Hi everyone,
I think that the cut numbers can be useful if properly used.
During last weekend I made 30 (yes, thirty! hi) QSOs, just for fun,
cause I had very limited time.
I used my CMOS Super Keyer III, it can be programmed to use some cut
numbers, particularly T or O for zero and N for nine, in various
combinations.
I set the keyer to work at 30 WPM, I think it is a very comfortable
speed for almost everyone, and I used T for zero and N for nine in
the serial numbers.
When you have a very crowded band, as in WPX or CQ contests, one of
the more important thing is to send your number as best as you can
and a well sent report, with cut numbers at a reasonable speed, is
the best way to exchange reports.
When I am contesting with a serious team I found often difficult to
copy a long serial number while hearing a splattering station very
close to my qrg...a short cut number is sometimes received just in
time while a long number would probably be lost in the QRM.
Remember that not everyone has big antennas and high power, and when
you have to copy a very low signal in the QRM cut numbers can be the
only way expecially if you have limited time windows [(c) Microsoft, hi]
between two splattering transmissions of other stations.
If letters had a shorter spelling than numbers, would you complain
about a "ANTA" report instead of a "1901" during a SSB contest
as well? Or it is just because you are not so familiar with cw?
The main problem is the speed, I worked ZD8Z and he gave me a cut
number at very high speed, and it was a bit difficult to copy, but at
a reasonable speed cut numbers are welcome.
Last but not least, during the WPX I heard a station giving his
number for his 920th Qso as 5NN NUT. :)
Ciao, Steve IK4WMH
email: ik4wmh@queen.it
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