Listen first
Always listen before transmitting to ensure that the frequency is not already in use.
Calling another station
Use the callsign of the station being called first repeated a maximum of 3 times, then the words, THIS IS, followed by your callsign repeated a maximum of 3 times, ending with OVER, e.g.:
VK6ZZ VK6ZZ VK6ZZ THIS IS VK2KO VK2KO VK2KO OVER
This call may be modified as conditions permit – i.e. if you are using an FM repeater, it is not necessary to repeat the callsigns 3 times, and THIS IS and OVER can be dispensed with – e.g.
VK6ZZ (brief pause) VK2KO
Reply
Again, use the other station’s callsign, followed by THIS IS (if required) and then your callsign followed by GO AHEAD and OVER, e.g.:
VK2KO, THIS IS VK6ZZ, GO AHEAD OVER
General “CQ” call
A general call to any other amateur station (i.e. you are looking for a contact with any other station) may be made by substituting the signal ‘CQ’ in place of the called station’s callsign, e.g.:
CQ CQ CQ THIS IS VK9YZ VK9YZ VK9YZ OVER
Using repeaters
As discussed previously, when using a repeater, you can dispense with THIS IS and OVER.
CQ calls are not normally made on repeaters – you simply announce that you are listening e.g.:
VK7AB listening.
Breaking into an existing QSO (contact)
If you wish to break into an existing contact between two stations, wait for a pause and announce your callsign only. Do not talk over the top of the stations.