SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/hamg-s-unit-6db

How much signal strength change does one S unit typically represent?

6 dB.

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  1. 15 dB
  2. 6 dB ✔
  3. 12 dB

Why: A properly calibrated S meter moves 6 dB for each S unit. A 6 dB change in received signal is a power change of 4 times.

Huh, didn't know that: To move a distant receiver's S meter from S8 to S9, you would need to raise transmitter power by approximately 4 times.

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References

Answer: 6 dB. A properly calibrated S meter moves 6 dB for each S unit. A 6 dB change in received signal is a power change of 4 times.

  1. NCVEC 2023-2027 General Class Pool and Syllabus (6th Errata, Feb 4 2026) ncvec.org/downloads/General%20Class%20Pool%20and%20Syllabus%202023-2027%20Public%20Release%20with%206th%20Errata%20Feb%204%202026.pdf
    6 dB
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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