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Chameleon Knowledge Base · The Complete Online HF Antenna Handbook

What Is an RST Signal Report?

Learn what RST signal reports mean and how amateur radio operators evaluate received signals.

Getting Started HF Fundamentals Reviewed 2026-07-14
Short Answer: Learn what RST signal reports mean and how amateur radio operators evaluate received signals.

Explanation

Overview The RST System is the standard method used by amateur radio operators to report received signal quality. RST stands for: R – Readability S – Signal Strength T – Tone (CW only) Readability Scale (R) 1 – Unreadable. 2 – Barely readable. 3 – Readable with difficulty. 4 – Readable with little difficulty. 5 – Perfectly readable. Signal Strength Scale (S) 1 – Faint. 5 – Fair. 9 – Extremely strong. Tone Scale (CW) The Tone value ranges from 1 to 9 and describes the purity of a CW signal. It is normally omitted during voice contacts. Common Examples 59 — Excellent voice signal. 57 — Readable with moderate signal strength. 599 — Excellent CW signal. Applied to Chameleon Products Recording RST reports while testing different Chameleon antenna configurations helps operators objectively compare performance across locations, frequencies, and propagation conditions. Related Articles What Is a QSO? What Is Signal-to-Noise Ratio? What Is DX? What Is PSK Reporter? Related Products All Chameleon Antennas

The exact result depends on the complete station: frequency, geometry, feed line, matching network, return-current path, environment, operating power, and the reference plane of any measurement. A low SWR establishes an impedance relationship at that point; it does not by itself prove efficiency, radiation pattern, compatibility, or safety.

What to Verify

  • Use the newest official product guide or primary service documentation.
  • Confirm the exact model, revision, components, configuration, and operating conditions.
  • Begin tests at low power and change one variable at a time.
  • Do not infer compatibility from connector or thread fit.

Learn Next

  • Antenna Selection: A Mission-First Decision Guide
  • Engineering Design Tradeoffs in Portable HF Antennas
  • Antenna Measurement Reference Planes
  • Understanding Common-Mode Current

Source note: Independently synthesized with reference to The ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications, 99th edition (2022), and The ARRL Antenna Book for Radio Communications, 24th edition (2019). Verify changing regulations, services, software, specifications, availability, and safety requirements against current primary sources.