Q codes

Q codes are three-letter abbreviations starting with Q that replace whole sentences on the air — faster and across language barriers. They come from telegraphy, but today they’re used on voice too. Below you’ve got a cheat sheet, flashcards and a quiz with the 28 most important codes — so they become second nature.

28 codes QR · QS · QT groups question or answer CW and voice

How to read a Q code: the same code can be a question or an answer — depending on context (in CW a question ends with a question mark). E.g. QRL? = “is the frequency in use?”, and QRL = “it’s in use”. QTH? = “what’s your location?”, and QTH Warsaw = “I’m in Warsaw”.

Q code cheat sheet

Core — you must know these

QRLIs the frequency in use? / it’s in use

QRMInterference from other stations

QRNAtmospheric noise (static, crashes)

QRPLow transmit power / “reduce power”

QRTGoing off the air, closing down

QRVI’m ready (to operate)

QRXStand by, pause / “I’ll call later”

QRZWho is calling me?

QSBSignal fading

QSLI confirm receipt / QSL card

QSOContact, conversation between two stations

QSYChange frequency

QTHLocation, station position

Extended — useful

QRAStation name / callsign

QRGExact frequency

QRKReadability (scale 1–5)

QROHigh power / “increase power”

QRQSend faster

QRSSend slower

QRUI’ve nothing to pass on

QSASignal strength (scale 1–5)

QSKBreak-in operation (break-in)

QSPPass the message on (relay)

QTCI have messages to pass

QTRExact time

QSTGeneral call to all stations

QRHFrequency is drifting

QSDFaulty keying (bad key)

card 1 / 25 · mastered 0

Question

QRZ

Keep practising

Time for the key

Q codes sound best in CW. Practise the Morse alphabet in the interactive trainer — then come back here and get to grips with propagation in the 2 m/70 cm guide.

·− Morse trainer 2 m / 70 cm guide

Comments

Your comments and questions

Got a question, spotted an error or want to add something? Post it. Every comment is checked straight away by an AI moderator: vulgar, offensive or pointless posts won’t appear on the site.

No one has commented yet. Be the first!