Guides & How-Tos
Q-Signals Reference — Partisan Comms Group
Q-Signals Reference
Common Radio Shorthand Used by Amateur Radio Operators
Q-signals originated in the early days of radiotelegraphy and remain widely used throughout amateur radio. These abbreviations provide a concise way to exchange common information, reduce transmission time, and communicate across language barriers. While originally developed for Morse code operation, many Q-signals are routinely heard during voice and digital contacts.
Reference Table
Common Q-Signals
| Signal | Meaning |
|---|---|
| QRL | Is this frequency in use? |
| QRM | Interference from other stations. |
| QRN | Natural noise or static. |
| QRO | Increase power. |
| QRP | Reduce power. |
| QRQ | Send faster. |
| QRS | Send slower. |
| QRT | Stop transmitting. |
| QRU | No further messages. |
| QRV | Ready to operate. |
| QRX | Stand by; I will call again later. |
| QRZ | Who is calling me? |
| QSB | Signal fading. |
| QSK | Break-in operation; can hear between transmissions. |
| QSL | Acknowledgement of receipt. |
| QSO | Radio contact or conversation. |
| QSP | Relay a message. |
| QST | General announcement to all stations. |
| QSX | Listening on another frequency. |
| QSY | Change frequency. |
| QTC | Number of messages waiting. |
| QTH | Station location. |
| QTR | Current time. |
Practical Use
Examples in Everyday Operation
"Is this frequency in use?"
→
"QRL?"
"Let's move to another frequency."
→
"Let's QSY to 146.520."
"I'm getting interference."
→
"I'm experiencing some QRM."
"Where are you located?"
→
"What is your QTH?"
Q-signals are among the most enduring traditions in amateur radio. Understanding them improves communication efficiency and helps operators participate confidently in voice, Morse code, and digital contacts.