Q-Signals: A Quick Reference

Q-signals are three-letter shorthand that lets CW operators exchange whole ideas in a few characters. Sent bare, a Q-signal is a statement; a handful gain a different, useful meaning when followed by a question mark — QTH tells your location, QTH? asks for one. These are the signals taught by the Morse Flyer Q-Sign Meanings game, worded exactly as the game presents them.

The core fifteen

QRL — Frequency is busy · QRL? — Is this frequency in use?

QRM — Man-made interference

QRN — Natural static / noise

QRP — Decrease power (low-power ops)

QRQ — Send faster

QRS — Send more slowly

QRT — Stop sending / closing station

QRV — I am ready · QRV? — Are you ready?

QRX — Stand by / wait

QRZ? — Who is calling me?

QSB — Signal fading

QSL — I acknowledge receipt · QSL? — Did you receive it?

QSO — Direct two-way contact

QSY — Change frequency

QTH — My location is … · QTH? — What is your location?

The extended set

QRO — Increase power

QSK — Break-in (hear between dits)

QSX — Listening on … (split)

QSP — Relay to …

QTC — I have traffic (messages follow)

QTR — The time is …

QRA — My station name is …

QRB — Distance between stations

QRG — Your exact frequency is …

QRU — Nothing for you (no traffic)

QST — General call to all stations

QSA — Signal strength (1–5)

QRK — Readability (1–5)

QSN — Did you hear me on …?

QSM — Send again (repeat last)

QDM — Heading to reach you (DF)

Want them to stick? The Q-Sign Meanings game plays each signal to you in Morse and asks what it means — by ear, at your speed. Find it on the Flight Practice screen.