Amateur Radio Q - Codes
International Q Code is an abbreviated way to exchange a great deal of information with a simple code.
The Q Code consists of three-letter groups with each group having a specific meaning. Each group begins with the letter Q. Auxiliary letter groups or numbers are also used to help define the information that is need or passed with certain Q Code three-letter groups.
The International Q Code can be arranged in three types of code groups according to the second letter in the three-letter Q Code.
The Q Code comprises :
A. General Codes, second letter of which is R, S, T or U. (Some used by Hams).
B. Maritime Service Codes, second letter of which is O, P or Q.
C. Aeronautical Codes, second letter of which is A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M or N.
Presented in the table below are some common Q-Codes used by radio amateurs.
These codes were found on the inside cover of a 1965 ARRL Amateur Radio Station Log Book.
Q Codes marked with an " * " are the most commonly used today. A question is indicated by the use of the interrogation sign, " ? ", after the Q signal.
| Signal | Question | Answer, Advice or Order |
|---|---|---|
| QRG | Will you indicate my exact frequency in kilocycles? | Your frequency is ... kc. |
| QRH | Does my frequency vary? | Your frequency varies. |
| QRI | How is the tone of my transmission? | The tone of your transmission is ... 1. Good. 2. Variable. 3. Bad. |
| QRJ | Are you receiving me badly? Are my signals weak? | I cannot receive you. Your signals are too weak. |
| QRK | What is the legibility of my signals (1 to 5)? | The legibility of your signals is ... (1 to 5). |
| QRL* | Are you busy? | I am busy (or busy with....). Please do not interfere. |
| QRM* | Are you being interfered with? | I am being interfered with. |
| QRN* | Are you troubled by static? | I am troubled by static. |
| QRO* | Must I increase power? | Increase power. |
| QRP* | Must I decrease power? | Decrease power. |
| QRQ* | Must I send faster? | Send faster ... (words per min.). |
| QRS* | Must I send more slowly? | Transmit more slowly ... (w.p.m.). |
| QRT* | Must I stop transmission? | Stop transmission. |
| QRU* | Have you anything for me? | I have nothing for you. |
| QRV* | Are you ready? | I am ready. |
| QRW | Must I advise ... that you are calling him on ... kc? | Please advise ... that I am calling him on ... kc. |
| QRX* | When will you call again? | I will call you again at ... hours (on ... kc.). |
| QRZ* | By whom am I being called? | You are being called by ... |
| QSA | What is the strength of my signals (1 to 5)? | The strength of your signals is ... (1 to 5). |
| QSB* | Does the strength of my signals vary? | The strength of your signals varies. |
| QSD | Is my keying correct? Are my signals distinct? | Your keying is incorrect; your signals are bad. |
| QSG | Must I transmit ... telegrams (or one telegram) at a time? | Transmit ... telegrams (or one telegram) at a time. |
| QSK* | Shall I continue the transmission of all my traffic? | I can hear you between my signals. Continue: I shall interrupt you if necessary. |
| QSL* | Can you acknowledge receipt? | I am acknowledging receipt. |
| QSM | Shall I repeat the last telegram I sent you? | Repeat the last telegram you sent me. |
| QSO* | Can you communicate with ... directly (or through...)? | I can communicate with ... direct (or through...). |
| QSP | Will you relay to ...? | I will relay to ... free of charge. |
| QSV | Shall I send a series of VVV....? | Send a series of VVV. |
| QSX | Will you listen for ... (call sign) on ... kcs? | I am listening for ... on ... kcs. |
| QSY* | Shall I change to ... kilocycles without changing the type of wave? | Change to ... kc. without changing type of wave. |
| QSZ | Shall I send each word or group twice? | Send each word or group twice. |
| QTA | Shall I cancel nr ... as if it had not been sent? | Cancel nr ... as if it had not been sent. |
| QTB | Do you agree with my word count? | I do not agree with your word count; I shall repeat the first letter of each word and the first figure of each number. |
| QTC | How many telegrams have you to send? | I have ... telegrams for you or for .... |
| QTH* | What is your position (location)? | My position (location) is .... |
| QTR | What is the exact time? | The exact time is .... |
| QST* | General call preceding a message address to all amateurs and A.R.R.L. Members. This is in effect "CQ ARRL". | |
| QRRR | Official A.R.R.L. "land SOS." A distress call for emergency use only. |