Ham Amateur Radio Technician Practice Exam

When sending CW, what does a "C" mean when added to the RST report?

1. Clear signal

2. Choppy signal

3. Chirpy or unstable signal

4. Consistent signal

The correct answer is: Chirpy or unstable signal

In the context of sending Continuous Wave (CW) signals, the addition of a "C" to the RST (Readability, Strength, Tone) report indicates "chirpy or unstable signal." This is an important aspect of signal quality assessment in amateur radio operations. When a signal is described as "chirpy," it refers to fluctuations in the tone that can occur due to various reasons such as equipment issues, poor connections, or interference. The RST system is used for relaying signal quality between operators, and adding "C" helps convey specific nuances about the transmission quality. It allows an operator receiving the signal to understand that while they may be able to hear it, the overall quality is compromised due to these fluctuations. Understanding this report aids in troubleshooting issues during communications, as operators can take corrective measures knowing precisely what kind of instability is affecting their transmissions.