[UK-CONTEST] IARU HF and GB7HQ

[Ed - GW3SQX]

G3VAO writes:

"A suggestion for the organisers of GB7HQ.   Why not use G7HQ, GM7HQ, GW7HQ, 
GI7HQ, GU7HQ and GJ7HQ?"

This is tied in with discussions about vanity (or "self-assigned") 
callsigns, and some of us have been banging on about it for some time.

One day, maybe calls such as G7HQ, M1DX, or even G0ED would be part of a 
vanity call system, where Full Licensees could have a nice new shortish 
callsign if they wanted it.  The new Ofcom software was supposed to make 
this easier, but the suggestion seems to have been sidelined, unfortunately.

The idea of country-specific Special Event calls, instead of (or as well as) 
the GB prefix, is simply solved if there is the will to do it.  The format
G999X, GM23AB, etc
is not allocated, and would solve the problem.  So take the country prefix 
(G, GW, M, MD, or maybe 2E, 2U etc.), and between 2 and 4 digits.  Add 
between 2 and 4 letters and you can cover all eventualities.

So HQ stations could be G55HQ, GM55HQ or whatever.  The 65th anniversary of 
the Belfast Association of Albatross Fanciers would use the call GI65BAAF. 
Sorted!

73,

Ed, GW3SQX