how long can a 5x5 signal be maintained in a microwave waveguide?

Why is a square wave called a 5x5 signal? I've never heard that before.
 
Waveguide: In radio-frequency engineering and communications engineering, a waveguide is a hollow metal pipe used to carry radio waves. This type of waveguide is used as a transmission line mostly at microwave frequencies, for such purposes as connecting microwave transmitters and receivers to their antennas, in equipment such as microwave ovens, radar sets, satellite communications, and microwave radio links.

The group velocity of guided electromagnetic waves (EMW) is a fraction of the speed of light. Propagation in a (metal-pipe) waveguide may be imagined as a zig-zag path, with the EMW being repeatedly reflected between opposite walls of the guide. For the particular case of rectangular waveguide, it is possible to base an exact analysis on this view. Propagation in a dielectric waveguide may be viewed in the same way, with the waves confined to the dielectric by total internal reflection at its surface. Some structures, such as non-radiative dielectric waveguides and the Goubau line, use both metal walls and dielectric surfaces to confine the wave.
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Signal Strength Slang: The phrase "five by five" can be used informally to mean "good signal strength" or "loud and clear". An early example of this phrase was in 1946, recounting a wartime conversation. The phrase was used in 1954 in the novel The Blackboard Jungle. Another example usage of this phrase is from June 1965 by the crew of the Gemini IV spacecraft. This phrase apparently refers to the fact that the format consists of two digits, each ranging from one to five, with five/five being the best signal possible.

Procedure words - Go to "Radio check" sub-heading.

sculptor said:
strength and clarity
1x1 would be weak signal x unintelligible
5x5 would be the best---strong signal x excellent clarity (aka loud and clear)
Click to expand...
 
Last edited:
sculptor said:
strength and clarity
1x1 would be weak signal x unintelligible
5x5 would be the best---strong signal x excellent clarity (aka loud and clear)
Click to expand...
Thanks. Well, the answer is that the signal can be maintained for a fair distance.

Anything else you wanted to know?
 
Pinball1970 said:
Well it's probably better than my last joke at least, that was not that well received if you remember.
Click to expand...
A modified version of that joke occurred to me, which would be less triggering. Maybe will post it over there. (Somewhere back in the mists of time I may have heard something like the modified version)

If it's the waveguide for a microwave oven, the signal wouldn't have to travel very far. :p
 
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