Stumped at vanity call attempt

[ww0dn]

I recently upgraded my ticket to the Amateur Extra Callss. I decided that as long as I am going to be issued a new call sign, a vanity call might be in order. Since the call sign is being changfed anyway, why not attempt to get one that fits a little better, right?

I had no idea what kind of frustration was in store when I logged on the FCC site. I tried to do an online filing. I would have had a better chance of driving my Ford Ranger to the moon.

My first problem came with registering. The registration site issued me an FRN (registration number), then asked me to submit a password, which I did. But when I tried to access the license modification page, it asked for my call sign. No problem, right? -- Wrong!

The only call sign useable in this function comes in a drop-down window. Guess what? No call sign was in the window. I tried everything. Tried typing it in, but it wouldn't accept it. Tried getting a new FRN, but had the same results. Tried registering under the original FRN issued with the issuance of my license, no dice (it wouldn't even let me register under that number)

After HOURS of frustration, I quit. There are really only so many routes to take on that site and I had exhausted them all. I finally downloaded the paper forms and have resigned myself to go that route.

The one thing that I don't understand is, why is the FCC site so cumbersome? Why on earth can't you just pull up a form 605, enter the information, and submit it.

If anyone has had better luck that I did, I'd sure be interested in hearing about what you did to accomplish your goal. I'm certainly no computer wizard, but I can usually find my way around on any web site, and accomplish whatever task I attempt. But this one stymied me completely.

There just has to be a better way!

[AA7BQ]

The process is difficult because the FCC really doesn't give a hoot about amateur radio. #There is no political pressure to provide quality services for amateurs and no money. #What limited automation the FCC has is generalized so that they are able to process applications from dozens of different radio services using the same forms and equipment. #That's why the FCC forms on their web site list so many things that have nothing to do with amateur radio.

The best solution, by far, is to use the services of a VEC. #For ordinary updates and license changes, there is a fee of $6 to use a VEC. #Why use a VEC for $6 when the FCC let's you use their website for free? #The answer is simple: by using a VEC you're supporting the hobby in a unique way. #Your $6 VEC fee goes to pay for computers, electricity and general expenses needed to process FCC applications. #It also pays for the national VEC conference that is held once a year. #It also helps pay for all VEC programs, such as license exams.

I can't tell you how many people have used the online VEC services here at QRZ (linked to W5YI) who have commented that our service is "10 times faster, more convenient and less confusing" than the FCC site.

Although we don't take vanity applications on the QRZ site, W5YI does on their site. #See http://www.w5yi.org
Do the hobby and yourself a favor - USE A VEC!

-fred

[WA4MJF]

Speakin' of usin' a VEC, If you're an ARRL member, just go to your local ARRL VE Team, renewals and
modifications are FREE!

We do not do for any price for non ARRL members.

73 de Ronnie
ARRL VE

[W4WIL]

I too, tried to submit an application,,gave up after
several attempts, w5yi was a big help,,,,,$29.95
if you have complaints, email the fcc at:
syscomments@fcc.gov # #subject: ULS

# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # #Kf6foe

[W4MSL]

My license was issued on 12/26/2001. The very FIRST thing I did after seeing my license (KG4QWP) posted on the FCC site was to file for a vanity callsign: W4MSL. My trouble was with the password. HOWEVER, I made a toll call to the FCC CORES help desk, got a very friendly and helpful individual, who CALLED ME BACK within minutes with the problem solved. I can only call this GREAT SERVICE. The whole thing took MINUTES, not hours. Obviously, YMMV, but I was pleased. Yeah, the site could use some work, but I believe it compares favorably to a lot of "storefront" sites, many of which put you into a loop with no way to get help. Got my callsign this week, finally.

I too had the problems you had trying to do the online filing for the vanity. Finally after two or three calls to FCC and fighting the site, sent my request to Fred who had it done for the appropriate fee which I feel is very deserved. I like to support the hobby and the VE's. Bill K4WGT

[wh6csg]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (kb0iju @ Mar. 10 2002,12:24)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I recently upgraded my ticket to the Amateur Extra Callss. I decided that as long as I am going to be issued a new call sign, a vanity call might be in order. Since the call sign is being changfed anyway, why not attempt to get one that fits a little better, right?

I had no idea what kind of frustration was in store when I logged on the FCC site. I tried to do an online filing. I would have had a better chance of driving my Ford Ranger to the moon.

My first problem came with registering. The registration site issued me an FRN (registration number), then asked me to submit a password, which I did. But when I tried to access the license modification page, it asked for my call sign. No problem, right? -- Wrong!

The only call sign useable in this function comes in a drop-down window. Guess what? No call sign was in the window. I tried everything. Tried typing it in, but it wouldn't accept it. Tried getting a new FRN, but had the same results. Tried registering under the original FRN issued with the issuance of my license, no dice (it wouldn't even let me register under that number)

After HOURS of frustration, I quit. There are really only so many routes to take on that site and I had exhausted them all. I finally downloaded the paper forms and have resigned myself to go that route.

The one thing that I don't understand is, why is the FCC site so cumbersome? Why on earth can't you just pull up a form 605, enter the information, and submit it.

If anyone has had better luck that I did, I'd sure be interested in hearing about what you did to accomplish your goal. I'm certainly no computer wizard, but I can usually find my way around on any web site, and accomplish whatever task I attempt. But this one stymied me completely.

There just has to be a better way![/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
It's actually fairly easy if you do it in the right steps, although I too took like 4 tries to get it to go.. Finally, I decided to call the FCC hotline, and the operator walked me through it step by step.. I am now sporting my new callsign by the way... w6dce

[KB7TBT]

You must be using netscape navigator to even have made it that far. as the site does not support IE.

ULS = Useless system

[k7dlx]

People.....

Mike N4MC's website is a WEALTH of information. Spend about 30 minutes cruising around The Vanity Call Headquarters (http://www.vanityhq.com) and you can figure out how to do it! I was in the recent hold queue - took me two months to get my vanity call, but thanks to Mike's site, at least my application wasn't dismissed - and yes, I filed ONLINE, and yes, I saved money by not having to pay others to do it for me.

Check it out - there are drop down menus for darn near EVERYTHING - and step by step instructions on how to work the ULS and the Vanity system.

And the ULS site DOES support IE - 5.5 or above - I use it all the time

Ric W7WWB

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (KB7TBT @ Mar. 23 2002,12<!--emo&http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">You must be using netscape navigator to even have made it that far. as the site does not support IE.

ULS = Useless system[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Not true, the FCC ULS (Unusable Licensing Scam) has got on to the information dirtroad in both lanes & now accepts both browser standards!

I blame the IT Consultants who are working on this system. Why in the world do you need JAVA installed on your system, to update your license? Once you install JAVA, make sure you keep your Anti-Virus software updated. The script kiddies got me within 24 hours of installing the Sun JAVA plugin on IE!

I have made it through the system twice in 2 weeks & received my updated license in the mail in just a mere 7 days.

RM

[w9tt]

I've used the FCC system 3 times to apply for vanity calls.No problem any of these times.It is very easy to blame someone else or the "system" for one's inability to figure something out.

[KB4FOS]

Ya' know, I thought about a new call when I made General but decided that "Fast Or Slow" was about as phonetic as a call could get. I'm either fast or slow to catching on most of the time, depending on how many Coronas I've had...


JaxJoe

[W5ROY]

I am not a computer genius, henceforth I was also stymied by the fcc website. I tried W5YI and got raked over the coals. I have two mixed adresses in my license now. This time I use my local VE group and I know it will be right. Just anothe govt. SNAFU 73 Roy

[WD5W]

I have never used the ULS to get a vanity call...until now. I did use Mike Carrolls web site to gain valuable information and went to the FCC ULS site to do a dry run before I submitted the completed form. I followed Mikes advice, filled out all the online forms to the point where it was ready to be submitted a few days before I actually filed the application. I had to wait for my number 1 choice to become available as it had been expired and finally passed the 2 year mark on Jan. 30.

I submitted my application through ULS at something like 1:50AM CDT on January 31 to make sure I was the first to apply for my selected call sign. They still haven't worked their way down to that date yet, but I was the only applicant for that call sign. Of course, I also submitted some other choices just in case.

This was my first and hopefully last experience in applying for a vanity call sign and I haven't seen any problems with it. It hasn't been dismissed and is still in the pending category. I'll follow up as soon as I see the grant and let you know how it went.

73's,
Wayne

[w8tvi]

I got my call by just mailing in the forms.

Noel
W8TVI

[kd7nqb]

Ok,
I do not know if this makes anysense but I recently recived a letter from the FCC explaining about how they are changing all of the internet passwords. No where in the letter did it even mention Ham radio or any other words even related to amature radio so I thing that it may have something to do with your problem.

[WB2GOF]

I recommend Mike Carrol's Website. It is an excellent starting point, as it was for me. It helped save me from submitting a vanity call that was already in the works, or uotherwise unavailable. After that, I did experience a logjam at the ULS website, similar to the author's. But it was cleared up after two phone calls. The first one told me that they could not verify the telephone number (I was calling from work and they could see that from their end). However, they have evening hours, so later that day I called from home, and a lovely tech support lady reset my password, It worked and within 30 days I had my old callsign back.

[guypd]

I, too, tried to get a vanity callsign. I made several attempts, but after a while, I finally gave up. The forms weren't explained very well and the frustration wasn't worth the effort.

[n8vw]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (aa7bq @ Mar. 22 2002,09:58)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">The process is difficult because the FCC really doesn't give a hoot about amateur radio. #There is no political pressure to provide quality services for amateurs and no money. #What limited automation the FCC has is generalized so that they are able to process applications from dozens of different radio services using the same forms and equipment. #That's why the FCC forms on their web site list so many things that have nothing to do with amateur radio.

The best solution, by far, is to use the services of a VEC. #For ordinary updates and license changes, there is a fee of $6 to use a VEC. #Why use a VEC for $6 when the FCC let's you use their website for free? #The answer is simple: by using a VEC you're supporting the hobby in a unique way. #Your $6 VEC fee goes to pay for computers, electricity and general expenses needed to process FCC applications. #It also pays for the national VEC conference that is held once a year. #It also helps pay for all VEC programs, such as license exams.

[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
That's a LOC http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif. #It doesn't make any sense to have multiple systems. #I, for one, think it is very nice that they provide this service for free to the Amateur community.


I had no problem getting an address change through even though I had used the qrz service previously and had to get my FRN password reset. While $6 is cheap, $0 is cheaper then having to figure out that spending $6 gives you ZERO access to modify your callsign because you don't know the password. #

If anyone wants to know how to use the navigate the FCC system you can send me a note...no charge.

[w2agn]

Funny, but literally hundreds of hams DO figure out how to do it! Maybe it is the "Extra Credit" part of the "new" exams. Suggestions:

Check out http://www.vanityhq.com (The Vanity Headquarters Web Site)
STAY AWAY from W5YI. He is charging you $29.95 for something you can do for just the $12.00 Vanity Fee. He is making money hand over fist taking advantage of his fellow hams.

If you REALLY need it more help, try an ARRL VEC.

It is NOT Rocket Science, nor is it an example of "FCC not caring about Ham Radio" It is simply a process that requires following instructions, which unfortunately, seems a skill lost today.

[k9dc]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (kb0iju @ Mar. 10 2002,12:24)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">The only call sign useable in this function comes in a drop-down window. Guess what? No call sign was in the window. I tried everything. Tried typing it in, but it wouldn't accept it. Tried getting a new FRN, but had the same results. Tried registering under the original FRN issued with the issuance of my license, no dice (it wouldn't even let me register under that number)[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
I sense your frustrations. #Basically, the FCC has already assigned your callsign an FRN. You should have received a letter from them (a very long time ago) with it in it. #That number is the only one associated with your callsign, and is required to make modifications. #

Lost the letter? #You can look it up by doing a callsign search. #Then of course you need a password to access it. If you've never had a password, you'll have to call the FCC Help desk and they will give you one that is valid for 20 minutes - Long enough for you to change it to something else permanently. #THEN you'll be able submit mods to your hearts content.

The system works well, but it is less than intuitively obvious.

[K0RJO]

I just made my application for my vanity call sign. #The one I was issued by the computer wasn't one I would have even used over the air. (KC0LSD) I followed the directions, and my application went through just fine. #Sure, the site is slow..but I've never heard of the government doing anything too fast. #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

Ronnie Jo

As a previous poster said, Vanity HQ is the place to be. At this point, I think the regulars there have reverse engineered the entire system and know it better than many people at the FCC! True, you will need to have a correct FRN/password combination but that goes for any use of the licensing system. Vanity HQ has lots of information on what not to do and a database of calls that have already been requested but not yet issued so you don't waste your time applying for something another ham is going to get first.

It all goes fairly smoothly. I logged onto the onto the ULS, posted my application, paid by credit card, and was in the queue for my new call in about five minutes. Now, getting the FCC to clear the backlog is another problem but nobody has control of that.

[k2ul]

The biggest problem hams have with the ULS is the FRN/Password combination. That is because most hams who upgrade do not create their FRN before upgrading, so the VEC does it for you, but you don't know the password. That makes it impossible to do anything in the ULS on line. The answer is NOT to create new FRNs or endlessly try different entries. The answer is to call the FCC help desk and get a password for your FRN. If you don't know what your FRN is, you can find it by searching your callsign right here on QRZ.COM.

After your FRN is set up properly, your vanity application is a snap. There is no reason to pay anyone $29 to do something you can do yourself in ten minutes for free. You just need to do a little homework. I strongly recommend N4MC's Vanity HQ website at http://www.vanityhq.com
It has a wealth of information and dozens of hams who will help you for free to get your vanity callsign.

Dan K2UL

[kc8svu]

A word of caution to my fellow amateurs using the ULS system....
Don't upgrade to the latest JRE (java runtime environment) and expect the ULS to work for you!
It still works for me on my machine running JRE 1.3 but not the newest which is 1.4. When I applied for my vanity call I was on the verge of calling the FCC when I decided to try a different computer, and it went through fine on the "older" machine.
Cheers and 73
Jon

[AE4JO]

Your vanity is way out in front of you. You have to request your call be changed it doesn't happen automatically. You have to initial the 605 form. If you don't want a new call don't initial. If you want a vanity call then say you want a vanity call and don't make it sound like it is being forced on yah. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif

[w5knn]

I'll be the first to admit the FCC has not designed the best website in the world for registration but
it really does work. After the FRN is issued, click on ULS. When you are on the ULS page, the first
block (if I remember correctly), is the one to click on to enter your callsign. Your FRN will be in the
appropriate block and you must enter your password which you should have setup earlier. After that,]
just enter your callsign in the first block and submit it and you are finished. Not really difficult but
not really and intuitive operations either. Ed, KS5V

[kc5pfi]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (KB7TBT @ Mar. 23 2002,12:09)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">You must be using netscape navigator to even have made it that far. as the site does not support IE.

ULS = Useless system[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
no. i did a change of address using ULS about two weeks ago with IE ... if you follow the directions, it works the first time.

that said, i find the FRN/password a bit convoluted for my single little callsign.

looking at it on the whole, though, ULS is necessary to deal with the amount of traffic the fcc must surely deal with. i had a change of address done within only a few hours (from submission - which only took a few minutes, even with the FRN registration - to completion) imagine how much time and paper is saved as it stands, and how much smoother it will be as the system evolves.

[K2WH]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (kf6foe @ Mar. 22 2002,10:30)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I too, tried to submit an application,,gave up after
several attempts, w5yi was a big help,,,,,$29.95
if you have complaints, email the fcc at:
syscomments@fcc.gov # #subject: ULS

# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # #Kf6foe[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Wrote a long article on QRZ.COM about this subject. #It was good reading. #I had the same problem and decided to go the W5YI route. #Takes about 18 days. #No problems with them. #If you have the $ 29 bucks, it saves alot of headache and valuable time.

K2WH

[ag4nu]

I would like to pass on some information that I received today when I checked on my file for a vanity license. To start with I couldn't find my information on the ULS website, so I called. Talked to a very pleasant young lady who checked on my file and advised me that she had it (it was filed 02/13/2002) and that they were now in the month of January and that they should get to mine in about another month. I can only assume that they only hired one person to do all this work, or is it that the FCC, like every other Gov't agency, works in reverse???. Good luck to all, we will need it
AG4NU

[WD5W]

Ok, I said I would let you all know how it went after applying for a vanity call. I'm posting now with my new call. My previous call was KD5ICK. I had never applied for a vanity call before and had decided to get a new call after getting my AE ticket. I did some research by actually checking every combination of 1x2 and 2x1 calls with my initials in them. I found the perfect one, WD5W which had expired almost 2 years before and had not been renewed. I passed the extra exam in November and had to wait until January 30, 2002 to apply for it. It's perfect for me because it has my initials in the prefix and is the correct call for my region. Incidentally, it's also the only call with my initials that fit the 1x2 or 2x1 format for this region.

I waited until the call was available and while waiting, did all the research I could to ensure success the first time. A couple of days before I actually applied, I filled out all the online forms to the point where it was time to submit them as a dry run, then waited for Jan 31, 2002. At about 1:38AM CDT Jan31, 2002, I went back to the site to find that the ULS remembered everything I had submitted earlier and all I had to do was submit the forms and the payment screen popped up. I made the payment and then checked the next day to make sure they had my application on file.

Of course, I already had my FRN and password, so everything went well. On Thursday, March 28th, after several delays, the FCC processed my application and I was able to pull up my new call on their web site. I know the problems a lot of people seem to be having have to do with obtaining an FRN and password. Once that hurdle is leaped, the rest is really a piece of cake. Like I said, this was my first attempt to obtain a vanity call and was successful out of the gate. I can't thank Mike Carroll enough for the information obtained at his web site. I am a vanity novice, but thanks to him and the information he disseminates, I now have a call sign perfect for me.

73's,

Wayne

[KG4RXT]

As weird as I am, granted, I'm a little on the strange side, I actually use the FCC's ULS site for all my callsign lookups.

I appreciate the services that QRZ.com and other online database sites offer, but for me (waiting on my vanity call), I'd rather see the update on the FCC's site.

Once you get the hang of it, ULS isn't bad - I've had no problems with it (with the exception of downloading the JAVA - took over an hour just to download on a dial-up).

I registered about a week ago, so I should be golden in about a year, knowing the FCC's backlog! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

Adios!
--Grayson
KG4RXT

[kc9bcy]

I had a similar experiance, however, just wanted to change some simple information i didn't feel the world should have, like my street address, and full name, so i decided to get rid of that and use a p.o. box, but besides that there was a mistake i had to correct, and requred them to basically give me a new FRN... after about 2 calls to, and 1 callback from the Helpdesk, i was able to get the FRN problem corrected, then, i had them transfer my callsign over to that frn... after that, another call to de-activate the old FRN, required an email to be sent anyway... so i was instructed to do that....

however, i hadn't got to the forms yet, now i had my new frn, but, my license still had my old address listed, and some other stuff... so, after trying to file about 6 times, getting booted off the internet, and about 4 browser crashes... #i decided to stop using netscape, and try out IE, of course that worked, but only after 2 hours of downloading the java, (don't understand why it couldn't use the perfectly good copy i already had) #now i have two java's.... anyway, Opera wouldn't even work for that, but i think i figured out why. #Now that IE was on the task, it finally got the form filed for me... however, there were still unfinished, and half finished filings on the database... from my previous attempts.

after removing them, and the correct filing in the process, i finally had to do it again... Great practice for being a VE someday! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

all went well, considering

73's & 88's
de Ted

[MAB2003]

i just got my licence but why do you have your license changed when you become an extra class? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif

(KG6KTZ)

[K1ZC]

You get your license changed when you become Extra for the simple reason that you can. An Extra class ham can use any authorized combination (1X2, 2X3, etc.) that is available and there is no requirement to change; you will see some with that keep their original call.

Some calls are just fun (K9DOG for example), others sound better in CW or voice pile-ups, some people just like their initials on the call, some adopt the call of a deceased friend as a tribute. Just one more way to have fun with ham radio.

[ka5thy]

I must be the only ham in the world that breezed right through my process of acquiring my vanity call.... although it was several years ago I had no problems at all and on top of everything else was issued my very first choice. Also to add to that I used Internet Explorer!!!! INTERESTING! Sorry you had such troubles!

73 de ka5thy

I always wanted to get the vanity call WA6AW since I learned about call signs I might apply for one someday! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[kd5rtw]

The FCC Site has confused me since I took the Techician test. I waited a week plus then went to the FCC site and have never yet figured out how to find an amateur call sign, new or old. Most of the time when I ask for a page I get a blank page with the notation "done" and when trying to refresh, nothing will come up. Perhaps it is my browser, but nothing seems to work for me.

kd5rtw

[KH6DC]

Like KA5THY, I also tip my hat to the N4MC website which details exactly all the steps you should take on the FCC's ULS site. I followed those instructions and thought I'd run into a stonewall on getting the password, whereupon I dialed the operator and was called back within 2 minutes with a password which I was instructed to use once to logon with, and change. I did so and immediately applied for my vanity call - and I saw it awarded to me in 18 calendar days, exactly as N4MC said it would. Thanks, Mike ! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif It was easily done with your help !

Aloha,

# # Alan, KH6DC
Oops, - as of today, I see my call in both the FCC ULS site and in the N4MC site, but it still does not show here (in the QRZ site) yet. It may take a bit longer to show on the QRZ site, - so check the FCC's ULS and the N4MC site too after your application goes in.

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (w8tvi @ Mar. 23 2002,20:16)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I got my call by just mailing in the forms.

Noel
W8TVI[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Hmmm, I wonder wut made U decide on the call you now have.