Codes

Ham Radio CW International Q-Signals

Q-Signal code followed by
CW Meaning

QRA
What is your callsign? (callsign)
QSA
What is my signal strength? (1-5)
QRG
What is my exact frequency? (this freq)
QSB
Are my signals fading? (signals are fading)
QRH
Does my frequency vary?
QSD
Is my keying defective?
QRI
What is my signal tone quality? (1-3)
QSG
Shall I send __ messages at a time?
QRK
What is my signal intelligibility? (1-5)
QSK
Can you work break-in? (break-in operation)
QRL
Are you (or this freq) busy? (This freq. is busy)
QSL
Can you acknowledge receipt? (I confirm receipt of message)
QRM
Is my transmission being interfered with? (signal interference)
QSM
Shall I repeat the last message I sent?
QRN
Are you troubled by static? (static, atmospheric noise)
QSO
Can you communicate with this station? (radio contact between stations)
QRO
Shall I increase transmitter power? (increase power, high powered)
QSP
Will you relay to __?
QRP
Shall I decrease transmitter power? (decrease power, low powered)
QST
A general call preceding messages to all radio operators (info, news).
QRQ
Shall I send faster?
QSV
Shall I send a series of V's?
QRS
Shall I send slower? (send slower)
QSW
Will you transmit on __?
QRT
Shall I stop sending? (stop transmitting)
QSX
Will you listen on __ (freq)?
QRU
Do you have any messages for me? (I have no messages for you)
QSY
Shall I change frequency? (change frequency)
QRV
Are you ready? (I am ready to transmit)
QSZ
Shall I send each word/group more than once?
QRW
Shall I tell __ (callsign) you're calling him?
QTH
What is your location? (station location)
QRX
When will you call me again? (wait, standby)
QTR
What is your correct time?
QRZ
Who is calling me? (anyone answering my transmission)
QTX
Will you keep your station open for further communication with me?
Notes
Q-signals are three letter combinations used to represent common phrases or sentences for CW operation. They may be used as a question with a question mark (?) or statement without the question mark. For example, "QRZ?" is used to ask for the calling station(s) to identify again. "Please (pse) QRS" is used as a request to send the code at a slower speed. "The QTH is" is used to indicate this station's location.

Although originally used for CW, many Q-signals have become acceptable for phone operation.
Non Q-Signal CW Radiotelegraph Abbreviations:
73 -- Best Regards.
88 -- Love and Kisses.
YL -- Young Lady meaning Unmarried Lady; also any female ham radio operator.
XYL -- Ex-Young Lady, meaning a Married Lady; usually refers to a ham's wife.
OM -- Old Man, any male ham radio operator.


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