Question
What does an FT8 signal report of +3 mean?
Answer Options
- A) The signal is 3 times the noise level of an equivalent SSB signal
- B) The signal is S3 (weak signals)
- C) The signal-to-noise ratio is equivalent to +3dB in a 2.5 kHz bandwidth
- D) The signal is 3 dB over S9
Correct Answer: C
Explanation
Signal reports in the FT8 digital mode are based strictly on the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) as calculated by the decoding software, unlike the subjective S-meter readings. The report is given in decibels (\text{dB}).
An FT8 signal report of +3 means the signal-to-noise ratio is equivalent to $+3 \text{ dB in a 2.5 \text{ kHz} bandwidth (the standard reference bandwidth for SSB). Since FT8 can decode signals well below the noise floor, reports often range from as low as -25 \text{ dB} up to +10 \text{ dB} or higher for very strong signals.
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