What should you transmit when responding to a call of CQ?

When responding to a call of CQ, it's standard practice to transmit the other station's call sign followed by your own call sign. This way, you establish communication by first acknowledging the station that initiated the call and then identifying yourself clearly.

By beginning with the other station's call sign, you show that you are responding specifically to them, which is important in crowded bands where multiple operators might be listening. Following this with your own call sign allows them to identify who is responding, thereby facilitating a smoother conversation. This structured approach helps to ensure that communications are orderly and that both operators are aware of who they are engaged with.

Utilizing your call sign first or including unnecessary elements like a signal report when responding would not align with common practices for initiating a reply to a CQ call. Instead, focusing on giving the other station's call sign first keeps the exchange clear and concise.