Q code

The Q-code is a standardized collection of three-letter codes all of which start with the letter "Q". It is an operating signal initially developed for commercial radiotelegraph communication and later adopted by other radio services, especially amateur radio. To distinguish the use of a Q-code transmitted as a question from the same Q-code transmitted as a statement, operators either prefixed it with the military network question marker "INT" (dit dit dah dit dah) or suffixed it with the standard Morse question mark UD (dit dit dah dah dit dit).

"QRO" redirects here. For the airport in Mexico, see Querétaro International Airport. For the 2-dimensional barcode standard, see QR code.
"Qra" redirects here. For the letter used in place of Q in some Inuit orthographies, see Kra (letter).

Although Q-codes were created when radio used Morse code exclusively, they continued to be employed after the introduction of voice transmissions. To avoid confusion, transmitter call signs are restricted; no country is ever issued an ITU prefix starting with "Q".

Codes in the range QAA–QNZ are reserved for aeronautical use; QOA–QQZ for maritime use and QRA–QUZ for all services.

"Q" has no official meaning, but it is sometimes assigned with a word with mnemonic value, such as "Queen's" (e.g. QFE = Queen's Field Elevation), "Query", "Question", or "reQuest".[1]

Early developments

The original Q-codes were created, circa 1909, by the British government as a "list of abbreviations ... prepared for the use of British ships and coast stations licensed by the Postmaster General".[2]The Q-codes facilitated communication between maritime radio operators speaking different languages, so they were soon adopted internationally. A total of forty-five Q-codes appeared in the "List of Abbreviations to be used in Radio Communications", which was included in the Service Regulations affixed to the Third International Radiotelegraph Convention in London (The Convention was signed on July 5, 1912, and became effective July 1, 1913.)

The following table reviews a sample of the all-services Q-codes adopted by the 1912 Convention:

Code Question Answer or Notice
First Twelve Q-Codes Listed in the 1912 International Radiotelegraph Convention Regulations
QRA What ship or coast station is that? This is ____.
QRB What is your distance? My distance is ____.
QRC What is your true bearing? My true bearing is ____ degrees.
QRD Where are you bound for? I am bound for ____.
QRF Where are you bound from? I am bound from ____.
QRG What line do you belong to? I belong to the ____ Line.
QRH What is your wavelength in meters? My wavelength is ____ meters.
QRJ How many words have you to send? I have ____ words to send.
QRK How do you receive me? I am receiving (1–5).
1 is unreadable and 5 is perfect.
QRL Are you busy? I am busy.
QRM Are you being interfered with? I am being interfered with.
QRN Are the atmospherics strong? Atmospherics (noise) are very strong.

Later use

Over the years the original Q-codes were modified to reflect changes in radio practice. For example, QSW / QSX originally stood for, "Shall I increase / decrease my spark frequency?", but in the 1920s spark-gap transmitters were gradually being banned from land stations, making that meaning obsolete.[3] By the 1970s, the Post Office Handbook for Radio Operators listed over a hundred Q-codes,[4] covering a wide range of subjects including radio procedures, meteorology, radio direction finding, and search and rescue.

Some Q-codes are also used in aviation, in particular QNE, QNH and QFE, referring to certain altimeter settings. These codes are used in radiotelephone conversations with air traffic control as unambiguous shorthand, where safety and efficiency are of vital importance. A subset of Q-codes is used by the Miami-Dade County, Florida local government for law enforcement and fire rescue communications, one of the few instances where Q-codes are used in ground voice communication.[5]

The QAA–QNZ code range includes phrases applicable primarily to the aeronautical service,[6] as defined by the International Civil Aviation Organization.[7] The QOA–QQZ code range is reserved for the maritime service. The QRA–QUZ code range includes phrases applicable to all services and is allocated to the International Telecommunications Union.[8] QVA–QZZ are not allocated.[9] Many codes have no immediate applicability outside one individual service, such as maritime operation (many QO or QU series codes) or radioteletype operation (the QJ series).[10]

Many military and other organizations that use Morse code have adopted additional codes, including the Z code used by most European and NATO countries. The Z code adds commands and questions adapted for military radio transmissions, for example, "ZBW 2", which means "change to backup frequency number 2", and "ZNB abc", which means "my checksum is abc, what is yours?"[11]

Used in their formal question / answer sense, the meaning of a Q-code varies depending on whether the individual Q-code is sent as a question or an answer. For example, the message "QRP?" means "Shall I decrease transmitter power?", and a reply of "QRP" means "Yes, decrease your transmitter power", whereas an unprompted statement "QRP" means "Please decrease your transmitter power". This structured use of Q-codes is fairly rare and now mainly limited to amateur radio and military Morse code (CW) traffic networks.

Breakdown by service
  • QAA to QNZ – Assigned by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
  • QNA to QNZ – The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) has also developed its own QN Signals for message handling located in this range. Even though they overlap with other signals, the ARRL determined that their exclusive use in NTS nets limits confusion.
  • QOA to QQZ – For the Maritime Mobile Service.
  • QRA to QUZ – Assigned by the International Telecommunications Union Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R).

Aeronautical Code signals (QAA–QNZ; ICAO)
Main article: Aeronautical Code signals

First defined in ICAO publication "Doc 6100-COM/504/1" and in "ICAO Procedures for Air Navigation Services, Abbreviations and Codes (PANS-ABC)" [Doc8400-4] (4th edition 1989), the majority of the Q-codes have fallen out of common use; for example today reports such as QAU ("I am about to jettison fuel") and QAZ ("I am flying in a storm") would be voice or computerized transmissions. But several remain part of the standard ICAO radiotelephony phraseology in aviation. These are also part of ACP131, which lists all ITU-R Q-codes, without grouping them by aeronautical/marine/general use.

Question ? Answer or Advice
QAB May I have clearance (for ...) from ... (place) to ... (place) at flight level/altitude ... ? You are cleared (or ... is cleared) by ... from ... (place) to ... (place) at flight level/altitude ...
QAF Will you advise me when you are (were) at (over) ... (place)? I am (was) at (over) ... (place) (at ... hours) at flight level/altitude ...
QAG Arrange your flight in order to arrive over ... (place) at ... hours.

or
I am arranging my flight in order to arrive over ... (place) at ... hours.

QAH What is your height above ... (datum)? I am at .... flight level/altitude ...

or
Arrange your flight so as to reach flight level/altitude ... at ... (hours or place).

QAI What is the essential traffic respecting my aircraft? The essential traffic respecting your aircraft is ...
QAK Is there any risk of collision? There is risk of collision.
QAL Are you going to land at ... (place)?

or
Has aircraft ... landed at ... (place)?

I am going to land at ... (place).

or
(You may) land at ... (place).
or
Aircraft ... landed at ... (place).

QAM What is the latest available meteorological observation for ... (place)? Meteorological observation made at ... (place) at ... hours was as follows ...

Note.- The information may be given in Q-code form or the METAR form.

QAN What is the surface wind direction and speed at ... (place)? The surface wind direction and speed at ... (place) at ... hours is ... (direction) ... (speed).
QAO What is the wind direction in degrees TRUE and speed at ... (position or zone/s) at each of the ... (figures) ... (units) levels above ... (datum)? The wind direction and speed at (position or zone/s) at flight level/altitude ... is:
... (vertical distance) ... degrees TRUE ... (speed).
QAP Shall I listen for you (or for ...) on ... kHz (... MHz)? Listen for me (or for ...) on ... kHz (... MHz).
QAQ Am I near a prohibited, restricted or danger area?

or
Am I near area ... (identification of area)?

You are ...
1) near
2) flying within area ... (identification of area).
QAR May I stop listening on the watch frequency for ... minutes? You may stop listening on the watch frequency for ... minutes.
QAU Where may I jettison fuel? I am about to jettison fuel.

or
Jettison fuel in ... (area).

QAW I am about to carry out overshoot procedure.
QAY Will you advise me when you pass (passed) ... (place) bearing 090 (270) degrees relative to your heading? I passed ... (place) bearing ... degrees relative to my heading at ... hours.
QAZ Are you experiencing communication difficulties through flying in a storm? I am experiencing communication difficulties through flying in a storm.
QBA What is the horizontal visibility at ... (place)? The horizontal visibility at ... (place) at ... hours is ... (distance figures and units).
QBB What is the amount, type and height above official aerodrome elevation of the base of the cloud [at ... (place)]? The amount, type and height above official aerodrome elevation of the base of the cloud at ... (place) at ... hours is:
... eights (... type) at ... (figures and units) height above official aerodrome elevation.
QBC Report meteorological conditions as observed from your aircraft [at ... (position or zone)] [(at ... hours)]. The meteorological conditions as observed from my aircraft at ... (position or zone) at ... hours at ... (figures and units) height above ... (datum) are ...
Note.-The answer is required in the format of an AIREP message.
QBD How much fuel have you remaining (expressed as hours and/or minutes of consumption)? My fuel will endure for ... (hours and/or minutes).
QBE I am about to wind in my aerial.
QBF Are you flying in cloud? I am flying in cloud at ... flight level/altitude ... [and I am ascending (descending) to flight level/altitude ...].
QBG Are you flying above cloud? I am flying above cloud and at flight level/altitude ...

or
Maintain a vertical distance of ... (figures and units) above clouds, smoke, haze or fog levels.

QBH Are you flying below cloud? I am flying below cloud and at flight level/altitude ...

or
Maintain a vertical distance of ... (figures and units) below cloud.

QBI Is flight under IFR compulsory at ... (place) [or from ... to ... (place)]? Flight under IFR is compulsory at ... (place) [or from ... to ... (place)].
QBJ What is the amount, type and height above ... (datum) of the top of the cloud [at ... (position or zone)]? At ... hours at ... (position or zone) the top of the cloud is:
amount ... eights (... type) at ... (figures and units) height above ... (datum).
QBK Are you flying with no cloud in your vicinity? I am flying with no cloud in my vicinity and at flight level/altitude ...
QBM Has ... sent any messages for me? Here is the message sent by ... at ... hours.
QBN Are you flying between two layers of cloud? I am flying between two layers of cloud and at flight level/altitude ...
QBO What is the nearest aerodrome at which flight under VFR is permissible and which would be suitable for my landing? Flying under VFR is permissible at ... (place) which would be suitable for your landing.
QBP Are you flying in and out of cloud? I am flying in and out of cloud and at flight level/altitude ...
QBS Ascend (or descend) to ... (figures and units) height above ... (datum) before encountering instrument meteorological conditions or if visibility falls below ... (distance figures and units) and advise.
QBT What is the runway visual range at ... (place)? The runway visual range at ... (place) at ... hours is ... (distance figures and units).
QBV Have you reached flight level/altitude ... [or ... (area or place)]? I have reached ... flight level/altitude ... [or ... (area or place)].

or
Report reaching flight level/altitude ... [or ... (area or place)].

QBX Have you left ... flight level/altitude ... [or ... (area or place)]? I have left ... flight level/altitude ... [or ... (area or place)].

or
Report leaving flight level/altitude ... [or ... (area or place)].

QBZ Report your flying conditions in relation to clouds. The reply to QBZ ? is given by the appropriate answer form of signals QBF, QBG, QBH, QBK, QBN and QBP.
QCA May I change my flight level/altitude from ... to ... ? You may change your flight level/altitude from ... to ...

or
I am changing my flight level/altitude from ... to ...

QCB Delay is being caused by ...
1) you're transmitting out of turn.
2) your slowness in answering.
3) lack of your reply to my ...
QCE When may I expect approach clearance? Expect approach clearance at ... hours.

or
No delay expected.

QCF Delay indefinite. Expect approach clearance not later than ... hours.
QCH May I taxi to ... (place)? Cleared to taxi to ... (place).
QCI Make a 360-degree turn immediately (turning to the ...).

or
I am making a 360-degree turn immediately (turning to the ...).

QCS My reception on ... frequency has broken down.
QCX What is your full call sign? My full call sign is ...

or
Use your full call sign until further notice.

QCY I am working on a trailing aerial.

or
Work on a trailing aerial.

QDB Have you sent message ... to ... ? I have sent message ... to ...
QDF What is your D-Value at ... (position)?

or
What is the D-Value at ... (place or position) (at ... hours) for the ... millibar level?

 My D-Value at ... (position) at ... (figures and units) height above the 1013.2 millibars datum is ... (D-Value figures and units) ... (specify plus or minus).

or
The D-Value at ... (place or position) at ... hours for the ... millibar level is (D-Value figures and units) ... (specify plus or minus).
Note.- When the true altitude (radio altitude) is greater than the pressure altitude PS (Plus) is used and when it is less MS (Minus) is used.

QDL Do you intend to ask me for a series of bearings? I intend to ask you for a series of bearings.
QDM Will you indicate the MAGNETIC heading for me to steer towards you (or ...) with no wind? The MAGNETIC heading for you to steer to reach me (or ...) with no wind was ... degrees (at ... hours).
QDP Will you accept control (or responsibility) of (for) ... now (or at ... hours)? I will accept control (or responsibility) of (for) ... now (or at ... hours).
QDR What is my MAGNETIC bearing from you (or from ...)? Your MAGNETIC bearing from me (or from ...) was ... degrees (at ... hours).
QDT Are you flying in visual meteorological condition? I am flying in visual meteorological condition.

or
You are cleared subject to maintaining own separation and visual meteorological conditions.

QDU Cancelling my IFR flight.

or
IFR flight cancelled at ... (time).

QDV Are you flying in a flight visibility of less than ... (figures and units)? I am flying in a flight visibility of less than ... (figures and units) at flight level/altitude ...
QEA May I cross the runway ahead of me? You may cross the runway ahead of you.
QEB May I turn at the intersection? Taxi as follows at the intersection ...
(straight ahead DRT
turn left LEFT
turn right RIGHT).
QEC May I make a 180-degree turn and return down the runway? You may make a 180-degree turn and return down the runway.
QED Shall I follow the pilot vehicle? Follow the pilot vehicle.
QEF Have I reached my parking area?

or
Have you reached your parking area?

You have reached your parking area.

or
I have reached my parking area.

QEG May I leave the parking area?

or
Have you left the parking area?

You may leave the parking area.

or
I have left the parking area.

QEH May I move to the holding position for runway number ... ?

or
Have you moved to the holding position for runway number ... ?

Cleared to the holding position for runway number ...

or
I have moved to the holding position for runway number ...

QEJ May I assume position for take-off?

or
Have you assumed position for take-off?

Cleared to hold at take-off position for runway number ...

or
I am assuming take-off position for runway number ... and am holding.

QEK Are you ready for immediate take-off? I am ready for immediate take-off.
QEL May I take-off (and make a ... hand turn after take-off)? You are cleared to take-off (turn as follows after take-off ...).
QEM What is the condition of the landing surface at ... (place)? The condition of the landing surface at ... (place) is ...

Note.- The information is given by sending appropriate NOTAM Code groups.

QEN Shall I hold my position? Hold your position
QEO Shall I clear the runway (or landing area)?

or
Have you cleared the runway (or landing area)?

Clear the runway (or landing area).

or
I have cleared the runway (or landing area).

QES Is a right-hand circuit in force at ... (place)? A right-hand circuit is in force at ... (place).
QFA What is the meteorological forecast for ... (flight, route, section of route or zone) for the period ... hours until ... hours? The meteorological forecast for ... (flight, route, section of route or zone) for the period ... hours until ... hours is ...
QFB The ...
1) approach
2) runway
3) approach and runway
lights are out of order.
QFC What is the amount, the type and the height above ... (datum) of the base of the cloud at ... (place, position or zone)? At ... (place, position or zone) the base of the cloud is ... eighths ... type at ... (figures and units) height above ... (datum).
QFD 1) Is the ... visual beacon [at ... (place)] in operation?
2) Will you switch on the ... visual beacon [at ... (place)]?
3) Will you extinguish the aerodrome visual beacon [at ... (place)] until I have landed?		 1) The ... visual beacon [at ... (place)] is in operation
2) I will extinguish the aerodrome visual beacon [at ... (place)] until your landing is completed.
QFE What should I set on the subscale of my altimeter so that the instrument would indicate its height above the reference elevation being used? If you set the subscale of your altimeter to read ... millibars, the instrument would indicate its height above aerodrome elevation (above threshold, runway number ...).
QFF [At ... (place)] what is the present atmospheric pressure converted to mean sea level in accordance with meteorological practice? At ... (place) the atmospheric pressure converted to mean sea level in accordance with meteorological practice is (or was determined at ... hours to be) ... millibars.
QFG Am I overhead? You are overhead.
QFH May I descend below the clouds? You may descend below the clouds.
QFI Are the aerodrome lights lit? The aerodrome lights are lit.

or
Please light the aerodrome lights.

QFL Will you send up pyrotechnical lights? I will send up pyrotechnical lights.
QFM What flight level/altitude ...
1) should I maintain?
2) are you maintaining?
3) do you intend cruising at?		 ...

1) Maintain (or fly at) flight level/altitude ...
2) I am maintaining flight level/altitude ...
3) I intend cruising at flight level/altitude ...

QFO May I land immediately? You may land immediately.
QFP Will you give me the latest information concerning ... facility [at ... (place)]? The latest information concerning ... facility [at ... (place)] is as follows ...

Note.- The information is given by sending appropriate NOTAM Code groups.

QFQ Are the approach and runway lights lit? The approach and runway lights are lit.

or
Please light the approach and runway lights.

QFR Does my landing gear appear damaged? Your landing gear appears damaged.
QFS Is the radio facility at ... (place) in operation? The radio facility at ... (place) is in operation (or will be in operation in ... hours).

or
Please have the ... radio facility at ... (place) put in operation.

QFT Between what heights above ... (datum) has ice formation been observed [at ... (position or zone)]? Ice formation has been observed at ... (position or zone) in the type of ... and with an accretion rate of ... between ... (figures and units) and ... (figures and units) heights above ... (datum).
QFU What is the magnetic direction (or number) of the runway to be used? The magnetic direction (or number) of the runway to be used is ...

Note.- The runway number is indicated by a two-figure group and the magnetic direction by a three-figure group.

QFV Are the floodlights switched on? The floodlights are switched on.

or
Please switch on the floodlights.

QFW What is the length of the runway in use in ... (units)? The length of runway ... now in use is ... (figures and units).
QFX I am working (or am going to work) on a fixed aerial.

or
Work on a fixed aerial.

QFY Please report the present meteorological landing conditions [at ... (place)]. The present meteorological landing conditions at ... (place) are ...
Note.- When given in Q-code the information is sent in the following sequence: QAN, QBA, QNY, QBB, QNH and/or QFE and, if necessary, QMU, QNT, QBJ.
QFZ What is the aerodrome meteorological forecast for ... (place) for the period ... hours until ... hours? The aerodrome meteorological forecast for ... (place) for the period ... hours until ... hours is ...
Note.- When given in Q-code the following sequence of Q signal answer (or advice) forms is to be used: QAN, QBA, QNY, QBB and, if necessary, QMU, QNT and QBJ.
QGC There are obstructions to the ... of ... runway ...
QGD Are there on my track any obstructions whose elevation equals or exceeds my altitude? There are obstructions on your track ... (figures and units) height above ... (datum).
QGE What is my distance to your station (or to ...)? Your distance to my station (or to ...) is ... (distance figures and units).
QGH May I land using ... (procedure or facility)? You may land using ... (procedure or facility).
QGK What track should I make good?

or
What track are you making good?

Make good a track from ... (place) on ... degrees ... (true or magnetic).

or
I am making good a track from ... (place) on ... degrees ... (true or magnetic).

QGL May I enter the ... (control area or zone) at ... (place)? You may enter the ... (control area or zone) at ... (place).
QGM Leave the ... (control area or zone).
QGN May I be cleared to land [at ... (place)]? You are cleared to land [at ... (place)].
QGO Landing is prohibited at ... (place).
QGP What is my number for landing? You are number ... to land.
QGQ May I hold at ... (place)? Hold at ... (place) at flight level/altitude ... (datum) and await further clearance.
QGT Fly for ... minutes on a heading what will enable you to maintain a track reciprocal to your present one.
QGU Fly for ... minutes on a magnetic heading of ... degrees.
QGV Do you see me?

or
Can you see the aerodrome?
or
Can you see ... (aircraft)?

I see you at ... (cardinal or quadrantal point of direction).

or
I can see the aerodrome.
or
I can see ... (aircraft).

QGW Does my landing gear appear to be down and in place? Your landing gear appears to be down and in place.
QGZ Hold on ... direction of ... facility.
QHE Will you inform me when you are on ... leg of approach? I am on ...
1) cross-wind leg
2) down-wind leg
3) base leg
4) final leg
... of approach.
QHG May I enter traffic circuit at flight level/altitude ...? Cleared to enter traffic circuit at flight level/altitude ...
QHH Are you making an emergency landing? I am making an emergency landing.

or
Emergency landing being made at ... (place). All aircraft below flight level/altitude ... and within a distance of ... (figures and units) leave ... (place or headings).

QHI Are you (or is ...) ...
1) waterborne?
2) on land?		 I am (or ... is) ...
1) waterborne
2) on land

at ... hours.

QHQ May I make a ... approach [at ... (place)]?

or
Are you making a ... approach?

You may make a ... approach [at ... (place)].

or
I am making a ... approach.

QHZ Shall I circle the aerodrome (or go around)? Circle the aerodrome (or go around).
QIC May I establish communication with ... radio station on ... kHz (or ... MHz.) now (or at ... hours)? Establish communication with ... radio station on ... kHz. (or MHz.) now (or at ...hours).

or
I will establish communication with ... radio station on ... kHz (or ... MHz) now (or at ... hours).

QIF What frequency is ... using? ... is using ... kHz (or ... MHz.).
QJA Is my ...
1) tape
2) mark and space
reversed?		 Your ...
1) tape
2) mark and space
is reversed.
QJB Will you use ...
1) radio?
2) cable?
3) telegraph?
4) teletypewriter?
5) telephone?
6) receiver?
7) transmitter?
8) reperforator?		 I will use ...
1) radio.
2) cable.
3) telegraph.
4) teletypewriter.
5) telephone.
6) receiver.
7) transmitter.
8) reperforator.
QJC Will you check your ...
1) transmitter distributor?
2) auto-head?
3) perforator?
4) reperforator?
5) printer?
6) printer motor?
7) keyboard?
8) antenna system?		 I will check my ...
1) transmitter distributor.
2) auto-head.
3) perforator.
4) reperforator.
5) printer.
6) printer motor.
7) keyboard.
8) antenna system.
QJD Am I transmitting ...
1) in letters?
2) in figures?		 You are transmitting ...
1) in letters
2) in figures.
QJE Is my frequency shift ...
1) too wide?
2) too narrow?
3) correct?		 Your frequency shift is ...
1) too wide.
2) too narrow (by ... cycles).
3) correct.
QJF My signal as checked by monitor ... is satisfactory ...
1) locally.
2) as radiated.
QJG Shall I revert to automatic relay? Revert to automatic relay.
QJH Shall I run ...
1) my test tape?
2) a test sentence?		 Run ...
1) your test tape.
2) a test sentence.
QJI Will you transmit a continuous ...
1) mark?
2) space?		 I am transmitting a continuous...
1) mark.
2) space.
QJK Are you receiving ...
1) a continuous mark?
2) a continuous space?
3) a mark bias?
4) a space bias?		 I am receiving ...
1) a continuous mark.
2) a continuous space.
3) a mark bias.
4) a space bias.
QKC The sea conditions (at ... position) ...
1) permit alighting but not take-off.
2) render alighting extremely hazardous.
QKF May I be relieved (at ... hours)? You may expect to be relieved at ... hours [by ...
1) aircraft ... (identification) (type ...)
2) vessel whose call sign is ... (call sign) {and/or whose name is ... (name)}].
QKG Will relief take place when ... (identification) establishes ...
1) visual,
2) communications,
contact with survivors?		 Relief will take place when ... (identification) establishes ...
1) visual,
2) communications,
contact with survivors.
QKH Report details of the parallel sweep (track) search being (or to be) conducted?

or
In the parallel sweep (track) search being (or to be) conducted, what is (are) ...
1) the direction of sweeps,
2) the separation between sweeps,
3) the flight level/altitude ... employed in the search pattern?

 The parallel sweep (track) search is being (or to be) conducted ...

1) with direction of sweeps ... degrees ... (true or magnetic).
2) with ... (distance figures and units) separation between sweeps.
3) at flight level/altitude ...

QKN Aircraft plotted (believed to be you) in position ... on track ... degrees at ... hours.
QKO What other units are (or will be) taking part in the operation [... (identification of operation)]? In the operation [... (identification)], the following units are (or will be) taking part ... (name of units).

or
... (name) unit is taking part in operation [... (identification] (with effect from ... hours).

QKP Which pattern of search is being followed? The search pattern is ...
1) parallel sweep.
2) square search.
3) creeping line ahead.
4) track crawl.
5) contour search.
6) combined search by aircraft and ship.
7) ... (specify).
QLB Will you monitor ... station and report regarding range, quality, etc.? I have monitored ... station and report (briefly) as follows ...
QLH Will you use simultaneous keying on ... frequency and ... frequency? I will now key simultaneously on ... frequency and ... frequency.
QLV Is the ... radio facility still required? The ... radio facility is still required.
QMH Shift to transmit and receive on ... kHz (or ... MHz.); if communication is not established within 5 minutes, revert to present frequency.
QMI Report the vertical distribution of cloud [at ... (position or zone)] as observed from your aircraft. The vertical distribution of cloud as observed from my aircraft at ... hours at ... (position or zone) is :

lowest layer observed* ... eights (... type) with base of ... (figures and units) and tops of ... (figures and units)
[*and similarly in sequence for each of the layers observed.]
height above ... (datum).

QMU What is the surface temperature at ... (place) and what is the dew point temperature at that place? The surface temperature at ... (place) at ... hours is ... degrees and the dew point temperature at that time and place is ... degrees.
QMW At ... (position or zone) what is (are) the flight level(s)/altitude(s) ... of the zero Celsius isotherm(s)? At ... (position or zone) the zero Celsius isotherm(s) is (are) at flight level(s)/altitude(s) ...
QMX What is the air temperature [at ... (position or zone)] (at ... hours) at flight level/altitude ...? At ... (position or zone) at ... hours the air temperature is ... (degrees and units) at flight level/altitude ...

Note.- Aircraft reporting QMX information will transmit the temperature figures as corrected for airspeed.

QMZ Have you any amendments to the flight forecast in respect of section of route yet to be traversed? The following amendment(s) should be made to the flight forecast ...

[If no amendments, signal QMZ NIL]

QNE What indication will my altimeter give on landing at ... (place) at ... hours, my sub-scale being set to 1013.2 millibars (29.92 inches)? On landing at ... (place) at ... hours, with your sub-scale being set to 1013.2 millibars (29.92 inches), your altimeter will indicate ... (figures and units).
QNH What should I set on the subscale of my altimeter so that the instrument would indicate its elevation if my aircraft were on the ground at your station? If you set the subscale of your altimeter to read ... millibars, the instrument would indicate its elevation if your aircraft were on the ground at my station at ... hours.

Note: When the setting is given in hundredths of an inch (instead of millibars), the abbreviation "INS" is used to identify the units.

QNI Between what heights above ... (datum) has turbulence been observed at ... (position or zone)? Turbulence has been observed at ... (position or zone) with an intensity of ... between ... (figures and units) and ... (figures and units) heights above ... (datum).
QNO I am not equipped to give the information (or provide the facility) requested.
QNR I am approaching my point of no return.
QNT What is the maximum speed of the surface wind at ... (place)? The maximum speed of the surface wind at ... (place) at ... hours is ... (speed figures and units).
QNY What is the present weather and the intensity thereof at ... (place, position or zone)? The present weather and intensity thereof at ... (place, position or zone) at ... hours is ...

Notes:
 a) When present weather information is transmitted by a ground station, the abbreviations shall be selected from those specified in Annex 3, paragraph 4.8.2.
b) When present weather information is transmitted by an aircraft, the information shall be selected from items 10 to 12 of the AIREP form.

[12]

Maritime Mobile Service (QOA–QQZ)
Main article: Maritime Mobile Service Q Codes

This assignment is specified in RECOMMENDATION ITU-R M.1172.[13]

Q signals are not substantially used in the maritime service. Morse code is now very rarely used for maritime communications, but in isolated maritime regions like Antarctica and the South Pacific the use of Q-codes continues. Q-codes still work when HF voice circuits are not possible due to atmospherics and the nearest vessel is one ionospheric hop away.

Question ? Answer or Advice
QOA Can you communicate by radiotelegraphy (500 kHz)? I can communicate by radiotelegraphy (500 kHz).
QOB Can you communicate by radiotelephony (2182 kHz)? I can communicate by radiotelephony (2182 kHz).
QOC Can you communicate by radiotelephony (channel 16 – frequency 156.80 MHz)? I can communicate by radiotelephony (channel 16 – frequency 156.80 MHz).
QOD Can you communicate with me in ...
0. Dutch 5. Italian
1. English 6. Japanese
2. French 7. Norwegian
3. German 8. Russian
4. Greek 9. Spanish?		 I can communicate with you in ...
0. Dutch 5. Italian
1. English 6. Japanese
2. French 7. Norwegian
3. German 8. Russian
4. Greek 9. Spanish.
QOE Have you received the safety signal sent by ... (name and/or call sign)? I have received the safety signal sent by ... (name and/or call sign).
QOF What is the commercial quality of my signals? The quality of your signals is ...
1. not commercial
2. marginally commercial
3. commercial.
QOG How many tapes have you to send? I have ... tapes to send.
QOH Shall I send a phasing signal for ... seconds? Send a phasing signal for ... seconds.
QOI Shall I send my tape? Send your tape.
QOJ Will you listen on ... kHz (or MHz) for signals of emergency position-indicating radiobeacons? I am listening on ... kHz (or MHz) for signals of emergency position-indicating radiobeacons.
QOK Have you received the signals of an emergency position-indicating radiobeacon on ... kHz (or MHz)? I have received the signals of an emergency position-indicating radiobeacon on ... kHz (or MHz).
QOL Is your vessel fitted for reception of selective calls? If so, what is your selective call number or signal? My vessel is fitted for the reception of selective calls. My selective call number or signal is ...
QOM On what frequencies can your vessel be reached by a selective call? My vessel can be reached by a selective call on the following frequency/ies ... (periods of time to be added if necessary).
QOO Can you send on any working frequency? I can send on any working frequency.
QOT Do you hear my call; what is the approximate delay in minutes before we may exchange traffic? I hear your call; the approximate delay is ... minutes.

All Services (QRA–QUZ)

First defined by the Washington 1927 ITU Radio Regulations. Later defined by ITU-R in Appendix 9 to the Radio Regulations Annex to the International Telecommunications Convention (Atlantic City) 1947. The current callsign table is found in ITU-R Appendix 42. Current interpretation of the Q-code can be found in ITU-R Appendices 14 and 15.

ITU Radio Regulations 1990, Appendix 13: Miscellaneous Abbreviations and Signals to Be Used in Radiotelegraphy Communications Except in the Maritime Mobile Service:[14]

Question ? Answer or Advice
QRA What is the name of your vessel (or station)? The name of my vessel (or station) is ...
QRB How far approximately are you from my station? The approximate distance between our stations is ... nautical miles (or km).
QRC By what private enterprise (or state administration) are the accounts for charges for your station settled? The accounts for charges of my station are settled by the private enterprise ... (or state administration).
QRD Where are you bound for and where are you from? I am bound for ... from ...
QRE What is your estimated time of arrival at ... (or over ...) (place)? My estimated time of arrival at ... (or over ...) (place) is ... hours.
QRF Are you returning to ... (place)? I am returning to ... (place).

or
Return to ... (place).

QRG Will you tell me my exact frequency (or that of ...)? Your exact frequency (or that of ...) is ... kHz (or MHz).
QRH Does my frequency vary? Your frequency varies.
QRI How is the tone of my transmission? The tone of your transmission is ...
1. good
2. variable
3. bad.
QRJ How many radiotelephone calls have you to book? I have ... radiotelephone calls to book.
QRK What is the intelligibility of my signals (or those of ...)? The intelligibility of your signals (or those of ...) is ...
1. bad
2. poor
3. fair
4. good
5. excellent.
QRL Are you busy? I am busy (or I am busy with ...). Please do not interfere.
QRM Are you being interfered with? [AP13]

or
Is my transmission being interfered with? [AP14]

I am being interfered with [AP13]

or
Your transmission is being interfered with ... [AP14]
(1. nil
2. slightly
3. moderately
4. severely
5. extremely).

QRN Are you troubled by static? I am troubled by static
(1. nil
2. slightly
3. moderately
4. severely
5. extremely).
QRO Shall I increase transmitter power? Increase transmitter power.
QRP Shall I decrease transmitter power? Decrease transmitter power.
QRQ Shall I send faster? Send faster (... words per minute).
QRR Are you ready for automatic operation? I am ready for automatic operation. Send at ... words per minute.
QRS Shall I send more slowly? Send more slowly (... words per minute).
QRT Shall I stop sending? Stop sending.
QRU Have you anything for me? I have nothing for you.
QRV Are you ready? I am ready.
QRW Shall I inform ... that you are calling him on ... kHz (or MHz)? Please inform ... that I am calling him on ... kHz (or MHz).
QRX When will you call me again? I will call you again at ... hours (on ... kHz (or MHz)).
QRY What is my turn?
(Relates to communication).		 Your turn is Number ... (or according to any other indication).
(Relates to communication).
QRZ Who is calling me? You are being called by ... (on ... kHz (or MHz)).
QSA What is the strength of my signals (or those of ...)? The strength of your signals (or those of ...) is
1. scarcely perceptible
2. weak
3. fairly good
4. good
5. very good.
QSB Are my signals fading? Your signals are fading.
QSC Are you a cargo vessel? [AP13]

or
Are you a low traffic ship? [AP14]

I am a cargo vessel. [AP13]

or
I am a low traffic ship. [AP14]

QSD Is my keying defective? [AP13]

or
Are my signals mutilated? [AP14]

Your keying is defective. [AP13]

or
Your signals are mutilated. [AP14]

QSE* What is the estimated drift of the survival craft? The estimated drift of the survival craft is ... (figures and units).
QSF* Have you effected rescue? I have effected rescue and am proceeding to ... base (with ... persons injured requiring ambulance).
QSG Shall I send ... telegrams at a time? Send ... telegrams at a time.
QSH Are you able to home on your direction-finding equipment? I am able to home on my D/F equipment (on station ...).
QSI I have been unable to break in on your transmission.

or
Will you inform ... (call sign) that I have been unable to break in on his transmission (on ... kHz (or MHz)).

QSJ What is the charge to be collected to ... including your internal charge? The charge to be collected to ... including my internal charge is ... francs.
QSK Can you hear me between your signals and if so can I break in on your transmission? I can hear you between my signals; break in on my transmission.
QSL Can you acknowledge receipt? I am acknowledging receipt.
QSM Shall I repeat the last telegram which I sent you (or some previous telegram)? Repeat the last telegram which you sent me (or telegram(s) number(s) ...).
QSN Did you hear me (or ... (call sign)) on ... kHz (or MHz)? I did hear you (or ... (call sign)) on ... kHz (or MHz).
QSO Can you communicate with ... direct (or by relay)? I can communicate with ... direct (or by relay through ...).
QSP Will you relay to ... free of charge? I will relay to ... free of charge.
QSQ Have you a doctor on board (or is ... (name of person) on board)? I have a doctor on board (or ... (name of person) is on board).
QSR Shall I repeat the call on the calling frequency? Repeat your call on the calling frequency; did not hear you (or have interference).
QSS What working frequency will you use? I will use the working frequency ... kHz (or MHz) (in the HF bands normally only the last three figures of the frequency need be given).
QSU Shall I send or reply on this frequency (or on ... kHz (or MHz)) (with emissions of class ...)? Send or reply on this frequency (or on ... kHz (or MHz)) (with emissions of class ...).
QSV Shall I send a series of Vs on this frequency (or on ... kHz (or MHz))? Send a series of Vs on this frequency (or on ... kHz (or MHz)).
QSW Will you send on this frequency (or on ... kHz (or MHz)) (with emissions of class ...)? I am going to send on this frequency (or on ... kHz (or MHz)) (with emissions of class ...).
QSX Will you listen to ... (call sign(s)) on ... kHz (or MHz)? [AP13]

or
Will you listen to ... (call sign(s)) on ... kHz (or MHz), or in the bands ... / channels ... ? [AP14]

I am listening to ... (call sign(s)) on ... kHz (or MHz). [AP13]

or
I am listening to ... (call sign(s)) on ... kHz (or MHz), or in the bands ... / channels ... [AP14]

QSY Should I change to transmission on another frequency? If so what one? Change to transmission on another frequency (or on ... kHz (or MHz)).
QSZ Shall I send each word or group more than once? Send each word or group twice (or ... times).
QTA Shall I cancel telegram (or message) number ... ? Cancel telegram (or message) number ...
QTB Do you agree with my counting of words? I do not agree with your counting of words; I will repeat the first letter or digit of each word or group.
QTC How many telegrams have you to send? I have ... telegrams for you (or for ...).
QTD* What has the rescue vessel or rescue aircraft recovered? ... (identification) has recovered ...
1. ... (number) survivors
2. wreckage
3. ... (number) bodies.
QTE What is my TRUE bearing from you?

or
What is my TRUE bearing from ... (call sign)?
or
What is the TRUE bearing of ... (call sign) from ... (call sign)?

Your TRUE bearing from me is ... degrees at ... hours.

or
Your TRUE bearing from ... (call sign) was ... degrees at ... hours.
or
The TRUE bearing of ... (call sign) from ... (call sign) was ... degrees at ... hours.

QTF Will you give me the position of my station according to the bearings taken by the direction-finding stations which you control? The position of your station according to the bearings taken by the D/F stations which I control was ... latitude, ... longitude (or other indication of position), class ... at ... hours.
QTG Will you send two dashes of ten seconds each followed by your call sign (repeated ... times) (on ... kHz (or MHz))?

or
Will you request ... to send two dashes of ten seconds followed by his call sign (repeated ... times) on ... kHz (or MHz)?

I am going to send two dashes of ten seconds each followed by my call sign (repeated ... times) (on ... kHz (or MHz)).

or
I have requested ... to send two dashes of ten seconds followed by his call sign (repeated ... times) on ... kHz (or MHz).

QTH What is your position in latitude and longitude (or according to any other indication)? My position is ... latitude, ... longitude (or according to any other indication).
QTI What is your TRUE track? [AP13] My TRUE track is ... degrees. [AP13]
QTI* What is your TRUE course? [AP14] My TRUE course is ... degrees. [AP14]
QTJ* What is your speed?

(Requests the speed of a ship or aircraft through the water or air respectively).

My speed is ... knots (or ... kilometres per hour or ... statute miles per hour).

(Indicates the speed of a ship or aircraft through the water or air respectively).

QTK* What is the speed of your aircraft in relation to the surface of the Earth? The speed of my aircraft in relation to the surface of the Earth is ... knots (or ... kilometres per hour or ... statute miles per hour).
QTL* What is your TRUE heading? My TRUE heading is ... degrees.
QTM* What is your MAGNETIC heading? My MAGNETIC heading is ... degrees.
QTN At what time did you depart from ... (place)? I departed from ... (place) at ... hours.
QTO Have you left dock (or port)?

or
Are you airborne?

I have left dock (or port).

or
I am airborne.

QTP Are you going to enter dock (or port)?

or
Are you going to alight (or land)?

I am going to enter dock (or port).

or
I am going to alight (or land).

QTQ Can you communicate with my station by means of the International Code of Signals (INTERCO)? I am going to communicate with your station by means of the International Code of Signals (INTERCO).
QTR What is the correct time? The correct time is ... hours.
QTS Will you send your call sign for tuning purposes or so that your frequency can be measured now (or at ... hours) on ... kHz (or MHz)? [AP13]

or
Will you send your call sign (and/or name) for ... seconds? [AP14]

I will send my call sign for tuning purposes or so that my frequency may be measured now (or at ... hours) on ... kHz (or MHz). [AP13]

or
I will send my call sign (and/or name) for ... seconds. [AP14]

QTT The identification signal which follows is superimposed on another transmission.
QTU What are the hours during which your station is open? My station is open from ... to ... hours.
QTV Shall I stand guard for you on the frequency of ... kHz (or MHz) (from ... to ... hours)? Stand guard for me on the frequency of ... kHz (or MHz) (from ... to ... hours).
QTW* What is the condition of survivors? Survivors are in ... condition and urgently need ...
QTX Will you keep your station open for further communication with me until further notice (or until ... hours)? I will keep my station open for further communication with you until further notice (or until ... hours).
QTY* Are you proceeding to the position of incident and if so when do you expect to arrive? I am proceeding to the position of incident and expect to arrive at ... hours (on ... (date)).
QTZ* Are you continuing the search? I am continuing the search for ... (aircraft, ship, survival craft, survivors or wreckage).
QUA Have you news of ... (call sign)? Here is news of ... (call sign).
QUB* Can you give me in the following order information concerning: the direction in degrees TRUE and speed of the surface wind; visibility; present weather; and amount, type and height of base of cloud above surface elevation at ... (place of observation)? Here is the information requested: ... (The units used for speed and distances should be indicated.)
QUC What is the number (or other indication) of the last message you received from me (or from ... (call sign))? The number (or other indication) of the last message I received from you (or from ... (call sign)) is ...
QUD Have you received the urgency signal sent by ... (call sign of mobile station)? I have received the urgency signal sent by ... (call sign of mobile station) at ... hours.
QUE Can you use telephony in ... (language), with interpreter if necessary; if so, on what frequencies? [AP13]

or
Can you speak in ... (language), – with interpreter if necessary; if so, on what frequencies? [AP14]

I can use telephony in ... (language) on ... kHz (or MHz). [AP13]

or
I can speak in ... (language) on ... kHz (or MHz). [AP14]

QUF Have you received the distress signal sent by ... (call sign of mobile station)? I have received the distress signal sent by ... (call sign of mobile station) at ... hours.
QUG Will you be forced to alight (or land)? [AP13] I am forced to alight (or land) immediately.

or
I shall be forced to alight (or land) at ... (position or place) at ... hours. [AP13]

QUH* Will you give me the present barometric pressure at sea level? The present barometric pressure at sea level is ... (units).
QUI Are your navigation lights working? [AP13] My navigation lights are working. [AP13]
QUJ Will you indicate the TRUE track to reach you (or ...)? [AP13] The TRUE track to reach me (or ...) is ... degrees at ... hours. [AP13]
QUK Can you tell me the condition of the sea observed at ... (place or coordinates)? [AP13] The sea at ... (place or coordinates) is ... [AP13]
QUL Can you tell me the swell observed at ... (place or coordinates)? [AP13] The swell at ... (place or coordinates) is ... [AP13]
QUM May I resume normal working? Normal working may be resumed.
QUN 1. When directed to all stations: [AP13,14]

Will vessels in my immediate vicinity ...
or
(in the vicinity of ... latitude, ... longitude)
or
(in the vicinity of ...) please indicate their position, TRUE course and speed?
or
2. When directed to a single station: [AP14]
please indicate their position, TRUE course and speed?

My position, TRUE course and speed are ...
QUO* Shall I search for ...
1. aircraft
2. ship
3. survival craft
in the vicinity of ... latitude, ... longitude (or according to any other indication)?		 Please search for ...
1. aircraft
2. ship
3. survival craft
in the vicinity of ... latitude, ... longitude (or according to any other indication).
QUP Will you indicate your position by
1. searchlight
2. black smoke trail
3. pyrotechnic lights?		 My position is indicated by
1. searchlight
2. black smoke trail
3. pyrotechnic lights.
QUQ Shall I train my searchlight nearly vertical on a cloud, occulting if possible and, if your aircraft is seen, deflect the beam up wind and on the water (or land) to facilitate your landing? Please train your searchlight on a cloud, occulting if possible and, if my aircraft is seen or heard, deflect the beam up wind and on the water (or land) to facilitate my landing. [AP13]
QUR* Have survivors ...
1. received survival equipment
2. been picked up by rescue vessel
3. been reached by ground rescue
party?		 Survivors ...
1. are in possession of survival equipment dropped by ...
2. have been picked up by rescue vessel
3. have been reached by ground rescue party.
QUS* Have you sighted survivors or wreckage? If so, in what position? Have sighted ...
1. survivors in water
2. survivors on rafts
3. wreckage
in position ... latitude, ... longitude (or according to any other indication).
QUT* Is position of incident marked? Position of incident is marked by ...
1. flame or smoke float
2. sea marker
3. sea marker dye
4. ... (specify other marking).
QUU* Shall I home ship or aircraft to my position? Home ship or aircraft ... (call sign) ...
1. to your position by transmitting your call sign and long dashes on ... kHz (or MHz)
2. by transmitting on ... kHz (or MHz) TRUE track to reach you.
QUW* Are you in the search area designated as ... (designator or latitude and longitude)? I am in the ... (designation) search area.
QUX Do you have any navigational warnings or gale warnings in force? [AP14] I have the following navigational warning(s) or gale warning(s) in force: ... [AP14]
QUY* Is position of survival craft marked? Position of survival craft was marked at ... hours by ...
1. flame or smoke float
2. sea marker
3. sea marker dye
4. ... (specify other marking).
QUZ May I resume restricted working? [AP14] Distress phase still in force; restricted working may be resumed. [AP14]

Amateur radio

Amateur radio has adapted two different sets of Q-codes for use in amateur communications. The first set comes from the ITU civil series QRA through QUZ. Most of the meanings are identical to the ITU definitions, however, they must be looked at in the context of amateur communications. For example, QSJ? asks what the charges are for sending the telegraph. Since amateur communications are without charge, this Q-code would not make sense.

The second set is the set of QN Signals, used only in ARRL NTS nets. These operating signals generally have no equivalent in the ACP 131 publication or ITU publications, and are specifically defined only for use in ARRL NTS nets. They are not used in casual amateur radio communications.[15][16]

Selected Q-codes were soon adopted by amateur radio operators. In December 1915, the American Radio Relay League began publication of a magazine titled QST, named after the Q-code for "General call to all stations". In amateur radio, the Q-codes were originally used in Morse code transmissions to shorten lengthy phrases and were followed by a Morse code question mark (··— —··) if the phrase was a question.

Q-codes are commonly used in voice communications as shorthand nouns, verbs, and adjectives making up phrases. For example, an amateur radio operator will complain about QRM (man-made interference), or tell another operator that there is "QSB on the signal" (fading); "to QSY" is to change your operating frequency, or to break in on a conversation QSK is often used even on VHF and UHF frequencies. (See also Informal usage, below.)

Q-codes as adapted for use in amateur radio

CodeQuestionAnswer or Statement
QNAnot applicableAnswer Net Control in pre-arranged order, or only specified station check in
QNFIs the net is Free?The net is free
QNIMay I join the net?You may check in ...
QNUDoes the net have traffic for me?The net has traffic for you; please stand by
QNXMay I be excused from net?You are excused
QRAWhat is the name (or call sign) of your station?The name (or call sign) of my station is ...
QRGWill you tell me my exact frequency (or that of ...)?Your exact frequency (or that of ... ) is ... kHz (or MHz).
QRHDoes my frequency vary?Your frequency varies.
QRIHow is the tone of my transmission?The tone of your transmission is (1. Good; 2. Variable; 3. Bad)
QRJHow many voice contacts do you want to make?I want to make ... voice contacts.
QRKWhat is the readability of my signals (or those of ...)?The readability of your signals (or those of ...) is ... (1 to 5).
QRLAre you busy?I am busy (in contact with ... ). Please do not interfere.
QRMDo you have (human-made) interference?I have (human-made) interference.
QRNAre you troubled by (natural) static?I am troubled by (natural) static.
QROShall I increase power?Increase power.
QRPShall I decrease power?Decrease power.
QRQShall I send faster?Send faster (... wpm).
QRSShall I send more slowly?Send more slowly (... wpm).
QRTShall I cease or suspend operation? / shutoff the radio?I am suspending operation / shutting off the radio.
QRUHave you anything for me?I have ... messages for you.
QRVAre you ready?I am ready.
QRWShall I inform ... that you are calling (him) on ... kHz (or MHz)?Please inform ... that I am calling (him) on ... kHz (or MHz).
QRXShall I standby? / When will you call me again?Please standby / I will call you again at ... (hours) on ... kHz (or MHz)
QRZWho is calling me?You are being called by ... on ... kHz (or MHz)
QSAWhat is the strength of my signals (or those of ... )?The strength of your signals (or those of ...) is ... (1 to 5).
QSBAre my signals fading?Your signals are fading.
QSDIs my keying defective?Your keying is defective.
QSGShall I send ... telegrams (messages) at a time?Send ... telegrams (messages) at a time.
QSH Stay Happy & Healthy[17] Stay Happy & Healthy
QSKCan you hear me between your signals?I can hear you between my signals.
QSLCan you acknowledge receipt?I will acknowledge receipt.
QSMShall I repeat the last telegram (message) which I sent you, or some previous telegram (message)?Repeat the last telegram (message) which you sent me (or telegram(s) / message(s) numbers(s) ... ).
QSNDid you hear me (or ... (call sign)) on ... kHz (or MHz)?I did hear you (or ... (call sign)) on ... kHz (or MHz).
QSOCan you communicate with ... direct or by relay?I can communicate with ... direct (or by relay through ... ).
QSPWill you relay a message to ... ?I will relay a message to ... .
QSRDo you want me to repeat my call?Please repeat your call; I did not hear you.
QSSWhat working frequency will you use?I will use the working frequency ... kHz (or MHz).
QSTShould I repeat the prior message to all amateurs I contact?Here follows a broadcast message to all amateurs.
QSUShall I send or reply on this frequency (or on ... kHz (or MHz))?Send or reply on this frequency (or on ... kHz (or MHz)).
QSWWill you send on this frequency (or on ... kHz (or MHz))?I am going to send on this frequency (or on ... kHz (or MHz)).
QSXWill you listen to ... (call sign(s) on ... kHz (or MHz))?I am listening to ... (call sign(s) on ... kHz (or MHz))
QSYShall I change to transmission on another frequency?Change to transmission on another frequency (or on ... kHz (or MHz)).
QSZShall I send each word or group more than once?Send each word or group twice (or ... times).
QTAShall I cancel telegram (message) number ... as if it had not been sent?Cancel telegram (message) number ... as if it had not been sent.
QTCHow many telegrams (messages) have you to send?I have ... telegrams (messages) for you (or for ... ).
QTHWhat is your position in latitude and longitude? (or according to any other indication)My position is ... latitude ... longitude.
QTRWhat is the correct time?The correct time is ... hours UTC.
QTUAt what times are you operating?I am operating from ... to ... hours.
QTXWill you keep your station open for further communication with me until further notice (or until ... hours)?I will keep my station open for further communication with you until further notice (or until ... hours).
QUAHave you news of ... (call sign)?Here is news of ... (call sign).
QUCWhat is the number (or other indication) of the last message you received from me (or from ... (call sign))?The number (or other indication) of the last message I received from you (or from ... (call sign)) is ...
QUDHave you received the urgency signal sent by ... (call sign of mobile station)?I have received the urgency signal sent by ... (call sign of mobile station) at ... hours.
QUECan you speak in ... (language) – with interpreter if necessary – if so, on what frequencies?I can speak in ... (language) on ... kHz (or MHz).
QUFHave you received the distress signal sent by ... (call sign of mobile station)?I have received the distress signal sent by ... (call sign of mobile station) at ... hours.

Notes for response to radiotelegraph Q-codes

Responses to a radiotelegraph Q-code query or a Q-code assertion may vary depending upon the code. For Q-code assertions or queries which only need to be acknowledged as received, the usual practice is to respond with the letter "R" for "Roger" which means "Received correctly". Sending an "R" merely means the code has been correctly received and does not necessarily mean that the receiving operator has taken any other action.

For Q-code queries that need to be answered in the affirmative, the usual practice is to respond with the letter "C" (Sounds like the Spanish word "Si"). For Q-code queries that need to be answered in the negative, the usual practice it to respond with the letter "N" for "no". For those Q-code assertions that merely need to be acknowledged as understood, the usual practice is to respond with the prosign SN (or VE) which means "understood". On telegraph cable networks "KK" was often used at the end of a reply to a Q-code to mean "OK" or "Acknowledged". This practice predates amateur radio as telegraph operators in the late 19th century are known to have used it.

Informal use
Chart of the Morse code letters and numerals.[18]

QLF – "Are you sending with your left foot? Try sending with your left foot!" A humorously derogatory comment about the quality of a person's sending.[19][20]

QNB – QNB? “How many buttons on your radio?” “QNB 100/5” Means there are 100 and I know what 5 of them do.

QSK – "I can hear you during my transmission" – refers to a particular mode of Morse code operating often called QSK operation (full break-in) in which the receiver is quickly enabled during the spaces between the dits and dahs, which allows another operator to interrupt transmissions. Many modern transceivers incorporate this function, sometimes referred to as full break-in as against semi-break-in in which there is a short delay before the transceiver goes to receive.[21]

QSY – "Change to transmission on another frequency"; colloquially, "move [=change address]". E.g., "When did GKB QSY from Northolt to Portishead?"[22]

QTH – "My location is ..."; colloquially in voice or writing, "location". E.g., "The OCF [antenna type] is an interesting build but at my QTH a disappointing performer."[23]

QTHR – "At the registered location ..."; chiefly British use. Historically, the location in the printed Callbook; modernly, "as given in online government records for my callsign". E.g., "You can contact me QTHR".[24]

German use during World War II

During World War II, according to Bletchley Park’s General Report on Tunny,[25] German radio teleprinter networks used Q-codes to establish and maintain circuit connections.

In particular: QKP was to indicate the Lorenz cipher machine setting for each message and, QZZ to indicate that the daily key change was about to take place at the sender's station.

gollark: But this is in order apart from all the ways in which it's not in order.
gollark: It says it in the help text which nobody reads because it's unhelpful.
gollark: My servers only run UTC, and the bot code is very thingy about keeping that time zone.
gollark: Yes, the bot is superior UTC coordinated time.
gollark: Which thing is it? It doesn't say.

See also

References
  1. Franklin, 277808-Elizabeth A. "Aero 16 – Polar Route Operations". Retrieved 5 September 2016.
  2. Great Britain, Post Office (October 1909). Handbook for wireless telegraph operators working installations licensed by His Majesty's postmaster-general. London: His Majesty's Stationery Office. appendix iii. OCLC 40616664.
  3. Schroeder, Peter B. (December 29, 1967). "Contact at Sea: A History of Maritime Radio Communications". Ardent Media – via Google Books.
  4. Handbook for Radio Operators. London: Her Majesty's Stationery Office. 1975. pp. 155–174. ISBN 0118804626. Retrieved 16 April 2019.
  5. "Radio codes & signals – Florida". National Communications Magazine. Retrieved 30 January 2010.
  6. "The Q-Code". Retrieved 5 September 2016.
  7. The ICAO Q-Code. Procedures for Air Navigation Services (PANS). ICAO. Doc 8400.
  8. "SM" (PDF). Retrieved 6 September 2016.
  9. "portland-amateur-radio-club.org.uk" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 October 2011. Retrieved 5 September 2016.
  10. "Q-Codes". Archived from the original on 2009-03-23. Retrieved 2009-03-20.
  11. "Operating Signals" (PDF). Communications Instructions. March 1997. ACP 131(E). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-11-19. Chapter 2 contains a full list of 'Q' codes
  12. "List of Q-codes".
  13. "RECOMMENDATION 1172". ITU-R M.1172. Archived from the original on 21 April 2015.
  14. "APPENDIX 13. Miscellaneous Abbreviations and Signals to Be Used in Radiotelegraphy Communications Except in the Maritime Mobile Service" (PDF). Radio Regulations. 1 (1990, revised in 1994 ed.). Geneva: International Telecommunication Union. 543–568. ISBN 92-61-05171-5. Retrieved 7 January 2017.
  15. "Operating Signals". December 12, 2014.
  16. "FSD-218 – Field Service Form: Instructions for NTS Radiogram Messages" (PDF).
  17. "Stay At Home Award". dx-world.net. – temporary Q code for use during the COVID-19 lock down in 2020.
  18. "International Morse code Recommendation ITU-R M.1677-1". itu.int. International Telecommunication Union. October 2009. Retrieved 23 December 2011.
  19. The Free Dictionary. "Definition of QLF". The Free Dictionary. Retrieved 1 July 2016.
  20. "Capitalizing on your Capital Project". ARRL.org. American Radio Relay League. Retrieved 1 July 2016.
  21. "Communications Instructions Operating Signals" (PDF). Combined Communications Electronics Board. April 2006. Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 September 2012. Retrieved 16 May 2014.
  22. "The uk.radio.amateur newsgroup" (Post). 21 August 2010. Retrieved 4 August 2013.
  23. "Has anyone used a tuner with an Off Centre Fed Dipole? How well did it work?". Amateur Radio Wiki. Retrieved 4 August 2013.
  24. "List of repeaters in the UK sorted by QTHR". Retrieved 1 June 2016.
  25. "TR01-016". www.alanturing.net.
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