Q-code · CW operating
QRP in Morse code
Decrease power, or — as a noun — low-power CW operating (≤ 5 W output).
Morse rendering
--.- .-. .--.
QRP sent as a normal three-letter group (inter-letter gaps included).
As a question
QRP? — Shall I decrease transmit power?
As an answer
QRP — Decrease your power. (Also: I am operating QRP.)
When this is used
QRP is a whole subculture: dedicated awards (QRP-ARCI 1000 Miles per Watt), kit radios (Elecraft KX-series, QCX), and contests. As a request, it means 'reduce power'; as a label, it means the station is running 5 W or less.
Examples
| On the air | Plain English |
|---|---|
| QRP? | Shall I decrease power? |
| QRP 5W | I'm running 5 watts QRP. |
| QRP DE W1AW | Low-power station calling from W1AW. |
Keep reading
Related Q-codes
QRG — Asks for or states a precise transmit frequency, usually in kHz or MHz.QRK — Asks the receiving station to rate how readable your signal is on the standard 1–5 scale.QRL — The standard 'is this frequency in use?' courtesy check before transmitting on a clear-sounding frequency.QRO — Used as a verb on amateur CW: 'go QRO' means switch to a high-power amplifier; opposite of QRP.