Technical terms in the world of HAM Radio
In Amateur Radio many technical terms are in common use. Many frequently used terms have their origin in abbreviations created for morse code. The Radio Amateurs are also called HAMs.
To reduce the number of characters to be transmitted in Morse Code, a lot of special abbreviations were created for international use. Many of them begin with the letter Q, as part of the Q-Code. This helps to communicate easier betwen different languages and reduces traffic volume. Many of these codes are used today in voice communication.
The aim for using such codes is not to cover the communication, but the efficient, undisturbed und precise transport of information.
Examples:
| QRM | Your emission is disturbed by interferences | CQ | general call ("seek you") |
| QRZ? | Who is calling me ? | CU | Good bye ("see you") |
| QSL | I confirm reception | pse | please |
| QSO | I am in communication (with...) | 73 | Regards |
| QTH | My location is ... |