|
|
|
|
Standardised short message codes
The Q-code is an international standardised system of 3-letter mnemonics,
each starting with the letter 'Q', developed around 1909
by the British Government as a List of abbreviations for use aboard
British ships and by coast stations licenced by the Postmaster General.
It improved and facilitated communication between maritime radio operators
speaking different languages [1].
|
Although initially developed for
commercial radio telegraphy, the codes were soon adopted
internationally by other radio services, including the armed
forces. The use of the Q-codes serves two purposes: (1) is allows
people with different languages or backgrounds to communicate, and
(2) it generally reduces the length of a message.
In commercial radio telegraphy, messages were usually charged per letter
or word. As a Q-code replaces a complete sentence, it made the message
much cheaper. The image on the right [A] shows the
Combined Operating Signals of 1944.
|
|
|
-
IMI is the combination of the morse code letters I (··) M (--) and I (··) without
a pause between the letters.
-
INT is the combination of the morse code letters I (··) N (·-) and T (-) without
a pause between the letters.
|
QAA-QNZ Aeronautical use QOA-QQZ Maritime use ARA-QUZ All services
|
Below are a few examples of Q-codes that are still commonly used in radio
communication, in particular by amateur radio operators (HAMs).
For a more complete list, check out [A] or visit Wikipedia.
The (popular) meaning of some Q-codes has changed over time.
|
Code
|
Question
|
Answer or statement
|
Popular/amateur
|
|
QRL
|
Are you busy?
|
I am busy
|
Work address
|
QRM
|
Are you being interfered with?
|
I am being interfered with
|
|
QRN
|
Static interference?
|
Static interference
|
|
QRP
|
Shall I decrease transmitter power
|
Decrease transmitter power
|
Low power
|
QRT
|
Shall I stop sending?
|
Stop sending
|
|
QRV
|
Are you ready?
|
I am ready
|
|
QRX
|
When will you call me again?
|
I will call you at ...
|
Back in a second
|
QRZ
|
Who is calling me?
|
Tou are being called by ...
|
|
QSL
|
Can you acknowlege receipt?
|
I can acknowledge receipt
|
QSL card
|
QSO
|
Can you communicate with ...?
|
I can communicated with ...
|
Chat
|
QSY
|
Change frequency?
|
Change frequency to ...
|
|
QTH
|
What is your location?
|
My location is ...
|
Home address
|
|
|
|
Any links shown in red are currently unavailable.
If you like the information on this website, why not make a donation?
© Crypto Museum. Created: Sunday 28 January 2024. Last changed: Tuesday, 30 January 2024 - 11:45 CET.
|
|
|
|
|
|