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"5 by" is short for "5 by 5". This is a measure on the scale of 1 to 5 of loudness and clarity of voice transmission. "5 by 5" means "loud and clear".
"I read you 5 by."
5 by by Chrys in Houston March 13, 2004
Respective rating used to report ballpark signal strength and clarity of a transmission. So a 5 by 1 means a strong signal is present, but what is saying cannot be understood. 1 by 5 means you can understand them, but a signal is barely coming in. 5 by 5 is ideal for both counts.

Can also be used nowadays to mean one is doing well.
Ex. A) – command to alpha2IC, do you read?
-command this is alpha2IC, I got you 5 by 5.

b) How’s it going?
I’m 5 by 5.
5 by 5 by vodka June 2, 2004
RS report in ham radio. 5 means strong signal and 9 means good audio quality. Equivalent to "I can hear you loud and clear".
... roger roger, I can hear you 5 by 9. Good luck in the contest and 73.
5 by 9 by OK9NJA January 20, 2020
This is an old aeronautical radio term. Radio signal strength and clarity were measured on a scale of 1 to 5. Today the term "Loud and Clear" is preferred to "5 by 5".

In slang use "5 by 5" means things are well, good, or as expected.
5 by 5 by balrog May 16, 2003
To be in a content state of being. To be fine
5 by 5 by Xander October 29, 2003
Also refers to level of orientation in a neurological/psychiatric exam. Five by five means that you are oriented to (your)name, place (where you are), time, day/date, and year/current President. A way of saying that you're alright, everything's cool.
Dood- are you allright, that was one ugly wreck.

It's cool, I'm five by five.
5 by 5 by anoynymous April 23, 2004