G2C: CW Procedures – Ham Radio General License Study Guide
G2C covers the operating procedures and signals used in Morse code (CW) operation — the conventions that keep CW contacts efficient, courteous, and intelligible. Understanding these procedures allows you to participate effectively in CW contacts and pass the exam questions drawn from this group.
The exam tests knowledge of full break-in (QSK) operation, what to do when another station sends QRS, the meaning of KN versus K at the end of a transmission, QRL? as a frequency check, matching speed when answering a CQ, zero-beat tuning, the RST signal report modifier "C," the prosign AR, and the Q signals QSL, QRN, and QRV.
Full Break-In (QSK)
Full break-in CW operation, abbreviated QSK, means that the transmitting station can receive signals between individual code characters and elements — not just between complete transmissions. This is the defining characteristic of QSK: the radio switches rapidly between transmit and receive during the spaces between dots and dashes.
QSK enables the receiving station to break in immediately if needed without waiting for the transmitting station to finish a long transmission. This is not accomplished by a manual send/receive switch (that would be half-duplex or manual break-in), nor does it require a keyer type. It is a hardware and software capability of the transmitter to switch fast enough to receive in the gaps within a code element sequence.
Common Q Signals
Q signals are three-letter codes used in CW (and sometimes voice) operation as shorthand for common questions and statements. Several appear on the General exam:
| Q Signal | Meaning |
|---|---|
| QRL? | "Are you busy?" or "Is this frequency in use?" — Sent before calling CQ to check if a frequency is occupied. |
| QRS | "Send more slowly" — When a station sends QRS, you should slow your sending speed. |
| QSL | "I have received and understood" — Confirms that the transmission was received. Also the name for confirmation cards. |
| QRN | "I am troubled by static" — Indicates interference from atmospheric noise. |
| QRV | "I am ready to receive" — Indicates the station is ready for traffic or transmission. |
Procedural Prosigns
Prosigns are procedural signals — combinations of letters sent without the inter-letter space — that have specific meanings in CW contacts:
| Prosign | Meaning |
|---|---|
| KN | Listening only for a specific station or stations. Sent at the end of a transmission, it means only the addressed station should reply. It is more restrictive than "K," which is an open invitation for any station to respond. |
| AR | End of formal message. Sent to indicate the message content is complete — distinct from SK (end of contact) or KN (listening for specific station). |
| SK | End of contact (signing off). |
| BK | Break — invitation for the other station to reply immediately. |
Speed and Zero-Beat Tuning
When answering a CQ in Morse code, the best practice is to respond at the fastest speed at which you are comfortable copying, but no faster than the speed of the station sending the CQ. Replying faster than the CQ station can copy creates an inefficient contact and is considered poor operating practice.
Zero beat refers to matching your transmit frequency exactly to the frequency of the signal you are receiving. In CW, this means tuning your transceiver so the received tone is identical in pitch to your sidetone — your transmitted signal will then land precisely on the other station's frequency. Sending at a different frequency creates interference and makes it harder for the other station to copy your signal.
RST Reporting
The RST signal report system rates Readability (1–5), Signal Strength (1–9), and Tone (1–9) for CW signals. On the General exam, the relevant modifier is the letter "C" appended to an RST report. A "C" added to the RST report means the signal is chirpy or unstable — the frequency drifts slightly, causing a wavering or chirping sound on the received signal. This is distinct from key clicks (spurious emissions at the edges of each element), 100% copy, or S-meter readings.
G2C Practice Questions
Check Your Knowledge
G2D: HF Operations and Monitoring →
← G2B: Operating Practices and Emergency