[Elecraft] Signal Report of 51

[WILLIS COOKE]

The 599 method of signal reporting was developed long
before receivers had S meters or there was any defacto
agreement about what signal strength should be what
meter reading.  If I get a 51 signal report, I take it
to mean that the other operator can copy me just fine,
but I am not doing anything much to the S meter.  This
tells me what I need to know about the conditions.  In
a practical sense, it tells me not to waste time
repeating one piece of essential information, but give
it all one time and expect the band to fold at any
minute.  If the operator gives me a 55 or 59, I will
expect to have more time to complete the contact.  If
he gives me a 339, I will expect to need to repeat
essential information.  Bottom line, it is a great
report in my opinion except during a contest where
everybody expects a 59 report regardless of receiving
conditions which is as valuable as no report at all.

Cookie, K5EWJ

--- David Yarnes <w7aqk at cox.net> wrote:

> I think I disagree that a 5/1 report is appropriate.
>  But I suppose this is 
> a matter of interpretation.  Strength "1" is
> intended to convey that the 
> signal is "barely perceptible".  A signal that is
> truly that weak should not 
> equate to one that is readab

Willis 'Cookie' Cooke 
K5EWJ