What are Q Codes?
Q Codes are a series of 3 letter codes each carrying an individual meaning. Q Codes are far more frequently used on SSB Radio than on normal AM/FM CB Radio and across all other bands.
Q Codes are widely used in voice modes but can just as easily be interpreted as Morse code, originating from the history of navel and marine and other long distance radio communications.
First standardised around 1909 it was developed into forty-five Q codes which were published in 1912. The key attraction of Q Codes is the fact that it can be internationally used. You can understand the message sent no matter what the language of the operator or the recipient.
Since first venturing onto SSB Radio for the first time last year I have been fascinated by the use of Q Codes. Some codes are used more than others but they usually form part of making a contact in the first place.
It is worth having a basic understanding of some of the key terms so I have compiled a complete list of all of the 45 Q codes in a chart in this post as well as making it available to you as a download so you can keep it by your radio for easy reference.
Q Code Examples
CQ CQ CQ DX - General call to any/all stations
QSL - Used at the end of an over for acknowledgement
QRM - You're carrying a bit of QRM - 'There was interference on your last signal'
QSL - Used at the end of an over for acknowledgement
QRM - You're carrying a bit of QRM - 'There was interference on your last signal'
QRT - I'm going QRT for a while - 'I'm going to monitor this channel and stop transmitting'
QRZ - Reply with your call sign etc
QSB - You went a bit QSB then - fading signal
QSK - Can I interrupt your transmission / 'On the side'
QSY - 'QSY to 27.625' - move to frequency 27.625
QTH - Location, 10-20
QSB - You went a bit QSB then - fading signal
QSK - Can I interrupt your transmission / 'On the side'
QSY - 'QSY to 27.625' - move to frequency 27.625
QTH - Location, 10-20
Q CODES
CQ General
call to any/all stations – “CQ DX Call to distant stations”
QRA What is the name of your station?
QRB How far approximately are you from my station?
QRD Where are you bound and where are you from?
QRG Will you tell me my exact frequency?
QRH Does my frequency vary?
QRK What is the readability of my signals(l-5)?
QRL Are you busy?
QRM Are you being interfered with? - Man-made interference
QRN Are you troubled by static? - Atmospheric noise
QRT Shall I stop sending? - "on-the-side"
QRU Have you anything for me?
QRV Are you ready?
QRW Shall I tell that you are calling him on channel?
QRX When will you call again? - "off-the-air"
QRY What is my turn?
QRZ Who is calling me?
QSA What is the strength of my signals (1-5)?
QSB Are my signals fading?
QSL Can you acknowledge receipt? - Acknowledged
QSW Do you wish to transmit on this frequency?
QSX Will you listen on channel ?
QSY Shall I change to another frequency? - Changing frequency
QTE What is my TRUE bearing from you? or What is my TRUE bearing from?
QTH What is your position in latitude and longitude? - location
QTI What is your TRUE course?
QTJ What is your speed?
QTL What is your TRUE heading?
QTK What is the exact time?
QTU What are the hours during which your station is open?
QTX Will you keep your station open for further communication until a certain time
QUA Have you news of - ?
QUD Have you received the urgent signal sent by ?
QUF Have you received the distress signal sent by?
QRA What is the name of your station?
QRB How far approximately are you from my station?
QRD Where are you bound and where are you from?
QRG Will you tell me my exact frequency?
QRH Does my frequency vary?
QRK What is the readability of my signals(l-5)?
QRL Are you busy?
QRM Are you being interfered with? - Man-made interference
QRN Are you troubled by static? - Atmospheric noise
QRT Shall I stop sending? - "on-the-side"
QRU Have you anything for me?
QRV Are you ready?
QRW Shall I tell that you are calling him on channel?
QRX When will you call again? - "off-the-air"
QRY What is my turn?
QRZ Who is calling me?
QSA What is the strength of my signals (1-5)?
QSB Are my signals fading?
QSL Can you acknowledge receipt? - Acknowledged
QSW Do you wish to transmit on this frequency?
QSX Will you listen on channel ?
QSY Shall I change to another frequency? - Changing frequency
QTE What is my TRUE bearing from you? or What is my TRUE bearing from?
QTH What is your position in latitude and longitude? - location
QTI What is your TRUE course?
QTJ What is your speed?
QTL What is your TRUE heading?
QTK What is the exact time?
QTU What are the hours during which your station is open?
QTX Will you keep your station open for further communication until a certain time
QUA Have you news of - ?
QUD Have you received the urgent signal sent by ?
QUF Have you received the distress signal sent by?
It may be useful to keep a copy of the Q Codes on hand for reference near your radio so I have created a downloadable copy of these codes here :- DOWNLOAD FILE
YouTube Video
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The Rules of Citizen Band
CB Radio Lingo
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