Excellent video on call signs. I got my Technician's license in Nov 2019 and within a week applied for my deceased father's call sign. Pleased that the FCC does this at no cost.

Clicked in the video because the thumbnail had the license from Ashland WI I grew up across the bay in Washburn. Great video.

I was WV2ZPD as a Novice in 1962, WA2ZPD as a Technician in 1963, WB7EGN in 1976 in Phoenix, AZ, WB1BTO in 1977 in Stamford, CT, in 1977, later in the year, back in NY, I again was WA2ZPD, because it was before the new call sign system started in 1978, General Class, still FCC exam, in 1979, Advanced in 1994, Extra in 1995, and W2CH, vanity call in 1997, until today. Also, V25CH, in 2004, while operating in Antigua on vacation.

When I was first poking around in the hobby in the early 1960's, it was explained that the shorter calls were issued to higher classes as a "reward." Since CW was very popular (and knowledge of code was mandatory) the lower classed calls had more characters to require operators to pound out more characters and improve their "hand" with code. As they advanced in skills, the calls became "shorter" as an incentive and reward for improving. KD4VEG

I got my Novice in April 1981 and was given KA9KWM. This was years before the VE program was created. I think the FCC simply went to KA prefixes after exhausting all WD sequential calls. At that time were also issuing N prefix 1x3 call signs to Technician and General Class operators because the K prefix 1x3’s has all been assigned. In those days any Ham who held a General Class or higher license could administer a 5 word per minute Morse Code test to a prospective Ham oand once the code test was passed, the licensed Ham signed off verification on FCC Form 610 and sent it to FCC HQ in Gettysburg PA. The FCC then mailed a written test to the licensed Ham, who then acted as proctor while the prospective Ham took the written test. The test was sent back to the FCC and if the person passed, they were granted a Novice Class license. In order to upgrade, we had to schedule an appointment with the FCC, either at the Call Area Field Office, or every few months an examiner would come to a central location somewhere in the call area. I went up through the ranks through Tech, General, Advanced and finally upgraded to Extra in 1985, when the 20 WPM code requirement was still in place. I put in for a call sign change in 1986, long before the vanity program, and was assigned NV9Z, which I still hold today. 73

Great information! I always wondered how they were generated! Thanks again!

I never realized the US system was so complicated. Here in Canada, all call signs are vanity signs. We are limited to 2x3 or 2x2 callsigns because Canada does not have any complete run of a letter sequence (i.e., we don't own all the C's, V's or X's for example). 2x2 calls are only available to amateurs that have been licensed for 10 years or longer. We also don't have all these different classes of licences. Just two - Basic and Advanced. You can get full access to all the amateur bands with just the Basic qualification, so long as you get at least 80% on the exam. Otherwise you need the Advanced. The only real limitation with Basic is the amount of power you are allowed. The names we use, give you an idea of the skill level of the operator, where as for the US, the terms technician and general (in particular) don't intuitively map to the skill level.

Excellent demonstration my call is WW5D I picked it up when I lived in TEXAS 5 call and now live N. Phoenix, ARIZONA 7 call. I will always keep this call 73 Have a great day.

HIS EYES... HE STARES INTO YOUR SOUL

This was a nice summary. I got my Technician license five years ago and shortly after acquired a vanity call sign. The one I wanted was a number outside my region as I wanted the year of my high school graduation. I honestly wasn’t aware of the region system when I applied for the vanity call sign. Well, the FCC issued my vanity call sign and I mentioned to a friend of mine that I had recently obtained my license. Her father, now a silent key, was a long-time ham - something like 50 years or more. He told her that my call sign was not legal since it did not match my region. I was hesitant to use it at that point and did not know any local hams to ask. I got busy with life and never got a radio and got started, but I always was wondering if I actually was legal to use the vanity call sign. I now have time, with Covid-19, and am researching radios and about to make a purchase. I was planning to contact the FCC to ensure my call sign was legal, but you have put that question to rest. Thanks!

Yep.. My first was Novice.. KN5MPJ.. Later it was WB6PBQ, later N6GHG.. Now N7GHG

About vanity call signs: We all are different. If somebody became an extra-class operator but decided to keep his 2x3 call sign -- fine, whatever floats his boat. To me, though, a 1x2 call sign, especially if it starts with a W, has a timeless, classic look, it's A BEAUTY, and I want it -- to feel good after I've spent countless hours studying for the extra exam; it's like hunting DX, finally getting your DXCC award -- you want it to look great and you want it to be on your wall! It's your achievement! It's a hobby, and we do it to feel good, right? Some say "They are dead people's call signs"; well, I respect those people -- they loved to do what I love to do. A call sign is not a 1991 Ford Taurus that has been in 7 accidents and smells like a dump. When somebody hears your vanity call sign, they type it in the logging program on PC and what they see is YOUR name, your address, your picture,... not some other ham who is dead. There are other reasons to get a short call sign; for example, it's a big advantage in a contest, especially CW.

Hey Michael! Thanks for taking the time to put this video together. I've been a ham for about 30 years. Although I had a pretty good understanding of the basics, I definitely learned more about the call sign system. Scott N1KMX

Good job and thank you. I still have my call from 1987 kb7fxj but now live in Alaska.

This is one place 11 mtrs kicks ass over ham radio... 2 devision usa.. If you move state no problem just tell folks your in washington or virginia.. When i hear a call on 11 i know where its from... On the ham bands get the book out... Great video well done for tackling it.. Not for the faint of heart

From what I understand prior to the early 70s, The “N” prefix was assigned exclusively for use by the United States Navy and Coast Guard but when the "K" and "W" ran out they started assigning the "N" prifix to technician class holders. I still hold my original call from the early 90's at that time the "N" was issued to both code and no code technicians. 73 Harry N8YTV

Accurate and comprehensive overview - congratulations! Not sure why this is not covered in new ham classes or the exam process. I see vanity applications every week where new amateurs have requested tactical calls - JE3P, VICTOR1, EM0COM, etc. We need more Elmers!

Excellent presentation. Being licensed first in 1956 as a 13 year old I've been through a bunch of these. I was also first licensed in Wisconsin (Manitowoc). Like many I was first a Novice KN9CAH and six months later after taking the General test in Milwaukee it became K9CAH. I held a General class then when it granted all privileges. I moved to Maryland after graduation from the UW in 1964. While 2x3 calls were being issue to new hams in the 3rd call area, apparently if you ever held a 1x3 you kept it and I became W3DRV. At the end of the 1960s incentive licensing came in and I passed, a month apart, the now obsolete Advanced class and then the Extra class. In ca. 1977, the FCC to give a further incentive to upgrade to Extra they permitted Extras with 20 years of ham time (which I just made) and then in batches by some dates of issue of the Extra the option of a 1X2 callsign.. to the extent they were not held by anyone else. That was when I got my W3JT call (my initials.) The first to be able to get a call that way were those who got the Extra Class when it meant nothing in extra privileges. Those were VERY few in number. Up to that time anyone with a 1x2 callsign (as we joked) got that call the day after Marconi did. There was only one in my hometown, we was licensed before WW I. I was in the second batch, about the first 2-3 years of incentive licensing. I was at the USPS office at midnight of the magic date. BTW both of my previous callsigns have been reissued. One more anomaly. I also held (and still reserved for my use), the callsign KG4TJ (KG4JT had been used) for an operations when I was at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba in 1995 when I was down there on a Defense Dept. work assignment.. A KG4 prefix with a two letter suffix is reserved for Gitmo (The Gitmo Ham club, through me, requested the FCC not issue KG4 prefixes, but they ignored that. The FCC said a two letter suffix was enough to identify a call as being from Gitmo. Issuing ham tickets there was an "other duty as assigned" to some NCO down there. A technician working for me down there greased the skids for me to get that call. Getting a 1x2 call when I did was considered to be "for merit" not a "vanity" and I do not pay the vanity fee.

I remember when the FCC change one callsign to KC6, my brother got one and when he went CQ had instant replies. The KC6 at the time was the Caroline Islands.

Great explanation and history. Thanks for sharing!

Hey there from Illinois, my original call sign was N9QDO issued back in 1991 just out of high school and I now am after requesting a call sign change KC9QIO

Thanks for this information! The whole Call Sign structuring is a bit confusing and you helped explain how it works a bit better. Thank you! Also love the J-Pole! Ordered a second one last week! Works perfect... Simple! 73's - N1UI

I applied for my vanity call the day after my assigned call was listed on the FCC site. I now have K0 and my initials :) Now my call sign license plate on my car is only $10/year beings its an 'Amateur Radio' plate instead of the $40/yr 'personalized plate', wohoo!

Great video! Thanks so much for the well put information. I am WRMY975 (GMRS) but soon, hope to be technician licensed in HAM. I will let you know what I end up with.

Interesting explanation. but if I'm not mistaken the 2x3 calls starting with KA were in place prior to VE testing. I got licensed in 1981 as a novice with my original call of KA3IWW. I kept that call sign when I upgraded to General class in 1984 and at that time we were still testing at FCC offices. I'm not sure just when the VE system started.

That W9AJU callsign really caught my eye. I was actually at Pauls house back in the very early 1980's. I worked him on 146.52 simplex from my folks house in Cable, Wisc. I drove up to Ashland and picked up my W9AJU qsl card. Dave N9HF Ormond Beach, Fl.

Excellent joy explaining Call Signs! NM5SP Alan

Good stuff. Relatively new ham here and find your stuff very informative. Love to get me a 1x2 someday.

as a ham since 1964 i learned something new again..thanks.73..de..WA5MKU

I have they Motorola speaker too. That is the best comms speaker I've heard.

I tested directly into getting a 5 wpm Technician license in early 1986 and received N3ERZ. The cutoff of for when the no-code was mid-1987 as I recall. I have subsequently received my grandfathers callsign of K3PSO sometime after he became a silent key and also have processed the paper upgrade to General I was overdue for from when the code requirement was dropped.

Just got my license at age 60. My wife says my call sign is Kurt Owns 6 Big Fat Rhinos. 😂

Good info, 73's!

Thanks - breaks it down nicely.

Thanks for the info. I got my tech+5wpm ticket in the early 90s and got a 1x3. I liked it and kept it for my general and a region move.

Thanks for the historical info, Michael. Always enjoy your videos.

Got my Tech and General as K4PMG in FL. Moved to CT where I requested W1LSZ, that a person I knew had, when he passed away. Got it no problem.

I started life as KE8MMQ which wasn't too bad to say on the local net check-in, but I decided I wanted one that was more related to my line of work. Since "Plug and Play" was the big marketing phrase in computers at the time, and I happen to work in the IT field, my call is now W8PNP. I think once I upgrade to General, and later Extra, that I will keep what I have.

One scenario you didn't mention is when a person walks into a VE session with no amateur radio license and walks out as an amateur extra (meaning they've passed all three elements), the FCC will issue them a 2x2 call sign.Great video as always. 73 from KC2WLR.

AWESOME AND THANK YOU! I have not taken my test yet but have wondered about this for many years. I knew it was based on license class but wondered what happened if you tested up. Definitely did not know about the vanity license option or being able to use a deceased relatives call sign. Thank you again for this.

1993, no code tech issued 1x3 N, expired smd years later retested and issued 2x3 KC, vanity request, got old N number back

Very nice rundown of how the licensing structure is. I hope a lot of people enjoy this. 73 de n3pyj

My original call: KB0KYV was difficult for ops to copy when working DX on SSB. It was also a handful to send on CW. I was happy to find out that the vanity callsign program is now free! So last month, I got my new vanity callsign: K0SAV (SAV are my initials). It's easier to send on CW and it's easier for ops to copy on SSB in weak signal conditions. I'm happy!

Very well explained thankyou

Thanks for the video, I did find this information out before taking my test's. The FCC (ULS) has this information, it takes some reading. Another challenging thing (if you don't already have video(s)) is to understand all the band uses/restrictions knowing most newer radios (especially imports) will TX outside of band/power limits allowed. Great channel! 73's AJ6JR

Answering the question that's been on everyone's mind.

My original Novice call sign started with WV2..(circa 1959) as novices were identified back then....Shortly there after novices received WN call signs and when you up graded to either Technician, Extra or General class - you received a WA call sign. The V or N being replaced by an "A'

7:20 I received a systematic callsign with an 'AG' prefix for my first callsign. Now granted, I tested from zero to extra in one session, but it was a systematic assignment in which I received it.

my favorite channel for ham stuff explanations ! great shack too

I tested spring of 1979 by appointment with the fcc no vec got the call KA8FUF now W8RIC.

Thank you! Great info sir.

Thanks for another great video Michael. I always enjoy them and you provide great information, and would love to see them more frequently. My KB9VBR JPole antenna is fantastic and I recommend them to everyone.

Very clear and concise coverage of the topic! 73's de WB2TAW.

I was not expecting this video to hold my interest (since it popped up as a "Suggestion".) But low and behold, here I am eager to say thank you for this video, Mike. As this hobby continues to struggle against other communication technologies, it's videos such as this which earn a rightful place within. Again, thank you this presentation. (Subbed) *Now recalling the days of waiting for the (phone book size) Call Book to arrive in the mail 🤣* de...N2QN (Formally, N2UXH...KG2CL...AA2XN...KQ2U)

My first call was a 2X2. It has a zero and an oh, making it hard to identify when typed, and it uses some of the longest CW characters, slowing down CW contesting. But I still have it. It's me, and I'm not particularly vain.

Very interesting! I am from Austria/Europe. It is a small country with about 8 mio inhabitants and about 6.000 hams. So, the prefix for the whole of Austria ist OE, that is enough. We also have a region code, from 1 to 9, which comes in handy, because Austria consists of 9 federal states. 0 is reserved for "extraterritorial" stations: an Austrian astronaut at the ISS had OE0 :-). The suffix is 3 characters long, only very old callsigns are shorter. The callsigns are assigned directly by the government, and are given for a stationary facility and your person. I do not know, what happens, if you got more than one station within your region, but the suffixes are unique for the whole country. So, if you have OE1ABC assigned, and another station in another region, say 3, you additionally get OE3ABC assigned for that station, both bound to your person. The authorities may inspect your gear once a year in regular terms. Thus, you may choose your suffix, but within a range of "free" ones. The next rule regards your license: Austria is a CEPT-country, so the maximum allowed transmitting power is 200 W, or 400 W, if you apply for it, and can show, that you did not make trouble with the 200 W in the past. But there are club stations and the like, assigned personally to the responsitivity of an operator, which may transmit with up to 1.000 W. The suffixes of these callsigns all start with an X. That is practical, because all repeater's callsigns start with the X. Not enough: For special occasions you can apply for a transient callsign for a special occasion. OE1YOUTH20 could be valid. I am obliged to add /P, /A, or /M to my callsign, if I am somewhat mobile: /Portable, /Air, /Maritime. OK, /P will be sufficient. A good practice is to prefix your callsign with the "country prefix", if you are at least anywhere in Europe: SV/OE1ABC/M gives a hint to your QTH - you are sailing in Greece in the Aegean Sea :-). Europe is a cluster of abut 30 countries, and not each one has a unique country prefix, but it is relatively easy to spot the country. vy 73 de oe1llc

Thankss

i just got my callsign at Dec 2018, YD7JBA its great video

When you said some call signs might be hard to say, I immediately thought of Japan and the letter "L". :-)

Great information Michael. Thanks for the effort in making this informative video. And I did press the 👍

Back in the 1960's when I moved from Arizona to California, I went from 7 land to 6 land. I had to give up my W7 call and I was assigned a WA6 call. Now it's really confusing. I'm now back in Arizona but I still have my WA6 call.

Thank you

Very informative and well done. Thanks!

Excellent and well explained. Why does something so fundamentally simple become a complicated nightmare? I guess that's government for you. Much the same here in the UK. Thank you. J

👍 Thanks for the detailed explanation. It's probably the clearest one 'out there'. Q1: What is the situation with expired call signs (either silent keys, or abandoned ones)? When are they eligible for reissue? Q2: Are hams allowed to hold more than one personal (as opposed to repeater or Club) call sign?

In Germany its very easy, we have DA-DR. Edit: while writing the post.. its not THAT easy.. DE is reserved for SWLs, DI is for experimental stations (non ham-radio), DN is for learner calls - every licensed op can get a DN call that is registered to him/her and is only to be used by an unlicensed student operator where the callsign owner has to be present at the station. DO is for the novices (who get extra privileges in the US when visiting) that are allowed on 160-80-15-10m and 144/430MHz + some other higher bands. 100W max. DP0 and DP1 is for "exterritorial" stations that are not located in Germany. The only active calls i know of are DP1POL and DP0GVN (Georg Von Neumeyer research station in Antarctica) as well as DP0ISS, one of the official callsigns on the International Space Station. DP2-9, DQ, DR are special calls for commemorations, club stations, contest calls (always officially a club station). So if you work DP5X for example, its neither in space or Antarctica, its in Germany. These are never personal calls. Also 2x1 calls are never personal calls here. Those fall under the same category. Aaaaand to complete it, officially we also have Y2-Y9, adopted from the former GDR. Those are never issued in with one exception. During the WRTC (World Radio Team Championship) 2018 there were Y8´s used, all 2x1 like Y89A or Y86Z. All other callsigns are Class A (highest class) with some exceptions like the use of DB0 for repeaters and so on but that goes too far. There is no regional meaning in the callsigns, so DL1ABC might be the neighbor of DB9XYZ. So there is no point in saying "I worked a DL6" instead of just DL like it is with the regional calls in the US.. We dont have to renew our personal callsigns and licenses, a big plus in my mind. I can already see me missing to renew my US call.. Thats it for now ;-) 73 de DD5ZZ / KD5ZZ

Great video I am definitely subscribing 73!

thanks for this video best 73 from Felix HB9ABX

In the late 1970s, I had an Amateur Extra class license with my original 2x3 callsign, then I became eligible for a 2x2, and then a 2x1.

KI5HSH, that’s my assigned callsign and I can’t tell you how many people mishear that. Certainly trying to get a higher grade license for a shorter vanity.

Good stuff, Michael!

thx for that micheal, previously KB9YSZ cheers n 73

My brother callsign is KH2PT technician class, and General class, then when he passed advance class, it was change to AH2DJ, then he passed the Extra class license, due to no availabke 2x1 and 1x2 callsign, he remained AH2DJ 2x2 call. Its hard to get a 2x1 or 1x2 in Guam island since all the 2x1 or 1x2 is taken during that time.

New sub. Excellent content. Not sure I really like the vanity system. I like it that call signs were like regrettable tattoos. You're kinda stuck with it.

Thanks!

Factoid: Perhaps because radio and airplanes were developing at about the same time, the radio station callsign and aircraft registration numbers allocations to each country have a lot of similarities.

1:55 Yes but... When the DX station requests that you repeat your prefix, they want the whole 'KB9' ("KILO BRAVO NINER"). Leave out the Region "9" and you'll likely cause them annoyance.

Great video! thanks for making it!

Thank you for this information.. my father had.. W1ZYC and my uncle had K1DVL ow i can understand it...

After Watching A Few Of Your Videos, I Subscribed & Bought That Battery Because You Liked It So Much. Any Love For 11 Meter Sideband Callsigns? Maybe What Not To Do, Thanks.

I've got a Moonraker 4 it's mounted right above the convention center

Where did you get the information that the N prefix was associated with the dropping of the CW requirement for Technician?

I'm in Oklahoma and hope I can take my test when I'm ready, I haven't seen any updates from the local clubs :(

Good information. '73 / Steve / K4SRF

Thanks. That was informative!

The callsign system in Canada is well-documented in Wikipedia for anyone who is interested: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Call_signs_in_Canada

Here in the UK .. If the prefix starts with G, M0, M1 and M5 it is allowed the full legal limit. Prefix 2 ... 50 watts of power. M3, M6 & M7 are allowed a maximum of 10 watts.. There's also a regional secondary locator.. England - No Regional Secondary Locator Guernsey - “U” Isle of Man - “D” Jersey - “J” Northern Ireland - “I” Scotland - “M” Wales - “W”.

I got my novice in summer 1976 and was issued WN4UJY. At that time when you upgraded if that was no WA prefix you got that. If there was a WA prefix you got WB. WC you mention was for civil defense calls WD was the next in line and they were short lived. Think incentive licensing started after WARC 77. IE KAXAAA NXAAA KAXAA AND AAXA were issued. In 1977 I was automagically changed from WN4UJY to WA4UJY. No idea why other than get rid on WN calls ? We moved overseas and when we came back in 1979 I heard the new callsigns as I remember. Wound up with a KA8 novice cuz my dad filled out the form to change my call. So I cycled through the calls as I upgraded N8HOH KE8OK WG8D. as soon as I could get WA4UJY Back I did. When vanity calls first came back. One last bit o trivia. Extras are one time could get vanity calls. Like in the 60s or 70s. Knew folks with 1x2 calls with thier initials.

Very informative!

I have a 1x3 call , NØDPR, I was required to pass a code test to become a novice and also to upgrade to general..I’m not sure that’s what you said in your explanation on call signs?

Call signs should be something like: Happy, Dopey, Grumpy, Sleepy, etc etc.

Passed my Tech last Tue. Hopefully it doesn't take 2 years for the FCC to issue my callsign with the current issues ongoing.

Interesting. I was first licensed in the UK in 1973 with G8IAX, a no code VHF only license. I passed the morse code test in 1981 and then waited months for a specific callsign. For reasons, I don't recall I wanted consecutive letters in the alphabet. I am G4LMN. I got this a bit wrong as it does not roll off the tongue very well on 'phone but it's nice in CW. I also choose to use an abbreviation of my middle name on the air, again because it's easier in CW, so if you have ever worked me you'll know me as Ron.

“N” call signs were issued to Technicians upgrading from Novice before code free Technician class existed.

I didn’t like how KN4SJK rolled off the tongue so I tried to get N, K or W4JEM which is my initials. So I checked on EJM which was my dad’s and N4EJM was available. I choose 2 others but they granted me my first choice. 73

Sounds fairly straight forward, very much like in Sweden! 73 de sm5zeh

Love your videos! 🤜🏻👍🤛🏻♡♡♡

My CB was KFA 5776

excellent video

I think I might have met you in Streator Illinois.