We’re on Brandmeister talk group 31266, the Michigan Nets channel, for the DMR Tech Net on Monday, July 15th from 7:30pm ET – 8:25pm ET. We’re ending the show early to give you time to QSY over to BrandMeister 3126 for the Michigan One DMR Net that begins at 8:30pm.
Join us Monday night as Vanity Call Signs will be our topic. We’ll discuss the who, what, why, where, and how of Vanity Call Signs on Monday’s DMR Tech Net.
We’d like to hear your comments if you have a vanity call sign or are still using the call sign you were originally assigned.
Plus, we’ll try to answer any questions you have.
Join us as we demystify and have fun with DMR (Digital Mobile Radio) every Monday night!
You can always chat with the DMR Tech Net team on TGIF talk group 31268, the DMR Tech Net channel or Brandmeister talk group 31266, the Michigan Nets channel.
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In amateur radio, a vanity call sign is a personalized call sign chosen by the operator, as opposed to the standard sequentially assigned call signs given by the licensing authority (such as the FCC in the United States). Vanity call signs allow amateur radio operators to select call signs that may have personal significance, such as their initials, a nickname, or a pattern they find appealing.
Key Points about Vanity Call Signs:
- Eligibility: In many regions, operators need to hold a valid amateur radio license to apply for a vanity call sign.
- Availability: The desired call sign must be available and not currently in use by another operator.
- Fee: There might be an application fee associated with obtaining a vanity call sign, depending on the country and regulatory body.
- Format: Vanity call signs must conform to the format and length rules set by the regulatory authority (e.g., in the U.S., call signs can be up to six characters long, beginning with a letter indicating the region and license class).
- Application Process: Operators typically apply for a vanity call sign through the licensing authority’s online portal or via mail, and the process may include a review to ensure compliance with regulations.
Vanity call signs offer a way for amateur radio operators to personalize their identity on the airwaves, making their communication more memorable and meaningful.
To obtain an amateur radio vanity call sign, you’ll typically follow these steps:
- Verify Eligibility
- Ensure you have a valid amateur radio license.
- Check the specific eligibility criteria set by your licensing authority (e.g., FCC in the U.S.).
- Choose a Desired Call Sign
- Select a call sign that adheres to the format and length rules.
- Use online tools or databases to check the availability of your desired call sign.
- Prepare Your Application
- Gather necessary information, such as your current call sign, personal details, and the desired vanity call sign(s).
- Submit the Application
- Online Submission: Use the licensing authority’s online portal to submit your application.
- Mail Submission: Alternatively, you can fill out a paper form and mail it to the appropriate address.
- Pay the Application Fee
- Pay any required fee associated with the vanity call sign application. The fee can usually be paid online or by mail.
- Wait for Approval
- The licensing authority will review your application to ensure compliance with regulations and check for conflicts with existing call signs.
- Approval times can vary, so monitor the status of your application online or through notifications from the authority.
- Receive and Use Your Vanity Call Sign
- Once approved, you will be issued the new vanity call sign.
- Update your station equipment, QSL cards, and any other relevant materials with your new call sign.
- Begin using your vanity call sign on the airwaves.
Additional Tips:
- Research: Familiarize yourself with any specific rules or guidelines provided by your licensing authority.
- Back-up Options: Have several alternate call signs in mind in case your first choice is unavailable.
- Patience: The process can take some time, so be patient and check for updates periodically.
By following these steps, you can successfully obtain a vanity call sign that adds a personal touch to your amateur radio operations.
Pros of Getting a Vanity Call Sign:
- Personalization:
- Allows you to choose a call sign with personal significance, such as your initials, a nickname, or a meaningful combination of letters and numbers.
- Memorability:
- A vanity call sign can be easier for you and others to remember, especially during communications and contests.
- Unique Identity:
- It helps create a unique identity on the airwaves, distinguishing you from other operators.
- Legacy and Tradition:
- You can choose a call sign that honors a family member, friend, or historical figure in the amateur radio community.
- Status and Recognition:
- A well-chosen vanity call sign can confer a sense of prestige and recognition within the amateur radio community.
Cons of Getting a Vanity Call Sign:
- Cost:
- There may be a fee associated with applying for and maintaining a vanity call sign, which could be a recurring expense depending on the regulatory authority.
- Availability:
- Your desired call sign may already be taken, requiring you to choose alternative options or settle for a less preferred call sign.
- Administrative Hassles:
- The application process can involve paperwork and waiting periods, and there’s no guarantee of approval.
- Complexity in Change:
- Switching to a new call sign may require updating licenses, equipment labels, QSL cards, and notifying contacts, which can be time-consuming.
- Confusion:
- Changing your call sign might cause confusion among your regular contacts and within the amateur radio community until they get used to your new call sign.
Weighing the Pros and Cons:
- If the benefits of personal significance, ease of recognition, and unique identity outweigh the potential costs and administrative effort for you, then obtaining a vanity call sign can be a worthwhile investment.
- However, if you prefer to avoid the associated costs and administrative tasks, or if your existing call sign suits your needs, you may decide that a vanity call sign is not necessary.
Ultimately, the decision to obtain a vanity call sign is a personal one and should be based on your individual preferences and circumstances.
When applying for a vanity call sign, there are specific rules and guidelines that you must follow. Here are some general rules that apply, particularly for amateur radio operators in the United States under the FCC regulations. If you are in a different country, the rules may vary slightly, so it’s essential to check with your local regulatory authority.
General Rules for Applying for a Vanity Call Sign:
- Eligibility:
- You must hold a valid amateur radio license.
- Your license class must match the group for which the desired call sign is available (e.g., Extra class licensees can request call signs from all groups).
- Call Sign Format:
- Call signs must conform to the standard format and length for the respective license class and region.
- U.S. call signs include prefixes (K, N, W, or AA-AL) and a suffix (1 to 3 letters).
- Availability:
- The desired call sign must not be currently assigned to another amateur radio operator.
- Call signs on the “unavailable list” (such as those reserved for special purposes or historical significance) cannot be requested.
- Application Submission:
- Applications can be submitted online through the FCC’s Universal Licensing System (ULS) or by mail.
- Ensure all required fields and information are accurately filled out in the application.
- Application Fee:
- Pay the necessary fee (if applicable) for processing the vanity call sign application. The fee is usually non-refundable.
- Unique Selection:
- Submit up to 25 call sign choices in order of preference. If the first choice is unavailable, the FCC will consider subsequent choices.
- Correct Information:
- Ensure all personal information and current call sign details are accurate and up-to-date.
- No Interference:
- The selected call sign should not cause harmful interference with existing communications.
- Follow Regulatory Updates:
- Stay informed about any changes in regulations or procedures regarding vanity call signs by regularly checking the FCC’s website or other official communications.
Additional Tips:
- Research: Use online databases or tools to check the availability of your desired call sign before applying.
- Multiple Choices: Be prepared with several backup options in case your primary choice is not available.
- Timely Submission: Submit your application in a timely manner to avoid delays or expiration of your current license.
By following these rules and guidelines, you can increase your chances of successfully obtaining a vanity call sign that meets your personal preferences and regulatory requirements.
Good examples of vanity call signs are those that are meaningful to the operator, easy to recognize, and adhere to the regulatory standards. Here are some examples and the reasoning behind them:
Personalized Vanity Call Signs:
- K1XYZ:
- “XYZ” could be the operator’s initials, making the call sign unique and personally significant.
- W4FAMILY:
- “FAMILY” might represent a family club or group involved in amateur radio, creating a sense of identity and unity.
- N3HAM:
- “HAM” is a common term for amateur radio operators, making it easy to remember and relevant to the hobby.
- K9DOG:
- For an operator who is a dog lover or involved in canine rescue, this call sign adds a personal touch and is memorable.
- W1USA:
- “USA” can show patriotism or a national connection, making the call sign recognizable and distinctive.
Thematic Vanity Call Signs:
- W5MUSIC:
- For an operator who is a musician or music enthusiast, this call sign highlights their interest and is easy to remember.
- K6SKY:
- For someone who enjoys astronomy or sky-watching, this call sign is relevant and memorable.
- N1TECH:
- “TECH” could be for an operator interested in technology, electronics, or computer science.
- W2TRVL:
- For someone who loves to travel, this call sign is indicative of their passion and is easy to recognize.
- K8KIDS:
- For a club or group focusing on youth in amateur radio, this call sign emphasizes their mission and is easy to remember.
Calls with Historical or Legacy Significance:
- W3XYZ:
- Reclaiming a call sign that was previously held by a family member or a mentor who was an influential figure in the operator’s amateur radio journey.
- N4HERO:
- Honoring a historical figure or a local hero can add a layer of significance to the call sign.
- K2VET:
- For a veteran or in honor of veterans, this call sign acknowledges their service and is easily identifiable.
General Guidelines for Choosing a Good Vanity Call Sign:
- Memorability: Choose something easy to remember and pronounce.
- Relevance: Pick a call sign that reflects your interests, profession, or personality.
- Compliance: Ensure it follows the format and length rules set by the regulatory authority.
- Uniqueness: Avoid generic patterns; aim for something distinctive yet compliant.
By following these examples and guidelines, you can select a vanity call sign that is not only meaningful but also practical for your amateur radio activities.
Amateur Call Sign Systems
The FCC offers amateur radio licensees the opportunity to request a specific call sign for a primary station and for a club station. A vanity call sign is selected by the FCC from a list of call signs requested by the station licensee or the club station license trustee. Military recreation stations are not eligible for a vanity call sign. To make the request for a vanity call sign, you can use either the Universal Licensing System.
Also refer to the many frequently asked questions about vanity call signs.
Obtaining Vanity Call Signs
There are up to three different request types for requesting vanity call signs, depending on whether the call sign is to apply to a primary or a club station. The requestor may list up to twenty-five call signs in order of preference. The exact prefix, numeral, and suffix must be given for each call sign. Requests stated in general terms such as, “Any call sign with my initials” or “Any call sign having the prefix (or suffix)______” will be dismissed. The first assignable call sign on the list for which the requestor is eligible will be shown on the license grant for the requestor’s station and the original call sign will be vacated.
Objections to the assignment of call signs requested by another licensee or a club station trustee will not be entertained at the FCC. However, this does not hamper any party from asserting such rights as it may have under private law in some other forum. The FCC does not consider an individual to be a former holder where the call sign was originally obtained through bribery, fraud, favoritism or other improper means. A club station trustee of a club that has been assigned a vanity call sign is not eligible to apply for any additional vanity call signs for the club.
Note: You cannot receive a vanity call sign from a call sign group for which your operator class is not eligible. For example, if you are operator class T (technician), you can only receive call signs from groups C & D. If you request a call sign from groups A or B, your application will be dismissed by the Commission.
Call Sign Availability
A call sign is normally assignable two years following license expiration, surrender, revocation, set aside, cancellation, void ab initio, or death of the grantee. Where a vanity call sign for which the most recent recipient was granted pursuant to an exception to the two-year period, but the grantee was ineligible for the exception, is surrendered, cancelled, revoked or voided, the call sign is not assignable for 30 days following the date such action is taken, or for the period for which the call sign would not have been available to the vanity call sign system pursuant to Section 97.19(c)(2) or (3) but for the intervening grant to the ineligible applicant, whichever is later. Refer to the Sequential Call Sign System for how call signs are sequentially assigned and the grouping and geographic region attributes of each call sign.
The following call signs are not available for assignment:
- KA2AA-KA9ZZ, KC4AAA-KC4AAF, KC4USA-KC4USZ, KG4AA-KG4ZZ, KC6AA-KC6ZZ, KL9KAA- KL9KHZ, KX6AA-KX6ZZ;
- Any call sign having the letters SOS or QRA-QUZ as the suffix;
- Any call sign having the letters AM-AZ as the prefix (these prefixes are assigned to other countries by the ITU);
- Any 2-by-3 format call sign having the letter X as the first letter of the suffix;
- Any 2-by-3 format call sign having the letters AF, KF, NF, or WF as the prefix and the letters EMA as the suffix (U.S Government FEMA stations);
- Any 2-by-3 format call sign having the letters AA-AL as the prefix;
- Any 2-by-3 format call sign having the letters NA-NZ as the prefix;
- Any 2-by-3 format call sign having the letters WC, WK, WM, WR, or WT as the prefix (Group X call signs);
- Any 2-by-3 format call sign having the letters KP, NP or WP as the prefix and the numeral 0, 6, 7, 8 or 9;
- Any 2-by-2 format call sign having the letters KP, NP or WP as the prefix and the numeral 0, 6, 7, 8 or 9;
- Any 2-by-1 format call sign having the letters KP, NP or WP as the prefix and the numeral 0, 6, 7, 8 or 9;
- Call signs having the single letter prefix (K, N or W), a single digit numeral 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and a single letter suffix are reserved for the special event call sign system.
General Rules
- You must hold an unexpired amateur operator/primary station license grant of the proper operator class, as described below, to request a vanity call sign for your primary station.
- To request a vanity call sign for a club station, you must also hold an unexpired club station license grant listing you as the license trustee.
- Your name and mailing address as shown on your current license grant must be correct.
- If your license grant has expired you must first renew the license. After the renewal of your license is granted, you may file a vanity call sign request. You can change your name or address at the time of your vanity call sign request.
- The call sign you are requesting may already be assigned. Refer to the Universal Licensing System License Search for verification.
- The license of the former holder now deceased must show a status of expired or cancelled in the licensee database. See Section 97.31(a). Requests for cancellation of a deceased Amateur licensee must be made in writing. A signed request for license cancellation must be submitted along with either of the following supporting information:
- Copy of a dated obituary that also includes date of death.
NOTE: The entire obituary must be attached to the request. A web site link to the obituary is not sufficient. - Copy of the death certificate
- Copy of a dated obituary that also includes date of death.
Request can be submitted online at https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/available-support-services. Click on “Submit a help request” and complete the form and attach the required documentation.
In addition, the Commission may cancel a call sign if it becomes aware of the grantee’s death through other means. No action will be taken during the last thirty days of the post-expiration grace period on a request to cancel a call sign due to the grantee’s death.
The information for cancellation of a call sign must be submitted prior to filing the vanity application.
| Application Search |
The ULS Application Search enables you to search for a wide range of applications in the Universal Licensing System. The Application Search below provides access to the most basic attributes of an application. You can also specify more attribute combinations with the Advanced Search, search within services like Amateur and Aircraft using service-specific criteria, and perform specialized searches such as Market-Based and Geographic.
| Application Search | ||
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| Advanced Search | Service Specific | Specialized Search | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Want to search for applications of any radio service code based on combinations of general application attributes?
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Want to search for an application within a service using criteria relevant to that specific service?
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Want to use customized criteria to search for an application within all relevant services?
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https://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/ApplicationSearch/searchAppl.jsp
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https://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/ApplicationSearch/searchVanity.jsp
AVAILABLE CALL SIGNS
Last updated Saturday, July 13, 2024 7:58:41 AM (Arizona)
Saturday, July 13, 2024 2:58:41 PM (UTC)
Select the desired search criteria with the fields below to search for an available call sign. You can search for specific call sign suffix characters by typing them in the field labeled “Suffix” and then clicking on the “Search” button.
It should be noted that there are valid call signs that will not show up here simply because they have never been held by anyone since the FCC began keeping track of call signs online. This site pulls from the current FCC data and will not be able to show these call signs. So if the call you are interested in is a valid call sign and doesn’t show up here, use the “call lookup” link to the left to search for the call. If no data is found for the call and it is a valid call sign then go ahead and apply for the call and you will likely be granted it.
* Applications with a red asterisk next to the call are region specific and in order to be granted the call the applicant must reside in the required geographic location as indicated here.
NOTE: Applications should not be filed prior to the Available Date shown unless you are filing the application as a former holder of the call sign or as a close family member.
NOTE: It is a common misconception that call signs are granted to the first person to apply on any given day. The truth is that everyone who applies for a call on a particular day is thrown into a hat and a winner is randomly selected.
| Click on the “Search” button to initiate a search |
https://www.radioqth.net/vanity/available
I will be covering how to change your Ham Radio call sign. I will go over what options the FCC allows you to use based on both the license classification & region you are living in. Also, I will take you step by step through the FCC License Manager Website as you apply for a new call sign. I make it simple to understand for all those who have never done this before.
If you have a comment or a DMR topic idea for the DMR Tech Net, please share it with any of us. Send an email to: steve@dmrtechnet.net, stan@dmrtechnet.net, tom@dmrtechnet.net, dana@dmrtechnet.net, or brad@dmrtechnet.net.
Here are the Michigan DMR nets we know about. Please join in & participate with them.
Saturday:
- 7:00pm Arrow DMR Net on BrandMeister talk group 3126
- 7:30pm DMR Trivia Net on TGIF talk group 31268
Sunday:
- 6:30pm UP (Upper Peninsula) Net on BrandMeister talk group 31268
Monday:
- 7:30pm DMR Tech Net on BrandMeister talk group 31266, the Michigan Nets channel
- 8:30pm Michigan One DMR Net on BrandMeister talk group 3126
The DMR Tech Net team is branching out with a monthly show called DMR Tech Net TV on Zoom the third Tuesday of each month from 8pm-9pm ET. The next broadcast will be this Tuesday, July 16.
- We’re working to schedule Corey Dean N3FE to go over the BrandMeister USA network, how to get the most out of using it, and best practices.
- We’re also working to reschedule Steve Miller KC1AWV and Ed Wilson N2XDD to discuss the M17 Network Project.
- Stay tuned as we work on finding a time and date convenient for them.
- If you missed previous DMR Tech Net TV broadcasts, you can watch them on our YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq4TAnA-_yE7kdcuaKzw8rQ - If you have a topic or issue you would like to discuss, let us know.
Join the DMR Tech Net team on Telegram. Just search for “DMR Tech Net.” To download, go to: https://web.telegram.org and/or https://desktop.telegram.org/
Join the DMR Tech Net team on Discord: To join the DMR Tech Net team, click this link: https://discord.gg/EV82GNuCaS . To download Discord, go to https://discord.com
The DMR Tech Net team is helping Dustin N8RMA with NCS duties on the Michigan One DMR net, heard of BrandMeister talk group 3126 on Monday nights. If you would like to help as a Net Control Station operator, send an email to dana@dmrtechnet.net as we need NCS help every month through the end of 2024.
Here’s the upcoming list of upcoming NCS’:
- July 15 Brad KE8WNV
- July 22 Rick AD8KN
- July 29 Bob KB8DQQ
- Aug 5 Steve KC8WXM
- Aug 12 Dustin N8RMA
https://www.michiganonedmr.net/
Here is an Excel spreadsheet list of talk groups on BrandMeister, TGIF, FreeDMR, YSF, D-Star Reflectors, D-Star Repeaters, M17, and Michigan talk groups on BM & TGIF that you can download.
DMR Different Networks Talk Groups updated 6-2-2024
If you want to donate to BrandMeister to help them run their DMR network, Corey Dean N3FE shared the following links:
3102 and 3104 donations https://www.nfoservers.com/donate.pl?force_recipient=1&recipient=n3fe%40repeater.net
3103 donations https://www.nfoservers.com/donate.pl?force_recipient=1&recipient=w7xm%40w7xm.com
Robert Bretzman K4WZV of the TGIF network mentioned this if you want to donate to their network:
The servers that run the TGIF Network draw money from a coffer fund. We pay for much of it out of our own pockets, so we very much appreciate any donations. If you wish to donate, you may do so by clicking the donation link: https://www.paypal.com/donate/
If you want to donate to RadioID.net, Glen Bizeau VE9GLN said you can subscribe to his website for additional features: https://radioid.net/account/membership.
You can also purchase RadioID.net merchandise at https://store.radioid.net/.
Garrett Down KD6KPC of Repeaterbook.com shared this if you want to donate to his website:
To run a website like Repeaterbook.com, revenue is needed to keep it active on the web. There are bills to be paid, hosting companies to be paid, SSL certificates to be purchased, and other expenses that go along with the research and development of the data. The costs add up.
Repeaterbook has committed to keeping access to its data completely free. Since we don’t charge for the data or access to the site, we decided to incorporate ads into the site. The ads generate revenue that has been sufficient to pay the bills (most months). With the advent of ad-blocking technology, we began to see ad revenue slip. We get it. Many people don’t want to see ads and our stats indicate that up to 30% of our site visitors are using an ad blocker. Some say the performance on the site has even suffered waiting for ads to load. And come are concerned about Internet tracking through the ads (yes, Google does it).
We think we have found a solution to meet in the middle.
You can now subscribe to Repeaterbook and obtain a membership that will silence the ads on Repeaterbook. This form of obtaining revenue while quieting ads is used on qrz.com.
So now we have two option to fit your preference:
- Enjoy Repeaterbook completely free, while enduring the ads that appear.
- Sign up for a Repeaterbook subscription and silence the ads.
To take advantage of this offer, you must be a registered user in good standing. Look at our Subscription Plans:
https://www.repeaterbook.com/index.php/en-us/ad-free
Finally, join and become a member of your local amateur radio club. They can use your dues to help defray the costs of running the club and repeater. And you’ll be a member of like-minded people who can help you with amateur radio and equipment.
Check out (and share our website) to learn more about Digital Mobile Radio!