Z code
Encyclopedia
Z Code is a set of codes used in CW
, TTY and RTTY
radio communication. Actually, there are different sets of Z-codes: one originally developed by Cable & Wireless
Ltd., for commercial communications in the early days of wire and radio communications, another one independently developed by NATO forces later for military needs and use. The NATO Z Code is still in use today, and is published in the unclassified document ACP-131
. There are other set of codes internally used by USSR's military and other operating agencies. The old C&W Z Codes are not widely used today.
In this example, the ZBK/1/2 is a Z code from the NATO military set, while the others are old C&W Z-codes.
A lot of the old C&W codes are derived from mnemonics (ZAL = (a)lter wave(l)ength, ZAP = (a)ck (p)lease, ZSF = (s)end (f)aster, etc.),
Continuous wave
A continuous wave or continuous waveform is an electromagnetic wave of constant amplitude and frequency; and in mathematical analysis, of infinite duration. Continuous wave is also the name given to an early method of radio transmission, in which a carrier wave is switched on and off...
, TTY and RTTY
Radioteletype
Radioteletype is a telecommunications system consisting originally of two or more electromechanical teleprinters in different locations, later superseded by personal computers running software to emulate teleprinters, connected by radio rather than a wired link.The term radioteletype is used to...
radio communication. Actually, there are different sets of Z-codes: one originally developed by Cable & Wireless
Cable & Wireless
Cable & Wireless Worldwide PLC is a global telecommunications company headquartered in Bracknell, United Kingdom. Cable & Wireless specialises in providing communication networks and services to large corporates, governments, carrier customers and resellers...
Ltd., for commercial communications in the early days of wire and radio communications, another one independently developed by NATO forces later for military needs and use. The NATO Z Code is still in use today, and is published in the unclassified document ACP-131
ACP-131
ACP-131 is the controlling publication for the listing of Q codes and Z codes. It is published by NATO Allied countries, and revised from time to time...
. There are other set of codes internally used by USSR's military and other operating agencies. The old C&W Z Codes are not widely used today.
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ZAL | I am closing down (until...) due to.... |
| ZAP | Work...(1. Simplex; 2. Duplex; 3. Diplex; 4. Multiplex; 5. Single Sideband; 6. With automatic error correction system; 7. Without automatic error correction system. 8. With time and frequency diversity modem). |
| ZBK | Are you receiving my traffic clear? |
| ZBK1 | I am receiving your traffic clear |
| ZBK2 | I am receiving your traffic garbled |
| ZBM2 | Place a competent operator on this circuit |
| ZSF | Switch off...(1. IFF; 2. IFF sets for 10 minutes in area denoted except for ships whose call signs follow). |
| ZBW no. | Change to backup frequency no. |
| ZBZ no(1-5). | An Indicator of Signal quality - RX you ZBZ5 etc. |
In this example, the ZBK/1/2 is a Z code from the NATO military set, while the others are old C&W Z-codes.
A lot of the old C&W codes are derived from mnemonics (ZAL = (a)lter wave(l)ength, ZAP = (a)ck (p)lease, ZSF = (s)end (f)aster, etc.),
External links
- VE3LXV's Z-Code Page - which is a verbatim copy from this original source: www.kloth.net/radio/zcodes.php
- ACP 131(F) - Communications Instructions Operating Signals