[Elecraft] 'Q' signal trivia

[iain macdonnell - N6ML]

The way I look at it, "73" doesn't translate specifically to any
particular words (in English, or any other language). It's a
language-independent expression of good will to the other operator,
akin to verbal expressions in English like "all the best", "cheers",
etc. Given that, I don't think it's necessarily any less-valid to
pluralise it when morphing it into a verbal or textual expression in
English. Now.... is it "seven-three[s]", or "seventy-three[s]" when
spoken aloud??? ;)

73[[']s],

    ~iain


On Tue, Jul 19, 2011 at 12:21 AM, Bert Craig <wa2si at arrl.net> wrote:
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> <!-- HTC Mail Separation -->Not so fast there, Phil. "73's" was in use before 11-meter CB (Pse see previous posts.)
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> I must say that I've always made a conscious effort to us "73" as a result of simple reasoning; 73 is already plural, i.e. "Best regards," no need to pluralize that which is already plural.
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> As for the "3's & 8's" or "first personal," remember, it's a different service and a more relaxed one at that. I, for one, can be a little tolerant with the aforementioned phrases... Just as long as it stays on CB - hihi.
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> There is a local net on 27.3850 MHz (CB Ch. 38) USB that is an absolute pleasure to listen to. A group of well mannered ops with nary a "73's" or "QRT and standing by" to be heard. It's encouraging but I do hear the dark side of the force from time to time as well. Heck, I've even started to hear some CW traffic there too, go figure.
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> As always, take care es...
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> Vy 73 de Bert (my "handle")
> WA2SI
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> "...and all the pieces matter."
>                  -- Det. Lester Freamon, BPD
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> Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4GLTE smartphone<!-- HTC Mail Separation -->----- Reply message -----
> From: "Phil Kane" <k2asp at kanafi.org>
> To: "Elecraft" <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
> Subject: [Elecraft] 'Q' signal trivia
> Date: Mon, Jul 18, 2011 18:49
>
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