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The R-S-T system
The R-S-T system is used by amateur radio operators, shortwave listeners, and other radio hobbyists to exchange information about the quality of a radio signal being received. The code is a three digit number, with one digit each for conveying an assessment of the signal's Readability, Strength, and Tone.
For non-CW (non Morse code) signals, the Tone (i.e. last) digit is normally omitted.
Readability
R1 - Unreadable
R2 - Barely readable, occasional words distinguishable
R3 - Readable with considerable difficulty
R4 - Readable with practically no difficulty
R5 - Perfectly readable
Strength
S1 - Faint—signals barely perceptible
S2 - Very weak signals
S3 - Weak signals
S4 - Fair signals
S5 - Fairly good signals
S6 - Good signals
S7 - Moderately strong signals
S8 - Strong signals
S9 - Extremely strong signals
Tone
T1 - Extremely rough hissing note
T2 - Very rough AC note, no trace of musicality
T3 - Rough, low-pitched AC note, slightly musical
T4 - Rather rough AC note, moderately musical
T5 - Musically modulated note
T6 - Modulated note, slight trace of whistle
T7 - Near DC note, smooth ripple
T8 - Good DC note, just a trace of ripple
T9 - Purest DC note
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Informal use of the most common Q-codes
QRG - Frequency
QRM - Interference from other stations
QRN - Interference from atmospheric noise or from nearby electrical apparatus
QRO - High-power
QRP - Low-power
QRT - Close(d) down
QRV - Ready
QRX - Stand by
QSB - Fading
QSL - Verification card; confirm contact
QSY - Change frequency
QTC - Message
QTH - Location
QTR - Time
Note also: QTHR means: Address is correct in the current RSGB yearbook
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International Morse Code
1. The length of a dot is one unit.
2. A dash is three units.
3. The space between parts of the same letter is one unit.
4. The space between letters is three units.
5. The space between words is seven units.