Picking A Callsign Now Passed Foundation

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SandpiperNC
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Picking A Callsign Now Passed Foundation

Post by SandpiperNC »

Probably a dumb question or may have been asked before (not that I have found an answer) but...

I took and passed my Foundation on Saturday and I know I have to wait for the RSGB to send me confirmation before I can apply for my callsign (ie: sometime within the next 5 to 14 days depending on which part of the RSGB website you read). I have registered on the Ofcom website ready (another painful exercise for something that should be very straight forward).

However, I'm lead to believe we can "pick" our own callsign when we apply (ie: "M[3 or 6]xxx") providing its not already been issued. Is this correct or are they automatically assigned as per the US / FCC. If we can, is there a recommended place to see / find out what has been taken already or do we have to pump ideas / suggestions into QRZ and assume its been registered there?

Thanks in advance for any responses.
Andrew (Sandpiper / 26-TM-720 / M6*) - Cannock, UK
pterodaktyl
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Re: Picking A Callsign Now Passed Foundation

Post by pterodaktyl »

Once you get to the stage of choosing your callsign on the Ofcom website it will tell you whether or not the one you want is available. If it isn't you can try an alternative one as many times as you want until you find one which is free. All new callsigns are M6 only, you won't be able to pick an M3.
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SandpiperNC
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Re: Picking A Callsign Now Passed Foundation

Post by SandpiperNC »

Oh. Ok. Thanks pterodaktyl.
Andrew (Sandpiper / 26-TM-720 / M6*) - Cannock, UK
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Paul-H
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Re: Picking A Callsign Now Passed Foundation

Post by Paul-H »

I'm currently jumping through the same hoops.
I passed the Foundation exam on Saturday the 14th Feb.
The Ofcom website tells you that you have to wait until 5 working days after passing the exam to get your callsign.
However, I spoke to the RSGB who told me the exam secretary likes to 'sit on' the results for 6 days before sending them on to Ofcom.
Why I don't know. Maybe it's to get a few in before bulk uploading or something.
Frustrating I know but it's been 8 days, 5 working, and, despite checking every day, I can't get mine yet.
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SandpiperNC
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Re: Picking A Callsign Now Passed Foundation

Post by SandpiperNC »

Yes I know. Main RSGB pages and Ofcom say 5 days; another page I found on RSGB says 6 and the covering letter they sent to our examiners said 14 days!!!
Andrew (Sandpiper / 26-TM-720 / M6*) - Cannock, UK
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owza
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Re: Picking A Callsign Now Passed Foundation

Post by owza »

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Re: Picking A Callsign Now Passed Foundation

Post by SandpiperNC »

Ooooh nice one Owza. Might be a few months out of date but gives me ideas to make a short list from. Thanks mate.
Andrew (Sandpiper / 26-TM-720 / M6*) - Cannock, UK
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MW0SWA
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Re: Picking A Callsign Now Passed Foundation

Post by MW0SWA »

Do they have a similar list for available M0 callsigns?
I am a bit crazy about the Realistic DX-394
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owza
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Re: Picking A Callsign Now Passed Foundation

Post by owza »

The link I posted also has intermediate/full, just click the appropriate 'sheet'.
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kr0ne
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Re: Picking A Callsign Now Passed Foundation

Post by kr0ne »

See if you can find something rude! :thumbup:
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Re: Picking A Callsign Now Passed Foundation

Post by MrEMann »

@Paul-H
I also passed on the 14th. I've been checking every day (it's been a long wait!)
Finally today I could to in and complete the application... I got to choose my callsign (it's not a list though...)
Try again and hopefully it works fine!
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Paul-H
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Re: Picking A Callsign Now Passed Foundation

Post by Paul-H »

Sadly I'm on nights this week so limited time online.
I did however get my certificate in the post while I was in bed so as soon as I'd woken up properly I did log in and get it sorted.
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Re: Picking A Callsign Now Passed Foundation

Post by Martinedwards »

see, this has slightly annoyed me now....

when I called up I was told my initials (MJE) were gone, so I went for the mirror symmetry of MI0OIM which I DO really like......

but M0mje is showing on this as available......

still!
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Re: Picking A Callsign Now Passed Foundation

Post by kr0ne »

When you asked them to check, did you use the regional identifier?

When I applied for my licenses online, any queries including the regional identifier came back as unavailable, but searching for the same calls without it would often come back as available. :?
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andymuza
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Re: Picking A Callsign Now Passed Foundation

Post by andymuza »

Congratulations on your passes folks but you all need to count your blessings. You got to find out the same day if you passed or failed and have to wait 5 to 14 days to get your call.

Back when I took my RAE I had to wait 3 months to find out if I had passed and then had to wait a further 14 days to get my callsign through. If I had wanted a callsign of my choice I would have had to reserve it and then wait till it was was issued which could have taken years.

So don't worry about a 14 day wait use that time wisely and listen on the bands to get last minute hints and tips of great operating practices and procedures or to erect a great antenna or get them last few bits in there place in the shack LOL ;-)
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