The Basic lessons · Operating and procedures · B-002-006

Understanding Signal Reports and the RST System

Learn how to give clear signal reports using the RST system, describing readability, strength, and tone. Understand how signal strength relates to transmitter power and how to report signals heard through repeaters.

This lesson is part of SignalPrep Pro. The subsection's 11 exam questions are free to practise: practise B-002-006.

What this subsection asks

• What do "RST" signal reports describe?
• What does "RST" stand for in a signal report?
• What is the meaning of: "Your signal report is 5 7"?
• What is the meaning of: "Your signal report is 3 3"?
• What is the meaning of: "You are 5 9 plus 20 dB"?
• A distant station asks for a signal report on a local repeater you monitor. What do you report?
• Your receiver's S-meter is calibrated to a standard of 6 dB per S-unit per a recommendation by the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU). The S-meter shows S9 when receiving a station transmitting with 100 watts. Neglecting propagation changes, what transmitter power would cause your receiver's S-meter to read S8?
• Assume your receiver's S-meter is calibrated to a standard of 6 dB per S-unit per a recommendation by the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU). The S-meter on your receiver shows S8 when listening to a nearby transmitter. Approximately how much must the transmitter power be raised to increase the reading to S9?
• What does "RST 579" mean in a Morse code contact?
• What does "RST 459" mean in a Morse code contact?
• In voice contacts, what is the meaning of "Your signal report is 1 1"?