Callsign change from technician to general?

N467RX · #1 (**permalink**) 10-05-2009, 01:13 AM

If I take the test to get my General license, will my callsign change too? or is that optional?

gewecke · #2 (**permalink**) 10-05-2009, 01:20 AM

I think you're eligible for a "vanity"call which some people like or you can keep the same one,but I'm not certain since I never opted for the change. I would check with the ARRL.
N9ZAS

N467RX · #3 (**permalink**) 10-05-2009, 02:20 AM

I just want to keep my current one

poppafred · #4 (**permalink**) 10-05-2009, 03:06 AM

Callsign changes with license upgrades are optional.

I kept my Novice call until I got my Advanced license and then went for a change from a 2X3 to a 2X2. My current call is pure luck-of-the-draw, not a vanity.

zz0468 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-05-2009, 08:41 AM

I've kept the same callsign for 35 years, including upgrades from tech through to extra. Do nothing, and you'll keep your existing call.

DaveNF2G · #6 (**permalink**) 10-05-2009, 11:59 AM

There is no systematic callsign change available when upgrading to General from Tech because they both use the same format.

elk2370bruce · #7 (**permalink**) 10-05-2009, 05:03 PM

At any level of license upgrade, the FCC 605 form has a box to check if you want a new , if appropriate, callsign (Like Amateur Extra). Where a nice one by two is cool for getting your extra, everyone on the air already knows you for your existing call. As for me, I don't ever want a change in callsign. KC2PBJ is known on 15, 17, and 20 as Peanut Butter and Jelly and that's what I'll stay. Back in 1960, my novice WV2OGS was old grungy socks.

gewecke · #8 (**permalink**) 10-05-2009, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elk2370bruce

At any level of license upgrade, the FCC 605 form has a box to check if you want a new , if appropriate, callsign (Like Amateur Extra). Where a nice one by two is cool for getting your extra, everyone on the air already knows you for your existing call. As for me, I don't ever want a change in callsign. KC2PBJ is known on 15, 17, and 20 as Peanut Butter and Jelly and that's what I'll stay. Back in 1960, my novice WV2OGS was old grungy socks.

I'm with ya on that,lol! Everybody like PBJ samwiches right?
N9ZAS

Sccafire · #9 (**permalink**) 10-07-2009, 02:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gewecke

I think you're eligible for a "vanity"call which some people like or you can keep the same one,but I'm not certain since I never opted for the change. I would check with the ARRL.
N9ZAS

You can get a Vanity call-sign with a Technician License. I did about 5 months ago.

k8tmk · #10 (**permalink**) 10-07-2009, 08:47 AM

I worked my way up from Novice, Technician, General, Advanced, and Extra. Because my callsign had never been issued before, I chose not to change it (other than the mandatory removal of an "N" that used to be in my prefix when I upgraded from Novice). I've had my callsign since 1960.

Randy, K8TMK