The activity is called "CQ XING," or "CQ Crossing," and it was launched on the 1st of January by the A1Club to help new CW operators overcome their fear of having QSOs longer than the customary short exchange. Described as a "crossing to meet more CW friends," the activity centers around 7.030 MHz, particularly on Fridays from 1300 to 1500 UTC. The international club, which is based in Japan, said in its announcement that while a simple exchange of RSTs is often fine, amateurs engaging in "CQ XING" (SEE CUE EXXING} are leaving the opportunity open for something a bit longer - even a ragchew. The club said that calling CQ in this manner conveys [quote] "our shared desire to operate with consideration and respect, making it easier for CW beginners to participate...." [endquote]

Any ham hearing the message "CQ A1C XING" is welcome to reply. A speed of between 10 and 20 wpm is suggested.

To find out more about the A1 club, visit the link https://a1club.org/A1_club_e.htm