General G2C: CW operating and Q signals
These are the 11 official questions in group G2C of the 2023–2027 General question pool, with the correct answer marked and a plain-English explanation of why it's right. The real exam asks one question from this group.
- G2C01Question 1
Which of the following describes full break-in CW operation (QSK)?
- ABreaking stations send the Morse code prosign “BK”
- BAutomatic keyers, instead of hand keys, are used to send Morse code
- CAn operator must activate a manual send/receive switch before and after every transmission
- DTransmitting stations can receive between code characters and elements Correct
Why: With full break-in (QSK), you can hear between your own code characters.
- G2C02Question 2
What should you do if a CW station sends “QRS?”
- ASend slower Correct
- BChange frequency
- CIncrease your power
- DRepeat everything twice
Why: QRS means send slower, so "QRS?" asks you to slow down.
- G2C03Question 3
What does it mean when a CW operator sends “KN” at the end of a transmission?
- ANo US stations should call
- BOperating full break-in
- CListening only for a specific station or stations Correct
- DClosing station now
Why: KN means you're listening only for the station or stations you're working.
- G2C04Question 4
What does the Q signal “QRL?” mean?
- A“Will you keep the frequency clear?”
- B“Are you operating full break-in?” or “Can you operate full break-in?”
- C“Are you listening only for a specific station?”
- D“Are you busy?” or “Is this frequency in use?” Correct
Why: QRL? means "Is this frequency in use?"
- G2C05Question 5
What is the best speed to use when answering a CQ in Morse code?
- AThe fastest speed at which you are comfortable copying, but no slower than the CQ
- BThe fastest speed at which you are comfortable copying, but no faster than the CQ Correct
- CAt the standard calling speed of 10 wpm
- DAt the standard calling speed of 5 wpm
Why: Answer at the fastest speed you copy comfortably, but no faster than the CQ.
- G2C06Question 6
What does the term “zero beat” mean in CW operation?
- AMatching the speed of the transmitting station
- BOperating split to avoid interference on frequency
- CSending without error
- DMatching the transmit frequency to the frequency of a received signal Correct
Why: Zero beat means matching your transmit frequency to the received signal.
- G2C07Question 7
When sending CW, what does a “C” mean when added to the RST report?
- AChirpy or unstable signal Correct
- BReport was read from an S meter rather than estimated
- C100 percent copy
- DKey clicks
Why: A "C" after the RST report means a chirpy or unstable signal.
- G2C08Question 8
What prosign is sent to indicate the end of a formal message when using CW?
- ASK
- BBK
- CAR Correct
- DKN
Why: AR marks the end of a formal message on CW.
- G2C09Question 9
What does the Q signal “QSL” mean?
- ASend slower
- BWe have already confirmed the contact
- CI have received and understood Correct
- DWe have worked before
Why: QSL means "I have received and understood."
- G2C10Question 10
What does the Q signal “QRN” mean?
- ASend more slowly
- BStop sending
- CZero beat my signal
- DI am troubled by static Correct
Why: QRN means "I am troubled by static."
- G2C11Question 11
What does the Q signal “QRV” mean?
- AYou are sending too fast
- BThere is interference on the frequency
- CI am quitting for the day
- DI am ready to receive Correct
Why: QRV means "I am ready to receive."