Q-code · CW operating
QRN in Morse code
Natural atmospheric noise — lightning crashes, summer static — as opposed to QRM (man-made).
Morse rendering
--.- .-. -.
QRN sent as a normal three-letter group (inter-letter gaps included).
As a question
QRN? — Are you troubled by static (natural noise)?
As an answer
QRN — I am troubled by static (lightning, atmospheric noise).
When this is used
QRN is worst on low bands (160m, 80m) in summer thunderstorm season. Severity 1–5 is often appended (QRN3 = moderate). High QRN usually means slowing down (QRS) or moving to a higher band.
Examples
| On the air | Plain English |
|---|---|
| QRN? | Are you troubled by static? |
| QRN | Yes, heavy static here. |
| QRN5 QRS | Severe static; please send slower. |
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