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

[Richard Thorne]

I agree Pete,

I don't want to have to use one of these..


On 12/14/2014 8:50 AM, Pete Smith N4ZR wrote:
> 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.
>