2670: Morse Code Codes Apr 9, 2022

Other than Q-codes, along with the less common Z-codes and X-codes, Morse code uses lots of standard abbreviations. Some of these will be linked to the words they abbreviate, like BN (all between); C (correct) or FWD (forward) to name a few, plenty of others are simply usefully short, like CQD (All stations distress) or K (invitation to transmit) but have no relation to the meaning. Others still use a combination, like WX (weather) or even just use numbers 73 (best regards). These sorts of official codes were accompanied by many more unofficial codes to speed up communication.

2669: Q-Codes Apr 8, 2022

Morse code can be send fairly quickly, but as with any system, it eventually developed its own abbreviations. There were hundreds of these, but some were more particular than others. Q-codes are particular in two ways: all begin with the letter Q, and they have been designed for use various branches of the military, beginning in 1912. Although scores exist, the first dozen were various naval codes, each with a certain meaning depending on whether a question or answer. For instance:

•QRA: (question) What ship or coast station is that? (answer) This is...

•QRC: (question) What is your true bearing? (answer) true bearing is … degrees

These were later expanded, but always with a question-answer format.