Answering first and finding out whom you called afterward.
Example: The operator gives his call sign, then says “QRZ?” Five seconds after the identification, Doug from Dallas—our fictional “Kilo Five WHOOPS”—jumps in and asks, “What’s your call sign?” Doug’s transmitter is ready; his listening is still catching up. The call was just given. Listen before answering.
Calling on the DXpedition’s transmit frequency while it is working split.
Example: H49A is working split, with the arrangement posted in spotting reports. A caller transmits directly on the DX station’s frequency. Other operators shout “Split!” over it, covering the reply just as your station is being called.
Continuing to call while the DX operator is answering someone else.
Example: The DX operator says, “W4ZZZ, you’re five-nine,” but other stations keep calling over the exchange. The invitation went to W4ZZZ; the rest of the chorus needs to wait until that contact is finished and the operator invites more calls.
Repeating your call over and over until the pileup becomes a fur ball.
Example: One caller gives a call sign, then gives it again, and again, leaving no gap to hear the reply. Call once, then listen. Adding more copies of yourself to the mayhem does not create more opportunities for everyone else.
Hearing “CQ” but missing the part about whom it’s for.
Example: The operator calls, “CQ Oceania, CQ Oceania—Oceania stations only.” Bob in New Jersey keeps trying to break in. New Jersey has many attractions; a location in Oceania is not one of them. Listen to the whole call before answering.
Answering a contest station without first understanding whom it needs and what exchange to give.
Example: VE9CF is working the Worked All Germany contest: “CQ contest, Germany only.” Stuart in Florida, using the fictional call “Alpha Bravo Four DUMMOI,” calls anyway, interrupting the run of German stations. Stuart’s signal reaches Canada; unfortunately, that does not make Florida part of Germany. Understand the contest before calling.
Calling a frequency clear when you’ve only heard half the conversation.
Example: During a New York QSO party, you hear distant stations answering someone you cannot hear. You ask, “Is the frequency in use?” and hear no direct reply, so you start calling CQ. But those other replies were already a clue. The nearby station may be inaudible to you while distant listeners hear you both.
Finding a “clear” frequency without checking the spotting page for a DXpedition working split.
Example: H49A is working split, and current spots show its listening range. Someone finds a quiet patch in the middle of that range, decides “Nobody here!” and starts calling CQ. Quiet at one receiver does not mean unused. Check the spotting page, especially during DXpeditions, and listen across the announced range before settling in.
Hearing half the message and supplying the rest yourself.
Example: QSB, local noise, or wandering attention leaves gaps in the instructions. You catch a call sign and jump in without knowing whom the operator wants or what information is needed. Listen again. Know whom you are answering and what they are asking for.
Shouting “Park to park!” as though it comes with a queue-jumping permit.
Example: Hunters are waiting while another activator repeatedly calls “Park to park!” over the exchange. For those waiting, the interruption is unnecessary and frustrating. Let the operator finish the contact and invite the next caller.
