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Author Topic: QRL / "?" response  (Read 1911 times)

AA4Q

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Re: QRL / "?" response
« Reply #15 on: June 02, 2021, 10:33:18 AM »

I thought "C" as an abbreviation for "yes" came from the name of the letter sounding like "Si"

ironically "si" takes fewer dit lengths than "c"

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K1VSK

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Re: QRL / "?" response
« Reply #16 on: June 02, 2021, 12:16:47 PM »

I thought "C" as an abbreviation for "yes" came from the name of the letter sounding like "Si"

ironically "si" takes fewer dit lengths than "c"
I doubt anyone can know for certain but regardless of its origin, the ā€˜C’ was always the commonly accepted reply.
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WB0FDJ

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Re: QRL / "?" response
« Reply #17 on: June 02, 2021, 01:35:55 PM »

decades ago someone told me didit dit  (.. .   or "i e") can be used to mean "is the freq in use" or "QRL?") who else uses that? I think I heard it used back in the 70's but not since then.
AA4Q

Back in the early '70s I met an OT who had been licensed, at that time, since the '30s. Hard core CW. He taught me that didit dit was considered the "proper" way to query a frequency. For a lot of years I did just that but found that fewer and fewer had any idea what it meant. I'm glad you brought that up!

Doc WB0FDJ
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N2TO

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Re: QRL / "?" response
« Reply #18 on: October 09, 2021, 06:56:05 PM »

I reply "C yes". Covers all bases, always works.

73 Kevin N2TO
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W3UEC

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Re: QRL / "?" response
« Reply #19 on: October 10, 2021, 08:26:36 AM »

If I hear "QRL", I usually send my call sign. I have always assumed that it as not proper to transmit in a way that your station could not be identified and impolite to preclude someone else from using a frequency without letting them know who you are.

VY 73 de W3UEC (Steve)
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N2SR

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Re: QRL / "?" response
« Reply #20 on: October 10, 2021, 09:50:03 AM »

I'm not sure, but if someone sends QRL, ?, etc, and the station that was there sends almost anything back, the first station should assume the frequency is in use and move on. 

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NI0C

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Re: QRL / "?" response
« Reply #21 on: October 10, 2021, 03:14:58 PM »

Someone arriving on a frequency and sending just a question mark is indicating to me that they are clueless. I hear this quite often-- usually on a frequency where a DX station has been spotted recently. Apparently the person can't hear the DX and wants to know what is going on. Better to listen and not transmit, risking interference with others with better ears or propagation. 
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K5TEN

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Re: QRL / "?" response
« Reply #22 on: October 13, 2021, 11:42:36 PM »

Is there a standard CW response to someone transmitting a "?" or QRL on a frequency you're using?

The operator is just asking "Is this frequency in use?" If he sent "QRL?", and you are working that frequency, then the answer should be "QRL", without the question mark. "QRL", without the question mark means "This frequency is in use.". Sometimes a user shortens that to "?", but it means the same thing and the answer should also be "QRL". While a "?" is short and less intrusive, I prefer to use "QRL?".

It may be that the other station can not hear you. It has happened to me several times.

Edited to add this link to Q-Signals.


What he Said.....

It is amateur radio courtesy for decades to listen to your frequency first!!  At least a few minutes.  Then transmit:  "QRL   QRL   DE  K5TEN  K"  (for me).

If the frequency is clear, then call CQ or the station you might have a sked with.


The important part is to listen first....then call CQ.

After that you are OK.

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K7IWW

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Re: QRL / "?" response
« Reply #23 on: February 06, 2022, 07:11:48 PM »

"C" = "si" = "yes"
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K3XR

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Re: QRL / "?" response
« Reply #24 on: February 06, 2022, 08:30:45 PM »

I just quickly send a few R's.

Always works for me.  KISS.
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KH6AQ

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Re: QRL / "?" response
« Reply #25 on: February 07, 2022, 04:44:05 PM »

Strange but as I was reading this thread a station came on a few seconds after me and another station said our goodbyes, called QRL? and without listening starting CQing. I usually just send YES.
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N4KZ

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Re: QRL / "?" response
« Reply #26 on: February 16, 2022, 03:14:53 PM »

A reply of C -- as in confirmed -- is a standard response to QRL? Or send yes. To me, responding to QRL? with QRL seems confusing. 73, N4KZ
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WO7R

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Re: QRL / "?" response
« Reply #27 on: February 16, 2022, 08:55:09 PM »

Quote
A reply of C -- as in confirmed -- is a standard response to QRL? Or send yes. To me, responding to QRL? with QRL seems confusing.

Possibly, but also bog standard for Q codes.

Many/most Q codes have a form with and without a question mark.  The question mark version "asks", the non-question mark version "answers" or "states".

https://www.arrl.org/files/file/Get%20on%20the%20Air/Comm%20w%20Other%20Hams-Q%20Signals.pdf

Thus, QRL means "I am busy" and QRL? means "Are you busy"?   This also is identical to:  QRL?  . . ."is the frequency busy/in use" and QRL means "yes it is".
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K3TN

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Re: QRL / "?" response
« Reply #28 on: February 17, 2022, 04:01:26 AM »

When I'm actively running (calling CQ) and someone sends out QRL? , my reponse will vary:

If it comes at a slow point, I will reply with QRL QRL just to occupy the freq longer and make sure I have the high ground if a frequency fight ensues. Agree with all Q codes have an interrogative (Are you?) form and a declarative form (I am.)

If it comes at a high rate point, I'll usually just send YES and continue sending.

If the QRLer starts CQing after that, we then move into frequency fight tactics discussion, much of which depends on how loud and/or score conscious you are!

73 John K3TN
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John K3TN

K3XR

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Re: QRL / "?" response
« Reply #29 on: February 17, 2022, 04:52:52 AM »


If the QRLer starts CQing after that, we then move into frequency fight tactics discussion, much of which depends on how loud and/or score conscious you are!

73 John K3TN

Must admit after over 62 years on the air the phrase " frequency fight tactics discussion" is a new one for me.
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