The HIDDEN meaning behind Ham Radio Call Signs

Do ham radio call signs have a HIDDEN meaning? Some do! Let our very one Jim Reed N4BFR take you through what callsigns are and their importance to amateur radio.

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[DenaliDad]

I grew up, the son of a U.S. diplomat, in Amman, Jordan, in the time of King Hussein! Because of that, forever, he has been "my King, " so it is nice to know he was a ham, though I did not know it as a kid.

[richardallison]

I started in 1972 as WN8MGU as a Novice. Two years later as a General I was WA8MGU and went through several upgrades and two vanity signs after I was a 20 wpm Extra in 1986. I am now W4WFL living in west Florida at Pensacola so my suffix is West FLorida in which I will keep unless I move from this part of the state.

[KurtClark]

Nice clear description of how the callsigns work! I benefitted from the ability to take over a callsign when my Dad passed away two years ago. He was KL7DZQ when we lived in Alaska, and was issued that call in about 1961. After submitting proof from a 1969 Callsign Book and a copy of his death certificate, I was able to change over to his old callsign. I now operate as KL7DZQ outside of Alaska, so that 'family' rule is pretty powerful. Thanks for sharing!

[johnsonstechworld]

Thank you Jim for the detailed information. Just as you mentioned, I was VU2JFP in 1985 with a Grade 1 license and later requested for VU2JO as it was available, when I upgraded to Advanced Grade in 1988. At that time we had 4 levels of licenses in VU land. Currently we have only two levels: VU3 for Restricted Grade and VU2 for General Grade. Region wise callsigns are not there at present. 73 de Jon, VU2JO

[robertthompson]

Someone took N1CAD the day before I was gonna apply for it... Someone also already took N0ATF and N0FBI as well, hehe.

[everlastingscribe]

Really cool. I have always had a half romantic notion of amateur radio operators due to fiction in books and movies. It's fun learning more, and making notes in case I ever decide to have an amateur radio operator pop up in one of mine. Thanks for making this easy to understand!

[OldF]

In the distance past in the US, if you moved from your region to another. you would have get a new call sign

[DJPhantomRage]

I got my ticket when I was 16 and never changed it, even if I upgrade I am keeping it the same. My wife on the other hand, changed hers before she was even on the air..

[DKONV]

Happy Holidays to everyone and their Families. 73 de Your Friend Uncle Guenter 💯👍🙋‍♂

[Relayer]

Great video! It's also worth noting that you'll be issued a 2x2 sequentially if you pass all three exams as a new ham.

[boomerbits]

I suppose many hams today don’t understand calls signs Internet licensees with no instructor or Elmer. Some of the old ways seemed to be a bit better. On the other hand its much easier to get a license today which is good for the hobby. Btw, i was issued my 2x1 in 1978. It was fun in the beginning as those calls were rare de ke4d

[darryllshaungarland]

Hi interesting to see the difference between the licenses in the USA compared to us in the UK... I did notice you'd missed the 2E0 Intermediate license holder out on the video. 73s 😊

[Inkling]

A great followup up would be to look at the various additions for mobile, portable, or operating in another country. -Mike Perry, WA4MP

[angelabeckman]

Thanks for the video. Fascinating and informative!

[CharlesHuse]

The number 0 and the letter O should never be used together in the same callsign, same as on license plates. KC0OLH.

[ericmagnuson]

Does the number character need to follow the same format for vanity call signs? Ie can you request a vanity call sign containing a number from an area you don't reside? Thanks for the video.

[bwtv]

My wife's first general call was N9BFD which I thought was a bfd but it embarrassed her so she changed it when we moved.

[FlashFloof]

THAT WOULD BE A REALLY COOL CALL SIGN. 🤠 I MIGHT DO IT! 🤠🤘

[grampsradio]

Can you get a vanity call sign for GMRS radio?

[techguy]

With people being able to move across country and keep their call it’s confusing. You might hear a K1 and he is now in Florida instead of New England.