CB RADIO SIDEBAND Q CODES

11 Meter CB SSB Q codes

The " Q-Codes " were initially a standard collection of three letters all starting with Q used for commercial radio telegraph services. Like any other code, they were soon adapted by other services. The codes in the range QAA-QNZ are reserved for aeronautical use; QOA-QOZ for maritime use, and QRA-QUZ for all services. Sometimes you will hear a policeman on COPS say "QSL", meaning 10-4. OK. These codes are are widely used in CW operation in Amateur Radio. They are not so popular in Ham Radio voice modes. Ham operators on voice seem to have limited themselves to the use of just a few on these Q-Codes.

You will also hear 11meter cb radio operators using these codes on SSB (sideband). Cb Radio "Sidebanders" often use the efficiency of SSB to talk greater distances. Cb Sideband operators are usually folks looking to use cb as a more professional means of communication as compared to channel 19 AM.

Common Q-Code Mistake on Cb Radio: There is one particular mistake in ssb cb radio q code operations. It's misuse is so bad it has raged on as an epidemic for years. It is "QRT". QRT means someone is shutting their radio off or leaving the radio. Someone going QRT won't be back till later. Usually alot later like tomarro. The usual designation of QRT is "stop transmitting". The problem is, some cb sidebanders have confused this and made it literal. You will often hear a rookie SSB cber say "This is blah blah and we are QRT and standing by". This is wrong. QRT means you are "shuttin er down". Sometimes you will hear an old cber mock those that make this mistake by saying "what are you going to shut your radio off and stand beside it"?

Some of The Q codes below are phrased as a question. They also have the same meaning in non question form. Example: QRN. Are you troubled by static? or "I have lots of QRN". Meaning "I have lots of static".

  • QRA - Name of your station
  • QRG - Exact frequency
  • QRH - Frequency Variation - "drifting"
  • QRI - Audio Tine
  • QRK- Intellegibility - Understandability
  • QRL- Busy
  • QRM - Intentional Interference
  • QRN - Static, Pops, Squeaks etc
  • QRO - Increased transmitter power
  • QRP - Low transmitter powe?
  • QRQ - Send code or message faster
  • QRS - Send code or message slower
  • QRT - Turning Radio off and leaving Station
  • QRU - Listening for Calls
  • QRV- Are you ready to copy?
  • QRW - Shall I tell___you are calling him?
  • QRX- When will you call again?
  • QRZ - Who is calling my station?
  • QSA - Signal Strength
  • QSB - Signal fading
  • QSD - Defective CW Key
  • QSG - Shall I send___messages at a time?
  • QSK - Break - A Form of polite interuption
  • QSL- I copy your message - Message received
  • QSM - Repeat last message
  • QSO- Direct Communication - A conversation
  • QSP - Relay
  • QSV- Shall I send a series of V's?
  • QSW - Will you transmit on ___?
  • QSX - Will you listen for ___on ___?
  • QSY - Change Frequency
  • QSZ - Shall I send each word group more than once?
  • QTA - Cancel Number
  • QTB - Do you agree with my word count?
  • QTC - How many messages have you to send?
  • QTH - Station Location
  • QTR - Time of day or night
  • QTV - Shall I stand guard for you ?
  • QTX - Will you keep your station open for further communication with me?
  • QUA -- Have you news of ___?


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