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 preceeding 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.