Q Codes Commonly Used by Radio Amateurs
| Code |
Meaning |
Example |
| QRL |
Is this frequency busy? |
Used almost exclusively with
Morse code, usually before transmitting on a new frequency |
| QRM |
Man-made interference |
There's another QSO up 2 kHz that's causing
a lot of QRM |
| QRN |
Natural interference, e.g.static crashes |
The band is noisy today; There's a lot of
QRN |
|
QRO |
High- or full-power transmission (usually
100 W or more up to licence limit) |
I need to QRO when propagation is poor. |
|
QRP |
Low-power transmisssion (usually 5 or 10 W,
or less) |
I'm using a QRP transmitter here, running
only 3 watts |
| QRS |
Send Slower |
Please QRS, I'm new to Morse code |
| QRT |
Stop sending |
I've enjoyed talking to you, but I have to
QRT for dinner now |
| QRV |
I am Ready |
Will you be QRV in the upcoming contest? |
| QRX |
Hang on a minute, I'll be right back |
Please QRX one |
| QRZ |
Who is calling me? |
QRZ? You're very weak. (only someone who
has previously called should reply) |
| QSA |
Signal strength |
Your QSA is 9 |
| QSB |
Fading of signal |
There's QSB on your signal |
| QSD |
Your Keying is Defective |
You are QSD, check your Transmitter |
| QSK |
Break-in |
I can hear you during my transmission, you
may QSK |
|
QSL |
I Acknowledge receipt |
QSL your last transmission. Please QSL via
the bureau (i.e. please send me a card confirming this contact). |
| QSO |
A conversation |
Thanks very much for the QSO |
| QSP |
Relay |
Please QSP this message to my friend |
| QSX |
I am Listening on ... frequency |
I QSX 14200 to 14210 kilohertz |
| QSY |
Shift to Transmit on ... |
Let's QSY up 5 kilohertz |
| QTA |
Disregard last message |
QTA, I didn't mean that |
| QTH |
Location |
My QTH is South Park, Colorado |
| QTR |
Exact time |
QTR is 2000 Z |
