Radio communication has transformed the world since the late 19th century. In 1895, Guglielmo Marconi conducted the first wireless radio transmissions in Italy, and by 1901, he achieved the famous transatlantic communication between Cornwall, England, and Newfoundland, Canada, marking a historic milestone for wireless technology. At the same time, pioneers like Nikola Tesla, Alexander Popov, and Reginald Fessenden made significant contributions to the development of electromagnetic transmissions and the first forms of voice communication over the air.

Over the decades, radio transmissions diversified – from Morse code to voice, and later to digital signals. Amateur radio was one of the areas where this evolution was directly felt, especially through the development of a common language – the Q codes – and organized practices such as QTC. In a constantly changing world, QTC has remained a steady point, a living tradition reflecting the need for communication, information, and belonging to a community passionate about waves and technology.

QTC has been, and continues to be, a cornerstone of the amateur radio community. Beyond the Q code definition – “QTC” means “I have messages for you” – this organized communication format has played a crucial role in disseminating information among radio enthusiasts. From telegraphy transmissions to SSB broadcasts, QTC has been the glue keeping the community connected, especially in times when the internet did not exist and information traveled slowly.

What QTC Means in the Q Code

According to the Q code, used internationally in radio communications, QTC means “I have messages for you.” In amateur radio, QTC has acquired a specific meaning: it is a weekly or periodic bulletin, usually transmitted by an official station, containing information relevant to the community: contests, results, recent DX spots, administrative updates, and other useful announcements.

History of QTC in Romania

In Romania, the tradition of QTC began in the post-war period and consolidated during the 1970s and 1980s, alongside the development of the national network of county radio clubs and the Romanian Federation of Amateur Radio. The station YO3KAA in Bucharest has been (and remains) an important hub for national QTC transmissions. In those times, QTC was transmitted on the 40m AM band, later more frequently on the 80m SSB band, and it became a weekly event eagerly awaited by all amateur radio operators.

Besides its informative role, QTC also served as a practice in discipline and collective listening. QTC receivers would send reception reports, which were later centralized.

My Experience: First QTC at Age 16

I was 16 when I first listened to QTC transmitted by YO3KAA on the 40m AM band. I received the signal on an old tube radio without a case, which I had refurbished myself. I remember those moments perfectly – silence around, just the characteristic hiss of the bands, and the unmistakable voice delivering news for amateur radio operators. For me, it was a ritual, a gateway into a fascinating world I was just beginning to explore.

Later, I started listening to QTC on the 80m SSB band, transmitted by YO3AC – Andy. I became a QTC receiver, had my own receiving call sign, and enjoyed every broadcast immensely. It was the only real way to get information about contests, rankings, DX expeditions, rule changes, and more. It was a genuine connection to the life of Romanian and international amateur radio.

QTC Today – Between Tradition and Digitalization

Today, in the internet era, QTCs are still transmitted on shortwave but can also be listened to online via SDRs or recorded broadcasts. In some countries, QTC is published as an electronic newsletter or podcast. Nevertheless, for many amateur radio enthusiasts, nothing compares to that magical moment of hearing QTC live on the air, as has been done for decades.

Currently, the national QTC transmitted by YO3KAA continues the tradition with professionalism and passion, broadcast every Sunday by Marian – YO3DIU. Marian has a unique style, full of gentle humor, warm observations, and clear structuring of information. Listening to QTC with Marian is a pleasant experience where you not only learn important information but also smile.

In Conclusion

For me, QTC is not just a source of information – it is part of my identity as an amateur radio operator. It is the emotion of first contact with an invisible yet vibrant community, united by a passion for radio waves and communication. If you have never listened to a QTC, I invite you to do so. You might discover something that cannot be described in words, only felt – just as I did at 16, next to a tube radio with a dream as vast as the 40-meter horizon.

Hadrian Portase Feldmann – YO2BTW