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@contesting.com>
To: "reflector cq-contest" <CQ-Contest@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.
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