rwjblue / N1RWJ

Radio

CW QSOWalkthrough

A practical template for a standard CW contact. Steps 1-4 cover the basic exchange; steps 5-8 are optional extensions for a longer ragchew.

Practice tool

Work a standard contact, then optionally extend it.

The examples update live and save your operating defaults on this device.

Your basic info
Your optional station and background
Other station
You send They send Note / tip
1You sendCall CQ
Send your callsign twice so a listener can lock onto it. Listen 5-10 sec, then repeat the call if no answer. PSE is optional politeness; K means "any station, come back."
2They sendA station answers
They'll typically just send their callsign twice. Copy it into the field above and the rest of the QSO populates with it.
3You sendFirst exchange - greet + report + name + QTH
DR OM = "dear old man" (friendly, used for any op). TU fer call = thanks for the call. RST and QTH are each sent twice. HW? = how copy? BK = back to you.
4They sendTheir exchange back to you
Copy their RST, name, and QTH right into the fields above. You can close after this point, or continue into the optional station-info section below.
Basic QSO complete after step 4. Steps 5-8 are optional ragchew extensions.
5You sendRig, power, antenna, and weatherOptional extension
This is the first extension past the basic exchange. Keep the station description compact and readable.
6They sendTheir station and weather detailsOptional extension
Copy the station details you care about. If you lose one item, ask only for that item instead of the whole turn.
7You sendAge, job, and how long you've been a hamOptional extension
This is the second common extension in a standard ragchew. Use whatever level of detail feels natural.
8They sendTheir background detailsOptional extension
Once you have this much copied, you usually have enough context to write a better note in the log comment too.
9You sendWrap up - thanks + 73
FB QSO = "fine business QSO." CUAGN = see you again. SK marks the end of the contact.
10They sendTheir final
QSO complete. Log it below while the station and background details are still fresh.
Adds this contact to your log and clears the "their" fields for the next QSO.
!Practice notesSession reminders
The LICW sheet treats these later turns as examples, not rigid rules. Once the structure feels natural, vary the content and shorten or lengthen the turns to sound like a real QSO rather than a recital.

If you missed something

They send QRZ?

They did not catch your callsign. Send your call clearly, twice.

They send AGN? or ?

They missed your last bit. Repeat only the part they need.

NAME AGN ROB ROB BK
QTH AGN OHIO OH OHIO OH BK
You miss their rig, weather, or job

Pull out only the one item you need.

RIG AGN? BK
WX AGN? BK
JOB AGN? BK

Conditions

They send QRS

They want you to slow down. Drop your speed a few WPM and resume.

They send QSB

The signal is fading. Be ready for repeats and shorter turns.

They send QRN or QRM

QRN means atmospheric noise. QRM means interference from another signal. Keep exchanges tight and consider a frequency change if needed.

You make a sending mistake

Send a string of dits to mark the error, then resend the word cleanly.

They need to leave - QRT

Wrap up immediately and go straight to 73 SK.

Procedural signs

DEfrom (this is) Kover - any station KNover - only the station I'm working BKback to you (quick turn) ARend of message SKend of contact ASwait / standby Rroger - all received EEdit-dit closer

Common abbreviations

TUthank you TNXthanks FERfor URyour / you are ESand HRhere HW?how copy? AGNagain FBfine business DRdear OMold man YLyoung lady RPRTreport RSTreadability / strength / tone 5NNshorthand for 599 HPEhope CUAGNsee you again SNsoon CULsee you later SRIsorry PSEplease CFMconfirm 73best regards 88love & kisses

References

This extended structure follows the extra station-info and personal-info turns shown in the LICW protocol reference.