[CQ-Contest] The Insanity of Cut Numbers in Serial Number Contests

[Pete Smith N4ZR]

Please, please don'tuse cut numbers when transmitting a serial number. 
I've even heard some Es and As today - that's just absurd, and 
counterproductive..

There is good information science behind this plea.  When you really 
need to get a number right, particularly with weak signals, even the 
most common cut numbers, like N and T, are more trouble than they are 
worth in time saving.  Why?  Because each full number has five elements, 
grouped together - that is consecutive dots or dashes.  Your brain can 
use this fact to copy confidently, even if QRM or QSB causes you not to 
hear a dit or dah, because of spacing *between* numbers.  If you send a 
cut number, you deprive the receiving op of this aid - he asks for a 
fill, and you've lost more time than the cut number would save you in 5 
QSOs.

-- 

73, Pete N4ZR
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