BasicB-002-006-009
What does "RST 579" mean in a Morse code contact?
A
Answer
Licensing, station identification, and operation
Type
A
Your signal is perfectly readable, moderately strong, and with perfect tone
B
Your signal is perfectly readable, weak strength, and with perfect tone
C
Your signal is fairly readable, fair strength, and with perfect tone
D
Your signal is barely readable, moderately strong, and with a faint ripple
Answer Notes
The RST system is used by amateur radio operators to exchange signal reports, especially during Morse code (CW) contacts. It stands for Readability, Strength, and Tone. Readability is measured on a scale of 1 to 5, while Strength and Tone are measured on scales of 1 to 9.
In an "RST 579" report, the "5" means the signal is perfectly readable. The "7" indicates the signal strength is moderately strong. The "9" means the tone is a perfect, pure DC tone.
Distractors that suggest a weak signal or a faint ripple are incorrect because a strength of 7 is above average (moderate) and a tone of 9 is completely flawless.
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Assume your receiver's S-meter is calibrated to a standard of 6 dB per S-unit per a recommendation by the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU). The S-meter on your receiver shows S8 when listening to a nearby transmitter. Approximately how much must the transmitter power be raised to increase the reading to S9?
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What does "RST 459" mean in a Morse code contact?