59
Encoding & Decoding
RST Signal Report Generator
Build a valid Readability–Signal Strength–Tone report and understand each digit.
01
Tool
Readability: 5
Perfectly readable
Signal strength: 9
Extremely strong
Report
59
02
How it works
RST is the traditional signal report: R (readability 1–5), S (strength 1–9), and T (tone 1–9, CW only). '599' means perfectly readable, extremely strong, pure tone. On phone, only R and S are used ('59'). Contest exchanges commonly send 599 or 59 by convention.
03
How to use
- Choose mode (phone or CW).
- Move each slider to describe what you hear.
- The generated report and a plain-English explanation update in real time.
04
Frequently asked questions
Why is every contest report 59(9)?
By long-standing convention, contest exchanges use a fixed report so operators can focus on serial numbers, grids, or zones.
Does anyone still use the T (tone) digit?
It is meaningful on CW when a signal is chirpy or has ripple; modern rigs almost always produce a clean 9.