SINPO

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SINPO is a code used to describe the quality of radio transmissions, especially in reception reports written by shortwave listeners. Each letter of the code stands for a specific factor of the signal, and each item is graded on a 1 to 5 scale (where 1 stands for very bad and 5 for very good).

The use of the SINPO code is subjective and varies from person to person. Not all shortwave listeners are conversant with the SINPO code and prefer using plain language instead.

[edit] Code explained

S (Signal strength) 

Simply the strength of the transmission.

I (Interference) 

Interference from other stations.

N (Noise) 

The amount of noise.

P (Propagation) 

Whether the signal is steady or fades from time to time.

O (Overall merit) 

An overall score for the listening experience under these conditions.

[edit] Examples of SINPO code applied

In responding to a shortwave reception, the SINPO indicates to the transmitting station the overall quality of the reception.

The SINPO code in normal use would simply consist of the 5 rating numbers listed without the letters, as in the examples below:

54555 - This indicates a relatively clear reception, with only slight interference; however, nothing that would significantly degrade the listening experience.

33434 - This indicates a signal which is moderately strong, but has more interference, and therefore deterioration of the received signal.

Generally, a SINPO with a code number starting with a 2 or lower would not be worth reporting, unless you had no noise, interference or loss of propagation, since it would be likely the reception would be unintelligible.