low pitch and any calls in high pitch, or tune 1kHz above the QSX/CF in LSB and you’ll hear any calls in low pitch and beacons in high pitch. - Using QSX/CF whenever you are making CQ calls elsewhere on the band
It is very good practice to go to the QSX/CF and first make a call there choosing one of the earlier mentioned options under “Procedures and Q Codes” above. This helps keep QSX/CF active, and may improve your chances too. If you program QSX/CF into a different VFO or Memory you can easily switch to and from QSX/CFs. - Program QSX/Calling Frequencies into Memories
If you program 10100.1, 14101.0, 18111.0 and 24931.0 into CW Mode in Memories, you can easily move between them (and see propagation from the beacons), for example when you want to go to and from the QSX/CF and your current “QSS” (Working Frequency) that you are using for CQ or QSO. You might want to program 10100.1, 14100.5, 18110.5 and 23930.5 in CW-L mode if you want to hear the beacons at a lower pitch, and still be within the +/- 0.5kHz range of the QSX/Calling Frequencies. For 30m use Narrow Filter, on other bands a wide filter. - QSX/Calling Frequencies are 1kHz wide: maximum 0.5 above and 0.5 below
Except on 30m where it is only 50Hz wide and a narrow CW filter is suitable, on the other QSX/CF the actual QSX/Calling Frequency is a total of 1kHz wide: from 0.5 kHz below the center frequency to 0.5 kHz above. The reason for this is to allow simultaneous calling and a cacophony of CW at different pitches. It is not effective if everyone is on .0kHz. At the same time, the IBP frequencies must be avoided by at least 0.5kHz, this is why the QSX/CF centre frequencies are placed 1kHz above on 12, 15, 17 and 20m. - Do not use narrow filter in CW to monitor QSX/CF on 20, 17, 15 or 12m
As per the above paragraph and the next, if you do so you may miss many calls. - Make use of the QSX/CF Range: make your transmissions off center
The actual QSX/CF is up to 500Hz either side, so, it is best practice to use an offset either al little above or below. If you want to maximize chances, using below is good as it is closer to the IBP Beacons, but do not go below 500Hz lower than the central QSX/CF. On the other hand, going up to 500Hz higher is also good practice, especially if QSX/CF is very busy. - Make use of the squelch when in general standby
If you are in a position to set the squelch above the noise level so that only strong(er) signals get through, you may want to make use of this while otherwise engaged, even elsewhere if volume is also set high enough. Any strong(er) calls will alert you. Depending on filter settings you may want to not have the IBP Beacons breaking the squelch. If so, use of the PBT may help to reduce the wide filter, or switching to CW-U. - Using single VFO without need for large QSY
You might only have a single VFO or be a QRP station or not like to spin that dial or use the other VFO… whatever the reason, here’s an easy way to use QSX/Calling Frequencies:
Put out a (3×3) call on the CF and end with QSW UP1 =
Go up 1 kHz and call CQ again. Repeat calls as required and you can always return to the CF to start the loop again if you don’t have any results. This way you can put out prolonged calls on your working frequency (UP 1 in this case), and only occasional calls on the QSX/CF. - Using Telegram messenger to get alerts of calls spotted by the RBN
We are working on a Telegram channel that you can join to receive alerts of calls spotted on the QSX/Calling Frequencies +/- 0.5 kHz. You’ll be able to see this in your web browser too but for instant alerts download Telegram.
Further Background on the Choice of QSX Frequencies
As mentioned on the QSX/Calling Frequencies page, there has long been a wish for CW Calling Frequencies on HF. The reasons for this and the benefits have been stated on these pages, along with the reasons (lack of following the QSY rule) that past initiatives especially by FISTS, failed.
Over the past many years, many consultations have taken place between those advocating for such frequencies, and the sticking point has been agreement on which frequencies they should be. In the main, several options were considered, including:
- Use of existing club or popular frequencies such as 025 or 028. These were rejected however since it would not be possible to turn the clock back and insist they be calling-only frequencies with QSY. This is considered impractical.
- Other suggestions such as close to lower band edge or specific frequencies such as the middle frequency in the TOP5, ending with .5kHz, as less likely to be in use for QSO. This was also ultimately rejected as difficult to remember and also no guarantee they’d be unused for QSO.
- Suggestions also included using the very top end of the bands (SSB-CW shared section). This was trialled especially with 14349 but did not prove popular, and this is a long distance to travel with the VFO and far from traditional CW bands even though QRM was rare.
- The ideas to use either bottom or top band edge were also rejected on the basis that, especially at top of SSB end, CW Op ANT are less likely to be resonant.
- Ultimately the final idea, to use a frequency either 1kHz below or above the IBP Beacons, was considered. This area is little used since the beacons keep it, of necessity, clear. The guard band for the beacons is 0.5 to 1kHz depending on IARU region. This idea won out.
- The decision to make it 1kHz above and not below, was taken because SSB cannot take place on this frequency without QRM to IBP Beacons, hence, it can only be used by CW. The 1kHz lower is often used by digital data modes as it falls within the digital mode sub band.
The reasons that the QSX/Calling Frequencies on 12, 15, 17 and 20m were considered best:
- QSO are never taking place here
- IBP beacons keep the area clear
- ANT are optimally resonant
Added benefits of course is that propagation can simultaneously be monitored by listening to the IBP Beacons in wide filter.
The reason 10m has not been given a QSX/CF is because using the same scheme would not be possible as the entire band 28200-28300 is reserved for beacons. 28199 could be possible, or some other idea in future if their is demand.
30m was added as a trial of 10100.1 however this is subject to possible change in future depending on the results.
40m and 80m have not been included, as these are not global bands for the majority of operators, and national nets and CW clubs arrangements suit many operators. However, regional QSX/CF could be devised later if there is a demand.
The consideration was also whether to narrow down to just ONE HF CW QSX/Calling Frequency so as to concentrate activity. The problem with this is that any band, other than perhaps 20m, would not suit every operator. This was also the reasoning behind many years of experimentations with 14349 especially in VK. In this sense, 14101 could have been chosen, and is one of the QSX/CF, but it was decided to also add 3 other HF bands to allow for variety of band choices, depending on noise levels, ANT, propagation and preferences.
In order to popularize the QSX/CF, the decision having only been finalized in November 2024, several activities are planned and are intended to be rolled out in the coming months. These include QTT Hours, and a possible “CW Bash” whereby at a certain time and on a certain QSX/CF everyone will be encouraged to call at the same time and QSY for QSO then return for more. This was a very fun activity when used many years ago by many CW OPs in VK on 40m. Stay tuned to the various mailing list options at no5nn.org/help to be informed of developments.
Radio Officers
If you even want to assist in this initiative, consider joining us as a modern day Radio Officer, reviving some of the traditions of radio telegraphy calling frequencies and procedures.
All it takes is to master the QSX simple rules and make use of some of the above procedures and be willing to be active on the Calling Frequencies whenever you are operational.
Send an Email to ” a d m i n s (@) n o 5 n n . o r g ” with some details about your possible schedule of operation (either listening on the calling frequencies and/or calling), which bands, and what kind of ANT and PWR you will be using. We may open a private Email discussion group later, if there is sufficient interest.
Latest Additions
Fun codes you can use
Emulate the ship radio officers of old, you could use the following Q or even Z codes:
- QTO – (Leaving Port) – when you are starting your (radio) day/operation (or going out)*
- QTP – (Berthing in Port) – when you are going to sleep (or coming back)*
- QTX – to announce you are maintaining listening watch (or: QAP)
- QRX – going away but will be back (in …minutes or at …. UTC)
- QSR – I didn’t hear you, call again on the calling frequency
- QAZ – disconnecting antenna, thunderstorm
- ZAN – absolutely nothing heard
- ZRJ – only just barely readable
- ZGN – good for nothing, cannot copy
- QSX – I am listening (on … kHz)
- QSW – I am going to send on … kHz
- QSY – I am moving frequency to … kHz
*) If you consider the radio room as a ship, otherwise if you consider the house as land, then the reverse use of this code would be true. Depends on arrangement and understanding of its meaning. For ex R/O the radio was normally only used while at sea, so the first application seems logical.
Above are approximations, not formal definitions of these codes.
One might also, as per the tradition, make us of the International Morse Code “Swear Word” (Dah-dah-di-di-dah-dah) or using CW audio notation DDddDD, which is today used as a comma (,) but was originally the exclamation mark (!) and used as a universal CW swear word. eg !! QSY ! QRT which was widely used in maritime ship-shore CW on 500kHz when ships were transmitting, illegally, during the Silence Period (SP). If you hear a non /QRP calling during the SP you can send <AS> SP or if conducting a QSO on frequency could give rise to the use of “MEEM QSY”!
History of Development
The development and final choice of the QSX/CF were the results of many years of observations, tests and consultations. For now these frequencies have been decided and the next phase of testing will involve many more stations along with valuable feedback and experiences.
Many advantages and disadvantages of other proposals were considered, these included:
- Use of the mid frequency in the TOP5 – the issues with this is that these do contain QSO, cannot be considered rarely in use to have a “defacto” calling only position, and are difficult to remember as they end in .5 and don’t have a clear reference point such as band edges. Ultimately it was decided to promote the TOP5 range as “working frequencies” i.e. the preferred section to QSY to, and ALSO the preferred section to make LONG multiple calls.
- Top band edge, right at the top of SSB shared section, examples 14349, 18167, 21449 etc. Although tests were very positive in terms of absence of QRM and general occupancy, the issues were that this is far to tune/program/remember for most CW ops, and antenna are not likely to be resonant since most CW ops cut their ANT for the top end of the CW section.
- Bottom band edge, as close to the border as possible, easy to remember, and easy to QSY “UP” any number of kHz. This was a strong contender, also not often in use although more frequently than might be expected, but ultimately rejected on the basis that the bottom end of the (formerly exclusive) CW band is not in need of defense/activation, and ANT are less resonant, also the risks of stations going out of band increases at band edges.
So although the above are still possible future options for consideration if their value increases when compared to the currently adopted options, but we need to focus on one solution for now.
Silence Periods
As with the original 500kHz (600m) worldwide CW calling and distress frequency used by ships, where there were minute silence periods each half hour at H+15 and H+45 where only SOS calls were allowed so as to hear any distant weak signals, thanks to a suggestion we have added this, with some difference: the Silence Period (SP) can be used only by QRP stations with 5W or less.
This again allows, although not distress calls hopefully, any calls from QRP stations to be heard more easily if the QSX/CF become very busy with many and strong signals, as we hope will happen eventually. It also might behove some astute operators to emulate the ship-shore radio men of old and also listen intently for signals and calls during the Silence Periods (SP)!
This makes the QCX/CF much more useful and relevant to QRP operators.
Of course, it is inevitable, just as with the old 500kHz that operators will forget to look at the clock before making a call. The ship radio rooms even had clocks on the wall where the two 3 minute SP were clearly marked in red, to help them avoid calling in error and receiving a warning letter! Most of us do not have that luxury so even more violations of this rule are very likely to occur.
But this also gives us the opportunity to have fun, as did the R/O back in the day, and send “SP” to remind the caller, or even “! SP” with the ! being the original “DDddDD” (Dah-dah-di-di-dah-dah) which later became re-assigned to the comma (“,”) and was also used as a universal Morse Code swear word, often sent for drawn out emphasis, perhaps with the fist pounding on the key, as “MEEM”. So let’s with good humour make use of this and remind those calling without a /QRP on their callsign during the Silence Period by sending “SP” and if they continue “MEEM SP SP”!
Objections
No matter what proposal you make there will always be those who will object, and sometimes with valid objections. Let us look at some of the early objections to the QSX/CF.
- These frequencies are counterproductive for the preservation of the CW Bands.
We understand this argument, however, we think rather the opposite. Some of this thinking has already been outlined on these pages, but at risk of repetition: 1. The CW band at risk is almost always the top “exclusive” section i.e. TOP5 2. Our recommendations for QSY/QSS is exactly to QSY to the TOP5 which is underused, and often invaded by digital modes 3. We believe that a successful QSX/CF system in practice will result in much higher results of QSO taking place in TOP5 than other activities in recent years have produced. Time will show if we are correct, so let us give it the year to see the results. - In several clubs we have adopted the principle to keep all activities inside the CW exclusive bands. The QSX/CF are allocated outside the CW exclusive bands.
And this is also a problem today whereby unlike in the past when CW operators were frequently to be found across the entire bands, today even in heavy contests, many prefer to go off air if they cannot go to a WARC band, and many are even afraid to use CW outside of these so-called exclusive (and no longer so thanks to ARRL and some other Band Plans. This strategy is understandable but also counter productive and there is certainly a need to educate and make use of what we are allowed to use, as encouraged by the RSGB President who wondered why CW ops complain about contests “taking over” the CW band, when the solution is simple: go higher up and into the CW-SSB band, since CW is allowed everywhere. With the QSX/CF however, we are not even using any effective SSB-shared frequencies, since due to the nature of SSB it has to avoid these frequencies in any case so as not to cause QRM to IBP beacons. - The IBP frequencies are 2kHz wide
In Region 1 and 2 indeed, up to 1kHz above and 1kHz below are reserved. This means that the QSX/CF, taking 20m as an example, is absolutely fine from 14101.0 to 14101.5 in Region 1 and 2 and operators in those regions should not use 14100.5 to 14101.0 kHz. Same applies on 17m, 15m and 12m. In region 3 however, the guard band is 1kHz wide, extending 0.5 kHz above and below, so again taking 14100 as example, the QSX/CF can be used from 14099.5 to 14101.5, and the same applies to 12, 15 and 17m. We have done our research well and we know exactly what frequencies we can use, and this is after all one of the major points for choosing these QSX/CF: 1. It increases awareness of, and use of, the IBP beacons, 2. SSB cannot use these frequencies, 3. these frequencies are thus rarely in use and generally free. - The frequency on 20m is unfit as it is within the band for unmanned services.
Yes it is at the very start of the SHARED band with such services, right on the edge. Such services if they are not as narrow band as CW, MUST be above that frequency to comply with the IARU Band Plans. In practice, we have found little QRM from such services. No matter what frequency would be chosen there is always a chance of QRM in any case from those who ignore Band Plans, from intruders, and from other sources. We have taken everything into consideration over several years of testing and this was the best result. - The top end of the CW bands minus 1kHz or so would be a better choice
This would imply that 14058 or 059, taking 20m as example, would be used as CF. This is impractical for several reasons: 1. it would generally cause QSY UP and onto the QRP frequencies, 2. these are hard to remember and 3. these frequencies are often in QSO use. - QSX style CQ calls are not really an established practice in the CW community
This is currently true, however, neither was “5NN TU”, “DX Pedo” whereby any activation of any location on FT8 is considered DX, nor was giving “5NN” and not an honest signal report, established practice many years ago. SOTA and POTA were not established practices, the RSN reporting system suited to modern day conditions where T is generally 9 if not 9X, and the CW greeting “77” were neither established practices. And yet, all of these, as predicted by Carlo IK0IYG in his “Zen and the Art of Radiotelegraphy” are well on the way to being considered, or already considered, well established practices. Indeed, Amateur Radio is supposed to be “progressive” and experimental and this develops good practices. - If we had chosen a top5 calling frequency, I would be much happier
That’s fine, and those are indeed the recommended QSS/QSY frequencies from QSX/CF. For example, if one calls once on the CF and gets no reply, or calls and immediately specifies QSS 67R5 or QSY 21067.5 this is all good. And for those who do not wish to make any use at all of the QSX/CF and only use the CoA in the TOP5, here are those frequencies on 20, 17, 15 and 10m: 14067.5, 18097.5, 21067.5, 24912.5 and 28067.5 kHz. We even support the use of these even within the QSX/CF plan as “Secondary QSX/CF” and certainly as QSY/QSS. - I will not use (Calling) Frequencies not recommended by CW Club X or Y
This is your right, each club has its own fetishes. One CW Club for example, is said to insist (unconfirmed) that all CW activities take place in CW exclusive bands, no matter that 1. this is counterproductive in our view as mentioned earlier, 2. there are long no longer any such bands as “CW Exclusive” other than the actual IBP frequencies which cannot be used, since the largest ham radio unions such as ARRL have dropped this practice and instead declared openly for the past 10 years already that the ENTIRE formerly exclusive CW bands are allocated for DATA/RTTY — only making note of CW in a foot note. It is noted that club members do not seem to have raised any uproar about this. 3. The invasion of digital modes into the (formerly exclusive) CW bands, despite the TOP5 initiative which we support, has even been sponsored by the club financing notorious a DX-Pedo which, with deliberate advance planning allocated the TOP 5 for use of FT8, with a a CW Club member participating in this sacrilege.
No mater what, there are many CW clubs and all do good things and sometimes make mistakes, and almost every club can be criticized by those who like or dislike a certain activity, for example another CW Club gets the bands nicely occupied with activity while others decry these contest activities as an invasion, what matters is that not everyone can be satisfied with everything but we must allow space for all activities with minimal disruption to the activities of others. In planning the QSX/CF this has all been very much part of our thinking, and it is also not advocated or the idea devised by any particular club so as to make it available to all regardless of affiliations and interests.
Experience and Feedback
During the first week of live operation, stations from North America (USA and Canada), Europe (Italy, Germany, England), Asia (Kuwait and Thailand) were heard, others may have not been spotted. All QSX/CF were in use from 30-12m.
The only interference experienced were from two sources: the notorious Mediteranneo DX Club’s XT2MD abuse operation which deliberately in advance published its intentions to use the CW TOP5 for FT8 and the IBP guard bands for FT4 as well as the WAE RTTY Contest where many stations also abused the IBP guard frequencies.
One feedback from Europe regarding 10100.1 was that there was some QRM from DDK9 the 50bd RTTY FAX station which uses 450Hz shift with the lower frequency, which is relevant here, being 10100.575 and the upper being 10101.025 kHz. Further testing is needed from the reporter as to whether CW-L was used in addition to the narrow filter reported, and if notch filter was also tried.
The distance of around 500Hz from the lower edge of DDK9 should be sufficient, and it should also be noted that if Noise Blanker is switched on this often causes QRM from adjacent signals that would normally be filtered, so further testing and feedback is being sought and this will be updated.
To share your feedback please contact:
a d m i n s {at} n o 5 n n {dot} o r g