R-S signal report

The R-S signal report system is used to exchange information about the quality of a single-sideband voice radio signal being received. The code is a two digit number, with one digit each for conveying an assessment of the signal's readability and strength.

For CW operation, a third digit for "Tone" (T) is added; this is not relevant for SSB.

Readability

The R stands for "Readability". Readability is a qualitative assessment of how easy or difficult it is to correctly copy the information being sent during the transmission. Readability refers to how easy or difficult it is for each spoken word to be understood correctly. Readability is measured on a scale of 1 to 5.

1. Unreadable
2. Barely readable, occasional words distinguishable
3. Readable with considerable difficulty
4. Readable with practically no difficulty
5. Perfectly readable

Strength

The S stands for "Strength". Strength is an assessment of how powerful the received signal is at the receiving location. Although an accurate signal strength meter can determine a quantitative value for signal strength, in practice this portion of the RS code is a qualitative assessment, often made based on the S meter of the radio receiver at the location of signal reception. Note that S meters are often not accurately calibrated, although they are useful for estimating signal strengths. "Strength" is measured on a scale of 1 to 9.

1. Faint—signals barely perceptible
2. Very weak signals
3. Weak signals
4. Fair signals
5. Fairly good signals
6. Good signals
7. Moderately strong signals
8. Strong signals
9. Extremely strong signals

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