Q codes, Acronyms May Go QRT

By K5KVN, on the scene

NEWINGSTEAD, Vt. — The use of acronyms and Q codes on the air will go QRT if the NRRL gets its way. The National Radio Retransmission Legion (NRRL) has proposed eliminating them on the air.

“I heard this last night on the repeater at dinner time: ‘I’m QSY to a new QTH because the XYL wants a BLT,’” said NRRL’s Nathanial Berkshire. Mr. Berkshire is the director of the Legion’s Department of On-Air Etiquette. “We aren’t efficiently communicating if it takes the recipient two minutes to decipher the acronyms,” he said.

Acronyms have been a part of amateur radio since the beginning of the hobby, with “Q” codes and other abbreviations for common modes being the most popular. But, according to the NRRL, today’s heavy usage of them confuses many radio operators.

“The worst part of it,” says Berkshire, “is that these acronyms spill over into off-air conversations, too! If you’re are going home, just say that. Don’t tell me you’re ‘headed to the QTH.’”

Some ham radio operators disagree. “I’ll send them a QSL card covered in acronyms. Let’s see what they think about that!” said Barry Lidman. Another ham said he would tell the NRRL that his “favorite acronym” is “QRM.”

The new policy, if approved, will go into effect at COB January 31.

Public comments on the proposal should be submitted ASAP to the NRRL via any NTS net, or by using RTTY, PSK, SSB, POTS, internet BBS, USPS, or in-person at NRRL HQ.

### hamhijinks.com