[Elecraft] The Old RST

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

Of course, RST readings started "by ear" but one of the first ways to
"automate" the strength report was used by an early National SW-3 regen from
the late 20's or early 30's. It had a volume control calibrated in "S"
units. You adjusted it for comfortable listening and looked at the knob for
the signal strength, Hi! 

I have always preferred what the commercial CW operators used, the QSA
report. QSA1 for audible but unreadable to QSA5 for perfect copy. The QSA
report considered both the strength and the 'copyability' of the signal. A
huge signal but a lousy "fist" might merit a QSA2. A much weaker signal but
in the clear with a good fist might deserve a QSA5. 

There was no reference to the "T" for tone. That came in with the push for
d-c voltage on the plates of tubes in the early 20's. It was common for many
hams to run A-C right from a transformer (or the mains) on the plates of
their tubes, producing a very harsh modulated CW signal. But, since many
Hams were still running spark, it wasn't considered a spectrum hog. 

As time went by and spark was phased out, there was big push for a clear "dc
tone" from Hams as indicated by T-9 in the RST scale. It was unimportant for
most commercial use because ships commonly used modulated CW. Indeed,
modulated CW was *required* on the distress frequencies. 

It's been nearly a century since the T report had any meaning, yet we Hams
still use it. 

It's 'tradition' :)

Ron AC7AC



-----Original Message-----
And speaking of how ham radio must be changing over the years, what the heck
did people do about signal reports before they had S meets to read? Bear in
mind that this question is mostly rhetorical. I don't bother with S meter
readings myself, but I do try to give honest signal reports anyway. BTW,
you'll note that many if not most contests don't use signal reports as part
of the exchange anymore precisely because of the "599 problem". (Obviously,
the current, or recently finished, is an exception.) 

I predict an end of thread message shortly.
--
Buddy Brannan, KB5ELV - Erie, PA
Phone: (814) 860-3194 or 888-75-BUDDY