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

[Gary Sutcliffe]

I find it frustrating too.  When I get get cut numbers in a serial 
number I take an extra second or two minimum to make sure I entered it 
correctly. Certainly that negates any time savings gained in sending cut 
numbers.

The example below sending A4NT instead of 1490 is bad enough, but when 
they try to cut the other numbers I am never sure and ask again.

It is only a symbolic gesture, but if I am running assisted and S&Ping, 
I will never spot a station sending cut serial numbers.


-- 
Gary, W9XT
www.w9xt.com

On 12/14/2014 3:56 PM, Mike Ritz, W7VO wrote:
> I noticed the same thing yesterday. I had to listen twice or even three times to a few guys to figure out what they were doing! Trying to copy a 4 digit serial number right the first time with QRM

in a crowded band is hard enough, but then throw in a A4NT instead of 
1490 and it is REALLY confusing. Sounds more like a callsign!
>
> 73;
>
> Mike, W7VO
>
> ----- Original Message -----
>
> From: "Pete Smith N4ZR" <n4zr at contesting.com>
> To: "reflector cq-contest" <CQ-Contest at Contesting.COM>
> Sent: Sunday, December 14, 2014 6:50:54 AM
> Subject: [CQ-Contest] The Insanity of Cut Numbers in Serial Number Contests
>
> 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.
>