qth

QTH is a Q-code used in radiocommunication to denote a station's location. It is part of the Q-code family, a set of standardized three-letter codes beginning with the letter Q designed to convey common operational information quickly in telegraphic and voice communications. The Q-code originated in early 20th-century international radiotelegraphy and was standardized by international bodies such as the ITU; it remains familiar to amateur radio operators and others, though in many practical settings plain language is preferred today.

Meaning and usage: QTH can be used as a question or as a statement. When used as a question, it asks for the other station’s location: “QTH?” When used as a statement, it provides the location: “QTH: London, United Kingdom.” In practice, the QTH field commonly appears on QSL cards and in logs to record the operator’s location, often including city, region, and country. The code helps operators convey location information succinctly, especially in limited-band communications or when logging contacts.

Modern context: While Q-codes are less prominent in everyday voice communications, they remain a recognized part of amateur radio tradition and are still encountered in CW and some digital modes, as well as in propagation reports and logging software. The concept of QTH continues to be used informally in discussions of a station’s location and in historical references to amateur radio practice.