October 27, 2016

Day Trading in Amateur Radio Callsigns

The FCC is inviting comments on a Petition for Rule Making (RM-11775) from a Nevada radio amateur that seeks changes to the rules governing the Amateur Radio Vanity Call Sign Program. Christopher LaRue, W4ADL, of North Las Vegas, is proposing that any licensee obtaining a vanity call sign be required to keep it for the full license term.

LaRue contends in his petition that excessive and frequent vanity call sign filings are hampering the ability of other qualified licensees to obtain vanity call signs in one of the more desirable 1 x 2 or 2 x 1 formats. LaRue said that since the FCC dropped the fee to file for a vanity call sign, some applicants are taking advantage by regularly obtaining new call signs, thereby keeping them out of circulation.

The petition can be found on the web in PDF format here.

"Some are changing call signs almost monthly, just to keep the newer code-free Extra class operators from obtaining a shorter call sign," he said in his petition. "I even saw an older operator that said he does it all the time and has not even owned a radio in over 6 years. When I looked him up, he has had 16 different [call signs] in 18 months."

LaRue said his proposed minor rule change would require any licensee applying for and obtaining an Amateur Radio vanity call sign "be required to keep it for the duration of the license, which is currently 10 years." He said this would "alleviate a lot of the stress on the ULS system and manpower requirements" at the FCC. "It will also keep inactive amateurs from changing call signs regularly, thereby tying up call signs for 2 years after dismissal of said call."

Interested parties may comment using the FCC Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS) at, https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/ . Comments are due within 30 days of the October 26 posting date.

October 04, 2016

Hat entered in "Paint the Town Pink"

The Rusk County Amateur Radio Club entered a custom-designed hat in Henderson's 2016 "Paint the Town Pink" cancer event. The fundraiser is organized by the Henderson Fire Department and co-hosted by the Henderson Chamber of Commerce and ETMC Henderson. The event will be emceed by David (W5CWT).

The club's hat, designed and donated by Craig (AG5RI), will be one of nearly 30 hats modeled by city and county officials before being auctioned to the highest bidder. Each table can tip their servers as well as the hot models. All the funds raised by the event are distributed by the fire department to local residents who have a loved-one battling cancer.

Paint the Town Pink is from 5:30-7:30pm, Tuesday, October 4th at the Henderson Civic Center. The event is free and includes a hot dog supper.