Which of the following is a good procedure when contacting another station in a contest?

• A. Send only the minimum information needed for proper identification and the contest exchange
• B. Provide detailed information about your equipment
• C. Speak as quickly as possible to maximize your efficiency
• D. Use only your call sign for identification

Answer: (A)

Sending only the minimum information needed for proper identification and the contest exchange is essential in a contest scenario. During contests, operators focus on efficiently exchanging specific data, which typically includes call signs, signal reports, and contest-specific information, such as points or multipliers. This practice helps maintain a rapid flow of communication, allowing participants to maximize the number of contacts made in a limited timeframe.

Providing detailed information about your equipment, while sometimes interesting, does not contribute to the efficiency of the contest exchange and can unnecessarily prolong the conversation. Speaking as quickly as possible can lead to misunderstandings or miscommunication, as clarity is often sacrificed for speed. Lastly, using only your call sign for identification is insufficient; proper identification requires both your call sign and the relevant contest exchange information to ensure that the other operator can accurately log the contact.