Did you happen to see the Tonight Show episode from a few years back in which a couple young gun telephone text messengers competed against a couple veteran amateur radio operators using Morse code? They both sent the same message, and guess what? The old-timers and their 100+ year-old Morse code technology won.
I'd love to share that video with you, but NBC has a strict copyright on it. That doesn't mean you can't find the video online. But it DOES mean you won't find it here. (sigh)
Anyway, the fact is, some CW operators can copy and send at 50 WPM and higher. Most of us can't, but even for the lightning quick operators, shortcuts make a Morse code conversation much more relaxed and efficient. Much like texters, Morse code operators use a lot of abbreviations, too, and they also use something called Q SIGNALS.
In the course of a contact, some questions and responses are fairly standard, so why take the time to send the same sentence in its entirety over and over again? Instead, we can send a three-letter group. For example:
- QSL? Do you acknowledge receipt, or did you copy that?
- QSL I acknowledge receipt, or I copied that.
- QTH? What is your location?
- QTH My location is _______
- QRZ? Who is calling me?
- QRZ You are being called by _______
- QRL? Is the frequency in use?
- QRL The frequency is in use.
And so on. There are many others, and even a few silly ones, like QLF? for Are you sending with your left foot? which, trust me, is not exactly a compliment.
In addition to a host of common abbreviations and Q signals, we also have a few numbered shortcuts, too. Like 73 means best regards and 88 means hugs and kisses. My favorite, though, is 33, which expresses the special bond between females who enjoy, and thrive in, this historically male-heavy domain.
Until next time, take care of yourselves. And each other.
Until next time, take care of yourselves. And each other.