Q-code · CW operating
QSO in Morse code
Originally 'can you reach X?' — but today the noun 'QSO' just means 'a contact' / 'a conversation'.
Morse rendering
--.- ... ---
QSO sent as a normal three-letter group (inter-letter gaps included).
As a question
QSO? — Can you communicate directly with …?
As an answer
QSO — I can communicate directly with …
When this is used
Modern usage is almost always the noun form: 'first QSO of the contest', 'long-rag-chew QSO'. The original interrogative is rarely sent.
Examples
| On the air | Plain English |
|---|---|
| TNX FB QSO | Thanks for the fine business contact. |
| QSO B4 | We've worked before. |
| 1ST QSO HR | My first contact here. |
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.