Operating Procedures
The core skill: making contacts correctly
This domain rewards knowing standard operating practice: calling CQ, answering a CQ, handling pileups, using phonetics, and managing nets and emergency traffic. Know that a CQ call should include the call sign and that when answering a CQ you transmit the other station's call sign followed by your own. In a pileup, listen first, transmit briefly, and never tune up on the operating frequency.
Nets, emergencies, and traffic handling
The trap-heavy area is emergency and priority traffic. Know the precedence order: emergency traffic (immediate threat to life or property) goes first, then priority, then welfare, then routine. The net control station directs the net; check in only when invited. When handling emergency traffic, use plain language, keep transmissions short, and identify clearly. The phrase "emergency" or "mayday" signals distress; do not use it for routine matters.
Split operation and frequency courtesy
Split operation (transmitting on one frequency and listening on another) is common on HF, especially for DX stations. Know that you transmit on the DX station's listening frequency and listen where the DX station transmits. Also know band plans: CW at the low end, then digital modes, then phone; keep within your license privileges and avoid the beacon and satellite subbands unless appropriate.
Worked example
You hear a rare DX station calling CQ and saying "listening 5 to 10 up." You should set your receive frequency to the DX station's transmit frequency and your transmit frequency 5–10 kHz higher. Transmitting on the DX frequency itself is a classic error that disrupts the contact.
Common traps
Answering a CQ without including the other station's call sign. Tuning up on the DX frequency. Using "emergency" language casually. Checking into a net before net control invites check-ins.