Like many amateurs, I thought that Q-signals had, like CW, pretty much been left to amateur radio operators. I was surprised then, when a link on Twitter led me to Allied Communications Publication 131(F), published in 2009. ACP 131(F) is a publication of the Combined Communications-Electronics Board (CCEB), which is comprised of five member nations: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and the United States.
In addition to a comprehensive list of Q-signals, the publication also includes a list of Z-signals (anyone know why Z-signals were developed and who used/uses them?) and operating signals for search and rescue operations and message handling. There’s also a list of standard abbreviations.
Of course, the specified usage for some Q-signals differ from the way amateurs use them. For example, QTH is defined as “What is your position in latitude and longitude (or… according to any other indication)?” or “My position is…latitude longitude (or according to any other indication).” When hams use this Q-signal we just give our city and state.
One Q-signal that I didn’t find is QLF. That Q-signal means “Are you sending with your left foot?” Maybe the ARRL needs to set up its own committee to specify the usage of Q-signals for amateur use.
John says
There is a version of Q-signals used in some areas for law enforcement communication. Miami-Dade, Florida comes to mind. Don’t know how many other agencies might do the same.
73
John
KU8Q
Dan KB6NU says
Do you know if they are different from the Q-signals that hams use or different from the Q-signals in this document?
John Murphy says
Z signals are used in the military. As I have spent the last 5 years involved in USAF MARS, I have used a lot of these Z signals on digital modes. According to Roger Wendell, WBØJNR, on his Q and Z signals website (http://www.rogerwendell.com/qandz.html), ‘Z Signals (The Z code) were developed shortly after the creation of the Q code and was widely used in commerce, military, and maritime operations. As a Coast Guard Radioman I used a lot of “Z” signals in addition to the “Q” signals I grew accustomed to as an amateur radio operator in my early teens.’
73 de KCØJPO/AFA8JP
John Murphy
“When all else fails…Amateur Radio”
PIO Adams County (CO) ARES
ARES/RACES/AFMARS Nothwest Area, Region 8
USAF Security Police, 1973-84
Don N4KC says
I don’t watch that many episodes of “Cops” because I’m afraid I’ll see some of my relatives on there. However, imagine my surprise a while back when they were featuring Miami-Dade County, Florida, and the guys were using “QSL” instead of “10-4,” and “QTH” rather than “10-20.” KU8Q noted that above, too. Those were the only ones I caught so don’t know how similar or different they are.
73,
Don N4KC
http://www.n4kc.com
http://www.donkeith.com
Bob K0NR says
Don’t forget QKC:
QKC: I am kerchunking the repeater
QKC?: Are you kerchunking the repeater?
See http://www.k0nr.com/wordpress/2012/12/proper-kerchunking/
73, Bob K0NR