ACP 131(B) Q-Signals and Z-Signals

Q-Signals (e.g., QSL meaning “I confirm”) were in wide use during the days of radio telegraphy. Their meaning is universal in any language, which made it easier for radio operators in different nations to communicate. Although they’re still around (and ACP 131F is considered the authoritative source per Wikipedia), we hear only a smattering of them on the ham bands, mostly in the QRA – QRZ, QSA – QSZ, and QTA – QTZ series.

I’ve had this old document for decades. It’s an older version with Changes 1 – 5, with Change 5 dated 28 April 1976, which was just before I went into the Air Force, so I’m presuming I got it then. I put it here for its historical value, because it reflects current usage back then. The most up-to-date version can be found here at the DoD DTIC website.

I’ve organized this the same way my book is organized: using tabs. Also, accessing the book a little at a time makes each section download more quickly. Clicking on a link brings up the section in another browser tab. Once you close that tab, you should come back here.

Note that although this is a nice, clear, sharp scanned copy, the text is selectable and copyable.

INTRODUCTION

• Cover page, table of contents, instructions for use

Q-SIGNALS DECODE

• QAA – QBZ
• QCA – QDZ
• QEA – QFZ
• QGA – QHZ
• QIA – QJZ
• QKA – QLZ
• QMA – QNZ. Please note that amateur radio operators have created their own set of QNx signals for net operation. You can see these by going here at the ARRL site and scrolling down toward the bottom.
• QOA – QQZ (reserved for the maritime services)
• QRA – QSZ
• QTA – QUZ
• QVA – QZZ (reserved)

Z-SIGNAL DECODE

• ZAA – ZBZ
• ZCA – ZDZ
• ZEA – ZFZ
• ZGA – ZHZ
• ZIA – ZJZ
• ZKA – ZLZ
• ZMA – ZNZ
• ZOA – ZPZ
• ZQA – ZRZ
• ZSA – ZTZ
• ZUA – ZVZ
• ZWA – ZXZ

ENCODE

• Search and Rescue
• Radio Navigation
• Direction Finding
• Aeronautical and Sea Operations
• Meteorology
• Communications Equipment and Circuits Adjusting and Testing
• Circuit Discipline and Net Control. See also the ham-radio-specific list of Q-signals used for net control here at the ARRL site (scroll down toward the bottom).
• Message Handling
• Security and Cryptographic
• Visual
• Exercise and Miscellaneous
• Miscellaneous Abbreviations and Symbols (Both Decode and Encode)
• Series ZYA – ZZZ (Reserved for intra-nation, intra-service, or intra-command use)
• Designation of Emissions [Note that this section is way, way out of date!]
• List of Effective Pages [Through Change 5]