Z key

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The Z key (also Z groups or Z code ) was used by radio services for the efficient and unambiguous transmission of standard messages. It was originally developed for Morse code in commercial and military telecommunications.

It meant a considerable saving of time, since in Morse telegraphy each letter has to be transmitted individually for a sentence. Using the Z groups was able to reduce the time required so that it took less time to convey than to say the meaning.

construction

The Z key consists of three letters that are always preceded by “Z”. Groups from ZAA to ZZZ are possible. They can represent requests, statements, questions and answers.

use

It was used in parallel to the Q key and was still used in some cases in telex traffic until the 1980s. The Z key is no longer used in Morse code telegraphy today, it has been replaced by the Q key.

One problem was the sometimes undefined meanings of the groups, which were not regulated for all radio services and thus often led to misunderstandings.

Examples

ZAN - reception impossible
ZAP - Confirm
ZAX - they cause interference
ZBL - Don't interrupt (us)
ZCK - Check your keying
ZCS - discontinue your broadcasts!
ZGW - your signs are getting weaker

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