CW abbreviation · Operating
CQ in Morse code
The general call. 'CQ' invites any listening station to reply.
Morse rendering
-.-. --.-
Sent letter-by-letter with standard inter-letter gaps.
Meaning
CQ — Calling any station
When this is used
CQ derives from the French 'sécu' (security/attention) of early commercial telegraphy, repurposed by amateurs as 'seek you'. Standard call structure: CQ CQ CQ DE <call> <call> K. For a DX-only call, append DX: CQ DX CQ DX DE <call>.
Examples
| On the air | Plain English |
|---|---|
| CQ CQ CQ DE W1AW W1AW K | Standard CQ from W1AW, anyone reply. |
| CQ DX DE K1ABC | Looking for DX contacts, this is K1ABC. |
| CQ TEST DE W1AW | CQ Contest from W1AW. |
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