Date:
Every first and last Wednesday of each month.
The first event is scheduled for Wednesday, October 30, 2024.
QSOs can take place throughout the entire day.

Introduction

The idea for this new activity comes from Davide IU1CZF.
It essentially involves adding to the QSO, which we are already accustomed to, whether “brief” or “clear,” the transmission of a message (QTC), addressed, for now, to the current correspondent.
The “for now” refers to the fact that in a future edition, “relay” or QSP for a third station will be possible.

Let’s see how this type of QSO is structured, which will be conducted using a specially created “form,” similar to old telegrams, that must be properly filled out during the connection.
The QSO will start with the essential data, transmitted in the suggested order, which will serve as the preamble to the transmission of the QTC text.

It will continue with the transmission of the QTC’s sequential number, the call sign of the destination station, the origin station’s call sign, the start time of the transmission, and the date.
Following that, the QTC text will be transmitted, which, excluding punctuation, must not exceed 50 words.
If the message is longer, a second QTC will be transmitted, following the form’s instructions again, changing only the sequential number, time, and transmitted text.

It should be noted that the 50-word limit applies only to the transmitted text, that is, the QTC, and does not include date, time, etc.
The text is free, but it must cover topics that do not contain politics, religion, or offensive statements.
In short, participants must adhere to the rules governing our service.

We recommend that participants prepare a certain number of QTCs in advance, so they are ready to propose one to the correspondent once the QSO starts, and have others available for further connections.
Examples of QTCs could be excerpts from publications, possibly related to radiotelegraphy but not necessarily, personal thoughts on technical aspects, proverbs, sayings, parts of recipes, literary excerpts, etc.
The transmission of texts in languages other than Italian is allowed.

The main goal is to focus on the accuracy of transmission and the quality of reception. This initiative can benefit beginners by enhancing their ability to receive and copy text in written form.
In this way, they will move from training in receiving character groups to receiving plain text, with the aim of introducing them to real radio activity.

Another objective is to help beginners learn the correct procedure for conducting a QSO during their initial experiences with telegraphy.
The need to rewrite a text will impose a speed appropriate to the abilities of the beginner. Since there is no predetermined speed, correspondents will adapt to their own capabilities, keeping in mind that the more experienced operator should transmit at a speed comprehensible to the receiver.
Even those accustomed to receiving plain text without writing might face a new challenge, having to transcribe what they receive, perhaps even in another language.

Regulation

Let’s see how the QSO is conducted.
It starts by following the usual engagement rules (greetings, RST report, name, and QTH).
Right after, one of the two operators, whom we will call “Station A,” proposes the transmission of one or more QTCs, as there is nothing to prevent the multiple transmission of QTCs to the same station.
After receiving confirmation, they will send “QRV?” Upon subsequent confirmation, the transmission of the preamble will begin, preceded by “VVV,” then the text, concluding with “END QTC” or “AR.”

At this point, confirmation of reception will be requested (HW CPY?) and the QSO will proceed as usual, with K, call of the correspondent, their own call, and KN.
Station B, which received the QTC, can confirm the reception without further steps if everything was received correctly, or they can retransmit the received text, request the retransmission of missed parts, or ask for a complete retransmission.

It is advisable, though not mandatory, for beginners to repeat the text to improve their skills even in transmission. The station that transmitted the QTC can also request the retransmission of the text.

In such cases, the use of QSK, or “full break-in,” is useful, allowing interruption of the correspondent’s transmission at any time, signaling any reception issues (QRM, QSB, etc.). At this point, the correspondent will repeat everything or just the requested part, continuing until the end of the message.

On the form, fields are provided to note: the station receiving the QTC (TO: own call), the station transmitting the QTC (FM: correspondent’s call), the time (UTC), and the date of end reception.
This will allow “collection” of transmitted and/or received QTCs, which may also be published in the group, at the discretion of those involved.

At the end of the retransmission of the received text, Station A will confirm or deny the accuracy of what was received by Station B.
Once this phase is completed, Station A will ask: “QTC?” (meaning: “Do you have a QTC for me?”).
If no QTC is to be sent, the QSO will move on to the farewells and closing.
Otherwise, Station B will conduct the QSO, proceeding with the transmission of their own QTC, following the steps already described.

There is no prohibition against retransmitting to another station a recently received QTC if it is deemed of particular interest.

Although there is no speed limit for transmission, such a protocol takes time to execute, so more experienced operators can increase speed to optimize connection times. Even seasoned operators can raise the level of their radio training.

Free choice is given regarding the type of key to use.
In the spirit of dissemination, there are no rankings or prizes, only the satisfaction of interacting with friends, practicing on the radio, and enjoying the benefits that come after a good QSO.

As always, we look forward to hearing you on the radio.
CW QRS Group Telegram

Note: The QTC forms will be available in PDF format on the Info Channel.