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Vanity call question

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ANDY DURBIN

Vanity call question

"I want to learn about vanity call signs, why would I want one? What do they represent?"

A vanity call is one that is self selected rather than being the next in order assigned by FCC. The main reason for getting one is ....vanity. Many select a vanity call that represents their name or initials. Some because the call comes close to spelling a word that has significance for them. Some because it represents an area of interest.

In my case I was assigned G3WYC by UK GPO back in 1967. I chose the vanity call K3WYC when I became licensed in USA.

73,

Andy k3wyc
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k6mkf

Re: Vanity call question

I chose my vanity callsign because the suffix is my initials.

Others are a lot more creative:

K9DOG - my personal favorite

WO0KI - Wookie

KZ0MBI - zombie

< http://www.arrl.org/vanity-call-signs>

- 73 and good DX de Mike, K6MKF, Past President - NCDXC

> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email] <[hidden email]>
> On Behalf Of ANDY DURBIN
> Sent: Friday, July 13, 2018 10:28 AM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: [Elecraft] Vanity call question
>
> "I want to learn about vanity call signs, why would I want one? What do
they
> represent?"
>
>
> A vanity call is one that is self selected rather than being the next in
order
> assigned by FCC. The main reason for getting one is ....vanity. Many
select a
> vanity call that represents their name or initials. Some because the call
comes
> close to spelling a word that has significance for them. Some because it
> represents an area of interest.
>
>
> In my case I was assigned G3WYC by UK GPO back in 1967. I chose the vanity
call

> K3WYC when I became licensed in USA.
>
>
> 73,
>
> Andy k3wyc
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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Message
> delivered to [hidden email]

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Alan - G4GNX

Re: Vanity call question

One of the most amusing 'vanity' calls I heard of was issued to a friend of
mine.

Back in the days of UK class A and class B licenses, my friend was firstly
issued with the class B call G8KGB. When he passed his Morse test and was
eligible for a class A call, he actually wanted his own initials (ELC) but
the callsign had been issued, so he decided to 'defect' and chose the call
G4FBI. :-)

73,

Alan. G4GNX

> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email] <[hidden email]>
> On Behalf Of ANDY DURBIN
> Sent: Friday, July 13, 2018 10:28 AM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: [Elecraft] Vanity call question
>
> "I want to learn about vanity call signs, why would I want one? What do
they
> represent?"
>
>
> A vanity call is one that is self selected rather than being the next in
order
> assigned by FCC. The main reason for getting one is ....vanity. Many
select a
> vanity call that represents their name or initials. Some because the call
comes
> close to spelling a word that has significance for them. Some because it
> represents an area of interest.
>
>
> In my case I was assigned G3WYC by UK GPO back in 1967. I chose the vanity
call
> K3WYC when I became licensed in USA.
>
>
> 73,
>
> Andy k3wyc

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rich hurd WC3T

Re: Vanity call question

In reply to this post by k6mkf

I chose mine because it was available. :) (It was a Group 1 call sign
and there was only one other person who was going after it, so I had a
50-50 chance of getting it.)

If I were a hardcore CW person, I might go for KX3CW which AE7Q reports as
available. :)

On Fri, Jul 13, 2018 at 1:37 PM Mike Flowers <[hidden email]> wrote:

> I chose my vanity callsign because the suffix is my initials.
>
> Others are a lot more creative:
>
> K9DOG - my personal favorite
>
> WO0KI - Wookie
>
> KZ0MBI - zombie
>
> < http://www.arrl.org/vanity-call-signs>
>
>
> - 73 and good DX de Mike, K6MKF, Past President - NCDXC
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: [hidden email] <[hidden email]
> >
> > On Behalf Of ANDY DURBIN
> > Sent: Friday, July 13, 2018 10:28 AM
> > To: [hidden email]
> > Subject: [Elecraft] Vanity call question
> >
> > "I want to learn about vanity call signs, why would I want one? What do
> they
> > represent?"
> >
> >
> > A vanity call is one that is self selected rather than being the next in
> order
> > assigned by FCC. The main reason for getting one is ....vanity. Many
> select a
> > vanity call that represents their name or initials. Some because the call
> comes
> > close to spelling a word that has significance for them. Some because it
> > represents an area of interest.
> >
> >
> > In my case I was assigned G3WYC by UK GPO back in 1967. I chose the
> vanity
> call
> > K3WYC when I became licensed in USA.
> >
> >
> > 73,
> >
> > Andy k3wyc
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > Elecraft mailing list
> > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> > Post: mailto:[hidden email]
> >
> > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message
> > delivered to [hidden email]
>
> ______________________________________________________________
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--
72,
Rich Hurd / WC3T / DMR: 3142737
Northampton County RACES, EPA-ARRL Public Information Officer for Scouting
Latitude: 40.761621 Longitude: -75.288988 (40°45.68' N 75°17.33' W) Grid:
*FN20is*
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Elecraft mailing list

Re: Vanity call question

In reply to this post by ANDY DURBIN

Many vanity calls are chosen because they are easier to copy, especially in the case of CW. My call is NOT an example of an "easy to copy on CW" call, having too many dahs and strings of dits causing the little short "e" to be missed. It is also NOT a vanity call.

Mark,
ars: KE6BB
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Carl Yaffey

Re: Vanity call question

I choice mine for CW operation.
K8NU

> On Jul 13, 2018, at 2:18 PM, Mark, ars: KE6BB via Elecraft <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Many vanity calls are chosen because they are easier to copy, especially in the case of CW. My call is NOT an example of an "easy to copy on CW" call, having too many dahs and strings of dits causing the little short "e" to be missed. It is also NOT a vanity call.
>
> Mark,
> ars: KE6BB
> ______________________________________________________________
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Wes Stewart-2

Re: Vanity call question

In reply to this post by ANDY DURBIN

My call was K7CVT when I decided to upgrade to Extra Class. Back in those days
we waited six months for the FCC examiner to come to town. I sent my
application to the FCC in DC, who in turn sent it to Long Beach, CA from whence
the examiners came. So the FCC had two chances to check the application before
I took the exam. I had requested three calls, W7WS, K7WS and N7WS. I passed
the exam and the paperwork went off again.

Imagine my surprise when the application was returned to me because they didn't
like the way I had signed it and wanted me to do it again. In red pencil, the
calls W7WS and K7WS and been lined out and N7WS circled in red. Clearly, that
was to be my call. Unfortunately, when my Extra Class license appeared it was
issued under my original call. The vanity program of the day was just about to
end and I assumed that during the delay "my" call had been issued to someone
else and I was going to be out of luck.

I fired off a letter to my US Senator, who happened to be K7UGA, requesting
help. I got a letter back suggesting that if I simply reapplied for the vanity
call, he was "pretty sure" that I would get the call. Of course, I did.

Wes N7WS

ps. During the Memorial Day holiday week, I got to operate K7UGA, which is
club call for the CADXA, on the 20th anniversary of his passing.

On 7/13/2018 10:27 AM, ANDY DURBIN wrote:

> "I want to learn about vanity call signs, why would I want one? What do they represent?"
>
>
> A vanity call is one that is self selected rather than being the next in order assigned by FCC. The main reason for getting one is ....vanity. Many select a vanity call that represents their name or initials. Some because the call comes close to spelling a word that has significance for them. Some because it represents an area of interest.
>
>
> In my case I was assigned G3WYC by UK GPO back in 1967. I chose the vanity call K3WYC when I became licensed in USA.
>
>
> 73,
>
> Andy k3wyc
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>

Elecraft mailing list

Re: Vanity call question

In reply to this post by Carl Yaffey

Mine was my dad’s, now a silent key. Some of my earliest memories are of him calling CQ.
“This is Whiskey Four Sunday Monday Tuesday calling CQ and standing by.”
David, W4SMT
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Troy, W6HV

Re: Vanity call question

In reply to this post by Carl Yaffey

So did I.
W6HV

-----Original Message-----
From: Carl Yaffey
Sent: Friday, July 13, 2018 1:12 PM
To: Mark, ars: KE6BB
Cc: Elecraft List
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Vanity call question

I choice mine for CW operation.
K8NU

> On Jul 13, 2018, at 2:18 PM, Mark, ars: KE6BB via Elecraft
> <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Many vanity calls are chosen because they are easier to copy, especially
> in the case of CW. My call is NOT an example of an "easy to copy on CW"
> call, having too many dahs and strings of dits causing the little short
> "e" to be missed. It is also NOT a vanity call.
>
> Mark,
> ars: KE6BB
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
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Carl Yaffey K8NU
Recording studio.
[hidden email]
614 268 6353, Columbus OH
http://www.carl-yaffey.com
http://www.grassahol.com
http://www.bluesswing.com

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David Gilbert

Re: Vanity call question

I assume you're kidding. ;)

Eleven dits in a row is not the easiest to copy through noise.

73,
Dave AB7E

On 7/13/2018 1:29 PM, Troy, W6HV wrote:

> So did I.
> W6HV
>
> -----Original Message----- From: Carl Yaffey
> Sent: Friday, July 13, 2018 1:12 PM
> To: Mark, ars: KE6BB
> Cc: Elecraft List
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Vanity call question
>
> I choice mine for CW operation.
> K8NU
>

Bob W7AVK-2

Re: Vanity call question

My brother received in the draw WN7ETI. How's that for cw with noise?

My call is a vanity option, being my dad's. My old call was W7VZX

73 Bob W7AVK

On 7/13/2018 1:41 PM, David Gilbert wrote:

>
> I assume you're kidding. ;)
>
> Eleven dits in a row is not the easiest to copy through noise.
>
> 73,
> Dave AB7E
>
>
>
> On 7/13/2018 1:29 PM, Troy, W6HV wrote:
>> So did I.
>> W6HV
>>
>> -----Original Message----- From: Carl Yaffey
>> Sent: Friday, July 13, 2018 1:12 PM
>> To: Mark, ars: KE6BB
>> Cc: Elecraft List
>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Vanity call question
>>
>> I choice mine for CW operation.
>> K8NU
>>

.
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Troy, W6HV

Re: Vanity call question

In reply to this post by David Gilbert

The call I was issued when transferred here was not to my liking. This one was available. So far haven’t had a problem with any station copying my call. I’ve been stuck with some weird ones over the past 63 years.

73,
Troy, W6HV

-----Original Message-----
From: David Gilbert
Sent: Friday, July 13, 2018 1:41 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Vanity call question

I assume you're kidding. ;)

Eleven dits in a row is not the easiest to copy through noise.

73,
Dave AB7E

On 7/13/2018 1:29 PM, Troy, W6HV wrote:

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wayne burdick

Re: Vanity call question

Administrator

In reply to this post by Troy, W6HV

Got mine when I was 18. Short ’n’ sweet on CW, ironic (“Kilowatt Radio”) on phone :)

N6KR

> So did I.
> W6HV
>
> I choice mine for CW operation.
> K8NU
>
>
>> Many vanity calls are chosen because they are easier to copy, especially in the case of CW. My call is NOT an example of an "easy to copy on CW" call, having too many dahs and strings of dits causing the little short "e" to be missed. It is also NOT a vanity call.
>>
>> Mark,
>> ars: KE6BB

Troy, W6HV

Re: Vanity call question

Good one, Wayne.

Troy,W6HV

-----Original Message-----
From: Wayne Burdick
Sent: Friday, July 13, 2018 2:18 PM
To: Troy, W6HV
Cc: Elecraft Reflector
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Vanity call question

Got mine when I was 18. Short ’n’ sweet on CW, ironic (“Kilowatt Radio”) on phone :)

N6KR

Carl Yaffey

Re: Vanity call question

In reply to this post by wayne burdick

It’s fun to use these phonetics on Sweepstakes:
Kilo 8 Nevada Utah.:)

> On Jul 13, 2018, at 5:18 PM, Wayne Burdick <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Got mine when I was 18. Short ’n’ sweet on CW, ironic (“Kilowatt Radio”) on phone :)
>
> N6KR
>
>
>> So did I.
>> W6HV
>>
>> I choice mine for CW operation.
>> K8NU
>>
>>
>>> Many vanity calls are chosen because they are easier to copy, especially in the case of CW. My call is NOT an example of an "easy to copy on CW" call, having too many dahs and strings of dits causing the little short "e" to be missed. It is also NOT a vanity call.
>>>
>>> Mark,
>>> ars: KE6BB
>
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
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Roy Koeppe

Re: Vanity call question

In reply to this post by Elecraft mailing list

"Many vanity calls are chosen because they are easier to copy, especially in
the case of CW. My call is NOT an example of an "easy to copy on CW" call,
having too many dahs and strings of dits causing the little short "e" to be
missed. It is also NOT a vanity call."

Right, some cw ops prefer a call without any dangling dots -- every letter
beginning and ending with a single dash. For example, my call :-)

73, Roy K6XK

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Bert Rollen

Re: Vanity call question

In reply to this post by ANDY DURBIN

I went for K4 Amateur Radio.

Carrying on the heritage of the two guys before me.

de Bert, K4AR

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email] <[hidden email]> On Behalf Of ANDY DURBIN
Sent: Friday, July 13, 2018 1:28 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: [Elecraft] Vanity call question

"I want to learn about vanity call signs, why would I want one? What do they represent?"

A vanity call is one that is self selected rather than being the next in order assigned by FCC. The main reason for getting one is ....vanity. Many select a vanity call that represents their name or initials. Some because the call comes close to spelling a word that has significance for them. Some because it represents an area of interest.

In my case I was assigned G3WYC by UK GPO back in 1967. I chose the vanity call K3WYC when I became licensed in USA.

73,

Andy k3wyc
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Edward A. Dauer

Vanity call question

In reply to this post by ANDY DURBIN

KN1CBR was issued as my Novice call in 1957. Then for a number of years as a General and Extra I was K1CBR. Late in life I was struck by nostalgia and requested KN1CBR again in an effort to recapture my youth. I got the call, but the youth that went with it had apparently been assigned to someone else.

Ted, KN1CBR

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Elecraft mailing list

Re: Vanity call question

>>> but the youth that went with it had apparently been assigned to someone else. <<<
Ain't that a bitch! :-D

Milverton / W9MMS.

On Friday, July 13, 2018, 5:40:02 PM CDT, Dauer, Edward <[hidden email]> wrote:

KN1CBR was issued as my Novice call in 1957. Then for a number of years as a General and Extra I was K1CBR. Late in life I was struck by nostalgia and requested KN1CBR again in an effort to recapture my youth. I got the call, but the youth that went with it had apparently been assigned to someone else.

Ted, KN1CBR

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Bob-270

Re: Vanity call question

In reply to this post by Roy Koeppe

My call was issued prior to the Vanity calls. When I became eligible calls
using my initials were available but I hesitated to change. They were gone when
I decided to go for a two letter call. So the least amount of change was
having the R dropped from K2TKR. Not a bad call but have had the TK read as Q
often enough. Years ago was given Tea Kettle for phonetics and do use it.

73,
Bob
K2TK ex KN2TKR (1956) & K2TKR
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