ARRL Q Signals

Q signals were developed to facilitate, simplify and make more efficient the conversations and handling of traffic (messages) using Morse Code (also known as, CW or Continuous Wave) communications. In the old days of radio (1920's on) and many messages are being transmitted (as in emergencies or across long distances) short cuts are greatly appreciated. When "tapping out" each letter of a long question or reply became tedious the Q signals came in to play.

They were only intended for Morse Code and never intended for voice operations. In fact, it is considered a "foax pas" and "bad form" to use them in voice communications. Although, many newer, less experienced hams often do, the old guard generally frowns upon it.

A Q signal followed by a ? asks a question. The same Q signal without the ? answers the question affirmatively, unless other wise indicated.

The Standard Q Signals
QRA	What is the name of your station?
QRG	What's my exact frequency?
QRH	Does my frequency vary?
QRI	How's my tone (1~3)?
QRK	What's my signal integrity (1~5)?
QRL	Are you busy?
QRM	Is my transmission being interfered with?
QRN	Are you troubled by static?
QRO	Shall I increase transmitting power?
QRP	Shall I decrease transmitting 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 this 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 _____ ?
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? (Answer negative)
QTC	How many message have you to send?
QTH	What is your location?
QTR	What is your time?
QTV	Shall I stand guard for you?
QTX	Will you keep your station open for further communication with me?
QUA	Have you new of _____?

ARRL QN Signals for CW net use.

Notes on use of QN signals: The QN signals listed are special ARRL signals for use in amateur CW nets only. They are not ment for casual amateur conversation. Other meanings that may be used in other services do not apply. Do not use QN signals on phone nets. Say it with words. QN signals need not be followed by a question mark, even thought the meaning may be interrogatory.

Q Signals for Net Use
QNA*	Answer in the prearranged order
QNB*	Act as a relay between _____ and _____
QNC	All net stations copy .... or ... I have a message for all net stations
QND*	Net is directed (controlled by a net control station)
QNE*	Entire net stand by
QNF	Net is free (not controlled)
QNG	Take over as net control station
QNH	Your net frequency is high
QNI	Net stations report in* I am reporting into the net (Follow with a list of traffic or QRU)
QNJ	Can you copy me ... or ... Can you copy _____
QNK*	Transmit message for _____ to _____
QNL	Your net frequency is low
QNM*	You are QRMing the net, stand by
QNN	Net control station is _____ ... or ... What station has net control?
QNO	Station is leaving the net
QNP	Unable to copy you ... or ... Unable to copy _____
QNQ*	Move frequency to ____ and wait for ____ to finish handling traffic. Then send him traffic for ____
QNR	Answer _____ and receive traffic
QNS*	Following stations are in the net (Follow with list) ... or ... Request list of stations in the net
QNT	I request permission to leave the net for _____ minutes
QNU*	The net has traffic for you, stand by
QNV*	Establish contact with _____ on this freq. If successful, move to _____ and send him traffic for ___
QNW	How do I route messages for _____ ?
QNX	You are excused from the net ... or ... Request to be excused from the net
QNY*	Shift to another frequency (or to _____ kHz) to clear traffic with _____
QNZ	Zero beat your signal with mine

* For use only by the net control station.

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For more information contact The ARRL.
Goto Palm Beach County ARES page.
Goto Uncle Dave's Home Page.