http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Q_code
Q codes
Some of the more common Q codes
Q codes are used in many kinds of radio communications, including CB sideband but not typically on CB AM. (If your radio doesn’t have sideband, don’t worry about Q codes.) Q codes originated with amateur radio but their use in CB, even more so than 10 codes, can vary depending on who published the list.
The following is an abbreviated list of Q codes borrowed from amateur radio:
- QRM man made noise, adjacent channel interference
- QRN static noise
- QRO increase power
- QRP reduce power
- QRT shut down, clear
- QSL confirmation, often refers to confirmation cards exchanged by hams
- QSO conversation
- QSX standing by on the side
- QSY move to another frequency
- QTH address, location
The following is from a list of Q codes used by the X-Ray Club (a sideband-users club headquartered in Paradise, California):
- QRL Busy, Stand By
- QRM Man Made Interference
- QRT Stop Transmit or Shutting Down (same as 10-7 on AM)
- QRX Stop Transmit or Standing By
- QRZ Who is Calling?
- QS Receiving Well
- QSB Receiving Poorly
- QSK I have something to Say or Station breaking QSM Repeat Message
- QSO Radio Contact
- QSP Relay Message
- QSX Standing By (same as 10-10 on AM)
- QSY Changing Frequency
- QTH My Location is… or What’s your location? QTR Correct Time
Q codes may be used to ask questions (QTH?) or to answer them (QTH is 5th and Ivy Streets.)
The ARRL Handbook and the ARRL operating guides have more complete listings of those used for amateur radio. (ARRL is an amateur radio organization.) Historically, the Q signals were instituted at the ‘World Administrative Radio Conference’ (WARC) in 1912. Because of their international origin, Q codes may be more accepted outside English-speaking countries than 10 codes are.