Calling CQ on AM - An Art Form

[K1JJ]

Everyone has their own style. But this is for the newcomers on AM -  and may be one of my stranger posts.  But I just gots to help some of them...

I listened to a new AMer calling CQ on 3875 last night. He had a BIG signal. He was fast and furiously (and nervously) calling CQ on and off for about 10 minutes:  "CQ-CQ-CQ-CQ-CQ-CQ... This is WXXXX - WXXXX -WXXXX   CQ-CQ-CQ-CQ-CQ-CQ-CQ-CQ-CQ-CQ-CQ over and over like a mechanical robot. Hard work! But nobody came back.

There IS an art to calling CQ on AM with a carrier holding the frequency silent.  Some styles have a FB  "come-hither" to them while others fall flat. The Old Timers here know what I mean.

Great results when calling CQ requires a relaxed, conversational approach like you are already talking to someone or you are addressing an audience who is now listening. You are trying to entice them to turn on the filaments and fire up the rig.  Listeners are evaluating you and will go thru a process of "should I get back to this guy or just lay back in my Lazy Bastard chair and listen?"   They are making a decision based on what they are hearing from you.

Here's how it's done......in a slow, relaxed, somewhat random, conversational, take-charge manner... make it up as you go:    "Calling CQ.....calling CQ..... this is W1LOG in CT, looking for AM stations..........calling CQ.  Especially looking for west of the Mississippi to give some of you a chance to work the east coast. You know who you are. Calling CQ 75 meters AM looking for AM activity anywhere.  This is W1LOG, W1  Lima Oscar Golf.  W1LOG calling CQ and carefully listening for a call..."  click.

Repeat as necessary with different variations of above.

Make it TOO crazy and you will scare people off. It's a balance.

At times it can be the difference between generating a pileup or dead silence. Take your pick...  

T

[WBear2GCR]

Mmmm... I've heard fairly often stations calling "CQ" for a matter of a few seconds... then quitting.

First off, you've got to give me time to hear your calling CQ.
I probably have my receiver "down" to background level, and have to get over to the
gain knob to turn it up.
Then, the filaments need to be flipped on.
Time is needed for the Mercury vapor rectifiers to heat up, before the B+ can be engaged.
Then I need to slide on over to the operating chair, pick up the chrome lollypop and squeeze
it.

But, in the time that takes, whomever was calling CQ quit and LEFT! Gone, <poof>.

Now, I might be in that sort of mood where I might call a short CQ, and wait 5 minutes to see
if anyone fires up. Running another round of CQ after 4-5 minutes...

So, plan on calling CQ over an elapsed time  of 5-10 minutes, unless of course,
you catch a fish sooner...

                      _-_-

[K1JJ]

Mmmm... I've heard fairly often stations calling "CQ" for a matter of a few seconds... then quitting.

First off, you've got to give me time to hear your calling CQ.
Now, I might be in that sort of mood where I might call a short CQ, and wait 5 minutes to see
if anyone fires up. Running another round of CQ after 4-5 minutes...

So, plan on calling CQ over an elapsed time  of 5-10 minutes, unless of course,
you catch a fish sooner...

                      _-_-

Yep, good point about calling an intro-CQ and then giving them time to fire up. It's like throwing chum in the water and then waiting with the real CQ bait.

It's interesting that effectively calling a CQ on ssb or especially CW is quite different than AM.

T

[N1BCG]

And then there’s the op who’s known for content-rich CQ calls. Plenty of time to light up heaters (or filaments) as well as having something to listen to that sets the stage for the conversation.

[WBear2GCR]

Ya mon!

I have to throw a spade full of Thorium on my heaters!

[W7TFO]

Nekkid tungsten for me.

73DG

[n4joy]

My CQs in SSB could best be classified as textbook ARRL, but I go longer on AM.  An operator's CQ style has no bearing on whether or not I respond.  I can't think of one time I have not responded because some doesn't sound relaxed... that is just silly.  As already mentioned, my complaint is with CQs that are too short.  I have heard stations call CQ and disappear within moments.

Given how few CQs I hear on the bands, we can't be too critical.

[AJ1G]

Ya mon!

I have to throw a spade full of Thorium on my heaters!

Be sure to wear a mask and wash your hands afterwards.  Thorium is radioactive!  (As opposed to radio-active!)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thorium

Mildly radioactive, but an Alpha particle emitter.  Can’t penetrate the skin, but if ingested    or aspirated into the lungs, not good.

Most common source of possible contact with particulate thorium is from the mantles on gas lanterns. 

[WA2SQQ]

Here’s how it’s done!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-8RItOZE30

[K1JJ]

Here’s how it’s done!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-8RItOZE30

HA!  If I could figure out how to make that an .MP3 and insert my call, that would make a great CQ tape!

T

[WD8BIL]

Sometimes ya get an answer. Sometimes ya call till you're blue in the face! 

[KK4YY]

To call CQ would make me feel too needy
If I got no response, then I'd feel unwanted
I'd rather just answer a CQ. Then I'm helping some needy guy not to feel unwanted

[K1JJ]

To call CQ would make me feel too needy
If I got no response, then I'd feel unwanted
I'd rather just answer a CQ. Then I'm helping some needy guy not to feel unwanted

I've always admired your chain of logic... 


T

[n4joy]

To call CQ would make me feel too needy
If I got no response, then I'd feel unwanted
I'd rather just answer a CQ. Then I'm helping some needy guy not to feel unwanted

Love it!

I simply call CQ to meet new people.  I've been a ham for close to 30 years and can't imagine ham radio without ever or rarely calling CQ.  It is uncommon to hear CQs nowadays and I guess most just talk to the same people on the same frequency or frequencies week after week.  I avoid 2 meters for that reason.

[AJ1G]

Calling CQ on 75 SSB is rarely heard, and when one does so, you will rarely get a response, as stated above, everyone just hangs around 75 with their group on the same frequency day after day.  Only place you will hear CQs on 75/80 are in the DX and AM windows.  40 meter SSB has significantly more CQ activity.  As to 40 meter AM, it’s generally a desert.  There is some activity in the afternoon, when the band is at its worst, wish more people would give it a try in the morning when conditions, on the East Coast at least, are pretty good.

Always plenty of CQs on CW regardless of band.  And plenty of answers too!

[KK4YY]

To call CQ would make me feel too needy
If I got no response, then I'd feel unwanted
I'd rather just answer a CQ. Then I'm helping some needy guy not to feel unwanted

I've always admired your chain of logic... 


T

It took me a long time to get here. But I still don't know where I'm going. However, I think know the right way to get there.

[AJ1G]

It took me a long time to get here. But I still don't know where I'm going. However, I think know the right way to get there.
[/quote]

The best navigators are not sure where they are going until they get there, and then they’re still not quite sure...Jimmy Buffett

https://youtu.be/qyVBgxbyQpI

Actually, in the song, Jimmy attributes the above quote to one Frank Bama  Frank was an occasional character in the original Hawaii Five O TV series, a crusty helicopter pilot who sometimes flew missions in his chopper, Tangerine, in support of Five O.  He was played by.....Jimmy Buffett.  Never knew that!  Apparently he just reappeared in last week’s rebooted Hawaii Five O series episode, again played by JB.

[Steve - K4HX]

It's best to use the phonetics Charlie Queen.

[Opcom]

Everyone has their own style. But this is for the newcomers on AM -  and may be one of my stranger posts.  But I just gots to help some of them...

T

THANK YOU for starting this topic. I have trouble starting QSOs. My calling is simple and to-the-point in such a way that it seems like I am more concerned with plate hour meter than with offering someone a comfy chair and a willing ear. I have never made what I consider really good and inviting "CQ"s for AM. I'm not a very social person, but I do care and I want to sound more enthusiastic and desirous of a nice conversation. I bet I'm not the first or only person who has been on AM for a while but has not mastered this one crucial thing. It's not only a newcomer issue.

[N1BCG]

I bet I'm not the first or only person who has been on AM for a while but has not mastered this one crucial thing. It's not only a newcomer issue.

Amateur radio is one of the few activities where the quality of our experience is directly affected by the demeanor of others.

Interestingly, this exact topic came up on 75M yesterday. It's not natural for most folks to just put themselves out there on a frequency because we feel like we're going to be judged. However, we're all in the same boat and amateur radio is two-way, meaning that we're all in the call or respond position at some point.

Joining a conversation (I dislike the term QSO) can be like walking up to a group on the sidewalk whose members are chatting among themselves. They seem to know each other, perhaps have been friends for a while, and are into the topic. Maybe the topic is jumping about yet each member can pick it up at any point. They move together like a school of fish.

Then there's you or me. We want to jump in but how will that be taken? It's that perception of judgment thing again.

We have all called CQ or joined a conversation for the first time and that moment should have a permanent place in our memories while on the air. If an op is worth the salt on a Margarita glass (s)he will keep that in mind with each new contact.

My policy is to be as inviting as possible. I'll often end a transmission by asking if anyone listening on the frequency would like to jump in with any topic. I know they are there, it just takes a nudge sometimes. Two ops joined just yesterday and neither had transmitted on 75M until then. This inspires me greatly.

And frankly, I find new ops to talk to interesting and they help reduce band stagnation where it's the same thing over and over and over. If you hear my callsign then you can be sure you'll be welcomed.

[K4RT]

Fun thread. I enjoy talking to hams with whom I’m already acquainted and meeting new hams on AM. As for calling CQ, I prefer function over form and use of phonetics until contact is established and call signs confirmed. You do have to be patient calling CQ on AM. When we hear a CQ, some of us have to let tubes warm up, throw some switches, and turn knobs before we can reply. 

[K1JJ]

Amateur radio is one of the few activities where the quality of our experience is directly affected by the demeanor of others.

Joining a conversation (I dislike the term QSO) can be like walking up to a group on the sidewalk whose members are chatting among themselves. They seem to know each other, perhaps have been friends for a while, and are into the topic. Maybe the topic is jumping about yet each member can pick it up at any point. They move together like a school of fish.

My policy is to be as inviting as possible. I'll often end a transmission by asking if anyone listening on the frequency would like to jump in with any topic. I know they are there, it just takes a nudge sometimes. Two ops joined just yesterday and neither had transmitted on 75M until then. This inspires me greatly.

And frankly, I find new ops to talk to interesting and they help reduce band stagnation where it's the same thing over and over and over. If you hear my callsign then you can be sure you'll be welcomed.

Good points!!  A great time to talk about fast-moving, large, break-in conversations...


It can be a rough and tumble group or more laid back. We need thick skin at times. Break-in ham conversations are probably the most difficult and intricate area to master.... but can often be the most fun we can have in ham radio. "They move together like a school of fish" is the best analogy I've heard. That's exactly how the best break-in conversations work. WHY? Because they simulate a real life conversation with our buddies.  When at a real party, do we make old buzzard, round table transmissions or do we use fast break-in? Do we sometimes double on top of each other? Yes!  Do new topics sometimes drop like a lead balloon or soar instantly in a roar of laughter... Yes!

There is a fine art and unwritten rules to these fast moving groups. They can be as fragile as fine crystal. They will implode easily.  First, we must always be aware of the topic at hand and let it play out before the next one is introduced. The clue to timing is recognizing when there is a pause, exhaustion and the school of fish needs a new topic. Something new is said, usually funny, and the gang goes off in that direction.

There is risk to break-in... many times there can be a lot of doubling, weaker stations are not heard and confusion takes hold. But the school of fish are self-correcting OR a mini-transmission will often clean things up and it goes back to break-in again.

It's interesting how break-in conversations have an ebb and flow of participants depending on the subject matter. There may be ten guys on frequency, but only three are participating. The subject changes and a different three become dominant. And unlike round tables, participants often just quietly bow out like the Invisible Man. No need for a long-winded ceremonious explanation of why we need to turn off the rig, tuck the XYL in and then finally leave. Break-in assumes you are still there until you are not heard from for five minutes or so... But who knows? Maybe you just had to drain something and you're back in for the next subject.

Breaking into a break-in QSO:  This is easily done by getting in sync with the school of fish and throwing out a comment, often a funny comment, and you're in.  If everyone knows you then no callsign is needed until the next 10 minute ID. It's like capitalism, however. A moderately strong signal is often needed to be heard and no one is going to relay your comments to the group.  The time to get to know everyone is best done when things are slow and people are laid back.

Be careful not to break in with your call during a lively subject  - and then say " I just wanted to say hi."   That's like throwing cold water on the conversation. What can the group say to you? If each one says hello, the QSO may implode, or at least lose the momentum of the last subject.  If they ignore you and continue, they appear rude. IE, move with the school seamlessly when both breaking in and when chasing the subjects around. Or make your own subject change when the timing is right.

Roundtable QSOs can be FB too - for technical info, stories, etc.  They are as tough as tanks and can sometimes go on forever, even when abused. They all have their place.  Being able to adjust and go with the flow is the idea. Many times a boring RT QSO has broken into a fast break-in conversation and then back again as the crowd ebbed and flowed. It can be dynamic sometimes.

I've often thought that the best break-in conversations, no matter what their structure, can be measured by how many listeners have tuned by and thought "those guys are having a lot of fun... how can I get in on it too?"

T

[W2BX]

So many new hams i hear on the air that say "over" after every transmission. Drives me nuts... Must have seen too many old cop shows or army movies. 

[N1BCG]

They’re probably used to SSB where “Over” helps others know when you’re done transmitting. AM has the benefit of a carrier drop. I’m sure I frustrate ops when I end transmissions without “Over” when on sideband.

[KK4YY]

The art is knowing when not to break in.