Phonetic alphabet, Q-codes and RST reports
Three international standards to know by heart for the exam and on the air.
Phonetic alphabet (ICAO/NATO) — to spell a callsign unambiguously: A Alpha · B Bravo · C Charlie · D Delta · E Echo · F Foxtrot · G Golf · H Hotel · I India · J Juliett · K Kilo · L Lima · M Mike · N November · O Oscar · P Papa · Q Quebec · R Romeo · S Sierra · T Tango · U Uniform · V Victor · W Whiskey · X X-ray · Y Yankee · Z Zulu.
Q-codes — three-letter abbreviations, usable as a question ("QRZ?") or a statement. The most common:
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| QRZ | Who is calling me? |
| QRM | Interference (from other stations) |
| QRN | Atmospheric noise / static |
| QSB | Signal fading |
| QRP / QRO | Low / high power |
| QSO | A contact |
| QSL | Acknowledgement of receipt |
| QSY | Change frequency |
| QTH | Position / location |
| QRT | Stop transmitting |
RST report — grading a received signal:
- R (Readability), 1 to 5.
- S (Signal strength), 1 to 9.
- T (Tone), 1 to 9 — telegraphy (CW) only.
In voice you therefore give RS (e.g. "59" = perfectly readable, very strong); in CW you add the T ("599").
Related: Indicatifs, trafic et journal · Bruit de fond, SNR et sensibilité