Most children enjoy a walkie talkie set because it allows them to talk and play with their friends however, as an adult, these devices can be really valuable if used correctly. With that said, it’s important to learn the common phrases and codes since it’s no longer all fun and games but you can utilize a radio more purposefully such as when going camping or traveling.
A Brief History of 10-Codes
Developed by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International (APCO), 10-codes or 10-signals are basically abbreviations that refer to common phrases used over the radio. In other words, instead of saying the entire sentence you just say a few numbers and the listener on the other end will know what you mean because they are globally recognized messages.
You might find some of these codes familiar since they’re used by law enforcement officials in movies. However, radio enthusiasts can learn and apply them as well. The main purpose of 10-Codes is to allow people who don’t have time to communicate or are in some kind of trouble to say what they need very quickly and effectively.
The Entire List of 10-Codes
As previously mentioned, anyone can learn these abbreviations! Whether you just want to sound like a pro or you’re experiencing a challenging situation that’s keeping you from communicating clearly, the list below can be helpful:
- 10-1: Receiving Poorly
- 10-2: Receiving Well
- 10-3: Stop Transmitting
- 10-4: OK, Message Received
- 10-5: Relay Message
- 10-6: Busy, Stand By
- 10-7: Out of Service, Leaving the Air
- 10-8: In Service, Subject to Call
- 10-9: Repeat Message
- 10-10: Transmission Completed, Standing By
- 10-11: Talking too Rapidly
- 10-12: Visitors Present
- 10-13: Advise Weather and Road Conditions
- 10-16: Make Pickup at {{Location}}
- 10-17: Urgent Business
- 10-18: Anything for us?
- 10-19: Nothing for You, Return to Base
- 10-20: My Location is {{Location}}
- 10-21: Call by Telephone
- 10-22: Report in Person to {{Person}}
- 10-23: Stand by
- 10-24: Completed Last Assignment
- 10-25: Can you Contact {{Person}}
- 10-26: Disregard Last Information/Cancel Last Message
- 10-27: I am Moving to Channel {{Channel}}
- 10-28: Identify Your Station
- 10-29: Time is Up for Contact
- 10-30: Does not conform to FCC Rules
- 10-32: I Will Give You a Radio Check
- 10-33: Emergency Traffic at This Station
- 10-34: Trouble at This Station, Help is Needed
- 10-35: Confidential Information
- 10-36: Need Correct Time
- 10-37: Wrecker Needed at {{Location}}
- 10-38: Ambulance Needed at {{Location}}
- 10-39: Your Message Delivered
- 10-41: Please Tune to Channel {{Channel}}
- 10-42: Traffic Accident at {{Location}}
- 10-43: Traffic Tied up at {{Location}}
- 10-44: I have a Message for You
- 10-45: All Units Within Range Please Report
- 10-50: Break Channel
- 10-60: What is next Message Number?
- 10-62: Unable to copy, Use Phone
- 10-63: Net Directed to {{Person}}
- 10-64: Net Clear
- 10-65: Awaiting Your Next Message or Assignment
- 10-67: All Units Comply
- 10-70: Fire at {{Location}}
- 10-71: Proceed With Transmission in Sequence
- 10-73: Speed Trap at {{Location}}
- 10-75: You are Causing Interference
- 10-77: Negative Contact
- 10-84: My Telephone Number is {{Number}}
- 10-85: My Address is {{Address}}
- 10-91: Talk Closer to the Mic
- 10-92: Your Transmitter is Out of Adjustment
- 10-93: Check My Frequency on This Channel
- 10-94: Please Give Me a Long Count
- 10-95: Transmit Dead Carrier for 5 Seconds
- 10-99: Mission Completed, all Units Secure
- 10-100: Need to go to Bathroom
- 10-200: Police Needed at {{Location}}
Common Radio Sentences
Apart from the previous list of codes, there are some common phrases that are continuously used in the world of radio communication. These sentences have been replaced with shorter and more straight-forward alternatives. In addition, they are more common among CB radio users than the actual 10-Codes since they’re less technical.
Check out the list below:
- Affirmative = Yes/Okay
- Negatory/Negative = No
- What’s Your 20? = Where are you?
- Roger That = Message Received and Understood
- Can You Copy? = Do You Hear Me Clearly?
- Breaker 1-9 = Let’s Start A Transmission
- Over = End of Message
Take the time to familiarize yourself with this radio lingo. It may be fun for you and your friends but it may also be a life saver in an emergency.
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