International Q Code is an abbreviated way to exchange a great deal of information with a simple code. The Q Code consists of three-letter groups with each group having a specific meaning. Each group begins with the letter Q. Auxiliary letter groups or numbers are also used to help define the information that is need or passed with certain Q Code three-letter groups.
The International Q Code can be arranged in three types of code groups according to the second letter in the three-letter Q Code.
| Signal |
Question |
Answer, Advice or Order |
| QRG |
Will you indicate my exact frequency in kilocycles? |
Your frequency is ... kc. |
| 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 |
Are you receiving me badly? Are my signals weak? |
I cannot receive you. Your signals are too weak. |
| QRK |
What is the legibility of my signals (1 to 5)? |
The legibility of your signals is ... (1 to 5). |
| QRL |
Are you busy? |
I am busy (or busy with....). Please do not interfere. |
| QRM |
Are you being interfered with? |
I am being interfered with. |
| QRN |
Are you troubled by static? |
I am troubled by static. |
| QRO |
Must I increase power? |
Increase power. |
| QRP |
Must I decrease power? |
Decrease power. |
| QRQ |
Must I send faster? |
Send faster ... (words per min.). |
| QRS |
Must I send more slowly? |
Transmit more slowly ... (w.p.m.). |
| QRT |
Must I stop transmission? |
Stop transmission. |
| QRU |
Have you anything for me? |
I have nothing for you. |
| QRV |
Are you ready? |
I am ready. |
| QRW |
Must I advise ... that you are calling him on ... kc? |
Please advise ... that I am calling him on ... kc. |
| QRX |
When will you call again? |
I will call you again at ... hours (on ... kc.). |
| QRZ |
By whom am I being called? |
You are being called by ... |
| QSA |
What is the strength of my signals (1 to 5)? |
The strength of your signals is ... (1 to 5). |
| QSB |
Does the strength of my signals vary? |
The strength of your signals varies. |
| QSD |
Is my keying correct? Are my signals distinct? |
Your keying is incorrect; your signals are bad. |
| QSG |
Must I transmit ... telegrams (or one telegram) at a time? |
Transmit ... telegrams (or one telegram) at a time. |
| QSK |
Shall I continue the transmission of all my traffic? |
I can hear you between my signals. Continue: I shall interrupt you if necessary. |
| QSL |
Can you acknowledge receipt? |
I am acknowledging receipt. |
| QSM |
Shall I repeat the last telegram I sent you? |
Repeat the last telegram you sent me. |
| QSO |
Can you communicate with ... directly (or through...)? |
I can communicate with ... direct (or through...). |
| QSP |
Will you relay to ...? |
I will relay to ... free of charge. |
| QSV |
Shall I send a series of VVV....? |
Send a series of VVV. |
| QSX |
Will you listen for ... (call sign) on ... kcs? |
I am listening for ... on ... kcs. |
| QSY |
Shall I change to ... kilocycles without changing the type of wave? |
Change to ... kc. without changing type of wave. |
| QSZ |
Shall I send each word or group twice? |
Send each word or group twice. |
| QTA |
Shall I cancel nr ... as if it had not been sent? |
Cancel nr ... as if it had not been sent. |
| QTB |
Do you agree with my word count? |
I do not agree with your word count; I shall repeat the first letter of each word and the first figure of each number. |
| QTC |
How many telegrams have you to send? |
I have ... telegrams for you or for .... |
| QTH |
What is your position (location)? |
My position (location) is .... |
| QTR |
What is the exact time? |
The exact time is .... |
