Q code guide: meanings and practical examples
Q Code on the radio
Consult the complete Q Code, understand the difference between official and operational use, and practice with examples of conversations between professional teams.
The audio examples are spoken in Brazilian Portuguese; this page provides English transcripts and explanations.
Quick reference
Look up a Q Code
What is the Q Code?
The Q Code is a historical set of three-letter groups beginning with “Q”. It was developed to make radiotelegraphy communication faster and, over time, came to be used also in voice communications. The same combination can function as a question or answer, depending on the context.
In business operations, security, events, logistics, and maintenance, some expressions are used as routine abbreviations. This reduces channel occupancy time, but it only works well when the entire team shares the same standard.
Before consulting
Official Q Code and operational use
Not every meaning heard in a company corresponds to the international standard. Identifying the origin of the term prevents different teams from interpreting the same message in incompatible ways.
Official Q Code
Gathers groups defined for radiocommunication services. Many originated in maritime, aeronautical, radiotelegraphic, and search and rescue contexts.
Operational use
Companies, security guards, and field teams have adapted some codes for routine. QRR as a request for support, QSD as driver, and QSV as vehicle are local examples.
The organization must record an internal table, train operators, and use direct language whenever there is risk, urgency, or possibility of doubt.
Quick operation guide
10 codes to get started
A short selection for reference, training, and team alignment.
02
Training
| Code | In direct language | Short example |
|---|---|---|
| QAPListening | On listening or at disposal, in Brazilian practical use. | “Stay QAP on channel 2.” |
| QSLConfirmation | Message received and understood. | “QSL, instruction received.” |
| QTHPosition | Location of the station or team. | “Report your current QTH.” |
| QRVReadiness | Ready or prepared to start. | “Team QRV to start.” |
| QRXWait | Wait until the informed time or call. | “Stay QRX for two minutes.” |
| QRMInterference | Interference caused by another transmission. | “There is QRM on channel 1.” |
| QSYChannel | Change to another frequency or programmed channel. | “Make QSY to channel 3.” |
| QSAStrength | Signal strength, on a scale of 1 to 5. | “Report the QSA of the transmission.” |
| QRKClarity | Signal intelligibility, on a scale of 1 to 5. | “Report the QRK of the reception.” |
| QRLBusy | The station is busy at the moment. | “I am QRL at this moment.” |
QAP: what does it mean in radio communication?
In popular operational use in Brazil, QAP often means “listening”, “I’m listening” or “stay tuned to the radio”. It’s common to hear phrases like “I’m QAP” to indicate that the person is available on the channel.
This use should not be automatically confused with the formal wording of all international tables. If the communication involves regulated services, emergency protocols, or integration with another organization, use the official procedure applicable to the activity.
“Support team, remain QAP on channel 2.” The internal procedure should make it clear that the instruction is to stay on listening.
“QSL, channel 2.” In this context, the team confirms that they received and understood the instruction.
Quick radio training
See the Q Code in a conversation
Choose a situation and listen to the complete conversation. Each speech begins with a PTT sound effect and includes the translation right below.
Interactive demonstration
Front desk and maintenance
Objective: locate the team and confirm the instruction.
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Front desk“Maintenance, this is the front desk. Report your QTH.”In direct languageMaintenance, this is the front desk. Report your location.
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Maintenance“This is maintenance. My QTH is block B, second floor. Adjustment completed.”In direct languageThis is maintenance. I am at block B, second floor. The adjustment has been completed.
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Front desk“QSL. Remain QAP on channel 2.”In direct languageUnderstood. Stay tuned on channel 2.
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Maintenance“QSL. I will remain QAP on channel 2.”In direct languageUnderstood. I will remain tuned on channel 2.
Shipping and checking
Objective: confirm availability and waiting time.
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Shipping“Checking, this is shipping. Are you QRV to receive at dock 3?”In direct languageChecking, this is shipping. Are you ready to receive at dock 3?
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Checking“This is checking. QRV. I’ll arrive at dock 3 in two minutes.”In direct languageThis is checking. I’m ready and I’ll arrive at dock 3 in two minutes.
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Shipping“QSL. I will remain QRX at dock 3.”In direct languageUnderstood. I will wait at dock 3.
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Checking“QSL. Thank you.”In direct languageUnderstood. Thank you.
Event coordination
Objective: verify reception quality.
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Coordination“Access team, this is coordination. Report QSA at the south gate.”In direct languageAccess team, this is coordination. Report signal strength at the south gate.
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Access“This is the access team. QSA 5. Clear reception.”In direct languageThis is the access team. The signal is excellent and reception is clear.
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Coordination“QSL. Remain QAP until the gates open.”In direct languageUnderstood. Stay alert until the gates open.
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Access“QSL. I will remain QAP.”In direct languageUnderstood. I will remain alert.
Channel change
Objective: recognize interference and confirm resumption.
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Supervision“Team, this is supervision. There is QRM on channel 1. QSY to channel 3.”In direct languageTeam, this is supervision. There is interference on channel 1. Change to channel 3.
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Team“Supervision, this is the team. QSL. QSY to channel 3.”In direct languageSupervision, this is the team. Understood. We are changing to channel 3.
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Supervision“Team, this is supervision on channel 3. Report QRK.”In direct languageTeam, this is supervision on channel 3. Report signal clarity.
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Team“This is the team. QRK 5. Clear communication.”In direct languageThis is the team. Clarity is excellent and communication is crisp.
After PTT, the audio plays the phrase with Q Code; the translation remains just below.
Choose a scenario or listen to the gatehouse conversation.
Extended reference
Q Code table
There are 56 codes and adaptations with summarized meaning, voice example, and category. Local uses are identified so as not to be confused with the international recommendation ITU-R M.1172.
56 codes
| Code | Summarized meaning | Voice example | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| QAP | On listening or at disposal, in Brazilian practical use. | “Stay QAP on channel 2.” | Operational use |
| QRA | Station name or operator identification. | “Provide your QRA.” | Identification |
| QRB | Approximate distance between two stations. | “What is the QRB between the teams?” | Position |
| QRD | Destination and point of origin. | “Provide your QRD.” | Travel |
| QRE | Estimated time of arrival at a location. | “What is the QRE at the support point?” | Travel |
| QRF | Return to a specified location. | “Confirm QRF to base.” | Travel |
| QRG | Exact frequency of a station. | “Confirm the operating QRG.” | Frequency |
| QRH | Variation in transmission frequency. | “Does the signal show QRH?” | Frequency |
| QRI | Tone quality: good, variable, or poor. | “How is the QRI of the transmission?” | Quality |
| QRK | Signal intelligibility, on a scale of 1 to 5. | “Report the QRK of the reception.” | Quality |
| QRL | The station is busy. | “I am QRL at this moment.” | Availability |
| QRM | Interference caused by other stations. | “There is QRM on channel 1.” | Interference |
| QRN | Static or noise of natural origin. | “Reception has QRN.” | Interference |
| QRO | Increase transmitter power. | “Should we operate in QRO?” | Power |
| QRP | Reduce transmitter power. | “Go to QRP.” | Power |
| QRQ | Transmit faster. | “You may transmit QRQ.” | Speed |
| QRS | Transmit more slowly. | “QRS, please.” | Speed |
| QRT | Cease transmission. | “Go QRT until further notice.” | Shutdown |
| QRU | Asks if there is a message; in response, there is no message. | “QRU for the team?” | Message |
| QRV | Ready or prepared. | “Team QRV to start.” | Availability |
| QRX | Wait until the informed time or call. | “Stay QRX for two minutes.” | Wait |
| QRY | Call order or turn in communication. | “What is my QRY?” | Call |
| QRZ | Who is calling this station? | “QRZ? Identify the station.” | Call |
| QSA | Signal strength, on a scale of 1 to 5. | “Report the QSA of the transmission.” | Quality |
| QSB | The signal is varying in strength. | “The signal has QSB.” | Quality |
| QSL | I acknowledge receipt of the message. | “QSL, instruction received.” | Confirmation |
| QSM | Repeat the last message. | “QSM, repeat the last part.” | Repetition |
| QSN | Confirmation of listening on a frequency. | “Did you hear me on the indicated QRG?” | Listening |
| QSO | Direct or relayed communication with another station. | “Can you make QSO with the front desk?” | Contact |
| QSP | Relay a message to another station. | “Please QSP this to the field team.” | Message |
| QSR | Repeat the call on the calling frequency. | “QSR, I did not receive the identification.” | Repetition |
| QSS | Frequency that will be used for the work. | “What will be the QSS for the operation?” | Frequency |
| QSU | Transmit or reply on this frequency. | “Please QSU on this frequency.” | Frequency |
| QSW | Transmit on the indicated frequency. | “I will QSW on the agreed frequency.” | Frequency |
| QSX | Listen for a station on the indicated frequency. | “Stay QSX on the support channel.” | Listening |
| QSY | Change to another frequency. | “Make QSY to channel 3.” | Frequency |
| QSZ | Transmit each word or group more than once. | “Send QSZ twice.” | Repetition |
| QTA | Cancel the indicated message. | “QTA the last instruction.” | Message |
| QTC | Number of messages to transmit. | “I have a QTC for supervision.” | Message |
| QTH | Position or location of the station. | “Report your current QTH.” | Position |
| QTR | Correct time. | “Report the QTR.” | Time |
| QAR | Close down listening or operation, according to internal procedure. | “Team authorized to go QAR.” | Operational use |
| QRR | Request for support, backup, or emergency in some security teams. | “Emergency. Request immediate support at the side gate.” | Local adaptation |
| QSD | Driver in some operations. Officially, it refers to distorted signals. | “Call the assigned driver.” | Local adaptation |
| QSJ | Value, payment, rate, or charge. | “Confirm the value with the person in charge.” | Value |
| QSK | Can I interrupt or enter the communication? | “QSK for urgent information?” | Call |
| QSV | Vehicle in some teams. The international meaning is technical and different. | “The vehicle is at the north access.” | Local adaptation |
| QTV | Keep listening for a station on the informed frequency. | “Keep monitoring this channel.” | Listening |
| QTX | Keep the station available until further notice. | “Remain available until shift change.” | Availability |
| QTY | Travel to the location of an incident and estimated time of arrival. | “Team en route, arrival in three minutes.” | Travel |
| QTZ | Continue carrying out a search. | “The team continues the search in the east sector.” | Search |
| QUA | News or information about a certain person or station. | “Is there information about the external team?” | Information |
| QUC | Identification of the last message received. | “Confirm the last message received.” | Message |
| QUD | Receipt of an urgency signal or message. | “Urgency received and confirmed.” | Urgency |
| QUF | Receipt of a distress or emergency signal. | “Distress signal received.” | Emergency |
| QUM | Resume normal operation after a distress situation. | “Normal operation can be resumed.” | Resumption |
Power, frequency, and operation must comply with the license, system programming, and applicable procedure. In business teams, prefer few well-trained codes.
International reference
Complete Q code: official list from QRA to QUZ
Open each series to consult the international meanings. Part of these codes was created for maritime, aeronautical, radiotelegraphic, and search and rescue operations. A company should adopt only the set compatible with its activity.
QRA to QRZIdentification, signal, and transmission control
| Code | Summarized international meaning |
|---|---|
| QRA | Station name. |
| QRB | Approximate distance between stations. |
| QRC | Organization responsible for the station’s accounts. |
| QRD | Destination and place of origin. |
| QRE | Estimated time of arrival. |
| QRF | Return to the indicated location. |
| QRG | Exact frequency. |
| QRH | Frequency variation. |
| QRI | Transmission tone. |
| QRJ | Number of radiotelephone calls. |
| QRK | Signal readability or intelligibility. |
| QRL | Station busy. |
| QRM | Interference from another station. |
| QRN | Noise or static. |
| QRO | Increase power. |
| QRP | Decrease power. |
| QRQ | Transmit faster. |
| QRR | Readiness for automatic operation in the international standard. |
| QRS | Transmit more slowly. |
| QRT | Stop transmitting. |
| QRU | Existence of a message. |
| QRV | Station ready. |
| QRW | Notify another station about a call. |
| QRX | Wait for a new call. |
| QRY | Order or turn to transmit. |
| QRZ | Identification of who is calling. |
QSA to QSZSignal strength, retransmission, and frequency
| Code | Summarized international meaning |
|---|---|
| QSA | Signal strength. |
| QSB | Signal variation or disappearance. |
| QSC | Low-traffic maritime station. |
| QSD | Deformed or mutilated signals. |
| QSE | Estimated drift of survival craft. |
| QSF | Rescue confirmation. |
| QSG | Number of messages per transmission. |
| QSH | Direction finding guidance. |
| QSI | Inability to interrupt a transmission. |
| QSJ | Value or rate. |
| QSK | Possibility of interrupting between signals. |
| QSL | Receipt confirmation. |
| QSM | Repetition of the last message. |
| QSN | Confirmation of listening on a frequency. |
| QSO | Direct or relayed communication. |
| QSP | Relay to another station. |
| QSQ | Presence of a doctor or designated person on board. |
| QSR | Repetition of the call. |
| QSS | Working frequency. |
| QSU | Transmission or response on this frequency. |
| QSV | Series of V letters or signals for adjustment. |
| QSW | Transmission on the indicated frequency. |
| QSX | Listening to the indicated station. |
| QSY | Change of frequency or channel. |
| QSZ | Repetition of each word or group. |
QTA to QTZMessages, position, time and movement
| Code | Summarized international meaning |
|---|---|
| QTA | Message cancellation. |
| QTB | Word count check. |
| QTC | Number of messages to transmit. |
| QTD | What was recovered in a rescue operation. |
| QTE | True direction between stations. |
| QTF | Position calculated by direction finding. |
| QTG | Signals for direction determination. |
| QTH | Location or position. |
| QTI | True course. |
| QTJ | Speed through water or air. |
| QTK | Aircraft speed relative to the ground. |
| QTL | True heading. |
| QTM | Magnetic heading. |
| QTN | Departure time. |
| QTO | Departure from port or takeoff. |
| QTP | Arrival at port or landing. |
| QTQ | Communication using the International Code of Signals. |
| QTR | Correct time. |
| QTS | Transmission of call sign for the specified period. |
| QTT | Identification superimposed on another transmission. |
| QTU | Operating hours. |
| QTV | Maintaining listening watch. |
| QTW | Condition of survivors. |
| QTX | Availability until further notice. |
| QTY | Proceeding to incident and estimated time of arrival. |
| QTZ | Continuation of search. |
QUA to QUZUrgency, distress, and search and rescue
| Code | Summarized international meaning |
|---|---|
| QUA | News of a person or station. |
| QUB | Wind, visibility, and weather conditions. |
| QUC | Identification of the last message received. |
| QUD | Receipt of urgency signal. |
| QUE | Communication in the indicated language. |
| QUF | Receipt of a distress or emergency signal. |
| QUH | Barometric pressure at sea level. |
| QUM | Resumption of normal operation. |
| QUN | Position, course, and speed. |
| QUO | Search for aircraft, ship, or vessel. |
| QUP | Position indication with visual signal. |
| QUR | Equipment received or rescue completed. |
| QUS | Sighting of survivors or wreckage. |
| QUT | Marking of incident position. |
| QUU | Guidance of vessel or aircraft to a position. |
| QUW | Presence in the search area. |
| QUX | Navigation or storm warnings. |
| QUY | Marking of survival craft. |
| QUZ | Resumption of restricted operation during danger. |
TKS, TU and NIL are not Q codes. They may appear in conversations and should be documented separately.
How to use the Q Code without causing confusion
A short vocabulary can speed up operation, but excessive abbreviations alienate new users and increase the risk of misinterpretation. For a business team, the best practice is to adopt only the codes that actually help the work.
- Choose a small set of codes for the routine.
- Record the adopted meaning in the operational procedure.
- Train new users with real examples and brief messages.
- Confirm critical instructions; do not assume the code was understood.
- Define channels, groups, identification and priority before starting the operation.
- Review the programming and coverage of the equipment periodically.
An efficient message has a beginning, content and confirmation
Identify who is calling, indicate who should respond, transmit one piece of information at a time and wait for confirmation. Instead of filling the channel with codes, combine plain language with terms already mastered by the team.
Transmission model
How to put together a message on the radio
A professional call informs who should respond, who is calling, what happened, where it happened and what action is expected.
- RecipientBase or team that should respond
- IdentificationPost name, sector, or operator
- Situation and locationOne piece of information at a time, with objective location
- Action and confirmationExpected action and confirmation with QSL
“Base, this is Post 2. QTC: side door open at the warehouse QTH. Requesting supervisor verification. QSL?”
QRR and emergency situations
In private security, QRR is often used as a request for support or backup. This is an adapted meaning and differs from the international reference. In a real situation, do not rely solely on the code.
Prefer: “Emergency. Requesting immediate support at parking lot B. Aggressive individual near the side entrance.”
Professional applications
Examples by work environment
The examples show how to combine a few codes with direct language. Each team should adapt post names, channels, and procedures.
Patrol and front desk
“Front desk, this is Patrol 1. QSL from the garage QTH. QRU no changes.”
Reception and housekeeping
“Housekeeping, this is reception. QTC at QTH room 804. Team QRV?”
Access coordination
“Coordination, this is Gate 2. High flow at the east access. Requesting backup.”
Line and maintenance
“Maintenance, this is Line 4. QTC at QTH packaging sector. QRV for inspection?”
Shipping and dock
“Forklift 2, this is shipping. Load released at QTH dock 6. QRV?”
Security and support
“Maintenance, this is reception. Elevator stopped on the fifth floor. Team QRV?”
Access and garage
“Patrol 1, this is front desk. Check the vehicle at QTH garage access. QSL?”
Foreman and team
“Electrical team, this is the foreman. Inspection needed at QTH third floor.”
Clarity on the channel
Good practices that avoid cut-off messages
Wait after PTT
Press the button and wait a moment before speaking. This avoids cutting off the first word.
Be brief
Report what happened, where it happened, and what action is needed.
Confirm the essentials
Locations, names, numbers, and important instructions must be confirmed.
Protect information
Do not transmit passwords, personal data, or confidential information unnecessarily.
Equipment, coverage, and procedure work together
Knowing the Q Code does not fix shadow zones, interference, insufficient battery, or inadequate programming. Reliable operation depends on the combination of procedure, training, and a radio solution compatible with the environment.
ABC Mais Telecom operates as a B2B reseller and integrator, with radiocommunication equipment, rental for companies and events and specialized technical assistance. The indication must consider area, number of users, obstacles, shifts, and integration needs.
Frequently asked questions about the Q Code
Does QAP mean “listening”?
In popular Brazilian operational use, yes. However, the formal meaning may vary depending on the service and the table adopted. Document the meaning used by the team.
Does QSL mean “understood”?
In voice routine, QSL is usually used to confirm receipt or understanding. For critical instructions, add a confirmation in clear language.
Does QTO mean “bathroom”?
Not in the formal table. QTO deals with leaving a bay or port, or takeoff. Using it as a synonym for bathroom is an informal custom that can cause confusion and is not adopted in this guide.
What does QRR mean for security guards?
In part of private security, QRR indicates a request for support, reinforcement, or emergency. It is an operational adaptation. In risk situations, also say “emergency”, inform the location, and objectively describe the necessary support.
Does QSV mean vehicle?
Some teams use QSV for vehicle, but this is not the international meaning. If the company adopts this adaptation, it must be included in the internal procedure and training.
Does QSD mean driver?
This use exists in some operations, but the international meaning of QSD deals with distorted signals. The adaptation should only be used when all operators know the same standard.
Is TKS part of the Q Code?
No. TKS is an auxiliary abbreviation for “thank you”. TU and NIL may also appear in communication, but they are not codes starting with the letter Q.
Is it mandatory to use the Q Code on the company radio?
Not as a general rule. The most important thing is to follow the applicable regulations and maintain a procedure that is understandable, trained, and appropriate for the activity.
Does the Q Code improve radio range?
No. It organizes messages. Range and coverage depend on frequency, authorized power, antenna, terrain, obstacles, infrastructure, and design.
How to choose the radio for a B2B operation?
Start with the coverage area, environment, number of users, battery life, durability, channels, and required features. A consultant can help compare purchase, rental, and infrastructure.
Q Code: turn inquiry into training
Use the Q Code in short exercises, confirm understanding, and record only the terms useful for your operation.
Sources and references
- Anatel: Radio Amateur Handbook.
- Anatel: Act No. 3.448/2026, operational requirements of the Amateur Radio Service.
- UIT-R M.1172: abbreviations and signals for radiocommunications.
- Polícia Federal: training and refresher material for security guards.
- Anatel: operational requirements of the Citizen Radio Service.
- Anatel: Regulation of Telecommunications Services.
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