Q-code · CW operating
QSB in Morse code
Reports fading on HF — the natural ionospheric signal-strength variation.
Morse rendering
--.- ... -...
QSB sent as a normal three-letter group (inter-letter gaps included).
As a question
QSB? — Are my signals fading?
As an answer
QSB — Your signals are fading.
When this is used
QSB is the QRS's cousin: not noise, just slow strength variation. Common on 20m/40m DX paths. Severity 1–5 is sometimes appended (QSB3 = moderate fading).
Examples
| On the air | Plain English |
|---|---|
| QSB? | Am I fading? |
| QSB3 | Moderate fading on your signal. |
| UR SIGS QSB | Your signal is fading. |
Keep reading
Related Q-codes
QRK — Asks the receiving station to rate how readable your signal is on the standard 1–5 scale.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).