Deep Dive: G2C05
The correct answer is B: The fastest speed at which you are comfortable copying, but no faster than the CQ. The best speed to use when answering a CQ in Morse code is the fastest speed at which you are comfortable copying, but no faster than the CQ. This matches the calling station's speed while staying within your copying ability. For amateur radio operators, this ensures successful communication. Understanding this helps when responding to CQ calls.
Why Other Answers Are Wrong
Option A: Incorrect. Sending faster than the CQ is not recommended - you should match or be slower than the calling station's speed, not faster. Option C: Incorrect. There's no 'standard calling speed of 10 wpm' - speeds vary. You should match the CQ speed, not use a fixed speed. Option D: Incorrect. There's no 'standard calling speed of 5 wpm' - speeds vary. You should match the CQ speed, not use a fixed speed.
Exam Tip
Answer CQ speed = fastest you can copy, but no faster than CQ. Think 'A'nswer 'C'Q = 'A'dapt to 'C'alling speed. Match the calling station's speed, but don't exceed your copying ability. Not faster than CQ, not fixed speeds - match the CQ speed.
Memory Aid
Answer CQ speed = fastest you can copy, but no faster than CQ. Think 'A'nswer 'C'Q = 'A'dapt to 'C'alling speed. Match the calling station's speed within your copying ability. Don't exceed the CQ speed.
Real-World Example
You hear a CQ at 20 words per minute. You can copy up to 25 wpm comfortably. You answer at 20 wpm (matching the CQ speed) - this is the best approach. If you answered at 25 wpm (faster than the CQ), the calling station might not be able to copy you. Match their speed.
Source & Coverage
Question Pool: 2023-2027 Question Pool
Subelement: G2C
Reference: 2023-2027 Question Pool · G2 - Operating Procedures
Key Concepts
Verified Content
Question from the official FCC General Class pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators and mapped to the G2C topic.