The out of state station calls CQ CA. California stations use CAQP. Same for any state QSO Party. Outside stations call CQ CA, GA, TN etc. (the state you are calling). Out of state folks calling CQ CAQP or CQ GQP causes confusion and will get many out of state callers. Some folks call CQ CAQP de K1ZZI/GA. This works but I don't recommend it. CQ CA de K1ZZI/GA is okay and adds safety but I rarely use this method either. Generally, calling CQ CAQP should be reserved for CA stations. I use: CQ CA K1ZZI K1ZZI

CQ CA means you are soliciting CA only. If you hear CAQP then it "should" be a soliciting CA station. CAQP is an excellent QSO Party with lots of activity. One of my favorites.

----- Original Message -----

From: Kevan Nason

Sent: Wednesday, September 07, 2011 4:43 PM

Subject: [SECC] California QSO party

Planning on doing the CAQP in a couple weeks. I'm not much of a CW operator anymore and haven't done many state QSO parties. What are some suggestions for an efficient way to call CQ for this contest on CW? I'm thinking some of the non-contestors in Californina may or may not know what CQ CAQP means. How can I maximize response?