Q-code · CW operating
QRK in Morse code
Asks the receiving station to rate how readable your signal is on the standard 1–5 scale.
Morse rendering
--.- .-. -.-
QRK sent as a normal three-letter group (inter-letter gaps included).
As a question
QRK? — What is the readability of my signals (1–5)?
As an answer
QRK — Your readability is …
When this is used
The 'R' in RST. 1 = unreadable, 5 = perfectly readable. Modern QSOs usually combine QRK with QSA (signal strength) into a single RST report sent during the contact.
Examples
| On the air | Plain English |
|---|---|
| QRK? | How readable am I? |
| QRK 5 | Your readability is 5 (perfect). |
| RST 599 | Readability 5, Strength 9, Tone 9. |
Keep reading
Related Q-codes
QRG — Asks for or states a precise transmit frequency, usually in kHz or MHz.QRL — The standard 'is this frequency in use?' courtesy check before transmitting on a clear-sounding frequency.QRM — Specifically man-made interference: other stations, electrical noise from devices, switched-mode PSUs.QRN — Natural atmospheric noise — lightning crashes, summer static — as opposed to QRM (man-made).