The following is a listing of commonly used “Q” signals.

“Q” signals are short, three letter codes used in CW (Morse code) communication to speed up the contacts, and since they are “international” in nature, to often overcome language barriers. When a “Q” Signal is followed by a question mark it asks a question. Without the question mark, the “Q” Signal answers the question in the affirmative, unless specified in the negative.

Note: “Q” Signals are not normally used for voice communication, just say what you mean instead!

  • QRA – What is the name of your station?
  • QRG – What’s my exact frequency?
  • QRH – Does my frequency vary?
  • QRI – How is my tone? (1-3)
  • QRK – What is my signal intelligibility? (1-5)
  • QRL – Are you busy?
  • QRM – Is my transmission being interfered with?
  • QRN – Are you troubled by static?
  • QRO – Shall I increase transmitter power?
  • QRP – Shall I decrease transmitter power?
  • QRQ – Shall I send faster?
  • QRS – Shall I send slower?
  • QRT – Shall I stop sending?
  • QRU – Have you anything for me? (Answer in negative)
  • QRV – Are you ready?
  • QRW – Shall I tell ______ you’re calling him?
  • QRX – When will you call again?
  • QRZ – Who is calling me?
  • QSA – What is my signal strength? (1-5)
  • QSB – Are my signals fading?
  • QSD – Is my keying defective?
  • QSG – Shall I send ______ messages at a time?
  • QSK – Can you work break-in?
  • QSL – Can you acknowledge receipt?
  • QSM – Shall I repeat the last message sent?
  • QSO – Can you communicate with ______ direct?
  • QSP – Will you relay to ______?
  • QST –  Calling All Radio Amateurs
  • QSV – Shall I send a series of V’s?
  • QSW – Will you transmit on ______?
  • QSX – Will you listen for ______ on ______?
  • QSY – Shall I change frequency?
  • QSZ – Shall I send each word/group more than once? (Answer, send twice or ______)
  • QTA – Shall I cancel number ______?
  • QTB – Do you agree with my word count?
  • QTC – How many messages have you to send?
  • QTH – What is your location?
  • QTR – What is your time?
  • QTX – Will you keep your station open for further communication with me?