I mentioned before that I was searching for a shorter, 1×3 format callsign to replace my initial sequential callsign issued by the FCC. I finally settled on one and put in my application on the ULS. I settled on K6KNX. Here’s how I arrived at my decision, and a few factors for you to consider when deciding on your own vanity callsign.
Choosing the right amateur radio vanity call sign
There are a ton of factors that can go into choosing the right call sign. Once you’ve identified the format(s) available to you, based on your license class, you need to figure out what’s important to you.
- How are you going to operate primarily? On VHF/UHF, call signs are often stated non-phonetically, whereas on HF, they’re usually spoken phonetically due to higher amounts of noise. Some letters are pretty “wordy” when spoken phonetically.
- Do you plan on learning Morse code and doing a lot of CW (continuous wave) operation? If so, you might want to listen to how your callsign sounds in Morse, and how complex the letters are to send. (Here’s a Morse code translator!) (And here’s an example in .wav format of my call, K6KNX in Morse code:
- Do you want something that is personalized or unique to you, such as your initials, or the prior callsign of a family member?
- How does the callsign look? Are you going to be happy seeing it on QSL cards, in digital modes, etc?
- Do you want a callsign with some history? In decades past, callbooks were published with the callsigns, names, and addresses of radio amateurs. You can look through digital scans of these old callbooks to see when your prospective callsign was issued and who held it, even pre-ULS. I searched the old call books until I found that K6KNX was first issued in 1955, and that it was held by its’ first caretaker until his death a few years ago. Here’s the link to the old amateur radio callbooks on the Internet Archive.
- Does the callsign just feel and sound good to you? Your call sign is more unique than your name, and hams often get known more by their callsign than their given name. Is the call something you’re going to be happy being associated with? Are you going to be happy saying it on the radio?
A little general advice
Once you’ve answered the questions above, make a list of possible calls. Then search the ULS, or one of the other online resources, to figure out which ones are available. Then say them to yourself, both in normal pronunciation and standard NATO phonetics. How does it sound? Listen to it in Morse code, or try tapping it out on your table. Is it easy to hear and easy to send? Does it make you happy? This is a hobby, after all, and your call is going to be something you use every day, so it ought to bring you a little happiness every time you say it or hear it.
Applying for that perfect vanity call
You can apply directly via the FCC on the ULS (Universal Licensing System) for free or you can pay a third party (such as WY5I) to submit the app on your behalf, usually for some cost. I submitted directly thru the FCC without problem. It was a painless process, and now I’m just waiting the 18 day FCC-imposed waiting period for my new call to issue. It’s a 1×3 that has been available for some time, so I’m not expecting any competition. With any luck, my 18 days will come and go and I’ll have a new call sign of my choosing.
I’m in the mandatory waiting period, so I’ll let you know how it goes. If there are no hiccups, my new license and call should issue on June 23rd, 2020. Check back then to see how it went!
