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by disinfoniacs #69 & #1

q

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tldr

• Q codes serve as a standard communication language in Ham Radio
• Composed of 3 letters starting with "Q"
• Ham radio licensing exam covers a few commonly used Q codes:
• QRM refers to receiving Interference from other stations (manmade interference)
• QRN refers to static (natural interference, like lightning)
• QSY means change frequency and is used to switch to a different frequency.

in depth

Q codes serve as a standardized communication code, consisting of three letters starting with the letter "Q". There are many Q codes, and a comprehensive overview of them can be found on various ham resources such as above (here is a more detailed one). Don't try and immediately memorize these, they can be confusing. Consider printing out a cheat sheet to be able to quickly reference them.

The ham radio licensing exam tests on a few of the commonly used Q codes.

Two specific Q codes deal with the issue of interference:

• QRM stands for "Receiving Interference" and refers to interference from other stations. The letter "M" in QRM stands for manmade interference.
• QRN stands for "Static" and refers to natural interference or noise, such as lightning. The letter "N" in QRN represents natural interference.

Another useful Q code is QSY, which stands for "Change Frequency." This code is used to communicate that you are switching to a different frequency. You can remember this code because the word "frequency" ends with the letter "Y".

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