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Call Signs
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What are call signs and why are they used?
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What are call signs and how are they used?
All radio amateurs are issued with a call sign.
In the UK alone there are over 60,000 licensed radio amateurs.
The call sign identifies the station and the licensee.
The Full UK licence call sign is made up of six characters one or two alpha one numeric and three alpha. i.e. G8xxx or GW8xxx we also use M3xxx or MW3xxx.
The prefix G or M signify that the call is from an English station whilst a GM or MM is from a Scottish station, GW or MW is a Welsh station, GI or MI is a Northern Ireland station, whilst GG, MG or GJ, MJ is from the Channel Isle’s respectively and GD is the Isle of Man.
There are also 2*0 and 2*1, the * signifying that it could be G, W, M etc. Stations issued with this type of call sign have passed/obtained the Intermediate Licence qualification, like wise stations using M3xxx or M6xxx have passed/obtained the Foundation Licence, whilst stations using G or M are fully qualified and have either sat the original G&C licence exam or the new Full licence exam. See How to become a Radio Amateur.
Special Event Call Signs are also used these are issued in the UK by the RSGB.
Calls heard:
M2000A signified the beginning of the Millennium in the UK.
GB50 Her Majesty the Queens 50 year Reign.
Special event call signs can be heard from all over the world to signify an event, coming soon China (Olympic Games).
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