Topband: Short CQs and exchanges

[daraymond at iowatelecom.net]

Perhaps more important than short CQs and quick exchanges is for stations to 
avoid 1810, 1820, 1830, etc., due to mixes from NA broadcast stations.  Many 
of us in NA have spurs on those frequencies loud enough to cover weak DX 
stations.  This has been mentioned before yet a surprising number of 
stations, for some reason, seem drawn to these frequencies.  Let's get 
active, get on, and enjoy the band!         73. . . Dave, W0FLS

-----Original Message----- 
From: VE6WZ_Steve
Sent: Wednesday, November 06, 2019 4:23 PM
To: topband
Subject: Topband: Short CQs and exchanges

I’m sure this has been discussed before on the reflector, but as a reminder 
to all, please keep your CQs SHORT and exchanges QUICK.

I still hear even experienced ops sending long CQs. CQ repeated 5 times, 
with the call 4 times etc. and sometimes repeated!  This is a sure way to 
minimize your success on TB. Don't do this.
Many times I have listened as the DX sends loooong CQs, and I watch the QSB 
peak come, then go at the end leaving no chance for a QSO except to wait for 
the next cycle.  The QSB peaks often can last only 20-40 seconds, and then 
the path is gone for another few minutes.  Anyone with a waterfall display 
can see this happening….a LOT on 160m.

Much preferred are short, 2X1 or 3X2 CQs.  Repeat often.  Longer CQs do 
nothing but decrease the chance that someone can call on the QSB peak. There 
is no need for sending more than 2 or 3 CQs followed by your call.  If you 
find yourself sending more than 3 CQs in a row perhaps reconsider.

Don’t think everyone doesn't already know you are on that QRG and what your 
call is.  Like it or not, with RBN, you are spotted within 5 seconds of your 
first CQ.  Sending your call repeatedly is a waste of time. Either way, with 
short CQs, we can get the call on the next CQ.

The same with exchanges.  Keep them short. Really short at first. “his call, 
ur 449 449 BK”, send again if no reply. repeat.  Its nice to exchange 
details, and if condx are rocking good then we can, but leave sending 
details till after the basic exchange in case QSB wipes out the path.  We 
may only have 30 seconds in total to make the QSO! We are not operating on 
20m.  One reason the FT-8 mode “works” so well is the short, repeating TX/RX 
periods.

So far 160m has been pretty good here at VE6WZ in spite of the recurring 
coronal hole spewing at earth every month.
During the three months from August to September I have made 181 trans-polar 
EU/AF QSOs and 210 AS/OC QSOs.  All on CW.
I think things are shaping up for a good season.

73, de steve ve6wz.
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