Video credit to ARRL

https://baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2025/10/10/federal-radio-legislation

video credits to

Ham Radio 2.0

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FA5K3Ymzt/?mibextid=wwXIfr

The Invention and Implementation of Q Codes in Morse Communication 📡

In the early 20th century, long before voice radio became widespread, Morse code was the primary means of wireless communication across ships, aircraft, and telegraph stations.  However, language barriers often made international communication difficult. A British initiative solved this problem by introducing the Q Code system, a standardized set of three-letter abbreviations beginning with the letter “Q.” 

The Origin of Q Codes

The Q Code was first developed by the British government in 1909, primarily by the British Post Office, to simplify and standardize radio communication among ships and coastal stations. The goal was to create a common language that could be universally understood, regardless of nationality or spoken language. 

Since English was not universally spoken by all radio operators, these three-letter codes helped operators quickly exchange important information using only Morse code.  Each code represented a complete question or statement. 

For example:

QRM – “Is my transmission being interfered with?” or “Your transmission is being interfered with.” 

QRN – “Are you troubled by static noise?” or “I am troubled by static noise.” 

QTH – “What is your location?” or “My location is ___.” 

This made international communication both faster and more reliable. 

Adoption and Expansion

By 1912, the International Radiotelegraph Convention officially adopted the Q Code system, and it soon became a global standard. It was expanded beyond maritime use to include aviation, military, and amateur radio communications. 

The codes were grouped by function:

QRA–QRZ: General operational information 

QSA–QSZ: Signal quality and strength 

QTA–QTZ: Message handling and procedures 

QRA–QRZ: Identification and station details 

This organization allowed operators to instantly identify the meaning based on the prefix range. 

Implementation in Morse Code

In Morse code, each Q Code consists of three letters, each transmitted in dots and dashes. For example:

QTH in Morse:

– –.–  –  ….

During communication, the operator would send these letters followed by a question mark (if it was a query) or by relevant data (if it was an answer). 

For instance:

“QTH?” → “What is your location?”

“QTH London” → “My location is London.” 

This short format dramatically reduced transmission time, saving valuable bandwidth and minimizing operator fatigue during long shifts. 

 Q Codes in Amateur (Ham) Radio

With the rise of amateur radio (ham radio) in the 1920s and beyond, hobbyists quickly adopted Q Codes because they were concise and universally understood.  Even today, Morse code operators and voice radio users continue to use many Q Codes, often mixed into casual speech. 

For example:

“My QTH is Paris.” 

“There’s heavy QRM tonight.” 

Such expressions remain part of ham radio culture, linking modern operators with their historical roots. 

 Conclusion

The invention of Q Codes represents one of the most practical and enduring solutions in communication history. Created over a century ago to overcome language barriers, these compact three-letter groups made Morse code faster, clearer, and truly international. 

Even in the era of satellites and the Internet, Q Codes continue to remind us of the ingenuity of early radio pioneers who turned simple dots and dashes into a universal language of connection. 

Stones River Amateur Radio Club Winter Field Day 2025

Come out and enjoy Winter Field Day with us! Whether you stay for an hour or for the full event, we would love to have you as a guest! WFD is a great opportunity to exercise your portable gear and hang out with other hams. You do NOT need to be a club member or a licensed operator to join in the fun. We will have multiple stations setup for both the contest portion of the event, as well as demonstrations of various modes of operation.

When:      Saturday & Sunday, January 25 & 26, 2025
Where:    Barfield Crescent Park Pavilions #3 & #4
Address: 697 Veterans Pkwy, Murfreesboro, TN 37128
Contact: Mark Swicord, KD4EYF, mswicord@mindspring.com
Talk-In:    145.230- T114

The Winter Field Day event runs from 10AM CST on Saturday through 4PM CST on Sunday.

For the contest participants, please familiarize yourself with the Winter Field Day rules.

Please join us for a Parks On The Air Rally

November 9, 2024 at 0900

Standing Stone State Park, Shelter #3
We will have a presentation on “how to POTA” where we will

cover several topics, including:
Creating an account
Equipment

What to say (aka – the exchange)

Logging contacts
Awards

For those interested, we will also be camping at the park

November 8-10.
Lunch will be provided!

Sponsored by the Macon Area Ham
Radio Society and the Stones River Amateur Radio Club

Stones River Amateur Radio Club Field Day 2024

Come out and enjoy ARRL Field Day with us. Whether you stay for an hour or for the full event, we would love to have you! FD is a great opportunity to exercise your portable gear and hang out with other hams. You do NOT need to be a club member to participate.

When:      June 22&23, 2024
Where:    Barfield Park Pavilion #3
Address: 697 Veterans Pkwy, Murfreesboro, TN 37128
Contact: Mark Swicord, KD4EYF, mswicord@mindspring.com
Talk-In:    145.230- T114

Other arrangements forthcoming. (Ie food, exact times, etc)

The first Amateur Radio Challenge Course will be held on Saturday June 1, 2024 at 9AM. Come join in the fun and test your skills with your HT!

WHO:
	ALL licensed Amateur Radio operators are welcome and encouraged to participate. Unlicensed individuals are welcome to spectate and learn about our club.

WHEN:
	June 1st
	9AM until ???

WHERE:
	Stones River National Battlefield
	- Park in the Overflow Parking (Gravel lot north of the Visitor's Center)
                 - Map
	
WHY:
	This event is designed to practice and maintain Emergency Communications skills at a foundational level.
	Experienced club members will be on-site and available to mentor less experienced operators in a game-like environment.

WHAT TO BRING:
	Required:
	- VHF capable handheld radio
	- Paper/pen

	Recommended:
	- Radio manual
	- External antenna/support/adapter(s)
	- Spare battery/charger
	- Water
	- Sun protection
		
GOAL:
	Complete the Challenge Course in the shortest time, while relying on external assistance as little as possible.
		
RULES:
	1) Have FUN!!! (Our club callsign is K4FUN, after all)
	2) No internet use allowed while running the Challenge Course.
	3) Participants may not use memory channels if they were programmed before starting the Challenge Course
	4) Once a participant has started the Challenge Course, they may only use the equipment they brought with them
	5) Participants may run the Challenge Course as many times as desired.

About 30 members of Murfreesboro Boy Scout Troop 416 participated in the Boy Scouts International Jamboree-On-The-Air (JOTA) on October 15,2022.

Members of the Stones River Amateur Radio Club of Murfreesboro – David Jones is the Troop 416 Scoutmaster — assisted the Scouts with the event. The Stones River Amateur Radio Club brought its Amateur Radio Emergency Service trailer, which is always on standby to help during disasters such as a tornado.

Mikel Turner helped this Boy Scout make a contact.

Doug Lowe sharing his considerable expertise with some Cub Scouts.