Tips On Getting The Call Of Your Choice

[ae2ny]

Just as the topic says, I wanted to give people some tips for getting the call of their choice without emptying their wallets to do it.

When I started looking for a vanity call, I went to Vanity HQ (http://www.vanityhq.com/) and looked at which callsigns were immediately available. If I found one I might be interested in, I immediately went to the APPLICATIONS FILED section of the Vanity HQ website to check to see if anyone had filed an application for it already.

Most callsigns I had wanted already had apps filed, so it wouldn't be worth my time to file another app on the same callsign, I probably wouldn't get it.

If it wasn't filed on, then I went to the FCC ULS Website and verified two things...

1) Verified callsign wasn't assigned
2) Verified no applications had been filed on the callsign I wanted.

So with two days of research, I was 99.9% sure that my first choice would be granted, and it was in this case... AE2NY.

I saw so many applications filed by the same amateur operators... One ham even paid about $220 +/- a few dollars for a host of different callsigns he wanted.

Why not save yourself some money by spending a little time researching before you apply?

1) Vanity HQ - Check Immediately Available Callsigns
2) Vanity HQ - Check Applications filed on your desired callsign.
3) FCC ULS - Verify Availability of your desired callsign
4) FCC ULS - Verify no applications filed already for your desired callsign

Saves you big money and you can be sure of getting your desired callsign granted by the FCC in 18 days.


Anthony - AE2NY

[W3MIV]

If the call I want is already taken, can I shoot the ham and get it right away, or must I wait for two years?

And what about the widow?

[WA9SVD]

Quote[/b] (W3MIV @ Sep. 02 2005,05:18)]If the call I want is already taken, can I shoot the ham and get it right away, or must I wait for two years?

And what about the widow?
It's doubtful the trial (and appeals) would be over that soon.

[ne8q]

Right on target, Anthony - I did the same thing. After weighing keeping the old call/getting a new one, I did a little research on the FCC site, made one application, and got the call I wanted.

(Now I can tie in my vocation with my avocation!)

73, Len W9CFL (formerly KB9ZCX)

[kc7jty]

Quote[/b] (W3MIV @ Sep. 01 2005,06:18)]If the call I want is already taken, can I shoot the ham and get it right away, or must I wait for two years?

And what about the widow?
So much for your hamster etiquette.

[kj5t]

I am not sure what you are talking about, why would someone spend $220 on getting a call? If you application is rejected, and you write the FCC you can get a refund. So I am not sure why someone paid $220 for a call.

[wa4brl]

Quote[/b] ]If the call I want is already taken, can I shoot the ham and get it right away, or must I wait for two years?

And what about the widow?
You may do this only if you follow Pat Robertson's interpretation of the 10 commandments. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

It's probably not worth it, though. #You do have to wait the two years, and if someone else happens to snag the call, you'll have to start all over again. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

As for the widow -- if you think she's worth it, give it your best shot. #It helps if you're a good CW op, though. #Everyone knows that chicks dig guys that know code!!!

[w2ass]

or just get a call that no one will even think of. like mine W2ASS, the fcc called me at my home and asked if i made a mistake.. i said nope! thats what i want.and they said okay. i can get on any band when its open. throw out my call a few times and walla.... i got a pileup, and it doesnt matter if im dx-ing,ragchewing, contesting. its always works. they just want to see what the qsl card looks like, it's funny.... 73 de w2ass

[wa4brl]

Shows a lot of clASS, Rafael. # http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

I love it!

[ne8q]

Quote[/b] (w2ass @ Sep. 10 2005,00:55)]or just get a call that no one will even think of. like mine W2ASS, the fcc called me at my home and asked if i made a mistake.. i said nope! thats what i want.and they said okay. i can get on any band when its open. throw out my call a few times and walla.... i got a pileup, and it doesnt matter if im dx-ing,ragchewing, contesting. its always works. they just want to see what the qsl card looks like, it's funny.... 73 de w2ass
I have to ask...

At the ham club meeting we tend to refer to each other by suffix.. "CFL is looking for HF gear."

How should we address you? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif