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Questions tagged [callsign]

For questions regarding callsigns, temporary designators, and related topics.

42 questions
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Are amateur radio call signs unique among all radio call signs?

Idle curiosity: Are the call signs of amateur radio operators distinct from call signs in all other radio services, such that there can be no ambiguity even if the relevant license and band(s) of operation is disregarded? If they are not distinct…
Kevin Reid AG6YO
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How can I tell if a call sign is valid?

Many different countries have different callsign formats. The US call signs typically fit into a very well defined category, but there are exceptions even there. I'm looking for a way to tell if a call sign is a real call sign, that works with…
PearsonArtPhoto
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9
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5 answers

What should I do if my call is being used by someone else?

I've been contacted by others who want to verify a DX with me, but I was not operating at that time! It appears that someone made several contacts using my callsign for a short window of time one day. I've been keeping my ears open, but haven't…
Adam Davis
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9
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Is there a different ham radio phonetic alphabet?

I was reading New Ham Radio License by AG6IF and the author says something strange in the context of station/operator identification: Use the standard ham phonetics, not the Air Force version, or the Fire Department's version or something you heard…
RoboKaren
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8
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1 answer

Can I use a Hawaiian call sign on the mainland?

A ham is initially licensed in Hawaii as KH6ABC (example only). If he subsequently moves to the mainland, can he keep his geographically restricted "KH" call sign or must it be changed?
Lance
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8
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2 answers

FT8 callsign/maidenhead compression encoding

I have set myself a challenge to write a Matlab script as proof of concept to send an FT8 CQ call (not necessarily for live transmissions yet, but I may extend the project). So far I have: Generated and appended 14-bit CRC to precomputed message…
jemussi
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8
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4 answers

What fraction of 2x2 USA call signs are vanity calls?

I found out a while back that, as things currently stand with the FCC, if you take and pass all three license class exams in the same sitting, you get a so-called "two by two" or 2x2 call -- two letter prefix, region/district number, and two letter…
Zeiss Ikon
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Is it conventional to sign using the phonetic alphabet like people do in the military or aviation?

I know that most amateur operators simply sign at the beginning or end of a message, like The weather is good, Kz1XXY Would it also be customary to say that in phonetic form? Kilo zulu 1 X-ray X-ray Yankee
HeavenlyHarmony
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8
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Is using /AE compulsory?

I'm taking the exam to upgrade my licence to Extra soon, but I'm concerned the ULS might not update in time for Field Day, when I'm supposed to be supervising (and using my call-sign for) my club's GOTA station. If I'm not operating outside the…
RoadieRich AE8RL
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7
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1 answer

What happens to your callsign if you migrate?

If, as an amateur radio operator, you're licensed in one country with a callsign, let's suppose, the US and you migrate to, say, Germany, will you have to reapply and obtain a new callsign? What if your migration is temporary, and you're only…
Amin Shah Gilani
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7
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FCC callsign with incorrect group letter

I just passed my technician exam and received my callsign from the FCC (KC1KHV). I was surprised by the two letter prefix, which seems to come from the class D group. According to the FCC documentation on the topic, a technician license should…
larsks
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7
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2 answers

Which country’s hams have the longest call signs?

Not including special event callsigns, which group (country/class/etc) of hams have and use the longest callsigns? I know that theoretically the longest would be a (3x4) or 8 character callsign but are these in use? I’m interested in which…
RoboKaren
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6
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3 answers

License upgrade doesn't extend term of license?

I just upgraded my license to Extra about a week and a half ago, so perhaps I'm supposed to know this. The FCC database shows my upgrade to Extra, but the expiration date and callsign haven't changed. I thought that my license would be renewed, at…
Rodney Price
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6
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Is there any downside to getting a vanity callsign?

I just got my HAM license, and I have been thinking about getting a 1×3 vanity that I can remember more easily. This question is partially in reference to this passage on the FCC site: A club station trustee of a club that has been assigned a…
Stephen Smith
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6
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3 answers

Which countries require you to change your call sign if you change your residence?

I live in Austria (OE). There we have to change our call sign if we move beyond one of the 9 Austrian federal state's border. For example I lived near Innsbruck (Tyrol) with the sign OE7TKT. I moved to Graz (Styria) for studying - new call sign…
Tom Kuschel
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