Where dose The abbreviations QNH, QFE, QNE come from ?

Question

I know that they relate to hoe to set the altimeter on the aircraft, but what dose the letters mean?

hoe = how Thnx.

Answer 1

They are from a whole collection of 'Q-codes' originally created by the British government. The ones you mention are the only ones left in common use (as well as QSY) in aviation.

QNH - Barometric pressure at sea level at your location.
QFE - Airfield barometric pressure
QNE - Denotes the standard setting (29.92in, 1013mb).
QSY - Frequency change approved.

The above is from my own knowledge, but you can find out more at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Q_code.

Answer 2

If memory serves me correct.: The Q singles were designed to transmit information over the radio, in Morris code, over the HF spectrum. Those particular frequencies (HF) were riddled with atmospheric static and it was hard to hear and easy to misinterpret so "Q" signals were developed to standardize information and to speed up the transmission.
So rather than tapping out "please send slower" you could just send "QRS". Or rather than sending "When will you call me again" you simply send "QRX"