Is there a need for CW Calling Frequencies, rather than only “Centres of Activity”? And if so, will it increase or decrease on air activity? What would be the advantages? And how to use them?
NOTE: This information has been superseded with QSX/Calling Frequencies now in operation
CW can be used on any frequency within the amateur radio band, the only mode which is allowed to do so. Traditionally however, almost all CW activity takes place in the “CW only” section, generally the lower part of the band.
Any clear frequency can be used for calling CQ, and there is much enjoyment from the surprise one gets of a call being answered, never knowing where it may be.
Centres of Activity such as TOP5, or those of various CW clubs, are also helpful for finding QTT type QSO. So, why would there be a need for a calling frequency or frequencies, and what would be their purposes?
Here are a few examples of why dedicated calling frequencies are useful:
- You lost a QSO in QRM or after a QSY, where to re-establish contact?
- You want to know and be able to take advantage of 10m openings
- You want to be standby on a useful frequency while doing other things
- You want to be able to establish a sked QSO easily at a certain time
- You want to be able to be reached by, or reach other friends easily
- You want to have a quick and easy idea of propagation
- You have called CQ on a quiet band and given up, let’s try calling freq.
These are some examples of why true and dedicated calling frequencies are useful. Now, let us address some of the difficulties and concerns:
Q: Will the use of Calling Frequencies increase or decrease band occupancy?
A: Clearly it will increase band use. Many more QSO will take place that otherwise would not have, looking at the above list would make that clear.
Q: We can’t dedicate a calling frequency in amateur radio, as anyone can use any unoccupied frequency.
A: Generally true. However, there have been successes in the past and there are workarounds, which we’ll address in more details further below.
Q: FISTS have tried this, and failed, amateurs are not experienced at moving off a frequency after establishing contact, how to make this work?
A: Indeed. The key is having a few very simple rules, and a few additional recommendations. The simple rules are established and propagated by setting routine example among regular calling frequency users.
What are past examples of successful CW Calling Frequencies?
The most famous one, was for world wide ship and shore stations, 500kHz. Those who have had the good fortune to have listened there before Morse Code was abandoned for ships at sea, will know just how wonderful it was.
Amateur radio examples included 144.050MHz on 2m, and also for a few years, 7050kHz in Australia.
What would the conditions for success be?
For calling frequencies to be a success and useful and to actually be established in practice as such, and NOT as yet another “CoA” frequency, a few simple rules are necessary.
The rules are adopted by all those who like the idea of calling frequencies, and should ensure that the many benefits mentioned earlier are not destroyed.
For example, if too many CQ calls from one station over and over are heard, or if QSO take place on the calling frequency after establishing contact, then those monitoring it while otherwise engaged, will not do so. Nor will those who wish to make use of it be able to do so.
What would the simple rules be?
- Calls no longer than format 3X3
- No more than 3 calls in any 5 minute period
- QSY after establishing contact
Let’s look at these 3 simple rules in more details as to how to use them!
If I want to call CQ, I can call CQ CQ CQ DE AB1CD AB1CD AB1CD PSE K (this is a maximum 3X3), or if I want to call a specific station, or on a sked: G1XYZ G1XYZ G1XYZ DE AB1CD AB1CD AB1CD KN
I can look at the clock, and repeat this up to 3 times in total within any five minute period on the clock face. This allows for sufficient calls from any one station, and helps to space them out with no more than 3 in succession, unless crossing into a new five minute block. Easy and simple to do.
But how to easily QSY after contact?
There are a few good options here!
You could find a clear frequency first, QRL? to check it is clear, then go to the Calling Frequency and make your call. If someone answers, send their callsign DE your callsign QSY ____ giving the frequency, or, UP 2 etc.
Another good alternative is, when you get a reply, come back to that station and slowly drift your VFO up or down from the calling frequency. They can and will easily follow you, and you are now clear of the frequency, can stop drifting, complete your “over” and you’re in QSO!
This second one is a good way to do it for those who are NOT used to the concept of moving off a Calling Frequency, which is essential for it to fulfill its purpose. Anyone can do it, be the leader drifting up or down, and anyone even a beginner, can and will follow a slowly drifting signal.
Needless to say, you can hear whether the frequency just above or below the Calling Frequency is in use or not. If both directions are in use, then you have no other option but to say <AS><AS>, go find a clear frequency, then come back and reply again to the station and send the QSY information.
OK, so how would we decide on a calling frequency or frequencies?
This was the difficult part. Logical would seem to use the 050 on most bands, or on 30m, 025. But this has its problems, those frequencies are more often used and so this may be a concern about causing QRM.
Ultimately over many years a great many suggestions and options were considered, and finally one has was considered the most workable in the short term. See here for the final results.
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4 thoughts on “The Case for CW Calling Frequencies and How to Use?”
I think this is a good idea and it would make it easier for those of us who are fortunate to work in our shack and can therefore keep an “ear” on calling frequencies ( or scan a range) while we “work”. However, a few issues spring to mind that need addressing maybe:
(a) People tend not to QSY far and hence this proposal, if widely accepted, will focus activity around the calling frequency at the possible detriment of the rest of the allocation ( this may work, however, to preserve the top 5 under threat).
(b) We need, perhaps, an acceptable shorthand for QSY offset frequencies, “Up 1” normally means +1,000Hz but perhaps we should have a shorthand for 100s of Hz ( a bit like aircraft flight levels) – so Up 3 means +300 Hz Up 12 means +1200Hz – this may help address the tendency for all QSOs to occur on exact multiples of 1k ( or 500Hz at best) as most will otherwise say up1,2,3 or down 1,2,3 etc.?
(c) There is currently a tendency for people to QSO on currently promoted frequencies rather than QSY so we need a mental shift in current practices to achieve true calling frequency usage.
Yes, these are the challenges indeed. When 7050 was introduced as CW Calling Frequency and was successful for several years with stations making QSY upon QSO, it was agreed between several former Radio Officers on a system and its rules, even a little more advanced than the “3 simple rules” proposed here: there was a limitation not to call during the traditional 500kHz Silent Periods H+15-H+18 and H+45-H+48, unless QRP. These ex R/O equated 7050.0 with 500kHz of old and also used 7051.2 as a common working (QSY) frequency reminiscent of 512kHz.
There was a similar idea to yours, to use “QSS” (working frequency) and give 3 digits, e.g. QSS 343 would mean “My working (QSO) frequency is 7034.3kHz). But these “extra” ideas did not catch on outside the R/Os although the idea of using 7050 purely as a Calling Frequency did, and it also got a mention in CW Today column of the National Society magazine “Amateur Radio”.
From that experience I can say that your idea is too complex. It would work among those who agree to it, but would not go “viral” or be a simple example to set for others listening and using the frequency. I would say the best is to stick to the traditional “QSY UP 0.5” or “QSY 7038” etc, or, as suggested in the post, to reply while drifting off. The problem NOT mentioned in the post though, is that most will follow the drift with the RIT, not the VFO/TX, so that’s not reliable, except perhaps among those who are regulars.
Also another thought, unless signals are very weak, it would work to say QSY UP or PSE QSY DN and then call them again, anything from 500Hz to 2.5 kHz or so away, would be easy to find.
The “key” to making this a success, is to have a number of stations around the world, who actively monitor and make use of this system, and thus set the example and the more that make use of it will see the examples.
It might also be good to have an on air short message that allows people to know what is going on. For example, once this is agreed between a number of stations as per above, then we can set up a page no5nn.org/qsx and refer people on air to it, containing the simple info and rules. Those rules can also be given on the air to those wanting to know e.g.
18092.5 IS 17M CW QSX AND CALLING FREQ. PSE CALL NO MORE THAN 3 TIMES IN 5 MINUTES. PSE QSY AFTER MAKING CONTACT. SEE NO5NN.ORG/QSX FOR DETAILS. 77 DE … TU
This could also be given in response to a QRL? – and the QSX page would make it clear that “QRL?” is not necessary on the calling frequency.
Now, it IS understood that some pendantic folks will take issue with this, saying that one must always check frequency is in use, and there is “no such thing as CW calling frequencies”. Of course, they are right but also wrong. There IS a calling frequency if it is agreed upon, but, by those who agree upon it. Just like there IS a contest taking place whether we like it or not.
The fact that these “QSX” end with .5 and are in the far top end, is unlikely to cause many issues. If it does, then it is free advertising. If people come on to make DQRM they’ll soon give up, no one said an active calling frequency needs to be quiet.
It is indeed a rather unknown concept among radio amateurs, and for some, it may take overcoming some previous conceptions, regarding QRL?, QSY, and also calling on top of others who are also calling. Soon they’ll realize this is actually what makes it fun.
Naturally if a QSO is taking place already by others, one does not cause unnecessary QRM. Calling can shift 100, 200Hz off on the side. If we take a live and current example of the China and South East Asia 7023, this is absolute bedlam. It is used both as a Calling Frequency, which is great, but also for QSOs absolute zero beat with every other calling over the top and multiple QSO, and the strongest wins and wrecks the QSO of others. And not ONCE did anyone complain or say QSY, or LID, as you will hear in some other less respectful cultures.
No one complains about it, but it isn’t the best example, it merely goes to show that there are many who do want calling frequencies, but just don’t know how to use them appropriately.
Some more thoughts! If you contact in Europe the “MORSE” Club (based in Italy, ex R/Os) they’ll be interested in this for sure, and could assist in support, e.g. QSX watch. I already raised it some time ago and they thought it a great idea.
I like your idea of programming them into memories for scanning too. I can see that with the right ANT this could work well, even with squelch to cut out background noise, after all, it’s just while standby, so squelch wouldn’t be a crime (I never use it in normal CW operations). I can see that setting a narrow filter + squelch (or reducing RF gain) could make for some very quiet monitoring and it wouldn’t take much to break through.
Well now there is the idea finalized and in operation, see the top menu “CW Calling Frequencies”