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FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Q-Codes

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1. What are Q-Codes?
Q-Codes are standardized three-letter abbreviations used in radio communication to quickly and clearly convey common questions and statements.

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2. Where do Q-Codes come from?
They were originally introduced by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and are used internationally in radio communications, such as amateur radio, aviation, and maritime radio.

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3. How do Q-Codes work?
Each Q-Code can be used as a question or a statement. A question is indicated by adding a question mark (?), for example, “QTH?” means “What is your location?”.

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4. What does the letter “c” at the end of a Q-Code mean?
The “c” indicates codes specifically reserved for aviation radio (ICAO).

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5. What does “no” at the end of a Q-Code mean?
“No” stands for “number” and marks Q-Codes that require a numerical value, e.g., QSA no (signal strength as a number).

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6. What are the different categories of Q-Codes?

  • QAA to QNZ: Aviation radio (ICAO)

  • QOA to QQZ: Amateur radio

  • QRA to QUZ: General radio services (e.g., maritime radio)

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7. Are Q-Codes still relevant today?
Yes, especially in amateur radio and aviation, Q-Codes are still widely used to make radio communication efficient and internationally understandable.

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8. Where can I find a complete list of Q-Codes?
The ITU publishes official lists. Amateur radio clubs and online resources also provide comprehensive Q-Code directories.

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📡 Q-Codes – Introduction & Overview

 

Q-Codes are international radio abbreviations consisting of three letters starting with "Q". They serve for quick and clear communication—especially in poor reception or in telegraphy.

This page contains a complete list of Q-Codes from official documents, military radio, and amateur radio, translated and commented.

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📚 Basics and Sources

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Sources:

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  • Radio regulations, Annex 1 of ITU-R Recommendation M.1172 by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

  • Document 4478-COM/501/2 "Communication Procedures" by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)

  • Annex 1 of the regulations for ground radio communication for all branches of the Swiss Army, edition 1952

QRA to QUZ are used in all radio services.
QAA to QNZ are reserved for the aeronautical service.
QOA to QQZ are reserved for the maritime service.
Military radio codes lie in the range QVZ to QZZ.

Q-codes not listed in these sources are considered unassigned.

Some Q-codes gain affirmative or negative meanings when immediately followed by "c" (for "yes") or "no".
Example: qsk no

The meaning of a Q-code can be extended by additions such as call signs, place names, time, or frequency information.
Example: qrx 1600 14024

In the lists below, places where such additions may be inserted are marked by three dots (...)

Q-codes become questions when used with a question mark.
Example: qsx?, qsx up 5 to 10

Q-codes with multiple numbered meanings are immediately followed by the corresponding number.
Example: qsa1, qrk3

Occasionally, an explanatory comment in italics has been added.

Military Q-codes outside the QVA–QZZ series are marked with (Military).

A thematic grouping of Q-codes, as sometimes found in rulebooks, has been omitted here in favor of a single alphabetical list covering all services to simplify decoding. For encoding, a digital keyword search is recommended.

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📡 Use in Amateur Radio Service

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The following Q-codes are required knowledge for the amateur radio exam (e.g., OFCOM):
QRA, QRG, QRH, QRI, QRK, QRL, QRM, QRN, QRO, QRP, QRQ, QRS, QRT, QRU, QRV, QRX, QRZ, QSA, QSB, QSD, QSL, QSO, QSP, QSV, QSY, QSZ, QTH, QTR

Additionally recommended for operation:
QAM, QAN, QAP, QAZ, QBA, QBB, QBM, QCM, QCX, QGV, QIF, QJE, QMH, QMU, QNY, QRB, QRD, QRE, QRF, QSI, QSK, QSM, QSU, QSX, QTA, QTC, QTJ, QTN, QTO, QTP, QUA

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📋 Example Simplified Q-Code Translations

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Q-CodeMeaning (simplified)

QAP Ready to receive

QGV Visual contact

QRE Estimated time of arrival

QRG Frequency

QSM Repeat telegram

QSY Change frequency

QSO Radio contact

QTH Location

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📡 Detailed Q-Code List (Selected Examples)

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QNC to QTR

  • QNC – Copy all net calling stations? / All net calling stations copy.

  • QND – Is the net directed? / The net is directed.

  • QNE – Should all stations in the net wait? / The entire net is waiting.

  • QNF – Is the net free? / The net is free.

  • QNG – Should I take over net control? / Taking over net control.

  • QNI – Should the net stations check in? / Net stations check in.

  • QNM – Are you interfering with the net? / You are interfering with the net.

  • QNN – Who is the net control station? / Net control station is (call sign).

  • QNO – Can’t I copy you? / I can’t copy you.

  • QNP – Which stations are on the net? / The following stations are on the net …

  • QNS – May I leave the net? / I am leaving the net.

  • QNT – Is there traffic for me on the net? / The net has traffic for you.

  • QNU – May I leave the net? / You are released from the net.

  • QNX – Should I change frequency? / Changing to another frequency.

  • QNY – Should I match your signal with mine? / Matching your signal with mine.

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QRA to QRZ

  • QRA – What is the name of your radio station? / The name of my station is …

  • QRG – Will you tell me my exact frequency? / Your exact frequency is …

  • QRH – Is my frequency varying? / Your frequency is varying.

  • QRI – How is the tone of my transmission? / Tone is: 1 = good, 2 = fluctuating, 3 = bad.

  • QRJ – Are you receiving me badly? / I receive you badly / very weakly.

  • QRK – How is the readability of my signals? / Your signals are (1–5).

  • QRL – Are you busy? / I am busy. Please do not disturb.

  • QRM – Are you being interfered with? / I am being interfered with. (1–5)

  • QRN – Are there atmospheric disturbances? / I have atmospheric disturbances. (1–5)

  • QRO – Should I increase power? / Increase power.

  • QRP – Should I decrease power? / Decrease power.

  • QRQ – Should I send faster? / Send faster.

  • QRS – Should I send slower? / Send slower.

  • QRT – Should I stop sending? / Stop sending.

  • QRU – Do you have anything for me? / I have nothing for you.

  • QRV – Are you ready? / I am ready.

  • QRX – When will you call me again? / I will call you again at … o’clock.

  • QRZ – Who is calling me? / You are being called by …

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📡 Usage Notes

Q-codes are mainly used in written transmissions (e.g., CW, AMTOR, PSK31, RTTY, Pactor), and partly in voice communications (e.g., mobile operations).

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🔍 What are Q-Codes?

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Q-Codes are internationally recognized three-letter abbreviations starting with “Q”. Originally designed for Morse code, they are still widely used today in CB, amateur, maritime, and military radio communications to convey concise messages, especially under poor signal conditions.

A Q-code can be a question or a statement, depending on whether it is followed by a question mark.

Example:
QTH? = “What is your location?”
QTH Berlin = “My location is Berlin.”

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✅ When to Use Q-Codes in CB and Amateur Radio

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Q-codes are useful to clarify communication in noisy environments or when brevity is important. They do not replace plain speech but enhance clarity and efficiency.

Tip for Beginners:
Memorize core codes like QTH, QSL, QRV, and QRM to effectively manage everyday radio contacts.

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