K1OIK exposes the liars that contesters are in the WAE contest. Contesters pre-print their QSL cards with 59. Contesters, "a proud and meaningless association of human beings"
Burt, actually your signal was 5-9, they just had an extraordinarily difficult time deciphering your particularly heavy New England dialect of the English language.
5 -- Perfectly readable, 9 -- Extremely strong signals 9 -- Perfect tone, no trace of ripple or modulation of any kind. If the other guy asks you to repeat yourself you are NOT 599! Burt is right. We defeat he whole system of giving each other reports by trying to be polite. I would rather have a good honest report. 73, Tom N2BEW
Some of these guys don't even have any concept of what the 59 means, I asked a question on about this on some other youtube channel and pointed out why did they guy say 59 when he had to ask the call like 6 times. the channel owner said its just what you say, and i pointed out that 5 is only said if you can read them with out any trouble at all, the first number they give back to you should never be 5 if you have to repeat yourself 6 times. but the guy that had the youtube channel still could not understand what i was saying. I am new to ham but it only takes 5 seconds to google RST en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RST_code , at best the first number would be 2 or 3 not 5! anyway i pointed this out to the ham that had the youtube channel and even gave him that link and he still could not comprehend what i was saying. so i would not say they are all lying some could just be really ignorant. thanks for posting this those, as that youtuber had me second guessing my understanding of RST even though is was all in writing, you have clarified that i did understand it correctly
I just passed my tech license test yesterday, something I wanted before cellphones because widely available and affordable in the late 90's, then I got a cellphone and never went through with it. I have no idea why I need or want it. I understand the need of ham radio back then, but NOW? unless there is an emergency it's pointless. It's interesting listening to people talk about random stuff and having actual meaningful convos, but contesting seems stupid.
I found out there was a test within walking distance from my house Monday evening. Started "studying" for it then and took the "test" on Wednesday evening. It was basically 1 day of memorizing. it's a joke compared to what it used to be. I still have Gordon West's book from years ago when I initially wanted to get in on the action. That was intimidating! I still want to learn CW just to learn it. I can't tell when one letter end and the next one begins!
I'm with you on this one Burt. Contests serve no purpose if people don't give true and accurate signal reports. Hearing the words "CQ Contest" either force me onto 17m or hit the off button. Contests also bring out the worst in ops with people barging in on a frequency that is in use.
I've always had a gripe with the same thing if the fellow on the other end can't understand even your call sign you can't be a 5 that's perfectly readable if they have to ask you to say again that automatically disqualifies the 5 and the 9 can be a nine but that could include a S-6 noise floor so in actuality your only moving their meter 3 s units , then again I'm also vain about using proper phonetics too and that would be Kilo not Kilowatt so we all have our faults
I'll give you a major caveat on that one. Even if I can hear someone well, doesn't mean I won't ask them to repeat a callsign they give to quickly. Some people think its their job to run through a callsign as fast as possible. It becomes a major problem with some people, and even if it is a real 5 signal and beautiful signal, I can't understand that quick line of gibberish some people make their callsign. Other things, like you mention about kilowatt (does that mean k or kw, because some hams will mean either) that will muddle up communication. Poor phonetics, and rushing through the callsign like its an obstacle. Making a strong signal problematic.
The use of a "signal report" in contesting has come to be used as a substitute for sending "be ready to copy" and functions as a "heads up" for the start of the whole exchange of information. Contesting, like all of ham radio, evolves to serve efficient communication needs; this is an example. OINK needs a new hobby, and not RU-vid video mistake.
Most contests don't give any extra points for a 5/9 vs a lower signal anyhow, its just an exchange of information. Granted the reports may not be accurate but it would be false to imply the contesters are gaining an advantage with them.
Do they even know what the numbers mean!? Maybe many of them never worked CW. What's even more disappointing is that if you make a non-contest contact they just exchange signal strength and name then say "thank you - QRZ" It's all about lining up to work even none rare stations. Doesn't anyone want to have a CONVERSATION and get to know each other?
For non-hams, or for reference: search "wiki RST_code" for background. While I totally agree about the pointlessness and "lying" aspect of "5-9"s as a one-size-fits-all response, I'll go along with it during contests... things move too fast to beg for a real report then; some contest rules actually include "5-9" as part of the required exchange. OTOH, I also have a modest station, and would really appreciate a true reception report... including any sound quality issues (ALC distortion) etc.
I vote for Burt to be president of ARRL and to change all the contest rules to allow one contest per year on the 16 meter band only. And ofcourse this band isn't permitted for ham use. Hams causing qrm on any other band by causing a contest to happen are to have their licences revoked. All hams to be competent in the use of CW to atleast 25 wpm. All hams to have some homebrew gear in the shack or garden. All hams to act like gentlemen and friends and be helpful to others and not lie. 73 Sandy
Well Burt, it's not just you. I have to re-adjust my volume on almost every video, one reason I have a roommate ten feet away in this nursing home I live in. They may force me to get earphones. 73, K4OF.
I say we should bring the FCC back from the brink of insignificance and make them powerful and ominous again. Then there could be steep fines for falsifying signal reports. That'll make old Burt happy!
I LOVED THIS VIDEO!!!!! Burt...you look like Robert De Niro. I love how they always give you a 5/9 and your repeating your call like 20 times. That's great. I do like to do some contests and chase DX. I try to give real signal reports and have gotten some back too that were less than 5/9. I understand the pet peeve tho.
Maybe they figured since you didn't care about the phoenetic alphabet, you didn't care about RST either? It's funny watching someone nitpick another's behavior while oblivious to their own patterns. Because this *is* nit-picky. You're calling these people liars, often considered a very hostile and offensive term, when they are following what has basically been "custom" for at least the 15 years I have been listening to contests like this. You don't get a different score for giving different RSTs - it's about confirmed two-way communication, and in each of your examples, both sides of the conversation heard and received the information that was sent, often asking multiple times to ensure that the information written down as received was the information that was actually sent. While I would never encourage yet another radio to enter the contesting mess on HF, I think, in your case, you should try it. And when you're on contact number 100, be sure to give them a well-considered RST report. And on number 250. And on number 500. And... you might cut a corner, too, unless you think that would make you a deplorable liar.
K1OIK, I have often desired to give accurate sig-rep. Mostly I "go-with-the-trend" and lazily give 59, largely due to being a fairly new ham and being fairly nervous on the air. I commit to you, here, that I will do so, from now on. I have printed the signal report guide from ARRL Operating Manual and taped it to my operating station desk. Keep up the fight for Quality, Sir. Peer-pressure is the most fundamental way to do so, and I appreciate you for it! One more convert. Also, a plug here for the DX Code of Conduct. 73 de K9SPY
Hi Bert, I agree with you wholeheartedly, hams should be upstanding pillars of society, I think the ham community should set a good example and have a new rule that only allows politicians to become Radio Hams and clean up the airways, don't you agree? ... Man I can copy those expletives 5 and 9 plus 20 in the UK. Keep on having fun with your radio Burt. 73's Andy gw0jxm.
well done burt,i like guys like u,straight to the point,keep up the good work bert,least u have the balls to say wat everyone else just thinks,again well done mate,keep the videos comming mate kev-MM0KSS
When the SHTF, cell phones will be useless. Ask the folks in NJ and NY after hurricane Sandy. Hams were the ONLY communication going on. The police radios were worthless as their towers were down and their overly complicated radios needing central distribution and computer control were knocked out. Try calling someone on your cell phone randomly and ask them how they are doing. I bet they will hang up on you. Ham radio is like a giant party line. One thing I never do is say 5 and 9, ever.
Isn't this just stating the obvious? Contesting is just done this way to speed the contact. If K1OIK wants to give a real report then he can do that. I don't see why posting a video about it does any good other than maybe he needed to vent to lower his blood pressure. I think the ham bands give plenty of time to both contesters and rag chewers....and the WARC bands have no contesting at all. Some people just like to complain. I try to be tolerant of the things in ham radio I don't like but some people just want to be difficult I suppose.
@CT1ELP In Germany in World War II everyone played the game and millions died. Of course this is totally different in many ways but why make a rule if it is totally disregardred?
Maybe he said something that offended them. Maybe he spoke his mind? In a free world we should all be able to speak our minds. Hats of to Burt. Maybe he is right, or maybe he is wrong depending upon your opinion, but atleast he speaks his mind. Yes Burt, if you read this I would still vote for you to be President of the ARRL and also at the same time Priminister of the UK. You would probably do a better job. Sandy
To K1OIK : your audio level varies many dB between your various broadcasts, I'm wearing my equipment out riding the gain. It's not just you, there is a great market for proc-amps for users of RU-vid. K4OF.
As you know, QSL is the appropriate term. The use of Roger, while likely understood, may still be confusing during poor conditions, especially if the person you are working is named Roger. I don't criticize when it is unsolicited, as you did in this video. But once the cat is out of the bag, I believe it is acceptable to put it back in its place...
I was going to pass on commenting until I read the description -- pretty edgy. May I humbly suggest you get a set of undershorts about two sizes larger as the ones you are wearing now are obviously in a real knot. Maybe take up a hobby that suits your personality better like drowning baby kittens or hunting harp seals. ..jeeeeeeeeee-sus!
It's human nature, some cultures will tell you what you want to hear, not what you need to hear. Ask for directions whilst driving in India, they give you directions even if they don't know :)
The point is usually to understand your call correctly and the information after the report (QSO serial number, zone, state, etc). Also the S-meter of different radios are likely to show differences quite big. Everybody knows they are not all 59 or 599 , but it is not that important in this situation. Just "Play the game". I like your videos and your critical view on amateur radio and I agree with many things you say... but not all ! 73 de CT1ELP, Pedro
I once gave a 3/3 to a contest station and they said this is a contest we are all 5/9 regardless of signal. I will not bow to the 59'ers, If I work you I will give you the signal report that I recived.
I've seen your videos and I know you have a beef with the whole 5,9 false reading. This pretty much proves it. Telling it like it is since the 20th Century! Rock on
Who cares about the 59 anyway, it's just an exchange. Plus these guys are fighting QRM which makes it tough to copy even a 59.. Only a miser would give a true report in those condx. Besides, I've seen QRM come in at 59 + so who's gonna sit there and wait for everyone to shut up so they can give a full true report? Its just a hobby - no money prizes anyway. Quit whining.
I am always a 5/9 with my 100 watts and G5RV man I must have a hidden Alpha Amp I don't know about. Just ask any DX station I have worked and I am always a 5/9. (Except from I2VRN but he gives honest signal reports and has a 4 element beam on 40 meters)
Hi Burt, I often watch your videos and try to use in my radio life the rules you talk about in your videos. I think I think I have a lot in common with you, I have the same approach to our hobby. For this, I do not participate in contests, among others. I hope you are in good health, what I wish you. Best regards from Poland (in Europe, hi, hi ..) Witek, SP5TAA.
ROFL... I give out some real reports in contests, confuses the heck out of people. Not sure about the investigative journalism angle though, there's no secret that contesters give out 59 or 5nn for everything...
I've always disliked the constant "59s" in contests as well. I'm generally not a contester...at least not a "hardcore" one. Why bother with giving a signal report if it's not going to be accurate? Enjoyed the video. (Though I know some of my contesting friends will disagree and will have an explanation of why this practice is done.)
Burt I don't agree with a lot you say, BUT on this subject mater you are 100% right, I mean I got to the far side of Russia from the UK, he gave me a 5/9 Hmm yes what ever I know full well it was no way a 5/9 I was 10 watts output on an Icom 718 using a 44 foot long end fed antenna going into a MFJ941E tuner. So a 5/9 no chance and I knew it. So why on Earth do they do that, I mean almost every contester gives a 5/8 no matter what. its the few honest ones who give you a true answer. BUT listen to this I gave one person in Italy a 4/7 he went mad at me calling me a lia, and he told me my radio was faulty. Actually it was the truth at the time. But it just goes to show they believe that they get a 5/9 no matter what they use. So there you go.................
LOL! @ gletchford - Lets see how many K1OIK videos we can find that comments are made of reports he's an asshole. Can they be liars? I think not!! Fact!! LOL! Burt, How many contestors did you have to go through before you edited your video? Hmmm!
On QRZ you can't give anything BUT 59 on their logbooks. At least when I list a linked node QSL, it is 59--because we had help. But I got it on 10M when the guy told me he could barely hear me. lol
burt2481 there probably is a better way to do it there, but I just go to the op's QRZ page and click to add a log contact. And all I ever see is a box to check either 59 or 599. So if someone is 53 or 55, well, I can't list it. So I often leave it blank.
Yes, now that I looked at it longer, that is correct. Although they do only give the 59 and 599 as boxes. I guess QRZ feels 53 would not be common enough for a box to just click. It really just encourages false 59 reports. My bad. But I often just leave that blank, since it really means nothing with all the false 59s.
I always give accurate reports- otherwise what's the point. It does piss me off that this is such a common practice- that's why I give accurate reports:most guys want a 59 so when I don't give it to them I feel like I'm getting back at them for lying to everyone else. I probably shouldn't feel that way but I do.
I under stand why contesters give 59 but it's silly if you have to repeat your call and info :) as long as we all enjoy the hobby thats the main thing. And before anyone asks I never never read the s meter I give reports by ear only... as I use home brew kit , and have the rf gain turned down and attenuation in most of the time on my main radio.
+Andy Page The silly FCC thinks ham radio is a service, they say nothing about a hobby. You are supposed to do something to earn your license to use public frequencies.
Love contesting... I generally stick to 12 and 17 meters if I somehow get the opportunity on during the day (no contesting allowed on 12-17) and actually get the chance to talk to someone rather than try to part the red sea also known as a pileup brandishing my wire dipole and heating the clouds with my mighty 100 watts (sarcasm.) KD9AYN
Most conteststations ( i thinks abt 75% ) on shortwave AND vhf & UP do use a lot of power but they do'nt have ears of they have bad ears. It can be very low operating practice also
Know its just a radio sport. And these contesters run alot of power just to get out. I hardly ever participate. Just call CQ and talk to who ever you get to. Not just a quick 59 and its over.
Using Roger is poor operating procedure. Giving out a false RST is also poor operating procedure. Rather than criticize others, you should focus on yourself... or just realize that no one is perfect and relax a little.
