Topband: 160 meter activity.

[Robert Briggs]

Comments noted regarding signal reports on 160 meters..I often give dx 
stations 599 reports, even plus 10 occasionally..The report is the 
reading indicated on the S meter on my receiver...S meters are just a 
relative indication of signal strength for the average ham and I doubt 
anyone is really going to bother much about the fine technicality's of 
day to day DX signal reports..

I have had years of experience listening to Topband noise and 
signals...On the whole average signals on a day to day basis with the 
band conducting will generally be above the qrn noise..If one is not 
watching an S meter many signals are perfect Q5 readability...If one had 
no meter to monitor signal strength then I guess that signal would be 
called 599...However one way or the other it isn't a point to get all up 
tight about...To go a bit further contester's and dxpedition's mostly 
always give a 599 report regardless for quick convenience...Rarely hear 
anyone complaining about that...

Bob..VK3ZL..