[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Vanity call (Page 1 of 3)
Posted: 11/18/2013 4:44:22 PM EDT
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When I got my tech call years ago, it was unique enough I swore I'd never change it.
Now I'm considering a 1x2 vanity call. I'm kind of up in the air over it. Thoughts? |
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Good luck finding a 1x2. Most are taken. When I getting my vanity call last year, there weren't any 1x2s available in the 4 or 5 area.
You can do some searching about what is available, here. |
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Already searched and found one I'd consider. It would be hard leaving SLY, but seriously, its' long to say and feels like an eternity in CW.
I just figured out I can get my old call back within two years if I want. I might have to try for it. I'm guessing there are people waiting to hit the submit button once they go available. |
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Go for it! Just know that 1X2's are hard to get. I couldn't find a 1X2 that I liked that was coming up in the next two years, so went with a 2X1.
When you do look at call signs, be sure to google the call first. The former user of mine had used it a number of places around the internet, and it was a bit of a pain in the butt to get QRZ, Eqsl, Eham., etc. switched over to me for the call sign. I also found that there is someone using my call sign on several car forums and Youtube, because you can combine a state abbreviation and type of car to get my call sign. Anyway, just a long winded way of recommending you look on the internet for any call you are interested in. |
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Already searched and found one I'd consider. It would be hard leaving SLY, but seriously, its' long to say and feels like an eternity in CW. I just figured out I can get my old call back within two years if I want. I might have to try for it. I'm guessing there are people waiting to hit the submit button once they go available. This was my philosophy. I like my original call, but thought I'd try for a 1x2 a little bit after I passed my extra. With the government shutdown, a lot of 1x2s came up all at once so I though I'd try for one. I ended up getting one. Now I'm moving from area 1 to area 8 and I'm trying to decide if I should try for an area 8 vanity callsign or if I should get a sequential, or it doesn't matter and if I should just keep my area 1 call. Ahhh decisions decisions. 
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Already searched and found one I'd consider. It would be hard leaving SLY, but seriously, its' long to say and feels like an eternity in CW. I just figured out I can get my old call back within two years if I want. I might have to try for it. I'm guessing there are people waiting to hit the submit button once they go available. Whats the call you want? |
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Hi. I recently passed my tech as posted several weeks ago. My issued call seems to be a phonetic tongue twister for me. I was in the local HRO last week and the gentleman working there agreed and suggjested I get a vanity call. It's my understanding eligibility is determined by your level of license. Are certain letters only available for techs? You guys are talking about a 1x2 call sign. I was told I can have a 1x3 or a 2x3.
Please correct me wrong or right. Or if you could point me in the proper direction. The local repeaters seem to accept only using letters and number. The c in my call gets mistaken as z. Now the satellite crowd is exclusive phonetics with grid locator included. This is what gives me the most trouble. |
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more than likely, right now you have a 2x3, I did as a new Tech a few years back...I now have a 1x3 (a gift to myself after passing the Gen upgrade)
I'm now thinking I need to finish up my X-tree studying so I can snag one of those snazzy 2x2 avail down here in 4 Land........1x2 and 2x1 pretty much outta the question.... |
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Hi. I recently passed my tech as posted several weeks ago. My issued call seems to be a phonetic tongue twister for me. I was in the local HRO last week and the gentleman working there agreed and suggjested I get a vanity call. It's my understanding eligibility is determined by your level of license. Are certain letters only available for techs? You guys are talking about a 1x2 call sign. I was told I can have a 1x3 or a 2x3. Please correct me wrong or right. Or if you could point me in the proper direction. The local repeaters seem to accept only using letters and number. The c in my call gets mistaken as z. Now the satellite crowd is exclusive phonetics with grid locator included. This is what gives me the most trouble. ARRL info on vanity calls I just submitted my application over the weekend for a 1x3. Issued a 2x3 last month and haven't adjusted to it. Picked a couple that I liked and aren't showing in use, and we'll see what happens. 
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| Good luck finding a 1x2. There is nothing wrong with 2x3 if you like it. Gordon West's call is 2x3 and he seems happy with it. I was also once looking at 1x2, 2x1 and 2x2s but ended up getting a 1x3 and love it. 1x3 (starting with a W) gives you more options and sounds like a good ole american callsign. |
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that looks like a useful link, Kekoa. thx for posting that.
waiting to see what my Extra sequential call will look like, before researching a vanity call. being in 4 land, looks like it will be a KV4xx. how long does it take to get a new call listed on the ULS these days? passed my General & Extra 8 days ago (a Monday).? Quoted:
Good luck finding a 1x2. Most are taken. When I getting my vanity call last year, there weren't any 1x2s available in the 4 or 5 area. You can do some searching about what is available, here. |
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that looks like a useful link, Kekoa. thx for posting that. waiting to see what my Extra sequential call will look like, before researching a vanity call. being in 4 land, looks like it will be a KV4xx. how long does it take to get a new call listed on the ULS these days? passed my General & Extra 8 days ago (a Monday).? Quoted:
that looks like a useful link, Kekoa. thx for posting that. waiting to see what my Extra sequential call will look like, before researching a vanity call. being in 4 land, looks like it will be a KV4xx. how long does it take to get a new call listed on the ULS these days? passed my General & Extra 8 days ago (a Monday).? Quoted:
Good luck finding a 1x2. Most are taken. When I getting my vanity call last year, there weren't any 1x2s available in the 4 or 5 area. You can do some searching about what is available, here. It usually takes several days but it depends on how quick your paperwork was submitted by VEs. KV4.. can be a bit confusing on CW but no big deal if you don't plant on doing CW. |
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My vanity call sign is a 2x3.
Here is another site that I find helpful when looking for vanity call signs. http://www.ae7q.net |
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KV4.. can be a bit confusing on CW but no big deal if you don't plant on doing CW. Have you ever heard V44KAI calling CQ at 40 WPM? It's impressive!  But what is interesting, is that after you decipher it the first time (that took me a while), you will never miss it again. It stands out like a sore thumb.
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actually, my plan/goal is to be mostly CW. since i am only practicing copying the code so far, my knowledge is limited. you saying this b/c the "V" & the "4" are so similar, & right next to each other?
or is there another/different reason? guess i hadn't thought much on the relative difficulties of transmitting different calls via CW. Quoted:
It usually takes several days but it depends on how quick your paperwork was submitted by VEs. KV4.. can be a bit confusing on CW but no big deal if you don't plant on doing CW. |
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Me too. I was first an IRZ LRS, then a TRM PGP and now DX. I love the shorter calls, they are nice in pileups. Quoted:
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I am on my third call sign......I say do it. Me too. I was first an IRZ LRS, then a TRM PGP and now DX. I love the shorter calls, they are nice in pileups. 
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Have you ever heard V44KAI calling CQ at 40 WPM? It's impressive! But what is interesting, is that after you decipher it the first time (that took me a while), you will never miss it again. It stands out like a sore thumb.
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KV4.. can be a bit confusing on CW but no big deal if you don't plant on doing CW. Have you ever heard V44KAI calling CQ at 40 WPM? It's impressive! But what is interesting, is that after you decipher it the first time (that took me a while), you will never miss it again. It stands out like a sore thumb.
I love QSOs with Joel, V44KAI. You will get through very quickly if you zero beat his speed and frequency. And he can do a great job sending too. |
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I love QSOs with Joel, V44KAI. You will get through very quickly if you zero beat his speed and frequency. And he can do a great job sending too. Quoted:
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KV4.. can be a bit confusing on CW but no big deal if you don't plant on doing CW. Have you ever heard V44KAI calling CQ at 40 WPM? It's impressive! But what is interesting, is that after you decipher it the first time (that took me a while), you will never miss it again. It stands out like a sore thumb.
I love QSOs with Joel, V44KAI. You will get through very quickly if you zero beat his speed and frequency. And he can do a great job sending too. I can zero beat his frequency, but not his speed. I do have him in the log, though.
I have mixed feelings about getting a new vanity call sign. I could actually get one that spells out my last name (using a "0" for an "O") AND, it would be firearm related. BUT, I have a real hard time giving up my father's call sign from the 1960s. |
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I can zero beat his frequency, but not his speed. I do have him in the log, though.
I have mixed feelings about getting a new vanity call sign. I could actually get one that spells out my last name (using a "0" for an "O") AND, it would be firearm related. BUT, I have a real hard time giving up my father's call sign from the 1960s. Quoted:
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KV4.. can be a bit confusing on CW but no big deal if you don't plant on doing CW. Have you ever heard V44KAI calling CQ at 40 WPM? It's impressive! But what is interesting, is that after you decipher it the first time (that took me a while), you will never miss it again. It stands out like a sore thumb.
I love QSOs with Joel, V44KAI. You will get through very quickly if you zero beat his speed and frequency. And he can do a great job sending too. I can zero beat his frequency, but not his speed. I do have him in the log, though.
I have mixed feelings about getting a new vanity call sign. I could actually get one that spells out my last name (using a "0" for an "O") AND, it would be firearm related. BUT, I have a real hard time giving up my father's call sign from the 1960s. I like your call, but for CW it's a bit long. And if you did November or as the first letter it would be "firearm" related. That would be cool. That call does have a nice CW ring. And it's not being used right now. |
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I like your call, but for CW it's a bit long. Quoted:
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KV4.. can be a bit confusing on CW but no big deal if you don't plant on doing CW. Have you ever heard V44KAI calling CQ at 40 WPM? It's impressive! But what is interesting, is that after you decipher it the first time (that took me a while), you will never miss it again. It stands out like a sore thumb.
I love QSOs with Joel, V44KAI. You will get through very quickly if you zero beat his speed and frequency. And he can do a great job sending too. I can zero beat his frequency, but not his speed. I do have him in the log, though.
I have mixed feelings about getting a new vanity call sign. I could actually get one that spells out my last name (using a "0" for an "O") AND, it would be firearm related. BUT, I have a real hard time giving up my father's call sign from the 1960s. I like your call, but for CW it's a bit long. It is long. But it flows smoothly in CW, and, it seems to stand out. More than once, I've had a DX station call back with my 3 letter suffix, and a "?". When you hear it, there is not much doubt who he is calling.
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How does that work? I thought they became available at midnight on the day they were available? Quoted:
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Well, call became available 20 mins ago...... app submitted...... How does that work? I thought they became available at midnight on the day they were available? UTC. |
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Yes, the V and the 4 sound kind of similar. It's not that hard to decipher but a DX station may ask to repeat or get your call wrong. I would also avoid calls ending with a K.
I got my vanity call through W5WI. Paid $39 and they handled all the paperwork. My new call's number and suffix are the same as what my very first call sign UA3*** used to be. My dad had that call sign for over 30 years and I got it when he changed his to 2x2. He was pleasantly surprised when I called him on 20 metes with my new vanity call.
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actually, my plan/goal is to be mostly CW. since i am only practicing copying the code so far, my knowledge is limited. you saying this b/c the "V" & the "4" are so similar, & right next to each other? or is there another/different reason? guess i hadn't thought much on the relative difficulties of transmitting different calls via CW. Quoted:
actually, my plan/goal is to be mostly CW. since i am only practicing copying the code so far, my knowledge is limited. you saying this b/c the "V" & the "4" are so similar, & right next to each other? or is there another/different reason? guess i hadn't thought much on the relative difficulties of transmitting different calls via CW. Quoted:
It usually takes several days but it depends on how quick your paperwork was submitted by VEs. KV4.. can be a bit confusing on CW but no big deal if you don't plant on doing CW. |
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thx for the heads up. hadn't thought of the K issue, either, but makes sense as well. will look into the details behind having W5YI do the paperwork for me.
so the best place to look up available calls is radioqth? and as to a good vanity call for Morse code purposes is there anything additional i should look for besides short number of key-/paddlestrokes? is there any difference b/w 1x2 vs 2x1, as far as desirability? sure looks like 4-land runs out of its calls quickly. guess the South has a lot of hams. ETA: spelling/grammar Quoted:
Yes, the V and the 4 sound kind of similar. It's not that hard to decipher but a DX station may ask to repeat or get your call wrong. I would also avoid calls ending with a K. I got my vanity call through W5WI. Paid $39 and they handled all the paperwork. My new call's number and suffix are the same as what my very first call sign UA3*** used to be. My dad had that call sign for over 30 years and I got it when he changed his to 2x2. He was pleasantly surprised when I called him on 20 metes with my new vanity call.
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1x2 is definitely more desirable but very hard to get. You can try a call from another call area.
Some people judge a call sign by CW weight. You can check the "weight" here:link I believe it just gives you an idea if how long it takes to transmit your call based on character length or "weight". |
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1x2 is definitely more desirable but very hard to get. You can try a call from another call area. Some people judge a call sign by CW weight. You can check the "weight" here:link I believe it just give you an idea if how long it takes to transmit your call based on character length or "weight". Old one was 80. New one is 44. |
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Old one was 80. New one is 44. Quoted:
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1x2 is definitely more desirable but very hard to get. You can try a call from another call area. Some people judge a call sign by CW weight. You can check the "weight" here:link I believe it just give you an idea if how long it takes to transmit your call based on character length or "weight". Old one was 80. New one is 44. Old one - 88, new call - 62
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sheeit. the sequential Extra call i got today, KV4xx, weights out at 56. not terrible, it seems, even with the V & 4 next to each other.
thanks for all the links. will be dumpster diving in 4-land for discarded calls. Quoted:
Old one - 88, new call - 62 Quoted:
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1x2 is definitely more desirable but very hard to get. You can try a call from another call area. Some people judge a call sign by CW weight. You can check the "weight" here:link I believe it just give you an idea if how long it takes to transmit your call based on character length or "weight". Old one was 80. New one is 44. Old one - 88, new call - 62 |
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UTC. Quoted:
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Well, call became available 20 mins ago...... app submitted...... How does that work? I thought they became available at midnight on the day they were available? UTC. ahhhh!
I think I was considering the same one that you applied to. |
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ahhhh!
I think I was considering the same one that you applied to. Quoted:
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Well, call became available 20 mins ago...... app submitted...... How does that work? I thought they became available at midnight on the day they were available? UTC. ahhhh!
I think I was considering the same one that you applied to. Probably. Chances are I wasted $40. We'll see.
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Probably. Chances are I wasted $40. We'll see. Quoted:
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Well, call became available 20 mins ago...... app submitted...... How does that work? I thought they became available at midnight on the day they were available? UTC. ahhhh!
I think I was considering the same one that you applied to. Probably. Chances are I wasted $40. We'll see. Did you use a service of some sort? It's only $16 through ULS. |
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I did the W5YI thing. I'm wondering if they sat on it or something. Not seeing any signs that there was an app submitted. Quoted:
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Did you use a service of some sort? It's only $16 through ULS. I did the W5YI thing. I'm wondering if they sat on it or something. Not seeing any signs that there was an app submitted. Was it the one that became available today? If so then it should be submitted today and will show up tomorrow on ae7q. Are you checking your ULS account or on ae7q? |
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Yeah the one that popped up to day that Big Daddy would approve of.
I was checking ULS and RadioQTH. I'm going to start ignoring it for a while. Ha! You gave it away. Looks like a great call. Hope you get it! Tomorrow you should be able to see how many people applied, and can calculate your odds of getting it. |