30CW has the following general aims:
Promoting human CW QSO activity
Unless for health or disability reasons we promote the decoding of CW by ear, no matter the method of sending. CW was designed for the human ear and not for decoding by computers.
Giving meaningful true signal reports
We discourage the use of "5NN" inaccurate reports which do not give meaning to our experiments with propagation, antennae and power levels. Please give accurate reports.
Encouraging newcomers to CW and 30m
It is imperative we give back by spending some time mentoring others and especially youth to demonstrate the wonderful world of CW and ensure future CW activity.
Retaining bottom 30kHz for exclusive CW
By doing the above and making use of our unique CW band we protect it from encroachment of other modes now and in the future.
Keeping 30m Contest Free
We support the position of keeping 30m free of all contests as is the case for all WARC bands.
We also advocate for and recommend:
Well-established CW Operating Practices and codes
End every CQ with a K. Always end transmissions with K (over), BK (break) or KN (over to specified station only) as appropriate, do not end a CQ with a pause or [AR] unless ended by K.
Unfortunately this time tested simple and logical convention has been thrown into confusion with new CW operators due to incorrect IARU publications without peer review.
All CW clubs are united on the above principles of correct termination of transmissions.
Ending a CQ with a pause is rude as the other station doesn't know if the CQ will continue, instead always end with an invitation to transmit (K).
Amateur radio tradition also allows for CQ to be ended with PSE K because anyone who tuned across your call without hearing the preceding CQ will know you were calling CQ.
Amateur radio tradition also allows for ending each over during a QSO with KN so that anyone tuning across hearing your callsign knows you are inviting reply only from a specific station.
[AR] means end of message. Although it can be used to end a transmission if expecting any response you should follow it with a K or KN.
ANSWERING A CQ
With the specific exception of working rare DX or a contest-contact, the standard radio procedure [most radio services] for a hundred years has been to answer a CQ call not with your callsign only, as then it is not clear if you are answering DX in a split pile up etc. Always answer a CQ call with [Station called] DE [Your call]. Repeating your callsign for at least a 1 x 2 sequence, especially to account for newer CW operators or less than ideal reception conditions.
ABOVE ARE CORRECT CW PROCEDURES. PRETTY MUCH EVERYTHING ELSE IS NEGOTIABLE.
Whether you use DE or not, how often you send your CQ and/or callsign, styles and formats of QSO, styles and methods of sending, these are individual choices.
RUBBER STAMP QSO
These are a traditional type of CW contact (QSO) style that is time tested and helpful to newcomers as well as those who don't speak the same language as you. The following is the general format of a "rubber stamp QSO":
1. Station calls CQ
2. Responds to calling station by sending signal report, operator name and QTH in first "over" transmission.
3. Answering station responds with same (may also add info about rig, antenna, power, etc).
4. First station may send information about power, antenna, rig, key, especially if replying station did so, or if interested to hear same from replying station on their second over.
5. Final over includes any QSL information, 73, 77, "HPE CUAGN" etc parting greetings.
NON 5NN ACTIVITY
All QSO of the above types, as well as shorter QRP and /P contacts provided honest true signal reports are given, as well as longer chats "rag chew", or any other types of "non-5NN" operation are encouraged without limitations beyond the amateur radio license conditions and amateur radio gentleman's code of ethics.
30CW interests group will look to promote any and all CW activities toward the above stated aims.
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