Ham Radio Lingo and Q-Codes

Ham operators still use Morse Code. However, as you can imagine, sending a lengthy text can be time-consuming. Of course, you can always pair your ham radio with a computer for a smoother experience but using Q-Codes will make communication faster.

Ham operators also developed their own lingo just like CB radio owners. Using Q-Codes and ham radio lingo usually shows that you are a skilled ham operator, and this will earn you respect from other hams.

Today, we’ll thus take a look at a few Q-Codes and ham radio lingo that will help set you apart from the newbies. Though there’s a lot to learn when it comes to ham radio lingo, we picked the most popular words that you will come across often.

What is a Q-Code?

A Q-Code is a standardized set of three letters that is used in commercial radiotelegraph communication to reduce the time it takes to convey messages. Most of the codes begin with the letter “Q” hence the name “Q-Code”.

The codes fall into specific groups. For instance, the QAA-QNZ range usually has codes that are relevant in the aviation industry while the QOA-QQZ has codes that are ideal for marine use. QRA-QUZ has general codes that are suitable for practically anything.

Q-Codes

Without further ado, here is a list of a few of the common Q-Codes that you can start using today.

Application of Q Codes

Q-Codes usually have two portions. The first part contains the question while the second part has the answers. Ideally, you are supposed to substitute a question with the relevant Q-Code to convey your message.

You can also use Q-Codes naturally within a conversation. For example, someone stating that he/she has a high level of QRM means that he/she is experiencing high levels of interference.

Ham Radio Lingo

Now that you know of a few of the Q-Codes that hams use, it’s time you learnt the ham radio lingo. Using ham radio lingo will not only show that you are conversant with ham radios, but it could also help you get respect from other ham operators that you interact with. It also increases your chances of making a couple of friends.

Ham Radio Lingo	Meaning
73	Best Regards
88	Hugs or Kisses
ACSB	Amplitude Compandored Sideband modulation
AGC	Automatic Gain Control
Barefoot	Running your transmitter without an amplifier
AOS	Acquisition of Signal (mostly from a satellite)
ARRL	American Radio Relay League
BFO	Beat Frequency Oscillator
Bird	Refers to a satellite or at times the brand name of a powerful wattmeter
Boat Anchor	Refers to an old, heavy radio
BPSK	Binary Phase Shift Keying
Brass Pounder	Refers to someone who sends telegraph the old-fashioned way
CBA	Call Book Address
CC&R’s	Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions – Rules drawn up by the homeowner’s associations
CTCSS	Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System
DX	Long distance
Eyeball	Face-to-face meeting
FB	Fine Business
Keyer	An electronic device that lets you send Morse Code semi-automatically
LOS	Loss of signal
LSB	Lower sideband
MPR	Mass Produced Rig – A mass-produced radio
MUF	Maximum Useable Frequency
NB	Noise Blanker
NCS	Net Control Station
NTS	National Traffic System
PEP	Peak Envelope Power
PL	Private Line
PM	Phase/Pulse Modulation
PTT	Push to Talk
QCWA	Quarter Century Wireless Club
QSL Manager	Amateur Radio operator
Rig	Radio
RST	Readability, Strength, Tone
RX	Receive
SWL	Shortwave Listener
Ticket	FCC License
Talk-Around	Simplex
VEC	Volunteer Exam Coordinator
WAC	Worked All Continents
WAN	Worked All Neighbors
WAS	Worked All States
WX	Weather

Conclusion

All in all, learning ham radio lingo and Q-Codes is a gradual process. Despite picking up one or two words that you can use the next time you want to transmit using your ham radio, it is a good idea to use the words naturally as you will learn them far quicker. Remember not to overuse them too. Not everyone is conversant with ham radio lingo and Q-Codes.