The Art of calling CQ

[Jerry]

It seems that the art of calling CQ has been lost somewhere between the generations.

About the only time I hear anyone calling CQ anymore is when there is a contest and people are trying to get points.

The truth be told, it is not hard to do.
All you actually have to do is find a clear frequency, ask if the frequency is in use.
Wait about 15 seconds and if no one answers you - it is your frequency.

Call CQ and give your call sign and your location and say listening and most times when someone notices your signal they will come back to you.
Please be observant of both the call frequencies for DX and for the band plan - which is nothing more then a gentleman's agreement.
ALSO MAKE SURE THAT YOU ARE NOT OPERATING OUT OF BAND OR BEYOND THE ABILITIES OF YOUR LICENSE CLASS.

When in doubt - join a amateur radio club, find yourself an Elmer and learn these things before you start broadcasting.

Saying 73 or 73's is not always the appropriate thing to do.
The term 73 is a term of endearment - in the days of CW - Morse Code - if a Morse Code operator liked another operator - telegrapher - they would sometimes promise to leave their most prized possession - which was a Winchester '73" rifle.
Saying 73's - is plural, which means more then one rifle.

Some people - I wouldn't pee on if they were on fire, because they are lousy operators.
You can always tell the HAMS from the LIDS - because the HAMS listen more then they talk and the LIDS talks without listening.

Another note is NOT to use CW terms when talking PHONE.
When you talk PHONE - which is mostly FM or Single Side Band - always talk in plain English.
It does not make you a experienced sounding ham radio operator when you call your location your QTH and when you use Ham Radio Terms like QST and QRM and QRN.

YOU SHOULD ALWAYS TALK IN PLAIN ENGLISH.
YOU SHOULD ALWAYS USE THE QUEEN'S ENGLISH - NO SLANG TERMS.

This includes CB radio terms such as calling a amplifier a foot warmer, a beam antenna a BEAMER, calling power WHISKEY ETC... These terms tends to degrade upon the intelligence you are trying to convey.

Above all else - you should always use proper words and no profanity - especially on 2 meters repeaters or else suffer the wrath of the repeater owner or trustee.