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Message |
    
Red_devil
Junior Member
Username: Red_devil
Post Number: 15
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, January 06, 2005 - 11:19 pm: | 
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I am sure a few people can answer this question. |
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 4492
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, January 06, 2005 - 11:40 pm: |
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Red_devil
The Correct term is: "73" not "73's"
The traditional expression "73" goes right back to the beginning of the landline telegraph days. It is found in some of the earliest editions of the numerical codes , each with a different definition, but each with the same idea in mind--it indicated that the end, or signature, was coining up. But there are no data to prove that any of these were used.
The first authentic use of 73 is in the publication The National Telegraph Review and Operators' Guide, first published in April 1857. At that time, 73 meant "My love to you!" Succeeding issues of this publication continued to use this definition of the term. Curiously enough, some of the other numerals then used have the same definition now that they had then, but within a short time, the use of 73 began to change.
In the National Telegraph Convention, the numeral was changed from the Valentine-type sentiment to a vague sign of fraternalism. Here, 73 was a greeting, a friendly "word" between operators and it was so used on all wires.
In 1859, the Western Union Company set up the standard "92 Code". A list of numerals from one to 92 was compiled to indicate a series of prepared phrases for use by the operators on the wires. Here, in the 92 Code, 73 changes from a fraternal sign to a very flowery "accept my compliments," which was in keeping with the florid language of that era.
Over the years from 1859 to 1900, the many manuals of telegraphy show variations of this meaning. Dodge's The Telegraph Instructor shows it merely as "compliments." The Twentieth Century Manual of Railway and Commercial Telegraphy defines it two ways, one listing as "my compliments to you;" but in the glossary of abbreviations it is merely "compliments." Theodore A. Edison's Telegraphy Self-Taught shows a return to "accept my compliments." By 1908, however, a later edition of the Dodge Manual gives us today's definition of "best regards" with a backward look at the older meaning in another part of the work where it also lists it as "compliments."
"Best regards" has remained ever since as the "put-it-down-in-black-and-white" meaning of 73 but it has acquired overtones of much warmer meaning. Today, amateurs use it more in the manner that James Reid had intended that it be used --a "friendly word between operators."}
Hope this helps,
73 to all who read this. 
Lon
Tech808
CEF808
N9OSN
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Wolverine
Intermediate Member
Username: Wolverine
Post Number: 292
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Friday, January 07, 2005 - 6:20 am: |
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Wow Tech 808, where do you come up with this stuff. That was very educational.
Wolverine. |
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 4495
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Friday, January 07, 2005 - 6:45 am: |
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Wolverine,
40+ years in the Radio Hobby, over 400 CDs I have made with Radio Information, & maybe 200 Favorite's in my Favorite Folder, and the help of 8 Search engines, heck I have access to TON'S of information at my finger tips. 
There are TONS and TONS of Information Available out there for people to read and learn it just takes time.
Due to my health & meds I am generally on line maybe 16 to 18 hours most days.
It helps keeps my mind off of things.
You will never hear me say I know everything about anything as life is a continual learning experience and I am always willing to learn something new. 
Lon
Tech808
CEF808
N9OSN
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Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 4500
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Friday, January 07, 2005 - 2:01 pm: |
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NOTE!
Copper Forum Members,
I deleted 1 post to this that was in morse code and have had to refuse several others PLEASE use The ENGLISH Language when posting.
Since not all of the Copper Forum Members use or know Morse Code they have no idea what a bunch of dot's and dashes mean.
Thank You!
Lon
Tech808
CEF808
N9OSN
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Bruce
Senior Member
Username: Bruce
Post Number: 2018
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Friday, January 07, 2005 - 2:45 pm: |
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It from what i remember reading it was not offensive |
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 4502
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Friday, January 07, 2005 - 4:43 pm: |
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Bruce,
True, it might not have been offensive.
But it was something that not All of the Copper Forum Member's would be able to read or understand or have any idea what the post was about.
Lon
Tech808
CEF808
N9OSN
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Bruce
Senior Member
Username: Bruce
Post Number: 2021
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Friday, January 07, 2005 - 8:18 pm: |
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Lon
Just tring to keep people from thinking you had deleated a ......
(!#@%^$%^#$%^$%&$#^&#%^&#%& )
or even worse. |
Red_devil
Junior Member
Username: Red_devil
Post Number: 16
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Friday, January 07, 2005 - 8:30 pm: |
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Lon,
Thank you for your incredibly detailed definition. I figured the question would stimulate some interesting discussion of the lore behind the term. However, your knowledge has covered all of the different, interesting, and varied stories that I have heard over the years. As usual… Good job Sir!
As for the morse code… Thank you for the deletion. I would have spent hours decoding the message.
To the morse sender… SHOW OFF!!!! English is hard enough for me :-)
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Racer X (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Saturday, January 08, 2005 - 11:58 am: |
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I know it's not true, but the gun nut in me likes the myth that the telegraph operators in the old west starting signing a 73 to other operators wishing them well, which in the old west meant having a rifle as reliable and accurate as the Winchester model '73. Winchester '73 with Jimmy Stewart is also one of my favorite all time movies. |
Inspector
Intermediate Member
Username: Inspector
Post Number: 116
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, January 09, 2005 - 8:29 am: |
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In 1970s CB slang, 73 became "73s" just to make it sound right, especially if you're addressing more than one person on a channel, when you go 10-7. The use of "88s" I supose means "hugs and kisses". Again CB slanguage reduced it down to "3s & 8s" or "all those good numbers"...ah the good ol' days... |
Bruce
Senior Member
Username: Bruce
Post Number: 2036
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, January 09, 2005 - 11:13 am: |
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There is no such thing as a 73's The turm is 73 and is a CODE shortcut as is the "Q" codes ( LIKE QSL ). Sadly some have taken this and others and butchered them up but it STILL IS NOT CORRECT. |
Chappy
New member
Username: Chappy
Post Number: 7
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, January 09, 2005 - 7:46 pm: |
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Right or wrong how it's said I'm sure it's all in "GOOD" "MAY GOD RIDE OUR AIR WAVES FROM ONE RADIO TO THE NEXT BLESSING EACH AND EVERYONE OF US" |
Sheriffryne
New member
Username: Sheriffryne
Post Number: 6
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Monday, January 10, 2005 - 9:44 pm: |
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I wondered what 73s or 73 meant but didn't want to ask. A lot of emails I got had that at the end. Very interesting... good work Lon |
Jp1116
Member
Username: Jp1116
Post Number: 88
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 11, 2005 - 2:19 pm: |
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I cringe a little when the new operators say 73's but not sure why. I guess I'm embarrassed for them that somebody is going to jump on them. Not sure why though. You'll hear the same guys that would jump on the new operator talking about last nights baseball game saying how the local star had 4 RBI's. What is that? Runs Batted In Ins? Maybe I should jump on them and show them the error of their ways like any other good ham. I just had to throw that in because I like to stir things up and I've heard a bunch of people talking about this on the air. I always ask them why everyone uses CW terminology for phone communications. They are rambling about nothing special, it's local not DX and they are in no hurry so there is no need. Most of them can't even send CW, just learned enough to pass the old fill in the blank tests and don't even own a key so it's not habit, just done to fit in.
The roger beep.... I mean "courtesty tone" on the repeater is another story. However, it has mysteriously disappeard after pointing it out. I guess they didn't want to sound like CB operators while giving radio checks and passing out driving info on the way home.
Anyway, just having a little fun but think about it. Here is a site that has some interesting info. Can't say if any of it is true but it's fun to read. http://www.ac6v.com/73.htm#73 |
Tech808
Moderator
Username: Tech808
Post Number: 4534
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 11, 2005 - 4:16 pm: |
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Jp1116,
It is not just the new operator's as many of older operator's will also use 73's and some of them have been it for 60 years and more. 
I personally had that problem solved for me back in 1962 when I started in Radio.
My school Science teacher was also head of the school radio club and he said if he ever heard any of us use 73's he would FLUNK us and we would have detention every day for a month straight.
It sunk in REAL QUICK! 
When talking with one person I say 73
If I am talking to more than one person or a group I say 73 to all.
I guess you just NEVER forget some things, and he is still alive and doing well so I still watch myself very carefully when he is on the Club Repeaters and weekly nets when Iam talking. 
Lon
Tech808
CEF808
N9OSN |
Racer X (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 11, 2005 - 4:50 pm: |
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Jp1116 - I agree that it's silly to use a CW abbreviation when using phone mode. Often it takes more syllables to say the abbreviation than what it stands for.
About the only exception I make is for signal reports. It's still much faster to say three by two or five by nine. |
