CW operating • ITU origin
Q-codes in Morse code
Q-codes are three-letter abbreviations starting with Q. Each works as both a question (with a ?) and an answer (without). Originally from international maritime/aero use, now standard in ham CW.
Reference table
| Code | As a question | As an answer |
|---|---|---|
| QRA | What is your station name? | My station name is … |
| QRG | What is my exact frequency? | Your exact frequency is … |
| QRK | What is my readability (1–5)? | Your readability is … |
| QRL | Are you busy? | I am busy. Please do not interfere. |
| QRM | Is there interference? | There is man-made interference. |
| QRN | Are you troubled by static? | I am troubled by static (natural noise). |
| QRO | Shall I increase power? | Increase power. |
| QRP | Shall I decrease power? | Decrease power. (Also: low-power operation.) |
| QRQ | Shall I send faster? | Send faster (… WPM). |
| QRS | Shall I send slower? | Send slower (… WPM). |
| QRT | Shall I stop sending? | Stop sending. |
| QRU | Have you anything for me? | I have nothing for you. |
| QRV | Are you ready? | I am ready. |
| QRX | When will you call again? | Stand by; I will call again at … |
| QRZ | Who is calling me? | You are being called by … |
| QSB | Are my signals fading? | Your signals are fading. |
| QSL | Can you acknowledge receipt? | I confirm receipt. |
| QSO | Can you communicate with …? | I can communicate with … |
| QSY | Shall I change frequency? | Change to frequency … |
| QTH | What is your location? | My location is … |
| QTR | What is the correct time? | The correct time is … |
Examples
- QRZ? — “Who is calling me?”
- QTH? FN31 — “Where are you? — FN31 (Maidenhead grid)”
- QSY 14.040 — “Move to 14.040 MHz.”
- QSL TNX 73 — “Confirmed. Thanks. Best regards.”