Updated: Dec 9, 2025 | Source: 2023-2027 Question Pool | Topic: G2A
G2A11G2A

Generally, who should respond to a station in the contiguous 48 states calling “CQ DX”?

Deep Dive: G2A11

The correct answer is C: Any stations outside the lower 48 states. Generally, stations outside the lower 48 states should respond to a station in the contiguous 48 states calling 'CQ DX'. 'CQ DX' means calling for distant stations (DX), not local stations. For amateur radio operators, this convention helps ensure DX calls are answered by appropriate stations. Understanding this helps when making or responding to DX calls.

Why Other Answers Are Wrong

Option A: Incorrect. Not any caller - 'CQ DX' is specifically for distant stations, not local stations in the 48 states. Option B: Incorrect. Not only stations in Germany - 'CQ DX' is for any DX (distant) station, not just Germany. Option D: Incorrect. Not only contest stations - 'CQ DX' is for any DX station, contest or not.

Exam Tip

CQ DX response = stations outside lower 48 states. Think 'D'X = 'D'istant e'X'change. 'CQ DX' means calling for distant stations - stations outside the contiguous 48 states should respond. Not local stations, not just Germany, not just contests.

Memory Aid

CQ DX response = stations outside lower 48. Think 'D'X = 'D'istant e'X'change. 'CQ DX' means calling for distant stations - stations outside contiguous 48 states should respond. Standard DX calling convention.

Real-World Example

A station in New York calls 'CQ DX' on 20 meters. Stations in Alaska, Hawaii, or other countries should respond - these are DX (distant) stations. Local stations in the 48 states should not respond to 'CQ DX' calls - that's for DX stations only.

Source & Coverage

Question Pool: 2023-2027 Question Pool

Subelement: G2A

Reference: 2023-2027 Question Pool · G2 - Operating Procedures

Key Concepts

CQ DX DX calling Operating procedures DX operation

Verified Content

Question from the official FCC General Class pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators and mapped to the G2A topic.