CQ

CQ is a station code used by wireless operators derived from long established telegraphic practice on undersea cables and landlines, particularly used by those communicating in Morse code,, but also by voice operators, to make a general call (called a CQ call). Transmitting the letters CQ on a particular radio frequency means that the transmission is a broadcast or "General Call" to anyone listening, and when the operator sends "K' or says "Go Ahead" it is an invitation for any licensed radio station listening on that frequency to respond. Its use on radio matched the existing use on Morse landline telegraphy and dates from the earliest wireless stations. It was widely used in point-to-point diplomatic and press services, maritime, aviation, and police services until those services eliminated Morse radiotelegraphy. It is still widely used in amateur radio which still has active use of Morse radiotelegraphy. History and usage The CQ station code was originally used by landline and undersea cable telegraphy operators in the United Kingdom. The oldest reference found to the station code CQ is contained in The Telegraphist. Edited by W. Lynd, Volume 1 1886. which states on p. 15 under "Alphabetical Codes and Abbreviations": "CQ All Stations". Additionally, the telegraphic station code "CQ" was mentioned in "The Telegraphist. Edited by W. Lynd, Volume 1 1886" CQ was adopted by the Marconi Company in 1904 for use in wireless telegraphy by spark-gap transmitter, and was adopted internationally at the 1912 London International Radiotelegraph Convention, and is still used.