Call Sign Request

Hi I'm Peter and new to radio having just got myself some equipment for the first time.

I'd like to request a CT call sign please to enable me to make contact and do some DX'ing properly.

I'm based up in the NW of England but also plan to do some mobile activities at some point too.

Thank you for your help.

Peter

Howdy Peter!

Hi Paulie
Howdy partner - Thanks for the message. I'd love to live in the US and enjoy the hobby over there. It seems to be more accepted and more mainstream? I've always thought us Brits try a bit too hard, but I've decided to get into it as I fiddled with radios a little as a teenager and did have an old UK FM rig for a couple of months in the early eighties. I'm currently waiting for a t2lt antenna to come through the post so I can get going, hence why I'd like a CT call sign. Do you have any useful advice or any do's and don'ts that I should consider. Hope this finds you well. Peter

Hi Peter,

Radio in my part of the US is still going strong, although mostly in the Amateur (ham) space. I'm very active in Amateur Radio and really enjoy its many facets. Low power digital modes provide plenty of DX even in the worst conditions. I also enjoy CB quite a bit. In fact, many of the local CBers are also licensed hams. CB DXers are quite active on SSB, but the low sun spot activity means that you need to be diligent! I'm afraid that I can't make many suggestions regarding CB because I understand that it is quite different (and more professional) in the UK and other places than it is here. I will say that wire antennas always work well and they are easy to conceal. I also recommend that you take a look at Amateur Radio as well. You may get all the enjoyment you need from CB, but if you are looking for more contacts then ham radio would be fun. Like many, I enjoy both.

hi i would like to request a ct call sign , my call sign is 43 cb 934 in australia i have been a member for sume time . cheers an 73s from gerard 43 cb934 in oz

Hi Paulie
Thanks for your message. Your take on things is both useful and informative. I am intending to study and take the exams as I'd like to enjoy ham radio as well as CB going forward. I've been reading a little about skip and the sun cycle and you're right it adds another dimension. Possibly a daft question, but are you able to communicate or make contact with the Philippines at all across the Pacific. If you have had success what band or frequencies were you successful with (apologies if this is too forward a question)? Thanks Peter.

Hi Peter,

I took a look through my log book and found about a dozen confirmed QSO's into Japan & Indonesia on the 20 & 40 meter bands in the past year alone. Nothing for the Philippines, but it is in the same general area. I have approx 6,000 QSO's logged in the Amateur bands, with approx 150 countries. When the conditions are favorable, global contacts are easy. (I saw seven into the UK as well.) In addition, I've worked all 50 States as well as all the continents except Antarctica. I really enjoy CB, but the (legal) DX action is on the Amateur Bands. I make my contacts on a wire dipole antenna about 30' in the air. I use phone (voice) CW (Morse Code) and digital modes with my computer. I also operate from my truck (I'm a Texan) and get global contacts with a short whip antenna. Happy to answer your questions!