Q-Codes for amateur radio

Radio Q-Codes are used to quickly communicate a question or idea as quickly as possible in a simple three letter code.

Initially, Q-Codes can be may seem hard to learn, but after a bit of practice, they tend to stay in there and will eventually become second nature. If you are just listening or transmitting, these Q-Codes are important and worth the effort to learn.

Here are the most popular radio Q-Codes that you will hear in use:

Tip: Print these codes, or open them on your PC so they are in front of you when you make those first contacts.

Popular radio Q-Codes table

QRL	Is the frequency busy? The frequency is busy. Please do not interfere.
QRN	Interference from natural signals (like thunderstorms).
QRM	Interference from man-made sources.
QRO	Shall I increase power? Increase power.
QRP	Shall I decrease power? Decrease power.
QRZ	Who is calling me?
QSB	Signal fading.
QSL	Did you receive and understand? Received and understood.
QSO	Abbreviation for a contact.
QTH	What is your location? My location is.......

Q-Codes table provided by www.qsoshack.com

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