In the early days of radio, all communiqué was done via Morse, and because this was time-consuming and tiresome process, a Q code was developed.

The Q code is a set of three-letter code signals to be used in radiotelegraphy and amateur radio communications. It was instituted at the Radiotelegraph Convention held in London in 1912.

Many militaries and other organizations that use the morse code have their own code they use besides the Q code, such as the Z code that is in use in most European and NATO countries.

In most military morse code transmissions, any freeform text is strictly forbidden and all communications must be accomplished by the use of the Q and Z code.

In modern everyday amateur radio practice, the Q codes are more commonly used as shorthand nouns, verbs, or adjectives.

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