Understanding Ham Radio Callsign Designators

Adding additional designations to your ham radio callsign #hamradio #portablehamradio #amateurradio

[@JohnnyUrkle]

You don’t have to explain yourself to anyone. Thanks for making it a teachable moment.

[@chuckrann6282]

Logical idea Walt. Anyone in disagreement should add /Karen after their call and mind their own business. 73.

[@thedoobie1]

Perfect comment.

[@ka4ezy]

😂

[@mikeangelastro7648]

Good video. For those of us that are new to amateur radio, videos like this help out🇺🇸

[@KS0JD]

Do what you want to do! Don't let the sad hams influence your operation. Great video Walt! 73

[@RESlusher]

I guess I'm one of those that recognized what you were doing, Walt, and I for one appreciate it! I've been disappointed on more than one occasion when I've worked someone for a particular state's QSO party that I needed for my WAS only to have them show up in the log as my own state or one I've already got! Thanks for doing whatcher doin', sir and don't let the sad hams get to ya!

[@wyominglife3202]

I was one of the dummies asking about this. Thanks for clearing this up. It sounds like the considerate thing to do.

[@joenavy4768]

I wasn’t asking, but I’ve been curious as I’ve had logs kickback from QRZ for grid, county, or state with traveling hams. I’ll take your /W1 under advisement aside travel out of W9 land and hope it becomes the norm. Thanks for being transparent and educational, Walt. 73,

[@redstickham6394]

Some people have nothing to do but complain. Don't worry about them, keep up the great work you do for ham radio.

[@georgebradshaw474]

Hi Walt, Thank you for taking the time to teach. I wasn’t sure of the /W1 designation! Now I understand and it makes sense. I really appreciate your efforts; I learn with each video. As a Ham, I continue to learn, and you make it a fun experience. Thanks again & looking forward to your videos! ‘73 AC3EA

[@stephenplatt5048]

Incredible! When the first question was asked, I was backing you up by explaining what you were doing, along with a little history. Also said that you can ID however you want! Then the question and my replies were deleted?! Hell, on VHF/UHF when I'm up north or out midwest, I normally use "mobile 8" for when I'm In WV, OH or MI, for example to indicate I'm not in the 4th district. Many newer hams aren't aware. The question came up one early morning during a net when I identified as "KC4JGC mobile 9" when I was in Illinois. I explained and all was well; the net learned something. I didn't get the "static: you got fortunately. Not long ago during a POTA op on Hatteras Island, there was a KP4 that called. ""Thank you for Puerto Rico!", I said. Nope.... he was in Tennessee! Keep doing what you were doing, Walt. Questions, yes; complainers need to find something else worthwhile to complain about. 73 de Steve.

[@SWurmbrand]

Walt, I greatly appreciate when a fellow Ham indicates they are NOT at their home QTH. Love people who are working 'portable', but when I'm hunting states or DX in general want to have the correct location. Always spending time on QRZ correcting from home QTH to portable location to get the confirmations to take. It is just plain good manners!! Thanks for sharing all of your great adventures! PS I buy a lot of speaker wire because of you... some antenna creations work, some just plain suck... but its great fun experimenting!!!

[@michaelpage4199]

As a dx’er I commend you helping us grab these hard to get states. Great job.

[@chuckk5358]

You do you Walt. Don't worry about those self anointed "Experts". Thanks for your work.

[@BrianHaney]

Walt, just keep doing what you're doing. I love it.

[@d3w4yn3]

/ anything reminds me not to assume the operator is in their home grid. I immediately understood and appreciated the effort! HAM on, good Sir!!!

[@BigJohnsHamShack]

Do it how YOU want to do it. As long as it resides in the confines of the regulations set forth by the FCC. You are not required to conform to, or satisfy the wants and whims of another operator. Thank you once again for content worth watching and I hope you have an awesome day!

[@WildeGreg]

Thanks for all the great videos. Based on your videos I just got a Xiegu G90, the jeep spare tire mount and some Shark Ham sticks. They arrived Monday and I was on the air yesterday. 20m and was talking to Maine from TN. You've made me want to get out and try things with different setups and antennas. etc. Keep up the great videos.

[@dreupen]

It is funny how folks will tell one how to "properly" operate. I was once told that I needed to start with identifying my call sign before I could talk which is not what FCC 97.119 states on Station identification: "Each amateur station, except a space station or telecommand station, must transmit its assigned call sign on its transmitting channel at the end of each communication, and at least every 10 minutes during a communication." From what I hear most don't comply, but I'm not going to make stink. Keep having fun and thanks for the explanation

[@Aussat]

I'm not sure why people need to bug you with crazt thoughts Walt, like others I think you don't have to explain yourself to anyone, it's just great manners what you had been doing. I think in life some people just need to moan about anything they come across, your video's are great and I enjoy them all. It's got me building wire antenna's again and got me out of the shack! Keep up the great work! 73 from this crazy Kiwi!

[@G7LJL-Steve_Murton]

More power to your elbow Walt. Your channel is a great radio experiment. Good content, not just for the sake of keeping the viewing numbers up for you tube algorithms . Really hope to make contact with your station in the future. Love the portable equipment. Take care and enjoy your radio. Regards Steve

[@cameronjaques5381]

Like that shirt Walt! I am a Canadian transplant, been in the U.S. since 1980, my Dad and one of my uncles were Canadian Navy, 73!

[@Bdub1952]

Thanks so much for this Walt. I need RI, so yours is the perfect example of why to use the extensions. I was just in Alaska visiting my daughter and her family, and the /KL7 is a BIG deal for some hams. 73

[@corsavic1]

Walt tells it how it is, your the man another great vid....This is the way of the ham

[@zathrasnotzathras9435]

Welcome to our little state. Hope you enjoy your visit.

[@lococoanto]

Hi Walt, my name is Antonino call sign IS0IYO, I live in Sardinia, an island in Italy, the Italian rules on amateur radio oblige us that when we are outside our area we must add to our call sign the slash followed by the area where we are in that moment, if I were to transmit from Lombardy my call sign is IS0IYO /2, if in Tuscany the call sign is IS0IYO /5 and so for the various Italian regions. Thank you for your always interesting videos, warm greetings from Sardinia.

[@N1FOY_FOY]

Hey Walt, the stroke was a capital idea! Wished I had used that when in DC and at North Island.

[@scottybrown7741]

Makes a heap of sense Walt - you do you mate! 73

[@johnharrison5703]

I have been studying with CWA and found these calls are included in their practice recordings and LCWO software. So glad you just explained as it was a mystery to me here in UK.

[@philcummings9557]

Your /ve1 and location announcement surprised me as you were like at my QTH. Keep up the good work.

[@user-fo7je7bx9f]

Hi Walt 100% agree with you using W1 suffix for example...this is is informative for other users as you say to show without explaining every time that you are away from home....this is the best way even though you don't have to . In my mind to not do this is just plain laziness. Do not change your correct practice due to a minority of "drive by " nay sayers. Keep up the good work ...love the channel !! 73 Steve

[@keithhawkins4641]

it is amazing how critical folks are even when you are not breaking any rules. Someone is always quick to judge others. Thanks for all the great videos. If it works for you use it.

[@robertwood657]

I appreciate you explaining this. I am taking my general test next week and this is never mentioned. Now I know

[@MyHamRadioJourney]

Walt you are a leader in Ham Radio you don’t need to explain anything. You do what makes you feel good. Hey WWWD. We all need to think this What Would Walt Do. Thanks for the videos my friend. 73s

[@hamradiobasics]

Great video Walt. Very considerate of you being that Rhode Island is a hard state to get and you help others to log it. Keep doing you Walt ! 73's KW4QO

[@kimbarber3094]

Do what you want Walt, it’s your channel.

[@kurtstefans5738]

I like to know when someone I'm talking with is in location outside of their home (QTH). Either by adding a slash or calling out something like "portable" or "mobile" after their call. I also agree that saying "slash" in voice call can be difficult to hear. That's why we have brains and can use whatever method is appropriate to indicate details to the other operator. This just makes sense and I can't understand why someone gets their undies in a bundle if you choose to use a slash. Personally I think its a reasonable practice. Thanks for another good video.

[@mikewomble7932]

I sooo appreciated you using /W1 and thankful that you shared why. Always learning. Keep us the amazing work Walt.

[@doubleD_K2DRD]

Don’t worry about Sad Hams. Thanks for all you do Walt.

[@basshorseman998]

I've been doing this so long, it didn't strike me as odd at all...Hello Walt

[@redstickham6394]

I remember when I upgraded to General and before I got my official license, I had to sign "Temporary AG" to use my General privileges. Many got confused and thought G was the last letter of my call so I relate to having to sign additional items with my call.

[@paullinnell]

Keep on trucking Walt!! Don’t change your identifying /W1 ! Many don’t understand the area identifier (1,2,3,etc) because THEY DIDNT LEARN IT WHEN THEY WERE LICENSED. I think you are doing the hobby well by identifying!! Take it from a ham of 59 years!!! ⭐️🇺🇸⭐️🇺🇸⭐️🇺🇸⭐️🇺🇸

[@BrianFields]

I would 100% use a /1 if I was up in NE. There are so many tiny states that everyone needs, it'll probably bring in lots of QSOs. Most districts are much larger and more populated, but /1 is like rare DX.

[@kennethblackwell1137]

I liked it....recognized what you were doing.....Smile....

[@fotoblanco]

I'm with you Walt. I'm a 5 call living in VA for 25+ years, travel to Europe and have used EA/ M/ LA/ when I travel with my 817. I just find the extra letters a hassle on CW since I suck so bad at it, hihi. Hope to see you in my log in any form it takes. 73 KD5CTJ

[@klutch545]

It makes perfect sense, and I think helps for those chasing grids or states. I know a few people from my local club in WI who use stroke or slash calls when they are at their “winter” homes in places like FL, NC, SC, or AZ. Great topic, and have a great week! 73!

[@markviers998]

I totally get the having to repeat your call, when I first moved back home I still had my 8 call. First field day I worked almost every contact I'd get a "thanks for WV" to which I have to reply "Victor Alpha, East Virginia.." Even though I liked my 8 call when I upgraded to Advance I took the option of getting a new 4 call. Have fun up there Walt, looking forward to seeing what kind of adventures you have planned.

[@stephanhersey1186]

When in a different state from my identifier (7) I say k7ofg portable _ with the identifier(just the number) of the state I'm in, since I'm usually portable when out of my region. Nothing wrong with that and like you say it's the right thing to do. When I moved from the 6 state to a 7 state I was lucky enough to get my same call with a 7. I changed because it is the right thing to do so people know where you are. Yes things are changing but I'm sticking with what I believe is the right thing to do. Keep up the good work with the videos. Steve, k7ofg.

[@hazer72]

Different call/logbook when you're traveling makes sense! I'll probably do it on vacation!

[@NDBPHILLIPS]

Great job Walt. It’s sad when we do the right thing and those make issue when they don’t or just lazy. Keep up the good work. Your doing everything right don’t change for the wingers. This is why the hobby is changing for the worse and no one knows how to operate.

[@mobiltec]

Announcing that you are QRP works for me a lot. And if I'm below 5 watts, it blows them away. I've spanned the country on 1 watt with the G90.

[@paulcarcamo6992]

Thank you for sharing no complaints I like your videos all the time thank you very much 😊

[@fortwoods]

Actually, it used to be required. That's how old I am lol I loved how you did it.

[@giffjim55]

You are doing it - ALL RIGHT!

[@geirha75]

Thanks for information on callsigns vs different qths Walt. I have two qths, one is vacation qth. From what I know I need to only change qrz grid and location when at vacation qth and switched back when returning. I undertand qrz will deal with that. Then I can keep one log only and only one callsign when inland.

[@fransahm1956]

I was only asking as I thought I was missing something. I like it. I am smarter now. At least this video didn't cost me money like the other ones LOL !!! Rock On Walt. You do You !! It all works.

[@TictacAddict1]

Thanks for the video.

[@TheTdub]

Haters be hating, that's what they do. Don't worry about them and keep the great videos coming!

[@jolu2469]

This was a good explanation. I'm going to be playing radio out of state in the next couple of months. I was wondering how to make that work, how to be considerate of others, letting them know I'm NOT at my QTH - but here in (another state(s)) - especially if they need the state I'm visiting. Thanks again for the great content. --73

[@Mandarin110631]

Thanks Walt!

[@richardwatsonjr.5067]

Hi Walt, your Delaware cousin here (Great, Great Grandmother was a Hudson) you can use 3 as a designate here if you are nice to us. 😂😂 Rich KC3UWT 73.

[@jerryKB2GCG]

I did know, I did comment, nice to help folks out with where you are. However, I moved from 2-land to 3-land, I didn’t change my call, folks seem to figure it out.

[@heathstillman4986]

Great explanation, Walt. I know when I travel from New Brunswick to Maine. I have to add the /W1. Also, that's a great shirt you have there. Take care. VE9NHS.

[@DarkShadowCustoms]

Even though I am a new ham I knew what you were doing with the /W1 suffix. Sure it might not be required, but I know special event stations that span multiple call areas will use the /W# or /# suffix. I know some clubs will do POTA activations from multiple parks simultaneously and will add a /# to their call for spotting purposes, however those suffixes probably shouldn't be logged. Another reason to log what you hear. Another thing you might want to touch on is when the FCC stopped requiring a callsign change when making a permanent move to a new call area such as someone from 8 land moving to 5 land, or someone from 0 land moving to 8 land.

[@foreheadlstudios2936]

I guess this kind of methodology is a colloquial thing, and certainly a matter of personal preference. The way I learned (for phone) was Callsign, portable [number]. Good explanation. 73, W4TAF/W4 (see what I did there?)

[@kumasu]

Walt, I didn't understand why you did it, but I just assume you do everything correctly. : )

[@danamarcy5414]

I love the t-shirt. I am Canadian -VE6KBI. :-)

[@KenPryor]

There are far too many people out there who dedicate their lives correcting (or attempting to correct) others whether they want it or not. Keep doing what you do and forget those guys.

[@joelhuntress6736]

My QTH is NH but I’m from ME and when I operate from there people keep questioning if they got my call right because QRZ shows I’m from NH. That gets old fast so maybe I’ll start using /P. Thanks for another great video Walt.

[@weslewis8748]

When I went to college in Texas I used my California call and I always added stroke 5 in the 1980s everybody understood what that meant

[@Chuck1855]

The haters are just sad they are not doing it. Like you said just have fun. 73 KA4FLA I get told I have ti say i am in PA all the time.hoke qth is FL. But I am just staying for a long period of time.

[@bevo65]

I'll confess I had to look it up. It took five seconds to determine: (1) what it meant and (2) that it's a professional courtesy. I suppose some folks prefer to join the "Aktshually Brigade." 🤓

[@WECB640]

The Stroke - Billy Squier

[@KeystoneInvestigations]

(Stroke me, stroke me) Could be a winner, boy, you move quite well (Stroke me, stroke me) Stroke! (Stroke me, stroke me) You got your number down (Stroke me, stroke me) Say you're a winner, but, man, you're just a sinner now

[@donnakano3697]

On 2M/70cm, I don’t use a suffix other than “mobile”. On HF, I use “Arizona” after my call. I’ve had people tell me I need to sign /W7 because I have a “foreign” call. I’ve had my Hawaii call for fifty three years.

[@stirlingpark6145]

/W1 makes sense to me Walt.

[@blugoose86]

Geese Walt, your / is causing a "stroke"!! LOL Good to see you my friend.

[@jameyevans29]

I would do it too. Change it up a little.

[@user-ms7um1ge5j]

Maybe /(state)? Might save some diaper changes. :) I'm 76 just getting back in radio after years. Thanks for the layman's approach.

[@almightyEsquilax]

Welcome to Rhode Island!!

[@eagle9800]

Thanks Walt was wondering what it meant. 73 Steve ZL1YX

[@stephenkramme7063]

Walt, another informative video. Perhaps you could explain why you use the word "stroke" instead of the word "slash" to pronounce the symbol "/". Many years ago BMW twin cylinder motorcycles had a designation "/5, /6 or /8" which we would pronounce R75/7 as "R75 slash 7". I was politely informed by a British BMW rider that in their slang "stroke" meant that were going to or needed to urinate.

[@W4TRI]

Wish you would have explained where the W came from? Licensed 30+ years you are the first I've ever heard using that? /0-9 yes but never a letter before. Would like to know if there is a history to it. Thanks!

[@johnnorth9355]

In the immortal words of Yoda -"Do or Not Do". 73 M7BLC.

[@KeystoneInvestigations]

Gee Walt, I'm sure glad the ham radio gatekeepers set you straight! 🤣

[@bendav]

Thanks for explaining. As a new Tech, I was wondering what that indicated. Do you know if there is a reference on what to use for various scenarios? You say it's not required, but it's something good to know if I hear it on the radio. TU 73

[@brianfields4479]

Thanks for sharing. To be honest I am quite surprised people with radio lic, do not understand some of the basic information that's comes with our hobby. I would think people do not listen enough before using they lic. Of course stroke qrp, well wow , I never get this much flack from the wife over anything, but every time I use qrp, boy watch the nasty side of the hobby come out, even being told the whole hobby is being ruined by a interpretation of a callsign. It's only a hobby, out of many I have, we all enjoy it in own way, go well Walt 73.

[@zer0cool63]

Ok just going to say I love your videos .. and I am a kinda new ham just since last october but one thing I have noticed is when I log on QRZ the only log I use.. if I include any / something it will show were the contact was but no name info.. just a blank so it can never be verifyed on QRZ.. is there a way around this? I have over 3000 contacts some to some really cool Dx places but I have to chose eather leave out the / and get the name of the ham or just take the place that cant be verifyed ..

[@ricksargent8754]

It’s all good. Ignore the haters.

[@KJ7RPL]

Hey Walt! Thanks for the explanation! Taking this one step further, how then do you log these callsigns, in all the logbooks - POTA, QRZ, and for me, AC Log? Just log the callsign, or with the added suffix or prefix? I've had some folks ask that I log them with the prefix, or added /**, but then you don't get their personal information such as name, location, etc. I had one guy I talked to that had a TF/ as a prefix, but AC Log wouldn't accept it because it was looking for a number in the prefix. So I just log their callsign, but I may be not doing this correctly. Always been a mystery. Thanks!

[@jrw3813]

Once again, doing things the right way, just to anger those that think they know what the right thing is... Keep up the good work! KE8WYU/LOL

[@PaulRReyesActor]

Didn't that used to be in the question pool somewhere?

[@weslewis8748]

Walt..... If you want operate in canada...... Do you need to file paperwork ahead of time...... Or just add /VE and the Province number to the end of your call?

[@pnowikow]

Walt what do you do for a living that keeps you on the move?

[@pep1dog1]

I knew you were using a designator I knew what the 1 meant but I still do not know what the W means. Help me out I am not the sharpest knife in the drawer.

[@KO4GBB-Moe]

I did that once, never again

[@daveengstrom9250]

Screw all those people who think they are smarter than everyone ese. Do as you wish.

[@aj2isotadxing]

Just use kilo 4 Oscar gulf Oscar stroke w 1

[@renaat9829]

👍👍👍🙂🙂🙂👍👍👍too much wiskye can comfuse some peaple🤣

[@KM4EBU]

Sorry for stirring up the hornet's nest

[@KM4EBU]

I looked up the amateur radio prefixes and learned that changes locations does make a difference. Thanks for the lesson. You are great.

[@weslewis8748]

I think the confusion came from adding whiskey..... Just use stroke one and you should be understood by an American ham

[@bobcatskrieman3384]

I get it, I’m good….. go G90!

[@chuckdaddyo]

Who cares Walt. Man don’t you want to do. I appreciate the knowledge. I didn’t know that. Keep not up brother.