Call sign wanted for new member in Bulgaria (Issued)

 Greetings every body. My name is Jonathan, I am 58 years old, dyslexic, and live in Sevlievo (North-central Bulgaria). As a teenager I lived on AM CB's (member of the Clocks-Shop-Club in South Wales). Didn't bother anymore when FM became legal but have used Marine Band for years as a boater (MITC7). At the young age of 20 years 'ish I studied a year long City & Guilds in HAM radio but never took the exam as I could not master the Morse-code and certainly couldn't cope with the equations and maths (hence the dyslexia). And here I am today - for Xmas my new Retevis RT95 Mini Mobile Device Dual Band Amateur Radio Ham with 200 Channels 5W/15W/25W arrives! I have already made a mast antenna pole and fixed the new VHF/UHF aerial awaiting the day! It's just the beginning of what I hope will become a wonderful hobby for an older man who now suffers considerable back pain - an armchair hobby!

It gets a little complicated now. Here in Bulgaria there are 2 level licences, the full 1st Class HAM and the minor 2nd class 'Walkie license' needed for my limited band VHF radio. The exam must be taken in Bulgaria - that's me immediately ruled out! So: I guess I can take the UK exam and then 'transfer my call sign' after an initial three month visitor radio permit - then extend to permanent avoiding the need for the BG exam. That all appears quite straight forward via online and Google translate...

I am a complete HAM novice, obviously I cannot and will not transmit without my licence though possession and scanning is quite lawful here. I was hoping there was some way to get the 'apply online Ofcom/Spectrum' license using my marine call-sign and Royal Yachting Association radio operator's licence but it appears to not be transferable. It seems I cab take the UK 'technician' level exam online...

I have no idea where and how  is best to do this (I do understand that 'Morse' is no longer a requirement so quite excited to do it)? Any advice greatly and I'd love a Call Sign! Appreciated. Very best, JT.

Hello Johnathan,

Welcome to Charlie Tango DX.


I am delighted to allocate you 178-CT-008 may you have good luck with it.


All the best,
Victor

CT Admin.

Hi again Johnathan,

I've taken a quick look at the regulations regards Amateur Radio licenses in Bulgaria and it does appear that they will issue reciprocal licensing for a 'Class 1' in their country but only if you have a HAREC (Harmonised Amateur Radio Examination Certificate) which for a UK licence means a 'Full' type....

To obtain that you would need to take the Foundation, Intermediate and Full licence examinations.

There is the option for a 'Direct to Full' examination in the UK with some details at the following link :-

https://www.essexham.co.uk/train/direct-to-full-exam/


HAREC licensing conditions are at the following link :-

https://docdb.cept.org/download/e4b9c459-5726/TR61-02.pdf



I'm also not totally sure but think you need a permit to operate CB radio within Bulgaria too (just from what I've possibly read here at CT and heard elsewhere). It might be worth finding out more from your local authorities or radio clubs.

I have spoken to Bulgarian operators on the CB 'Free-band' frequencies in the past which are pretty much illegal frequencies anywhere in the world but couldn't advise of any penalties if you were caught doing such.

Hopefully other members may be able to provide further help or it may be worth a good search on the old internet or maybe talking to radio operators in your country.

Sorry I couldn't be of further help and wish you the best of luck.

73,
Victor

Hello and welcome, Jonathan. 

73s John.